Types of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories. These categories are very versed in what they offer. They are:

1. BMX

BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels. These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

2. Cross country

This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3. Cyclo cross

This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

4. Dirt jumping

Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

5. Downhill

Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6. Freeride

Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.

7. Single speed

No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that’s done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

8. Street and urban

This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9. Trails

Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

Reasons why you should get your friends into cycling

Reasons why you should get your friends into cycling

So if you’re anything like us, you struggle not to share how great cycling is with pretty much everyone you meet.

Exasperated friends may roll their eyes and think you’re completely daft for cycling 100 miles to another city rather than just driving – but the thing is, they simply don’t know what they’re missing.

Cycling evangelists often find a way to congregate, usually on the weekend club ride or similar. But perhaps there’s still a quiet hankering in your heart to get your friends on board.

Helping your close friends catch the cycling bug comes with plenty of benefits. We’ve teamed up with Challenge Bikes, whose range starts at £229.99, to identify five reasons to spread the cycling love.

You’ll motivate each other

Riding with friends helps keep you motivated.

 Challenge

We’ve all been there. It’s stupid o’clock in the morning, the bed’s cosy, and maybe you’ll just skip the ride today and sleep longer. But you can’t let your friend down. 

When you know someone’s waiting for you, you’re more likely to get going, and by holding each other accountable you can achieve your goals together. 

Plus what’s more motivating than having someone to compare Strava segments with?

2

It’s really rewarding

Watching your friend’s confidence grow is really rewarding.

 David Marcu / Unsplash.com

Perhaps you have a friend who never learned to ride a bike, or who hasn’t ridden since childhood.

While experienced cyclists may baulk at the idea, it’s not that uncommon for someone to have barely turned a pedal since being a teenager. 

That doesn’t mean bike rides are off the table, though. Helping a friend move past their wobbles and seeing their confidence grow is a fantastic feeling. 

You can help them learn a new skill that will open up a lot of doors for them, and then share in their adventures!

• Tips for riding with inexperienced cyclis

3

It’s good for them

There are so many benefits to cycling to share with your friends.

 Coen van den Broek / Unsplash.com

We all know how great cycling is: it makes you feel physically fitter, it clears your head and relieves stress, and it helps you sleep more deeply. It could even help you live longer… and is good for your sex life.

It’s also a great way to travel quickly and impact the environment less. Why wouldn’t you want to share this with the people you care about?

If you feel like you need to do some more convincing, check out these 27 great benefits of cycling.

4

They’ll spread the word

Getting more people riding creates more demand for better cycling opportunities.

 Challenge

It’s the best kind of pyramid scheme. Get your friends cycling, they pass the enthusiasm onto their friends, who then do the same. And so on.

If we want better cycling infrastructure we need to show demand, which means spreading the word to encourage more people to ride instead of drive. 

Close friends are more likely to listen to you than a total stranger, but through our web of connections we can really make a difference.

5

It could save you money

Save money by cycling… and treat yourself to a cycling holiday.

 Russ Ellis / SWPix.com

Perhaps you’re thinking about taking up a new cycling discipline, and learn the all-important techniques through coaching. Or maybe you’re really keen to go on a cycling holiday?

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Not only will your friends keep you company, but it’s more cost-effective to do these things together, to share the expense and sometimes with group discounts available.

Article from Bikeradar