Mountain biking is a sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, usually using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, such as air or coil-sprung shocks used as suspension, larger and wider wheels and tires, stronger frame materials, and mechanically or hydraulically actuated disc brakes. There are different formats including Cross Country, Short Track Cross Country, Ultra-Endurance, Downhill, Dual Slalom, 4-Cross, Super D and Observed Trials.

You don’t need mountains to go mountain biking. Just about any off-pavement riding will reward you with fresh air, great exercise and—if hills or mountains are present—the exhilaration of scenic views and long downhill stretches. There are basically four different so-called mountain bike rider types:

• Beginner
• Recreational
• Enthusiast
• Expert

Mountain bike trail surfaces include rocks, roots, ruts, sand, snow or mud. The variable terrain and the potential obstacles are all part of the fun but can be unnerving to beginners. But we all got to start somewhere so come and join the fun.

Choosing a new mountain bike to buy can be a little challenging, the sheer variety of mountain bike types, not to mention the bewildering array of technology and terminology make for many choices.

The types of mountain bikes includes Trail Bikes, Cross-Country Bikes, Fat-Tire Bikes, AND Downhill/Park Bikes. E-bikes are an additional category and it should be noted that The US Forest Service currently classifies e-bikes as a motor vehicle. USFS land is designated for non-motorized use, e-bikes are not permitted.

Types of bike wheels & sizes

• 12″ – Kids’ balance bike.
• 14″ – Kids’ bike wheel size, suitable for 3-5-year-olds in general.
• 16″ – Kids’ & foldable bicycle wheel size. Suitable for 4 to 6-year-olds.
• 20″ – Kids’ bike wheel size, recommended for 5 to 9-year-olds.
• 24″ – Kids’ bike size ideal for riders aged 8 to 11.
• 26″ – Old-school standard, still used among fat and cruiser bikes.
• 27.5″ (650b) – One of the most average size bike wheels, used among touring, mountain, and hybrid bikes.

• 700c – Found on road bikes, built for faster rides.

• 29″ – Common among mountain bikes.