Mountain Biking
Quick Link - Good Points - Bad Points - Tips - Costs - Resources
Introduction
The early 1990's saw the most dramatic rise in bike sales ever, all due to the incredibly popular mountain bike (MTB). This meteoric rise in popularity as a result has seen mountain bikes in many households. The reason behind this popularity, is the versatility of mountain bikes designed to handle off road terrain. The wide ratio of gears makes gradients no problem.
Over the years, entry-level mountain bikes have become cheaper and more robust. Many mountain bikers use their machines to get fit, some simply cycle for pleasure, or use it as a method of transport, others also race.
Bike Components
When looking at purchasing a mountain bike, these are the main issues which you will have to decide on:
Suspension:
Full Suspension or Front Forks only? - Clearly full suspension is shock absorbtion to both front and back wheels. Full suspension is useful for rocky descents, but many riders still prefer the feel and response of a solid hard-tail design.
As shocks are a pricey component of any bike, the argument could be; to have one very good quality pair of front shocks, rather than two not so good quality front and rear, for the same money.
Brakes:
Brakes are an important component, the choices on offer currently are:
- Plain pads on the wheel rim
- Vee Brakes
- Disk brakes
Pads used to be the only method of braking (well, the drum-brake also, but that's going back a bit!) and have now been superseded by the other types. Except for hydraulic pads to the rim which are very powerful.
Vee brakes are cable opperated and are in widespread use. This is because they still apply pads to the rim, but are designed in such a way that gives more leverage, and therefor more stopping power.
Disk brakes are similar in principal to motorcycle brakes. They can be cable or hydraulically operated, and provide awesome stopping power. Because the pads are located further from the tyre surface, when riding in wet / muddy conditions, disc brakes are less affected by wet surfaces than the other types of brakes.
Transmission:
Most new mountain bikes now come with bulletproof transmission, commonly with a selection of 21, 24 or 28 gear combinations.
Transmission ranges in price, and as a rule, the more expensive systems are lighter (good for racing) and more refined than cheaper models.
Down-Hill bikes however, may use only one chain-ring (the cog by your feet) rather than three (commonly used to achieve the 21, 24 or 28 gear combinations) because racing down hill assumes high speed only, so the smaller cogs (used for climbing hills) are removed to save weight.
Tyres:
The crucial point of contact between you and the ground, tyres help dictate how much grip is available. The level of grip (high or low) is most noticable in braking and cornering.
Easily replaceable for around �20, various tyres are designed for different conditions. For example some are nearly slick, designed for road use only. (See On-Road Bikes for more info.)
Some knobly tyres are specifically designed to be good in mud, others on hard surfaces, and there are hybrids which offer average performance on and off road. The tyre you choose to use will be dictated by what surface you ride on most frequently.
These items are available in online stores listed in the resources section.
Racing
Throughout the UK there are numerous MTB events from small local races, to the National Points Series, and one-day National Championships. The main two events are downhill and cross-country racing. There are categories for all ages and abilities.
Downhill (DH) racing is similar to downhill skiing with individuals racing against the clock. There are also duel slalom courses in which two riders race head to head on individual courses next to each other. It has a large spectator following, with increasing exposure on TV.
Cross-country (XC) racing involves a large group of riders racing around a circuit of about 5 miles. The circuit will be all off-road, with often tricky conditions like mud, water and gradients to overcome. And that's on top of the endurance required from the rider to stay at race speed! This is a very popular type of racing as it caters for all levels of ability from first timers up to international stars.
Cyclocross is a winter event for on road racers who don't mind getting muddy. It is similar to XC but the bikes are not as suitable for the conditions. Which results in riders carrying their bikes through tricky sections, where a modern mountain bike would have breezed through. Not as popular as DH or XC.
The beauty of mountain bike racing is that the only limitation for a bike is it's rider. The moral being; buying the most expensive bike won't automatically make you the fastest rider.
The British Mountain Bike Federation (BMBF) monitors some organised races. The BMBF also produces a national ranking for riders to be picked for the Olympic Games, World and European Championships. Their racing calendar and a list of mountain bike clubs is included in the BMBF handbook.
Recreational
Many mountain bikers choose not to race but simply ride for fun. This aspect of mountain biking is catered for nicely on the web, with a few sites informing of good locations in the UK to ride, with details of scenery, gradients and level of difficulty. Check the resources below for such sites.
Alternatively, local bike shops often organise rides around surrounding areas. For example Bromley Bike co co-ordinate friendly rides in the South East.
It is legal for bikes to ride on the same tracks as horses. Look for long green dashes on Ordnance Survey maps - these highlight bridleways. For the more popular regions in the UK, there are specific mountain bike guides showing the different rides and a review of what they are like.
Summary of Mountain Biking
Good points
Good exercise.
Fast & exciting especially going downhill.
Exploring off road terrain, and other less accessible areas.
Bad points
Expensive bikes are sought after by thieves.
Can get injured.
Need space to store bike & bits.
Always wear a helmet. If you fall off, you NEED the protection between the ground and your brain.
Consider different bikes thoroughly when shopping, and choose a frame size that fits you.
Find other people with a similar interest, to go riding with and share the experience - perhaps a bike club or race meeting?
Mountain bikes are available for many different budgets, check shops listed below for accurate prices.
Mountain bike prices start at around �150 and rise all the way in to several thousands.
As you pay more for bikes, the benefits are in increased lightness, increased technology and specification of parts. Especially; transmission / shock absorbers / brakes.
(Click to open in new window)
Tips
Costs
Mountain Biking Resources
Wiggle - Ignore the silly name, and this is a fantastic UK website selling a huge selection of mountain bike equipment and clothing at discounted prices.
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Evans Cycles - Large SE based UK shop stocking numerous brands of new bikes and accessories.
BigFoot Bikes - Online store and real bike shop based in the UK.
MBK Espana - Offers mountain biking tours off-road in Spain. Organised by British staff.
Cyclo-Cross.com - Main site with definitions, and information on cyclo-cross.
MTB Britain - Identifies good riding trails in and around Wales mainly,
MB UK - Printed magazine, site is useful with events, mechanical advice, news etc.
MTB FAQ - Interesting large text FAQ, covering; riding skills, mountain biking A-Z glossary, and technical info.
British Cycling - British Cycling Federation site, lists many Downhill and Cross-Country mountain bike clubs.
Mtb Review - American site where users put forward their opinions on hardtail or full suspension bikes.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: BMX, On-Road Cycling, Minimoto and Motocross.
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