What types of mountain biking are the most popular?

Mountain biking is a relatively new kind of sport which is becoming more and more popular. It is closely connected with bicycles. Although this source of movement has been used by people for decades, there are still chances to invent something unusual. Mountain biking dates back to the end of the 20th century. It gained its popularity rapidly and by 1996, it had been included in the list of Olympic sports. There are 12 disciplines; each and every of them has its followers. Today you will learn what types of mountain biking are the most popular.

All-mountain

To compete in this discipline sportsmen have to be in good physical shape as they are likely to take part in long journeys to the mountains. Sometimes such trips can last for days. As for the bike, a multipurpose one will be appropriate. There are some requirements concerning it:

• It should have a highly durable rack.
• The suspension needs to be light.
• The weight should not exceed 14 kilograms.

Uphill and downhill

Those two popular mountain biking disciplines are complete opposites. While the first one implies riding up the hill, the second one is very similar to snowboarding where sportsmen have to slide down the hills during as short time periods as possible.

Bikers who compete in uphill have to experience enormous pressure. To lighten the process of riding the bike, they do not use any protection. Bikes with weight below 10 kilograms are preferable. However, downhill sportsmen have to choose heavy transport with two shock absorbers. Usually such competitions are held at ski resorts where there are lifts as it can be hard to get up with those bikes. Protection is a must in this case! A helmet, a shell, a pair of gloves, knee and elbow pads are necessary as this is one of the most dangerous types of mountain biking.

Free ride

This term is used to describe a sport that is very similar to downhill. The difference is that the way down the mountain is not even close to a special track. To compete in free ride it is important to choose the bike wisely and give preference to the one that is not lighter than 17 kilograms. Moreover, a full face helmet and full body protection are necessary.

Trial

This mountain biking discipline implies not only riding but also overcoming various obstacles. Those include jumps, riding on the back wheel and other stunts. A special bike is needed for this sport. It should be very light (about 9 kilograms) and have broad wheels. It is likely not to have any saddle. A sportsman has to wear a helmet, gloves and tibia protection.

Urban (street)

This type of mountain biking is for amateurs rather than professionals. People perform impressive stunts, for example, riding the walls and sliding down the banisters. In addition, acrobatic skills can come in useful. Bikes are rather light (their weight is around 14 kilos), they are made of durable steel. People who have been practicing this sport for years sometimes ride without any protection, but beginners should wear helmets and other ammunition.

Types of mountain bikes

There are various types of mountain bicycles. Each of them has its own characteristics. When it comes to buying a MTB (this short form stands for ‘mountain bike’), it is very important to choose the best option available.

The first classification of MTBs is connected with the type of suspension used. There is a great variety of bikes that either have suspension or do not possess it.

• Hard tail MTBs have front suspension only. It means that the shocks are in the front fork. It makes bikes cheap and light. They are perfect for uphill, for instance.
• Full suspension bikes tend to be heavier and more expensive. Full suspension is perfect for those who want to experience a high level of control on the ground at speed. MTBs of this type are a good choice for free ride.
• Rigid bikes do not contain any suspension. They are super light. However, at the same time they are the most dangerous. Still, they are great for stunning tricks.

The second classification depends on the wheel size. Three sizes are common for mountain bikes:

• 26” wheels are the most popular. MTBs with such wheels are perfect for downhill sessions as they are a lot faster.
• 29” wheels are a bit slower in general but faster when it comes to uphill riding. They offer more momentum and make it easier to overcome obstacles on the trail.
• 27.5” wheels are the newest. They possess all positive characteristics that are common for both 26” and 29” wheels.

Accessories and protection

Although some types of mountain biking do not require all the things mentioned below, they are still an important part of this sport. What do sportsmen need?

• Glasses to protect oneself from debris and dust while on trail.
• Shoes with gripping soles and flexible shank.
• Hydration systems of various kinds. Those can be either water bottles or water bags with drinking tubes.
• GPS systems to monitor progress.
• Bike tools to fix mechanical problems if they occur on trails.

The level of protection is also determined by the type of mountain biking one competes in. Generally, protection gear consists of:

• A helmet is a must for almost all mountain bikers.
• A pair of gloves to increase comfort while riding and alleviate friction and compression.
• Body armor and pads to prevent injuries in case of falling.
• A first aid kit to dress cuts, clean them and immobilize broken limbs.

Competitions

Mountain bike racing is not only a popular outdoor activity but also a competitive sport. The Union Cycliste Internatilnale recognized this discipline in 1990, while the very first Mountain Bike World Cup took place in the end of 1980s. In 1996, cross-country mountain biking was included in the list of Olympic sports. Since the Olympic Games in Atlanta, this discipline has been held regularly. Men and women compete in different groups.

Health benefits of mountain biking

It goes without saying that mountain biking is an extremely dangerous kind of sport that is closely connected with various injuries. However, it can be beneficial for one’s health for some reasons.

• It decreases chances of breast cancer, stroke and heart diseases.
• It has less impact on joints. Still, it has the same cardiovascular benefits as running does.
• It makes people happier by releasing endorphins and decreasing stress.

Those were the most popular mountain biking disciplines. As you can see, some of them are extremely risky. However, practice makes perfect, and people coming from all over the world choose them as their favorite sports.