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There are several types of bicycles available for those who are thinking of getting into the cycling field. Mountain bikes are undeniably one of the most popular with their huge wheels, advanced features, and often massive form. A mountain bike is hard to miss in a row full of bicycles. These rides offer adventure to those looking for it and are built to withstand the bumpiest terrains.
If you're interested in mountain biking, it would be helpful to know exactly what kind would suit you best, the specs you should look for, and what size of bike you need.
What Are the Types of Mountain Bikes?
Cross Country (XC) Mountain Bikes
These mountain bicycles are built for superior pedalling performance. They're lightweight yet highly efficient with equally impressive endurance great for uphill adventures. The geometry of a cross country mountain bike is similar to road bikes, although their features are more beneficial for climbing rather than descending as they aren't as fast for downhill performances.
Trail Mountain Bikes
Great for both climbers and descenders, trail mountain bikes have more suspension that makes your ride smoother across terrains. This is the bicycle you want for all kinds of adventures with a balance between durability, traction, and efficiency.
All Mountain or Enduro Mountain Bikes
All mountain bikes are crafted in a race format. These giant mountain bikes will give you the extra boost you need when you pedal up but are best when it comes to downhill rides with technical terrain and speed in mind. If you want to skip some pedalling and still get smooth swift laps, this is the bicycle for you.
Downhill Mountain Bikes
These types of bikes are built for speed. Featuring wide handlebars, thick tires, and a low saddle, they boast optimal centre for gravity and can traverse the most challenging trails in no time. Downhill bikes can be on the heavier side as well since it needs a larger, sturdier frame to withstand the stress of big leaps.
Freeride Mountain Bikes
Fusing downhill and cross country mountain bike features, these bicycles are ideal for very steep terrains, technical obstacles, and high jumps. They're lighter than their downhill counterpart but are still heavy enough to withstand extreme jumps up to 20 metres.
Fat Mountain Bikes
Characterised by wide tires, fat bikes are made for the toughest surfaces such as snow and bumpy terrains. They usually have no suspension system too, as the large tires are designed to absorb most of the shock when riding.
Can You Use a Mountain Bike On the Road?
Definitely! In fact, a lot of people like to use a mountain bike instead of a road bike since they get the option of being able to ride off-road whenever they want to. It's generally not bad to use it on the road but you should be aware of the possible drawbacks you might encounter trying this.
For one, mountain bicycles have wider, knobbier tires for rougher terrains and using them on a different surface might cause them to wear out faster. Their physical features like the seat and handlebar height can also be set to a more aggressive form for challenging rides instead of a relaxed one.
Suspension is another thing to take into account here since mountain bikes are designed to absorb shocks from bumpy pathways. You can either stiffen the suspension for road riding or get a bike with a locking suspension feature for riding on flat terrains.
What To Look For When Buying a Mountain Bike?
Bicycle Style
There are different bike types as mentioned above-in fact, you also have the option to go for electric mountain bikes, trek mountain bikes and kids mountain bikes! Make sure to choose one that fits your riding style and setting best for maximum efficiency.
Specs and Gears
There are tons of additional gear available for each kind of bike. You could get a 21-gear one or something with 30 or more gears. As for key features, this could span from your brakes, handlebars, and down to your suspension type so back up your purchase with ample research!
Bike Size
What size bike do you need? Mountain bikes usually come in standard sizes which correspond to various heights. However, it's still best to ensure that it's the right fit for you either by going to a bike store or getting the exact measurements. This includes everything from the saddle height to its distance from the bars and stack for full comfort even after long hours of cycling.
Frame material
Your bike's material directly affects its durability. Usually, the choice would be between aluminium and carbon fibre, so it's good to know the tradeoffs with each one. Pro tip: Carbon fibre is lighter yet more fragile and expensive. Aluminium, on the other hand, is more durable and on the affordable side yet heavier.
Wheel size
Wheel diameters are often eighter 27.5in or 29in. If you need a little guide, remember: choose bigger hoops for longer miles and favour smaller ones for smashing trails!
Suspension quality
While full suspension mountain bikes are better than single-suspension ones for certain types of mountain biking, they're not always necessary. Full or dual suspension mountain bikes absorb impact more for smoother rides and are best suited for downhill or enduro riding.
On the lookout for your first-ever mountain bicycle? Check out our available models here at Outbax! If you need something portable, you'll love our Fortis 20" Folding Mountain Bike. It's equipped with a Shimano 7-speed drive train and is super lightweight-you could easily take this on a day out along with your camping chairs and tables!
Those who are after superior control will also appreciate the Fortis 700C Trekking Hybrid Mountain Bike with its 9 Sensah gears and robust aluminium alloy frame. Visit us today for more bicycle options plus other outdoor gear like camping batteries and portable generators.
