| Mountain biking has changed drastically since its origin, | | | | handlebars. Some bikes also have handle bars tha |
| so have the bikes. New feature have been added to | | | | have bar ends for better support. |
| meet the growing challenges of the sport. Ultra light | | | | Basically four categories of Mountain bikes are |
| bikes, hi-tech gears and suspension have become the | | | | available in the market. The four categories are A) |
| need of the day to increase efficiency of the bike | | | | The fully rigid bike: - these bikes have a fixed rare, |
| and the rider. | | | | no suspensions and have a frame with a fixed fork. |
| Mountain biking has changed drastically since its origin, | | | | B) the Hard tail bike :- it is similar to the fully rigid bike, |
| so have the bikes. New feature have been added to | | | | the only difference is the suspension in the front |
| meet the growing challenges of the sport. Ultra light | | | | wheel. C) the Soft tail bike :- it has a frame that |
| bikes, hi-tech gears and suspension have become the | | | | offers rear suspension to a certain extent, which is |
| need of the day to increase efficiency of the bike | | | | activated by flexing the frame. Pivots are not used |
| and the rider. | | | | here and D) the full or dual suspension bike: - they |
| Investing in a good mountain bike | | | | have suspension fitted on both the front and the |
| Selecting a good quality mountain bike is the most | | | | rear wheel and pivots are used to move the rear |
| important step in mountain biking. Although it is | | | | wheel. |
| comparatively more expensive than ordinary bikes, | | | | Mountain bikes are available in many designs for e.g. |
| buying a good bike is a must considering the | | | | cross country (XC), endure/all mountains (AM), free |
| hardships it will be subjected to while venturing out | | | | ride (FR), dirt jumping - urban and street, trial, |
| on the hill slopes. These bikes are specially designed | | | | downhill (DH) single speed, and 4-cross racing. The |
| to endure a lot of pounding in the process. They are | | | | design basically depends on the type of route it's |
| fitted with special tires and suspensions to reduce | | | | going to be used on. |
| the stress on the rider and the bike and make the | | | | Mountain biking is reaching new heights today with |
| ride comparatively smoother. | | | | competitions becoming more and more aggressive. |
| Todays Standard Equipment includes front wheel | | | | The modern day bikes have been specially modified |
| suspension by default. | | | | to suit the rider's requirements. Now a days Mountain |
| Now a days more and more bikers are opting for | | | | bikes have aerodynamic frames - these are lighter |
| dual suspension bikes, as they are definitely more | | | | but yet very strong. They are fitted with three |
| comfortable than single suspension bike. Similarly bikes | | | | gears on the front wheel while the next few would |
| with large wheels are also gaining popularity | | | | be on the back wheel and have speeds varying from |
| compared to bikes with smaller tires and riser | | | | 21, 24 even up to 27. |