| The designs for mountain bikes can be classified in | | | | mountain bike safety. Many riders will tell you that |
| three categories based on suspension: | | | | wearing a helmet is the most important step to staying |
| 1. Hardtail - A frame with no rear suspension, often | | | | safe. The second most important step is that you |
| containing a front suspension fork. | | | | should always ride in control of your mountain bike. |
| 2. Fully rigid - This is a sub type of hardtail, with a rigid | | | | By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes, but |
| fork. | | | | keep others on the trail safe as well. When riding out |
| 3. Dual or full suspension - These bikes offer a front | | | | of control you loose the ability to adjust to the terrain |
| suspension fork and a rear suspension that are | | | | as you ride over it. This can and usually does result in |
| integrated into the frame. | | | | serious injury to yourself and others. |
| 4. Soft tail - Offers a frame with a small amount of | | | | Follow these helpful guidelines and you'll remain safe |
| rear suspension, normally less than a full suspension | | | | when riding your mountain bike. |
| frame. | | | | Gear |
| The different designs of bikes in mountain biking will | | | | Always make sure that you wear a helmet and other |
| offer you what you need for your unique style of | | | | necessary safety gear for the conditions that you plan |
| riding. You'll want a different bike for different terrain, | | | | to ride in. |
| such as cross country or downhill. As the terrain | | | | Never ride beyond your control |
| changes, you'll want to make sure you have the right | | | | There is never any shame in walking the areas of the |
| bike for the job. | | | | trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding and you |
| Mountain biking is different than any other sport, | | | | should never let anyone else tell you that there is. |
| offering you plenty of excitement and thrills. If you are | | | | Keep your speed under control |
| new to mountain biking, you'll find the different designs | | | | Always make sure you keep your speed at a level |
| to be very enticing yet very challenging at the same | | | | where you can quickly adjust to any obstacles or |
| time. Each design serves a purpose with mountain | | | | change in the trail. |
| biking, even some that excel on the trails. | | | | Knowing your trail |
| There are also several other designs which reflect on | | | | You should never push the limits on trails that you |
| the manny challenging disciplines in the sport of | | | | aren't familiar with. You should take trails you aren't |
| mountain biking. No matter what type of mountain | | | | familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them better. |
| biking you like to do, there are bikes for that specific | | | | Slow down around blind corners |
| discipline. | | | | If you can't see past a corner you should always slow |
| If you are new to mountain biking, you'll want to check | | | | down, as you never know who or what is around it. |
| out the many designs and types of biking before you | | | | Start small then go big |
| purchase a bike. Mountain biking can be a lot of fun | | | | Work your way up to stunts or obstacles. Practice in |
| and excitement, although it can also be very | | | | less difficult or dangerous situations before you move |
| dangerous if you don't have the right bike for the | | | | up to something more dangerous. |
| terrain. Before you decide to buy a bike and hit the | | | | Playing it smart |
| trails, make sure you have the right design of mountain | | | | If you start to question what your doing, you probably |
| bike for the riding you are planning on doing. | | | | shouldn't be doing. Always think about what you are |
| Mountain Biking Safety Tips | | | | doing and go with your instincts. |
| There are numerous ways that you can improve your | | | | |