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If you're looking for a truck or SUV to explore the countryside, you're thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills. The popular "mountain bike" style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles designed for cruising up and down a mountain. Obviously racing down a mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. Anyone actually considering taking on a mountain pass is advised to invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. With the right equipment and some common sense, mountain biking is a fun sport for the entire family. Find your Style The three basic styles of mountain bikes are cross-country, freestyle, and downhill styles. While each style varies in many ways, they each demand a great deal of skill. The type of mountain bike you should buy is determined by your personal riding style. In other words, if you plan on busting moves with your buddies, don't buy a heavy downhill bike. Lighter freestyle models are better suited for trick riding. Perfect Your Skills Mountain biking requires personal stamina and endurance and stamina. You'll also need ambition and a fair amount of courage to take on nature's tricky courses. And, like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and lots and lots of practice. Don't expect to ride around the block a few times and then cruise right into scaling rocky hills and maneuvering winding trails. Be prepared to acquire a few bumps and bruises before you're ready to ride with the big kids. Location is Key Think of mountain biking as riding an unpaved surface. Your bike is ready to take you virtually anywhere you want to be, and many North American parks offer designated biking locations. Before hitting the trails in a park or conservatory, check for rules and regulations. There may even be trail maps available for you to bring along on your trek. Ask about local mountain biking clubs and group trail rides and competitions. You can easily find this information by asking at a local bike shop, checking the papers or searching online. Beginner to advanced groups are available, so be sure you're joining a club that matches your skill level. Shopping for a Mountain Bike Once you've narrowed down your mountain biking style to cross-country, freestyle or downhill, you can use personal preference in choosing your bike. There is a huge variety of mountain bike makes and models on the market today. Shop around and compare styles, shapes and price. Be sure to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, but don't be fooled into thinking the most expensive models are necessarily the best bikes. The Internet can be a great tool in shopping for a bike, as some compare quality, features and prices for you. Ask for a test drive when you find a bike that you like. You should feel as though the mountain bike is an extension of your body. Make sure that your body position is just right, the seat is comfortable and the gears and brakes meet your personal preferences. Good quality mountain bike can be very expensive, so ask around and do your homework before you buy. Keep it Safe Mountain biking can be dangerous on unpaved roads and through unexplored territory. It's impossible to know what's waiting around the next bend. Always wear a helmet no matter where you're riding. Kneepads, elbow pads and riding gloves are also good choices to keep you safe and comfortable, and you should wear goggles if you're riding in the woods or following a group. Always keep a few band-aids in your pack, just in case. Whether you're riding across the county, or across the country, mountain biking is a great way to see the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, proceed with caution and have fun!
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
Writer Colette Thyman contributes to a variety of popular web magazines, on family recreation and outdoor products issues.
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