| Go into any bike shop or department store bike rack | | | | bikes generally have a low tube head angle and full |
| and you'll notice that the dominate models in today's | | | | suspension on both front and back. They are among |
| market are all mountain bikes. That's a far cry from a | | | | the heaviest of all mountain bikes, so don't expect an |
| couple of decades ago when everybody and his | | | | easy ride when climbing uphill. |
| neighbour had to have a ten-speed racing bike. The | | | | Dirt Jumpers and Street Riders |
| truth is, we had no more knowledge of speed cycling | | | | Trick riders, whether in the dirt or on the street, need |
| back in the day, than the average consumer has | | | | lightweight bikes that are well balanced. Kickouts and |
| about mountain bikes today. Needless to say, there | | | | bar-turns require the handlebars to move freely, so |
| are many different types of mountain bikes. | | | | you'll find brakes on these bikes only in the rear. Low |
| Trail Bikes | | | | seat posts make flips easier, while strong frames are |
| Trail bikes are the kind most often chosen by | | | | able to withstand the punishment of missing the landing. |
| recreational consumers. Your co-workers ride them to | | | | Dirt jumpers and street riders can have as many as |
| and from the office while their kids tool around town | | | | nine gears. |
| on them. They are similar to cross country bikes but | | | | Mountain Cross Bikes |
| heavier and sturdier. Trail bikes are meant for | | | | The newest entry in the mountain bike market is the |
| moderate terrain on made-made urban trails, or gentle | | | | mountain cross design. Mountain cross is a racing |
| natural trails outside of town. They also make good | | | | event which combines downhill speed, plenty of |
| street bikes that are safe and manoeuvrable in traffic. | | | | obstacles, and up to four other riders all trying to |
| Cross Country Bikes | | | | occupy the same space. Mountain cross bikes must |
| Cross country racing was birthed around the same | | | | be rugged yet responsive, so they tend to have rigid |
| time as its BMX counterpart. It involves gentle to | | | | frames, hardtails, and a slack tube head angle. Front |
| moderate terrain with an emphasis on climbing skills. | | | | suspension can be half or full. |
| Therefore, cross country bikes need to be lightweight | | | | Bike geometry, weight, wheel type, suspension, and |
| and fast. Aluminium and carbon fibre composites are | | | | braking systems are all considered by hard-core bikers |
| some of the materials used to make them. A higher | | | | before they make a choice. Different terrains and |
| tube head angle reduces manoeuvrability but increases | | | | styles demand different bikes like the ones listed here. |
| speed. | | | | Mountain biking is a rewarding sport filled with |
| Freeride Bikes | | | | excitement and adventure at every turn. If you're just |
| Freeride bikes take their name from the unpredictable | | | | getting started in mountain bike sports, be sure to |
| nature of the riding experience they engender. They | | | | consult a pro who can find the bike best suited for |
| are built for moving downhill at high speed while | | | | your activities. |
| navigating trees, rocks, and other obstacles. Freeride | | | | |