Mountain biking, although not as popular as road cycling in Taiwan, enjoys vibrant enthusiasm in regions like Europe and America. Despite less fervor, some Taiwanese cyclists are increasingly intrigued, partly due to online media promotion. Unlike road cycling, mountain biking offers diverse terrains such as forest trails, stream valleys, muddy paths, rocky trails, and industrial roads, fostering a closer connection with nature.
Compared to the usual road bike articles, let's start fresh in the new year! The author's first encounter with mountain biking was a few years ago at an event called "Trail Blazers". Being exposed to mountain biking for the first time, and with some members of the author's school club already involved, a spark of interest ignited. Eventually, at the end of 2023, the author purchased a bike, marking an official entry into the world of mountain biking. So, what exactly is MTB, and what are the differences and joys compared to road cycling? Let's take it step by step with Biking Buddy and explore the world of mountain biking together!
Origin of Mountain Bikes:
In the 1970s, a series of social events led a group of people to reconnect with themselves and embrace nature, particularly in the open-minded California, where enthusiasts took their bikes into the mountains, riding amidst nature. The earliest mountain bikes weren't called mountain bikes; they were initially modified Cruiser bikes. The Repack race format sparked a desire for modifications, leading to the birth of "Klunker" bikes, made from hodgepodge parts. Due to limited customization options, dedicated frames like the Breeze no.1 were developed. Over 40 years, these bikes evolved into what we see today.
The legendary ancestor of mountain bikes
Types of Mountain Bikes:
1. Classification by Suspension - Hardtail and Full Suspension
• Hardtail: Only front suspension, direct power and road feedback transmission, relatively cheaper, slightly compromised off-road capability.
• Full Suspension: Both front and rear suspensions, higher adjustability, higher maintenance cost, relatively expensive (or less equipped at the same price as hardtail), slightly heavier, better off-road capability on challenging terrains.
Both types of bikes are available. Beginners are recommended to start with hardtail for better learning of bike handling skills.
2. Classification by Front Suspension Travel
• XC (Cross Country) (80-120mm): Lightweight, suitable for simple off-road terrains, emphasis on climbing, available in both full suspension and hardtail designs.
• Trail Bikes (120-160mm): Mainstream models suitable for beginners, available in both full suspension and hardtail designs.
• Enduro (160-180mm): Also known as All Mountain (AM), developed for specific race formats, designed with dual suspensions.
• Downhill (DH) (180-200mm): Designed exclusively for downhill riding, featuring exaggerated cockpit and geometry for extreme conditions, equipped with dual suspensions and mixed wheel sizes - front: 29 inches, rear: 27.5 inches.
Classified based on riding methods; not absolute categorizations.
XC (top left), Trail (top right), Enduro (bottom left), DH (bottom right) - Choose the most suitable mountain bike based on your riding terrain and style.
Differences and Joys Compared to Road Bikes:
Let's delve into mountain biking now. In recent years, thanks to the promotion by many cycling enthusiasts, more riders, including myself, have ventured into the world of mountain biking. The biggest difference from road biking lies in leaving paved roads like asphalt and venturing into trails, drawing closer to nature. The thrill of darting through forest trails is truly incomparable to road biking. While many may perceive mountain biking as too risky, little do they know that with numerous designs and safety gear, mountain biking significantly enhances safety and minimizes interference from cars and motorcycles, making it potentially safer than road cycling! Even in the event of a fall, it's usually onto soil or grass, with proper gear ensuring safety.
The design of mountain bikes primarily considers riding on unpaved surfaces like forest trails and rocky terrains. Hence, they require off-road tires (usually 2.2-2.6) that can maintain high grip levels at all times and suspension systems capable of handling rugged terrains. Mountain bikes have overwhelming advantages on rough terrains. However, off-road tires increase rolling resistance on paved roads, and suspension systems consume pedaling force. Nonetheless, if you seek strength training, using a mountain bike on asphalt roads is a good choice.
Despite the myriad of bike types, including GRAVEL, touring bikes, and recumbent bikes, the main choices still revolve around road bikes and mountain bikes. For those who crave speed and the thrill of swift riding on roads, road bikes are undoubtedly the ideal choice. However, if you wish to explore deep into forests and challenge various terrains, owning a mountain bike becomes indispensable. By selecting the appropriate bike type based on finer needs and purposes, every ride becomes more enjoyable, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the joy of cycling.
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