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Many novice riders find themselves thinking, what is a mountain bike? While it may seem that all mountain bikes are the same, there are actually numerous off-road bikes that can help you get into mountain biking for a variety of disciplines.
Today, we’ll discuss what is a mountain bike as well as the top 8 reasons why you should start mountain biking today!
Differences Between Types of Cycles
We’ve all heard of mountain bikes, but how can we really distinguish them from the other types of cycles on the road. Here we’ll briefly list the types of cycles, including mountain bikes, so you can know what isn’t and what is a mountain bike.
Road Bikes
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A road bicycle is a lightweight bicycle with thin tires and drop handlebars. These types of bikes are made exclusively for riding on paved roads. Road bikes come in both race styles and endurance styles.
Adventure/Gravel Bikes
Now don’t mistake these rugged bikes for mountain bikes. Adventure bikes feature drop handlebars with a large clearance so you can fit a wide range of tire sizes in the frame. You can use these bikes both on and off the road.
Bicycles
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If you go to a big-box store to buy your bike, this is the most common type of bike you’ll encounter. Bicycles are low-impact bikes that are great for running errands, taking your kids to the park, or just leisurely riding around. Styles of bicycles include commuter bicycles, fixies, and cargo bicycles.
Mountain Bikes
Last but certainly not least, the mountain bike. Mountain bikes are rugged and built to withstand high impact and rough conditions. You can identify a mountain bike by its flat handlebars and wide and knobby tires. Wheels are usually 27-29-inches in diameter, much wider than other bikes.
Depending on how you want to use your mountain bike, you can find bikes for unpaved roads ranging to rough, unkempt terrain. The more technical the trails you’ll be riding, the more rear suspension you will want. So, keep these things in mind when going to buy a bike.
Types of Mountain Bikes
Not all mountain bikes are created equally. There are bikes for every type of riding style you want to do when mountain biking. Avid bikers will usually have 2-3 bikes for various styles. If you’re just getting started, think about what kind of mountain biking you want to get into before picking out a bike.
Cross Country
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Cross country bikes are the most common types of mountain bikes. This type of bike is made for mountain bikes who want endurance out of their rides. However, this type of bike isn’t best for extreme obstacles in mountain biking.
All Mountain
If you’re more of a thrill seeker, all mountain biking is the ultimate choice. All mountain bikes can take more forms of terrain and handle difficult obstacles. This type of bike is also great for jumps and dips that can come with trail riding. If you’re looking into an all mountain bike, make sure you’re ready to be focused and constantly alert while riding.
Downhill
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For those with a need for speed, downhill biking is the way to go. For bikers who don’t usually ride up the mountain (they take a car or lift system), downhill bikes are great for gaining maximum speed when riding downward.
Free Ride
This type of mountain bike allows you to take advantage of the natural terrain and gives you the freedom to have your creativity take out. With this style of bike, you can do downhill biking, dirt jumping, and get past big obstacles. The free ride bike allows the rider to be versatile in their riding.
8 Reasons Why You Should Own a Mountain Bike
Here are some of the reasons we think you should get into mountain biking today.
1. The Most Obvious Reason: No Cars!
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You can’t tell me that the thought of riding a bike along the road with cars going upwards of 60-70 miles per hour doesn’t scare the life out of you a little bit. Getting into mountain biking will spare you the anxiety of cars zooming by 18 inches from your bike.
Not only will your ride be more pleasant, but it will also be a ton safer. Nothing else can ruin the mellow feeling of a nice, solo bike ride quite as cars can.
2. Getting In Tune with Nature
Nothing is better than the feeling of whizzing down a dirt trail lined with trees. The ability to get so close to nature is one of the best parts of mountain biking. The serene trails allow you to take advantage of the peacefulness of remote places: a privilege road bikers seldom get to experience.
In addition to the tranquility of nature, running into a tree (which will inevitably happen) sure does hurt a lot less than getting hit by a car.
3. More of a Laid-Back Biking Culture
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Mountain biking is a sport that naturally attracts more laid-back people. This can be a bit of a contrast against road bikers who love competition. When you go out mountain biking, rest assured that you’re surrounded by people who love the sport and want to improve, not compete with others.
You’ll also likely meet a lot of other mountain biker buddies when you go out for longer rides. It’s a great activity to meet people of all age levels and all types of backgrounds. There’s a huge community of mountain bikers across the world. Whether you join a group or meet people on the trail, you’ll be sure to find some like-minded people to spend a weekend riding with.
4. Get a Great Workout
It’s been proven that riding a bicycle 20 miles a week or more decreases your risk for heart disease by 50%. That’s incredible! Mountain biking uses large muscle groups and gets your heart pumping in a big way. Because the terrain is always changing, the muscles you’ll use will be changing too. Overall, mountain biking is an awesome exercise for heart health.
It’s no surprise that mountain biking is also a great full body workout. You’ll obviously use your lower body most of the time for cycling, but you’ll also have to use your core and abdominal muscles to keep balanced when riding. The steering also helps to work out the upper body and build arm tone.
5. Seek Thrill and Adventure
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The possibility for adventure is limitless with mountain biking. You can start with the hills behind your house and quickly find yourself taken your bike out to distant hills and rough terrains along with a tent and sleeping bag for your weekend in the mountains. If the idea of disappearing out into a remote landscape for the weekend gets you giddy, then mountain biking is definitely a sport for you.
The exciting part about mountain biking is that you never really know for sure where you’re going to end up. For thrill seekers and risk takers, get your adrenaline fix on taking your bike into the unknown.
6. Mountain Bike to Spend Time with Family
Taking up mountain biking with your family is a great way to spend time with one another. Get involved with your partner, children, siblings or parents to enjoy the trails and grow closer together in a beautiful mountainous environment. Next time you have a nice day with fresh air, pitch the idea to your family to go out and ride together.
7. Improve Memory and Reflexes
Research has shown that mountain biking and the cardio-respiratory benefits it provides can spark improvements in mental capabilities. This is due to the new brain cells in the hippocampus that cycling helps to build. The hippocampus is the region of your brain responsible for memory and cycling promotes oxygen flow to this area, thus improving your memory.
Mountain biking can also help you with your reflexes. Having to dart trees and rocks in a split second will get your brain and body used to acting quickly. Even if you don’t mountain bike every day, you will see big improvements with how sharp you are in your daily life.
8. Lots of Different Riding Styles
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No matter who you are or what kind of thrill you’re seeking, there’s a mountain bike riding style for that. Whether it’s cross country, all-mountain, freeride, lift-assisted, downhill, whatever kind of ride you’re looking for, there’s a bike for that. Road riders only have one real choice of riding style…riding on the road.
The Bottom Line
Mountain biking is a great sport for people of all ages. No matter your age or your fitness level, give mountain biking a try today. In addition to a multitude of health benefits, you’ll also surely enjoy the time in nature and the network of friends that come with it.
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