Freeride, downhill, uphill, cross-country, all-mountain, trail-ride—there are all sorts of mountain biking styles that one can get into. This is what makes MTB so enticing to many people—it is not just cycling in a straight line but there are lots of challenges to conquer and skills to unlock. Downhill mountain biking is among the most famous styles of biking but what exactly is it?

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Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking is how most people envision mountain biking to be—full-face helmets, long sleeves, and riders hitting huge jumps and rock gardens. As its name suggests, downhill MTB is a type of riding where riders ride a downhill trail. These trails are built to be as challenging as possible and usually involve both natural and manmade features. Rock gardens and root beds are common natural features of downhill MTB trails and trail builders will add mandatory jumps and drops to ensure that adrenaline is constantly flowing in the riders.

Equipment Used for Downhill Biking

The equipment used in downhill mountain biking is not designed to be pedaled uphill hence, downhill MTB riders need to get to the top of the hill through shuttle vehicles and chair lifts. This goes to show that the equipment used for downhill MTB is uniquely designed for this riding style.

Downhill MTB bikes are aggressive bike types built to tackle tough terrains at high speeds. These bikes feature large amounts of suspension travel both in their front and rear wheels. Its rear shock is usually a coil shock while the fork is often a double-crown. Other components in a downhill MTB bike are also designed to be extremely durable like powerful brakes with large rotors and tires with heavy thick casings.

Take the right precautions

Cyclists face risks of all kinds. A typical roadie is ok with cars whizzing by at high speed – and he or she has no control over what they may do. The risks of downhill mountain biking include controlling trees, rocks, and if necessary, keeping gravity at bay. Both mountain bikers and ski resort operators recognize these risks. Bikers must sign a waiver stating that all risk is theirs alone.

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In a single, five-month cycling season, Whistler Mountain Bike Park reported 2,000 injuries to 900 riders. and about 12% were potentially life-threatening. Some of the more serious injuries included broken bones, concussions, internal bleeding, organ damage, and even quadriplegia. Skiing stats illustrate the risks: There is about one injury per 1,000 skiers in downhill skiing. There is one injury per ten downhill cyclists.

Downhill mountain biking accidents are most often caused by inexperience. Professionals suffer 34 percent fewer injuries than experts. According to the statistics, professional riders are better at avoiding injury.

Downhill mountain biking is one of the most fulfilling riding styles in the sport. Most bikers who experience downhill MTB are hooked forever probably due to the immense adrenaline they felt during the ride. Needless to say, downhill mountain biking is a style you should definitely try if you are into mountain biking. Stay safe out there!

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