Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise at the same time. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you can find trails to suit your skill level and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Benefits of Mountain Biking
Improved fitness and endurance
Stress relief
Exploring nature
Building confidence
Safety Tips
Wear a helmet and other protective gear
Be aware of your surroundings
Don't ride alone
Know your abilities and stick to trails that are within your skill level
Helmet
MTB full face helmets are designed for downhill and freeride mountain biking, and are the safest helmets available. They offer the most protection and are generally constructed with a hard shell, chin bar, and full face coverage. They offer excellent head protection, and can reduce the risk of facial injuries. They also provide excellent ventilation, which is important when riding in hot weather.
Helmet safety is always important when riding a bike, and the type of helmet you choose should depend on the type of riding you do. Traditional helmets provide basic protection from falls, but MTB full face helmets offer the most comprehensive head protection. If you plan to do a lot of downhill or freeride mountain biking, an MTB full face helmet is the best choice for safety.
Goggles
MTB goggles are designed to provide protection from dust, wind, and debris while mountain biking. They typically feature a wrap-around design that keeps the wind and dust out of your eyes. The lenses are usually made from polycarbonate or other impact-resistant materials to protect your eyes from flying debris. Some MTB goggles also feature tinted lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility in bright sunlight.
Gloves
MTB gloves are designed to provide protection and comfort when cycling on off-road terrain. They are typically made from lightweight, breathable materials such as Lycra, Nylon, and Spandex. The gloves are designed with extra padding in the palms to absorb shock and vibrations, as well as reinforced stitching in the seams for durability. They also feature adjustable wrist closures to ensure a secure fit and finger loops to help with removal.
Shoes
The type of shoes you should wear when paddling with a flat paddle versus clips will depend on the type of activity you are doing. If you are just leisurely paddling, then a pair of flat shoes with good grip on the soles will suffice. However, if you are doing more intense activities, such as whitewater paddling, then you should consider wearing mountain bike shoes with clips to provide additional stability and grip.
When it comes to freeriding with a flat paddle, you should look for a pair of shoes with a stiff sole and good grip. The stiffer the sole, the better your board will respond when you shift your weight. Additionally, look for shoes with a wide toe box to provide room for your toes to move. Finally, make sure the clips are positioned in the right spot, so that they don’t rub against your feet when you’re riding.
MTB Bike
A hardtail mountain bike is an excellent choice for a beginner to intermediate level rider. They are typically more affordable than full-suspension bikes and are lighter weight, making them easier to maneuver. Hardtails are better suited for cross-country and singletrack riding, as they are more efficient and require less energy to climb hills.
Full-suspension mountain bikes are great for more advanced riders who want to tackle steep and technical trails. The extra suspension provides greater control and comfort, allowing you to descend with more confidence. They are also ideal for riders who want to jump and do technical tricks. However, full-suspension bikes are heavier and more expensive than hardtails.
Cross Country (XC) full-suspension bikes are usually lightweight and designed for speed. They have relatively short travel (80-120mm) and are designed to climb efficiently. XC full-suspension bikes are great for riders who want an efficient climbing machine that can handle a variety of terrain.
Trail full-suspension bikes are designed for a balance of efficiency and capability. They have more travel (120-150mm) and are designed to handle more challenging terrain. They are a great choice for riders who want an all-around bike that can handle climbing, descending, and jumping.
All-Mountain full-suspension bikes are designed for aggressive riding on technical terrain. They have the most travel (150-180mm) and are designed to handle big drops, jumps, and rock gardens. All-mountain bikes are great for riders who want a bike that can handle anything.
Enduro and downhill bikes are specialized full-suspension bikes designed for downhill racing. They have the most travel (180-200mm) and are designed to handle the toughest terrain. Enduro and downhill bikes are great for riders who want a bike that can handle the most extreme terrain.
Head Tube Angle
Mountain bike head tube angle (also known as head angle) is the angle between the head tube and the ground. It is one of the most important characteristics of a mountain bike's frame geometry, as it determines how the bike handles on the trail. Head tube angle is measured in degrees, and it can range from around 68 degrees (slack) to 72 degrees (steep). A steeper head angle creates more responsive handling, while a slacker angle provides more stability at higher speeds. The choice of head tube angle largely depends on the type of riding you plan to do, as well as the type of terrain. In general, mountain bikes with a steeper head angle are more efficient on climbs and tend to have a more responsive handling, while bikes with a slacker head angle are more stable at higher speeds and tend to have a more relaxed handling.
General MTB Head Tube Angle
Cross-country: 71-72 degrees
Trail: 68-71 degrees
Enduro: 65-67 degrees
Downhill: 63-65 degrees