The first versions of "mountain bikes", as we now know them, were quite different from the two-wheeled marvels that we ride today on our favorite trails. Since the first mountain bikers blasted down Mt. Tamplais, California: Tamplais on modified beach cruisers that have a foot in a skid to provide more stopping power for the drum brakes.
You can see evidence of this evolution by looking at Jenson USA's mountain bike section on their website. There are over twenty brands representing the industry's top performers, and there are a wide variety of options categorized under different types of mountain bikes.
All mountain bikes can be used off-road. However, not all mountain bikes have the same capabilities. A variety of mountain bikes have been created to suit different riding styles, given the evolution of the sport since mass production began in the 1980s.
This article will explain the various types or categories of modern mountain bikes and the factors that should influence your purchase decision.
IN THE PARAGRAPHS BELOW, WE DISCUSS :
- Cross-Country Mountain Bikes
- Trail/ All-Mountain Bikes
- Enduro Mountain Bikes
- Downhill Mountain Bikes
- Hardtail or Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
What is a CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN Bike (XC)?
Cross-country bikes are designed to convert pedaling power into forwarding movement as efficiently as possible. Cross-country riders want to spend long days in the saddle, covering large distances and often with significant vertical gain. Lightweight components and a lightweight suspension that doesn’t drain the rider’s energy are key to enabling a bike to climb efficiently.
Cross-country bikes are great for riding long distances and climbing steep climbs quickly and efficiently. However, they lack the ability to descend. Modern XC bikes can descend well, but their main strengths are in consuming long distances and steep ascents.
MODERN CROSS COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKES - Key Features
- A light build is typically between 22 and 26 lbs.
- Short travel suspension 100-120mm/4-4.7". Only air spring suspension is available here. Suspension lockouts are used for climbing efficiency or sprinting in XC races.
- Geometry These bikes are designed to climb and pedal efficiently (typical head angles between 67 and 69 degrees and stems between 70 and 90mm in length)
TRAIL / ALL-MOUNTAIN BIKES
WHAT IS A TRAIL/ALL-MOUNTAIN BIKE?
All-Mountain and trail bikes are the Goldilocks category of mountain bikes. This category is for mountain biking which can do it all. These bikes have the perfect amount of suspension travel combined with a balanced component specification to allow you to do a little bit of everything while not feeling too or too ridden. They are all-mountain, which simply means that they can be ridden up and down any mountain.
For riders who want maximum versatility and maximum enjoyment, all-mountain and trail bikes are great options. Although they won't be the fastest or most adept on steep climbs, they can handle any terrain. Trail biking is about more than just the miles.
KEY FEATURES OF A TRAIL/ALL-MOUNTAIN BIKE
Trail and all-mountain can often be used interchangeably. Trail bikes emphasize balance and versatility. The following are key features:
- Mid-weight build: Typically in the 26-31 lb range.
- Mid-travel suspension: 120-150mm (4.7-6"). Although air spring suspension is the most popular, it's not unusual to see lightweight coil setups.
- You can find both 29" and 27.5" wheels here
ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKES
What is an ENDURO MOUNTAIN Bike?
Enduro mountain bikes were created to meet the needs of mountain biking racing's new emerging discipline. Enduro racing allows you to still ride your bike but it's only a means of getting to the main event, the descent. Enduro racing has one rule: you can only ride one bike through a race. It must be strong enough for the high-speed descents that are littered with jumps, rocks, and drops.
Enduro mountain bikes can be described as trail bikes with steroids. Enduro bikes were designed to withstand the demands of long, steep, and difficult mountain descents. Although they aren't great climbers, enduro bikes can be a good choice for those who want to learn how to climb. Enduro bikes were created from a style of mountain biking that only races downhill sections and treats the climbs as transitions.
KEY FEATURES OFF A ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKE
- It is heavier and more durable than trail bikes. Typically, it's in the 30-35 lb range.
- Suspension travels longer than trail bikes, 150-180mm (6-6") and has suspension components that are tailored to Enduro racing's aggressive nature. These include thicker fork stanchions (33-58) and piggyback shocks (35-38mm), which help prevent suspension performance degradation from heat buildup on long descents. To achieve the best traction, suspension can be made from either coil springs or air.
DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKES
What is a DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN Bike?
Downhill bikes were designed for big mountain descents. They are not designed to be ridden up to earn descents, like their Enduro or trail counterparts. They can also be pushed uphill by vehicle, chairlift, or foot.
If you don’t like climbing or want to enjoy technical trails such as double jumps, big drops, and ripping through rock gardens then you should consider a downhill bike.
Freeride bikes can also be used on the same trails as downhill bikes. Downhill bikes are more focused on downhill racing, while freeride bikes are designed for technical terrain and stunts
KEY FEATURES FOR A DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE
- Frames and components that are extremely durable: DH bikes can withstand all types of racing and downhill riding. The norm is 2-ply tires with aggressive treads.
- Standard suspension travel for mountain bikes is 180-200mm (8-8") To resist big hits, forks are equipped with double-crowns as well as big tube (38-40mm), stanchions. Coil suspension is very common.
- Geometry that is downhill specific: Head angles less than 64 degrees. Ultra-long wheelbases. Extremely low bottom brackets
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES
What is an ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN Bike?
Uninitiated may be misled by the term "electric mountain bike". It is not an electric bike that only uses an electric motor. The motor gives a boost, but you still have to pedal. Pedal-assist mountain bikes are often called electric mountain bikes. Electric mountain bikes enable riders to ride faster and for longer periods of time while feeling less tired.
If you live in a mountainous region without shuttle assistance and need to do more laps before you feel exhausted on the climbs, electric mountain bikes can be a great option. These bikes are great for group rides, especially with riders of different abilities. An additional reason to buy an electric mountain bike? If you are recovering from injury, illness, or any other reason that prevents you from riding non-electric bikes. However, the increased speed and power are at the cost of the added weight due to the motor, wiring, and controls. You can buy it at a very affordable price. In the market available these electric bikes under 2000. The electric mountain bike allows for the exploration of riding possibilities that might otherwise be impossible.
FEATURES KEY TO AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN Bike
- The heart of an electric bike is the motor and battery. Motors can be rated for maximum pedal assistance power and batteries can offer different riding ranges. Popular and reliable Ebike motors are made by Shimano and Bosch.
- Controller: This is the brain and controls the amount of pedal power the motor provides. It also affects the battery life.
- Specific components for electric bikes: Many manufacturers now offer components that are more durable to withstand the extra stresses of using electric bikes.
HARDTAIL VS. FULL SUSPENSION
What is a HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN Bike?
Only the front suspension is available on hardtail bikes. They make up for what they lack in rear wheel gripping efficiency by being more efficient in pedaling.
- There are fewer moving parts and there is no need to service the rear suspension.
- You can pedal more efficiently: Full-suspension bikes have a stiffer rear end, which means you can pedal harder and get more forward motion.
- For beginners: Modern bike suspension can seem confusing. It can be confusing to understand the various knobs and switches, and it takes some time to learn how to use them all. A hardtail is much easier to handle. A hardtail is arguably a better way to learn basic riding skills.
What is a FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN Bike?
Full-suspension bikes have both front and back suspension. There are many suspension options available, with different ride characteristics and pivot arrangements. Best full suspension bike offer more traction and comfort on rough terrain.
- What is better, air or coil? Air suspension is generally lighter than coil suspension.
- You need more traction but also maintenance. There are many pivots, bearings bushings, bushings, and linkages. You will need to service your vehicle more often.
- The joys of adjustable suspension: Once one learns what each adjustment does (compression, rebound and platform), it's a joy to ride a full-suspension bike on technical trails.
HOW TO CHECK YOURSELF FOR A MOUNTAIN Bike
Two things are important when choosing the right size mountain bike frame.
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Learn how to read mountain bike geometry charts
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To compare your body with the manufacturer's sizing guide or geometry chart of the bike that you are interested, take key measurements.
For more information, see our complete guide How to Choose a Mountain Bike
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