| A mountain bike is a bicycle that is designed | | | | of a mountain bike is the mountain bike disc brakes. |
| specifically for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or | | | | Mountain bike disc brakes are featured on most new |
| on other unpaved environments. Mountain bikes are | | | | mountain bike models. Mountain bike disc brakes offer |
| different from regular bikes in a number of ways. | | | | much improved stopping power over the previously |
| First, they have wide and knobby tires for extra | | | | used rim brakes. |
| traction and shock absorption. | | | | Mountain bike disc brakes also work much better |
| Also, most mountain bikes are fitted with bar ends | | | | under adverse conditions. This is because they are |
| on the handlebars. However, with the increase in the | | | | located at the center of the wheel. Unlike rim brakes, |
| popularity of riser handlebars, fewer riders now tend | | | | they remain drier and cleaner than other rims. |
| to use bar end extensions. | | | | Although there are many advantages to mountain |
| There are basically four different classifications of | | | | bike disc brakes, there are some disadvantages as |
| mountain bikes. | | | | well. They tend to weigh more and are often more |
| 1. Fully rigid- Fully rigid mountain bikes have a frame | | | | expensive as well. |
| which has a rigid fork and fixed rear with no | | | | Maintenance on disc brakes also tends to be more |
| suspension. | | | | difficult and costly. This is especially true of hydraulic |
| 2. Hard tail- Hard tail mountain bikes have a frame | | | | disc brakes, which work by moving brake fluid |
| with no rear suspension, and these bikes are usually | | | | through a hose or line to squeeze the pads together. |
| used with front suspension. | | | | It is very important to make sure that your brakes |
| 3. Soft tail- Soft tail mountain bikes have a frame | | | | are in as proper working condition. This means you |
| with a small amount of rear suspension, but activated | | | | need to take your bike in to your local bike shop and |
| by the flex of the frame instead of by the pivots. | | | | get a full inspection at least once a month. This will |
| 4. Dual or full suspension- Dual or full suspension | | | | not only ensure that your brakes and the rest of the |
| mountain bikes have a frame with a front suspension | | | | parts on your bike last as long as they possibly can, |
| fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and | | | | but more importantly that you can feel safe riding on |
| linkage that makes the rear wheel move on pivots. | | | | a bike that you know is safe and secure and which |
| Mountain Bike Disc Brakes | | | | will be able to properly handle those rugged and |
| There are many key components on the typical | | | | steep hills. |
| mountain bike. One of the most critical components | | | | |