| From its rather ordinary beginnings on the sporting | | | | Downhill mountain biking demands a mountain bike |
| scene, mountain biking been transformed into an | | | | with front and rear suspensions especially engineered |
| activity so challenging that it has been classed by | | | | to handle the extreme stresses of the terrain over |
| some as an extreme sport. And each category of | | | | which they are ridden. The downhill bikes also have |
| mountain biking, because it requires a specific set of | | | | heavier, stronger frame tubing than other varieties of |
| skills, has developed its own group of enthusiasts. | | | | mountain bikes, and normally weigh in at between |
| The one thing that all the categories of mountain | | | | forty and fifty pounds. |
| biking have in common is that their | | | | Don't bother trying to pedal a downhill mountain bike |
| adrenaline-buzz-producing maneuvers are bringing | | | | uphill; it's an exercise in futility. Downhill mountain |
| people into the sport in unprecedented numbers. | | | | biking requires that a bikers and their bikes be |
| The form of mountain biking most likely to appeal to | | | | transported to the top of the hill they are to |
| fans of the Mega Roller Coasters is downhill mountain | | | | descend by a ski lift. The trail on which they will be |
| biking. If you can picture a downhill skier, and replace | | | | coming back down will be both physically demanding |
| the skis with a bike plunging down a mountain, its | | | | and dangerous. Downhill mountain biking should never |
| wheels airborne almost as much as they are in | | | | be attempted until all possible safety measures are in |
| contact with the ground, you'll have the basic idea. | | | | place. |
| And if the mere idea of downhill mountain biking gets | | | | Downhill mountain biking courses are both steep and |
| you jazzed, what do you think the actual experience | | | | treacherous throughout, and can contain jumps of up |
| will do? | | | | to forty feet with a ten foot drop. The bikers who |
| DH, as downhill mountain biking is known in mountain | | | | are attracted to downhill mountain biking, however, |
| biking circles, is in no way the same as riding a | | | | are those who thrive on challenges; the harder the |
| standard bicycle up and down the gently rolling hills in | | | | better. The risk involved is not their biggest concern. |
| your neighborhood park. Neither is it the same as | | | | But even the most experienced downhill mountain |
| cross country mountain biking, which may involve | | | | biking enthusiasts never begin a descent without |
| some downhill riding but is more akin to bike racing. | | | | being fully protected with a helmet, elbow and knee |
| Downhill Mountaing Biking Bikes | | | | pads, a body suit, and goggles. |