| Downhill mountain biking is a branch of bicycle sports | | | | kind of sport. These bikes are built to outlast the |
| wherein riders race downhill, starting alone at set | | | | steep jumps and rough terrains that are usually |
| intervals, to aim for the best time to finish the entire | | | | common in downhill races. These bikes are sturdier |
| course. Riders usually reach the point of descent by | | | | than usual mountain bikes and are therefore heavier. |
| other means than cycling such as lifts (just like ski | | | | The geometry of their frames lean back further |
| lifts for alpine skiing). | | | | compared to other bicycles and feature full |
| The first ever downhill mountain biking time trial was | | | | suspensions. Typical downhill bikes will also have |
| held on October 22, 1976 in a fire road now known | | | | thicker tires compared to other bicycle counterparts. |
| as Repack Road in Fairfax, California. Since the sport | | | | Since downhill riding is considered as an extreme |
| was new, there were no standard downhill mountain | | | | sport, extra precaution is very much needed. Riders |
| bikes yet and the riders who have participated rode | | | | are advised to wear helmets that cover the whole |
| bikes that were known as "klunkers" or "paperboy | | | | face, similar to that in motocross. Falling is very |
| bikes". The winner of the said race was Alan Bonds, | | | | common in downhill biking, therefore a body armors is |
| also the only one to have reached the finished line. | | | | also much needed together with elbow and knee |
| Downhill mountain bikes, or simply referred to as | | | | guards to prevent serious injuries. |
| downhill bikes, are bicycles that are intended for this | | | | |