Mountain biking
Mountain biking is the sport of riding bicycles off-road. Often this is done over rough terrain. Mountain biking uses specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are similar to other bikes, but have features designed to make them stronger and hold up in rough terrain.[1]
Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple categories. These include cross country, trail riding, all mountain (also referred to as "Enduro"), downhill, freeride and dirt jumping. However, the majority of mountain biking falls into two general categories, rough trail riding, and jumping/slope style.
This individual sport requires the rider to have endurance, core strength and balance. The rider also needs bike handling skills, and self-reliance. Advanced riders take on steep technical descents and high incline climbs. Mountain biking can be performed almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails. Using the bike's brakes must be done carefully on a mountain bike, especially when going downhill.[2] In order to work on rough terrain, mountain bikes have several gears from which to choose.[3] It is recommended to use safety gear such as helmet, gloves, and knee pads to avoid injuries in rough terrain.[4] Mountain biking should be done so as to enjoy the ride but not damage the environment.[5]
Parts of a Mountain Bike
[change | change source]Like other bicycles, a mountain bike's parts are categorized into three groups: Drivetrain, suspension, and brakes. The drivetrain consists of a cassette in the back, a derailleur, and cranks in the front. The cranks and chainring are attached together and drive the chain through the user's leg movement. The chain is attached to the cassette and derailleur. The derailleur moves the chain along the cassette to shift gears. A larger cog in the rear means a slow and high torque, and a smaller cog is high speed with low torque.
The suspension has two main parts. A full suspension bike has both a front fork and a rear shock, but most common hardtail type bikes (meaning no rear shock), only have a front suspension fork.
Finally the brakes, in three parts: Levers, calipers, and rotors. The calipers are the main braking part that use hydraulic fluid or a cable to clamp brake pads with high friction on a rotor. The rotors are metal discs attached to the wheel that go inside of the calipers in-between the brake pads. With a hydraulic system, there are pistons inside of the levers that push hydraulic fluid into the calipers when the levers are pulled. In a mechanical or cable system, the cable pulls a pulley which in turn, clamps the pads onto the rotors.
Other parts include handlebars, stem, bottom bracket, wheels, headset, spokes, saddle, dropper post, grips, pedals and more, but there are hundreds of specific parts on a bike. For other information, visit the Park Tool Youtube channel for mountain biking tips and more parts explanation.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ David Fieder. "What is a Mountain Bike?". About, Inc. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ↑ Scott Adams. "The Basics: Mountain Bike Skills You Need to Know". Active Network, LLC. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ↑ Dennis Coello. "Beginner's Guide to Gears on Your Mountain Bike". Active Network, LLC. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ↑ "Mountain Bike Knee Pads". Test Facts. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
- ↑ "Quick Tips For Responsible Mountain Biking". Tread Lightly! Inc. Retrieved 22 June 2016.[permanent dead link]