The mountain biking sport has evolved from the original bull-barred, large tired, 40 lb steel framed bike that hit the market over 20 years ago. Today we have so many styles of riding that we group under “mountain biking”. Because of this variety, there is no one perfect mountain bike. This evolution has lead bike makers to produce different bikes for different applications.
This article will help you identify the different styles of bikes and maybe help you make a better decision on your bike purchase.
Cross Country Race Bike
Lightweight, expensive and aggressive riding positions characterize race bikes.
Cross country bikes are designed to go off road over small to moderate terrain. They are also able to descend and climb very well. They used to be mainly hardtail, but with the advances in shocks they are changing to full suspension. They do not have much travel in their rear suspension, and they are still able to pedal uphills effeciently. They usually have up to 29 gears to tackle any type of situation.
Weight:19-30 pounds
Fork Travel:0-4 inches
Shock Travel:0-4 inches
Is this bike for you?
The cross country racing mountain bike riding position has you in a more spread out, attack-like position. Riding comfort can be an issue over extended periods. The bike’s geometry lends itself to quick reactions. You’ll find this bike “twitchy” in slow maneuvering situations.
Since the goal of bike racing is to go fast and win, the bike’s construction reflects this. The bike needs to be light, which means a compromise in strength. High-end bikes are made with exotic materials like titanium or carbon fiber. The suspension travel is usually setup for speed and pedal efficiency which means a bit of a harsher ride… sorta like a sporty car. It can handle the gravel road, but when it gets rough, you’ll feel it. There will be no cliff jumping on a race bike! Prepare to shell out the big bucks for a competition ready bike.
Trail Bikes
Less aggressive riding position and better control for more challenging terrain make trailbikes the ideal bike for most riders.
Trail bikes are basically beefed up cross country bikes. They are designed to go on offroad trails that contain more technical sections and small drops. The softer ride of a trail bike is nice, but because of the added travel in the suspension some pedaling efficiency is lost.
Weight: 24-35 pounds
Fork Travel:4-7 inches
Shock Travel: 4-7 inches
Is this bike for you?
Trail bikes are the largest growing style of mountain bikes right now. The evolution of the mountain bike has lead to the success of the trail bike. This is the bike for 90% of mountain bikers, 90% of the time.
The riding position is a bit more vertical than a cross country race bike to allow for a bit more comfort and control. The geometry is ideal for tackling tricky terrain. You don’t usually get the “twitchiness” of a race bike. The longer suspension travel softens things up and allows you to ride over more technical and rougher terrain. You won’t win any races and you won’t be jumping cliffs, but you’ll have a lot more fun! Consider this bike the SUV of the bunch. It’s the go-anywhere, anytime bike.
What you may lose in pedaling efficiency, you gain in control and comfort, which for most of us, is more important than hitting the podium.
Free Ride/Down Hill
For the daring and aggressive riders. Built to take a beating.
Free ride bikes are becoming very popular. Because of their massive suspension it is hard for them to climb, they are made mostly for fast downhill fun full of jumps and drops. To help them stop they have hydraulic disc brakes with 8 inch rotors. They only have 9 gear cassette on the rear wheel because a front derailer would not be able to take the drops.
Weight: 38-55 pounds
Fork Travel: 5-8 inches
Shock Travel: 6-8 inches
Is this bike for you?
If you’re more interested in ripping down a hill than climbing one, or you’d rather launch off a drop than ride/walk around one, then freeriding and downhill bikes are for you. These bikes are built to take a beating, which is reflected in their increased weight and burly components. If you can catch up to the race bike, you’ll blow past him on the rocky down hills!
Dirt Jump
This is the bike for you if you'd rather fly over the trail.
Dirt jump bikes are made for urban riding and hitting jumps. They are basically big bmx bikes with front suspension. They have around 16 gears to help them gain the speed they need to hit dirt jumps.
Weight: 28-40 pounds
Fork Travel: 3-5 inches
Shock Travel: Not Available
Is this bike for you?
These bikes are a great example of the adaptation of a bike to an evolving sport. The bmx bike has been beefed up and suspention added to deal with the stresses a dirt jumper puts on their bikes. These bikes seem small, but they certainly aren’t light. Everything from the frame to handle bars have to be strong enough for the harsh landings from dirt jumping. The bike also has to survive the thrashing of tricks from urban riders.
Final Notes
As you can see there are many different types of bikes for the many different types of mountain biking. Bicycle technologies are advancing and bicycle manufacturers are trying to keep pace with the evolving cyclist. Riding styles will dictate the types of bikes produced. This article was published in 2006. Certainly a few years down the road we will see new categories of mountain bikes the narrow the gaps between the differing bikes.
We haven even touched on the bikes off the dirt trail. A similar gradient of differing bikes exists on the pavement, too. Road racing bikes all the way to hybrid street/trail bikes.
Choosing the right bike requires research and knowledgable sales staff. To get the most out of this sport, you have to have the right equipment for your level of enjoyment.
When you go bike shopping, let the sales staff know about how you intend to use the bike. At the same time, make sure the sales staff is asking you the right questions!
