| An average mountain bike has several additional | | | | front suspension fork), Fully Rigid (sub-type of |
| features compared to a regular bicycle. These include | | | | hardtail, with a rigid fork) and Dual or Full suspension |
| larger number of gears, knobby tires, a wider handle | | | | (front suspension fork and rear suspension integrated |
| bar and often some form of suspension for the tires. | | | | into the frame).Some mountain bikes may also be |
| A mountain bike skeleton is called a chassis, a term | | | | fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, especially in |
| that refers to the frame, fork and suspension as one | | | | the case of flat straight handles bars. However, with |
| unit. A chassis is generally constructed using | | | | an increasing preference for riser handlebars, bar end |
| lightweight materials such as carbon fiber.These bikes | | | | extensions are being used in smaller numbers. These |
| are often equipped with a large number of gears, | | | | bikes are commonly available with a wheel size of 26 |
| with some models being equipped with as many as | | | | inches (660 mm). Recently, larger wheel sizes of 29 |
| 27 gears. The lower range of gears helps mountain | | | | inches (737 mm) have also been introduced. The |
| bikers climb steep hills or obstacles. Mountain bikes | | | | larger wheels usually roll better over obstacles, but |
| use sprocket technology that makes changing gears | | | | they reduce the maneuverability of the bike.While a |
| easier, and shift levers that automatically move up or | | | | variation of the cantilever brakes is found on most |
| down, one gear at a time.A mountain bike usually has | | | | mountain bikes, some of these, especially those with |
| both a front and a rear suspension. The suspension | | | | suspension systems, have disc brakes. With a large |
| acts as a shock absorber for both the rider and the | | | | choice in parts available for mountain bikes, it is |
| bike. Based on the type of suspension, mountain | | | | important to research your requirements, before |
| bikes can be classified into three main categories: | | | | shopping around to get the best prices. |
| Hardtail (frame with no rear suspension, often has a | | | | |