Mountain Bikes

Cross-country mountain bikes are made for use off road on trails that have medium to moderate obstacles. They are also perfect for descents and climbs. They have the lightest weight materials of all bikes, so that they can go very fast in different types of terrain and weather. Most of the time, suspension is in the form of air shocks. Usually, cross-country bikes are more rigid than other mountain bike frames.

Trail Mountain bikes- These are really modified cross-country mountain bikes, which have a softer suspension system so they can endure obstacles with greater difficulty. A bad thing about this type of bike, is that more pedaling is needed, requiring greater effort from the rider.

Downhill mountain bikes- These kinds of mountain bike frames are used to travel downhill on trails and racecourses. They have the greatest amount of suspension travel than any other mountain bike. They are heavier, but are as light as they can be for racing. They are difficult to use for climbing, since they are made for quick downhill runs. So that they can stop when going very fast, they are usually equipped with hydraulic disc brakes.

Freeride Mountain Bikes- They are easier to pedal that downhill mountain bikes, but look and weigh about the same. They can be used as a downhill mountain bike, and a cross-country mountain bike, but usually do not have the performance of the bikes designed for their respective purposes.

Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes- Like the name says, they are designed for jumping, street riding, and slalom racing as well. Often dirt jumping bikes are talked about like BMX bikes that are just bigger and have a front suspension. They are made of materials that are extremely strong, so they can handle the stress of jumps, and their suspension systems are a little bit softer than cross-country mountain bikes.

Mountain bike frames are made of various materials to make them either stronger or lighter. Full suspension mountain bikes have a front fork suspension, and the mountain bike frame and rear suspension are integrated. They look a lot like a motorcycle, and they are more comfortable than hardtail, but also weigh more than midsized hardtails.

The most important thing to remember when choosing mountain bike frames, is to make sure that the bike will do what you want it to do. If you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages that are present in each one, you can choose the right mountain bike for your needs.