Until recently, a bicycle was basically a frame, with two wheels that moved when pedalled, and was used to get people from point A to Point B. However, today there exists a wide range of bicycles in the market, each category with their specific uses and ideal riding conditions. This, for a beginner can be overwhelming when deciding to buy a first bicycle.
The scope of this article is to help you better understand what a Mountain Bike (MTB) is, and what riding conditions are best suited for an MTB. Read on for more.
Mountain Bike 101
A mountain bicycle, or an MTB is a bicycle that is meant to tackle rugged terrains, like mountain trails and rugged paths. Traditionally, an MTB is designed exclusively for off-road riding with features to handle rough terrains with ease. MTBs tend to be durable and chunky with a balanced combination of maneuverability, comfort and performance on offer. Features that are typical for an MTB include suspension that comes with and without lockout, powerful disc brakes, large knobby tires for extra grip and lower gear ratios for climbing steep grades.
Over time, MTBs have been built with frame geometries, and supporting features, that can handle steep climbs and descents with ease. Moreover, MTBs have been built to withstand harsh terrains that often consist of rocks, rubble, gravel or mud, and rugged surfaces that could be slippery, uneven or even with small breaks and gaps.
Based on the suspension configuration, Mountain Bikes can be sub-categorized into three categories, i.e.:
- Rigid A bicycle with features typical to MTBS i.e. large, knobby tires and straight handlebars, but with no suspension - front or rear.
- Hard Tail A mountain bike that has been built with a suspension fork for the front wheel, i.e. only a front suspension fork.
- Full Suspension (or Dual Suspension) A mountain bike equipped with both front and rear suspension. The front suspension is usually a suspension fork that comes with and without the option of a lockout - based on the fork, and the rear suspension comprises of mechanical linkage with components for absorbing shock.
Based on the wheel size used, MTBs have been classified into the following categories:
- 26": These wheels are smaller in diameter when compared to 27.5” and 29er MTBs. Typically, 26” wheels work well for urban usage i.e. on city roads with uneven or rough surfaces and potholes. 26” MTBs are ideal for twisty trails and tight, crowded paths, However, when it comes to off road riding, 27.5” or 29ers may have an upper hand.
- 27.5": 27.5” wheels averages the strengths and weaknesses between the two sizes i.e. 26” and 29”. You get some of the benefits of 29ers combined with some of the nimbleness of 26” wheels. 27.5” wheels are well suited to open trails and rocky/ rugged trails that require good grip and control.
- 29ers i.e. 29” The larger diameter wheels of the 29er mountain bike creates the sensation of having a 1″ more travel due to the larger air volume and larger contact patch with the ground. This is why 29ers make a great option for downhill riding, MTB trail/ off-road racing and free riding on tricky trails and very rugged/ unpredictable surfaces.
Finally, when you are looking to buy a MTB and you come across the different wheel sizes there are several personal questions you need to ask yourself as you make your decision. As with most things in life, there isn’t a ‘one best option for all’. So, how and where you are going to be riding, how you want your bicycle to handle, how you want your bicycle to react and other such personal choices are the most important factors when deciding what’s best for you…not what your friend bought and swears by!
“The heavy-duty construction combined with stronger rims and wider tires led to the increase in popularity of MTBs with urban commuters to help them tackle rough city roads with potholes etc. Though an MTB can be ridden on city roads, doing so may tend to be more exerting and could result in more energy output to cover a given distance.”