Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are bicycles which have been specially adapted for off road use. Mountain bikes are typically much more rugged than a standard bicycle intended for use on paved roads. They will usually feature large 26 inch wheels enclosed in thick rubber tyres with deep tread to ensure mountain bikes maintain maximum stability on difficult surfaces. Mountain bikes will also make effective use of suspension, particularly on the front wheels to help give the rider a much more comfortable ride when transversing rugged terrain. Mountain bikes with suspension on the front and rear wheels are also available, although they can be quite expensive.  Lightweight, but strong materials are used to create mountain bikes so they remain easy to ride, but also durable.

Mountain bikes were first manufactured in the late 70’s and early 80’s and sold to a niche market of off road biking enthusiasts. Since the early days of mountain bikes the sports they are used in have becoming increasingly mainstream and most of the bicycles sold in the UK are mountain bikes.

There are a number of relatively cheap mountain bikes available and they are sold by a variety of different shops and retailers. Cheaper mountain bikes tend be sold at shops such as Halfords. Specialist mountain bike shops will carry much more expensive models and very high end mountain bikes can cost several thousand pounds or more. Most specialist cycling shops that sell mountain bikes will also sell a variety of accessories and be able to provide a repairs service.