Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are the most rugged and stable of all types. They are ideal for riding on rough terrain, forest trails and dirt roads. Mountain bikes have the following features:
- Flat handlebars. It gives you better control of the bike and makes it easy to change direction.
- Wide studded tyres. They have more contact with the road and more grip. This increases the safety and rideability of the bike.
- Low tyre pressure. It increases the tyre's contact area with the road and absorbs shocks. This makes the ride more comfortable and softer.
- Sturdy frame. It is usually made of steel or aluminium. This makes the bike more reliable and durable.
- A large number of gears. They usually reach 40-50. This allows you to find the optimal riding mode for different slopes and terrain.
Mountain bikes are suitable for those who like to ride challenging trails, experience adrenaline or extreme sports. However, they are not very fast and light, as they have a lot of weight and a lot of air resistance. They also require frequent cleaning and lubrication from dirt and sand.
Recommendations for choosing a mountain bike:
- Buy a mountain bike if you want to ride mostly off-road and experience new sensations.
- Do not buy if you plan to ride fast on asphalt, ride long distances or only get around town.
When choosing a mountain bike, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Frame size. The frame size should match your height and leg length. A frame that is too large or too small will be uncomfortable and dangerous to ride. You can use special tables or advice from a retailer to determine your frame size.
- Frame Material. The frame material affects the weight, strength and price of the bicycle. The most common materials are aluminium, carbon or steel. Aluminium is the cheapest and lightest material, but it is stiff and prone to corrosion. Carbon is the most expensive and lightweight material, but it is brittle and can crack if hit hard. Steel is the strongest and most flexible material, but it is heavy and rusts.
- Type of brakes. Brakes affect the efficiency and safety of braking. The most common types of brakes are rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes are the simplest and cheapest brakes, but they are less effective on wet or muddy roads and wear out the rims. Disc brakes are the most effective and safest brakes, but they are more complicated and expensive to maintain.
- Type of wheels. Wheels affect the speed, rideability and comfort of a bicycle. There are different standards for wheel sizes: 24, 26, 27.5 and 29 inches. Smaller wheels are more manoeuvrable and puncture resistant, but slower and stiffer. Larger wheels are faster and more comfortable, but heavier and more prone to deformation.