Do you also want to get the blend of mountain beauty and adventures? If so, mountain biking is the most thrilling sport you can choose. Suspension provides a comfortable experience to those who want to travel the rough trails or forest routes. If the mountain bike is selected with the right suspension can help you to make a massive difference without worrying about where you are travelling. This is a guide that will help you to understand the fundamentals of mountain bike suspension.
Understanding Mountain Bike Suspension
Suspension systems are crucial to absorb shocks from rough routes that provide comfort and improve control. There are two main types of suspensions, which are as follows:
Hardtail Bikes
These bikes feature a brutal back end and a suspension fork at the front end. This is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity, affordability and lightweight. These bikes are ideal for cross-country riding, climbing and routes with fewer challenges.
Full Suspension Bikes
These bikes have suspension on both the front and back end, which provides greater comfort and control on rough trails. These bikes can be heavy, expensive and added control. Suspension on both ends reduces fatigue, which is more beneficial for riders.
Key Components of Suspension
Here are the critical components of suspension:
Suspension Fork
The suspension fork is present at the front of the bike and has two telescopic tubes that compress and absorb shocks. The key features of this include spring type and adjustability.
Rear Shock
This is found on all suspension bikes. This connects the frame’s front triangle to the back triangle. This can help to improve traction and control on rough routes.
Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Sport Bicycle
When selecting suspension for your mt bike, consider the riding you plan to do:
Cross-Country (XC)
Choose a suspension system with less travel (80-120mm) for cross-country riding, as efficiency and speed are essential here. Hardtail bikes are best for this type of bike as they are lightweight and have efficient power transfer.
Trail Riding
Trail bikes are versatile and best for a variety of routes. They have a moderate suspension journey of (120-150mm). They are designed for a balance of climbing and capabilities to descend.
Enduro/All-Mountain
These bikes are built for rough areas and are able to climb. These have full suspension and have more travel ( 150-170mm). These bikes are best for those who want adventurous trails.
Downhill
For the most extreme descents, downhill bikes offer the most suspension travel (170-200mm). These complete suspension bikes are heavy and robust, designed to handle big drops and high-speed descents. They are not suitable for climbing and are often used in bike parks or where a shuttle service is available.
Conclusion
Mastering mountain bike suspension is essential to maximise the enjoyment and performance of the routes. To tackle any route confidently, you must understand the basics and choose the right type of suspension for a sports bicycle. The suspension system should be maintained regularly and ready to conquer the mountain. Enjoy Adventures!
