| Yes, these bikes are different, both in purpose and | | | | purposes, the mountain bike has come a long way. |
| performance. Only because of the terrain that they | | | | Frames: Originally these were made from steel, |
| must efficiently negotiate, they are geared up to | | | | usually in nice shiny chrome, but as technology |
| take these additional challenges. | | | | changed frames with the road bikes, so it did with |
| Gears had to be taken from the road bike | | | | the mountain bikes too. |
| technology until Shimano started to make equipment | | | | Sleek and compact frame designs, lightweight alloy |
| especially for mountain biking. This has now become | | | | and now carbon fiber are the most popular materials |
| a serious sport and is also a part of Olympics as an | | | | these days. The specialized Stump-Jumper is a classic, |
| event. | | | | and we can buy this in so many styles. Hardtail, Full |
| Mountain bikes are so popular these days that over | | | | Suspension, and for full Retro style this |
| the years they have developed and evolved into a | | | | Stump-Jumper is classic. |
| totally different class. | | | | Suspensions: Front suspensions were taken from the |
| Mountain Bike Ratings | | | | off-road motor-bike world, however they had to be |
| Moving from some simple beginnings, mountain bikes | | | | lighter but was effectively made possible with the |
| have made some tremendous changes, since they | | | | help of alloy steel. Springs were initially used, and later |
| had to be made especially for climbing and moving | | | | oil, then air for suspension, and which was adjustable |
| around mountainous terrain. Special gears, tires, wheel | | | | for spring and the amount of rebound we got. |
| rims, handle bars, stems and the biggest | | | | Go Where You Like |
| development was the suspension. | | | | Cross-country definitely is a hard sport and is a |
| The first gear levers were made to go on straight | | | | mixture of strength and agility. While coming downhill |
| handle bars and then the indexed lever was made for | | | | is completely all technique and agility, with very little |
| accurate shifting. Different types of tires with treads | | | | strength. These bikes are like motocross bikes minus |
| for all conditions are now available to fit the standard | | | | the engine, suspension in the front and back with a |
| wheel size that now many companies are making. | | | | lot of movement, and long wheel bases for comfort, |
| Handle bars and stems were first made in steel, then | | | | with bigger tires and disc brakes. |
| alloys, and now carbon and titanium have replaced, | | | | All these features are now found on cross-country |
| thus gaining on weight saving and enhancing strength. | | | | bikes, with the disc brakes being very popular. |
| Mountain Bike Parts | | | | However many people still stick to v-brakes for |
| Most of the bike parts were follow up coming from | | | | controllability and also full suspension for both front |
| the road bike, and modified according to the | | | | and back. |
| mountain biking requirements. However the present | | | | There are many set ups that we can go for, but |
| version that is available in the market is a specialty | | | | would be much better if we make sure what we |
| designed for this very purpose of mountain biking. | | | | need, so as to understand exactly what we want. |
| With specific modifications derived to serve specific | | | | |