Surely you have heard of mountain biking, but extreme mountain biking is a relatively new, more intense form of mountain biking that is gaining popularity quickly. Basically extreme mountain biking is just like regular mountain biking only you go up higher, steeper and tougher hills and over rougher terrain. It is definitely harder on the body, and so you need to be in shape if you want to do this extreme sport, that’s for sure.

What you Need

If you are interested in trying out the extreme mountain biking for yourself, then there are a few pieces of equipment that you will need to get first. The most important thing of all, of course, is your bike. Depending on just how rough and rugged the terrain is that you are going to be riding over, you will want to get an appropriate bike, and you should know before you go into it that mountain bikes can be quite expensive, so unless you are planning on buying one used, and this is not typically a good idea, then you will want to have a bit of money saved up.

Another important piece of equipment that you will need for extreme mountain biking is a helmet. Because it is so extreme and potentially dangerous, you really need to make sure that you get a thick and sturdy helmet, so if you do fall down you will be protected. A helmet is really what can keep you alive in this dangerous sport, and no matter how experienced you are, you still need one.

Proper clothing is also incredibly important for the extreme mountain biking, and this is because this is a sport which absolutely demands comfortable clothing. There is clothing which is specifically designed for mountain biking and the differences between mountain biking clothing and another biking apparel is quite apparent, as mountain biking apparel is usually looser and made of a thinner fabric.

Getting Prepared

Even though you may have all of your equipment ready to go for your extreme mountain biking adventure, you still need to make sure that you are prepared physically. This means working out and strengthening and toning your body before heading out, so that you will not get out there only to overwork your body and have problems.

This is definitely an extreme sport but one that is also incredibly rewarding. Not only is it a total workout for your entire body, but as well you can have a lot of fun and really enjoy yourself while doing it.

It wasn’t too long ago that bicycles were simple modes of transportation used by children to travel in their neighborhoods. However, today bicycles are not just used by children, but by adults and for a variety of reasons.

Generally, early day bikes were constructed using two wheels, pedals, gears connected by a chain, seat, handlebars, etc. However, depending upon the need of the individual, there are many modifications available to bicycle enthusiasts. Bicycles can be used for touring, racing, vigorous exercising, etc.

One additional sporting activity that utilizes a ruggedly constructed bicycle is mountain biking. Typically a mountain bike is made from a heavily constructed frame, equipped with multiple gears, special brakes and fatter wheels.

Another unique feature found on mountain bikes is suspension equipment. Before purchasing a mountain bike it is important to understand the advantages of having bicycles with built-in suspension and the difference between a single and a dual- suspension mountain bike.

Advantages Of Suspension Built Bikes

Before considering the purchase of a dual-suspension mountain bike or one with single suspension, it is important to understand the advantages that suspension equipment brings. Understanding those advantages will help the customer in purchasing the right bike to meet the safety needs of the biker.

The purpose of suspension equipment being built on to mountain bikes offers a number of safety factors. The first factor is that the wheel remains in contact with the ground through a quality suspension feature. This is due to the fact that the spring mechanism moves up and down. This increased traction allows for the biker to travel faster, maintain control and provide an added safety feature.

Another advantage of adding suspension is that it provides less wear and tear on the biker. This is because the suspension feature found on a mountain bike acts as a shock absorber. This shock absorbing feature absorbs more of the punishment rather than the shock being transferred to the biker's body.

Single Suspension

When considering the purchase of a mountain bike with suspension, the next decision is whether to purchase a dual-suspension mountain bike or a single suspension mountain bike. The obvious major difference between a single suspension and dual-suspension mountain bike is the number of suspension devices located on the bike.

Typically, a single suspension mountain bike is lighter and slightly more efficient. This is because the single suspension is only located on the front of the bike. The single suspension bike is easier to maintain and less expensive. However, being only a single suspension unit, the absorption of shock incurred is less.

Dual Suspension

However, a dual-suspension mountain bike has become more popular. This is due to the fact that modifications have been made with this system to minimize the loss of mobility and speed due to the added weight of the system. Also, with a dual-suspension mountain bike there is a substantial difference in the traction afforded to the rear wheel which adds to the enjoyment or competitive edge of mountain biking.

In addition, there is more shock absorption afforded to the rider. This not only produces less wear and tear on the biker, but helps to conserve the individual’s strength.

What began as a very ordinary activity has now been transformed into a very challenging activity that has even led to it being classified as an extreme sport. Mountain biking today means having special skills and it has a following of its own since it gives the biker a real adrenaline buzz when he or she undertakes the different maneuvers. This sporting activity is thus becoming increasingly more popular, and more and more people are becoming attracted to it.

Much Like Snow Skiing

And, the most popular of all forms of mountain biking is without a doubt the activity of downhill mountain biking. It is much like what a snow skier performs on the icy slopes of a mountain, though in this case you will see the biker going downhill with the wheels getting airborne more often than not. For most bikers, the very thought of performing downhill mountain biking is enough to get them excited, and the actual experience is certainly thrilling.

A Dangerous Sport

You should not confuse downhill mountain biking with ordinary standard biking and think it to be nothing more than biking on rolling hills. It is not the same as cross-country biking either, though some amount of downhill biking may be involved. The activity of downhill mountain biking requires the biker to use the mountain bike that has special rear and front suspension that can handle the high amount of stress that mountainous terrains cause to the bike. You will also find that the downhill bikes are heavier than normal bikes as the frames are stronger. An average mountain bike should weigh between eighty to hundred kilos.

Another aspect to downhill mountain biking is the lack of any need to pedal as once the biker has been transported to the top of the mountain, they will need all of their physical strength and prowess to come down the mountain, as the whole activity demands a lot and is also quite dangerous. It should thus not be practiced until all safety measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the biker.

The courses used for downhill mountain biking are very steep and are also treacherous and it is normal to find jumps that extend to forty feet. Most bikers find downhill mountain biking to be very attractive because of the challenges it poses and they are known to pay scant respect to the risks involved. The harder the course, the more attracted the bikers are, though being fully protected is a must for even the best and most experienced biker. Thus, he or she should don a helmet and have protection for the elbows, knees and also use a full body suit and as well as goggles.

The popularity of mountain biking is so great today that it means that you can easily find mountain bike tours in all parts of the world, and taking one that is well organized will be welcome for a number of good reasons. To begin with, you get the opportunity to go and see different places like never before, and the exercise and adventure that you get to experience is not only fun to do, but also very enervating.