There are four widely recognised categories of mountain biking styles, each differentiated by terrain and technical skills. Although a general purpose mountain bike should be able to handle all terrains, a purpose built bike for a specific style will certainly improve enjoyment and safety.

• Cross-country (XC) - as the name implies, well balanced for hill climbing, moderate downhill, and a goes anywhere style, is the most popular form of mountain biking.

• Downhill (DH) - getting down a hill as fast as possible, this highly aggressive style of riding is suitable for dedicated trails only. It is difficult if not impossible to ride uphill.

• Freeride (FR) - Cross between XC and DH, freeride focuses on speed and technical terrain, hence less emphasis on manoeuvrability uphill.

• Dirt Jumping - Stunt and style, this urban and cycle-cross trail riding is all about air and technical ability.

The Bike

Depends on the style you choose to ride, but mountain biking is not cheap sport. For the bike alone, you should expect to pay anything from £700 ($1,200US) for a decent XC setup to £6,000 ($9,700US) for a top-end race machine. To get more info about which mountain bike is for you go to the specific section above to find out more.

Should I Service my own bike?

Maintaining your own bike is an enjoyable experience, and a necessary skill to have especially if you are out in the country side in the middle of nowhere. But simple practises like washing your bike of mud and dirt every time after riding, will certainly improve its lifespan.

Right sized bike, how?

This is a very difficult question, since some manufacturers are using different measurements and height is only one of the many deciding factors. The best thing to do is to check out the manufacturer’s website first, then go and test ride as many options as you can from your local bike shop and bring a knowledgeable friend with you. If you don’t know anyone that can help, how about creating a “Bike Shopping Day” event and get a group of us to go together!

But most importantly ask yourself what you want from the bike and where you are most likely to use it before buying! Check out our articles and see what suits you best.

Women specific bike, is it important?

Frame design specifically for women could offer extra comfort, but since mountain biking generally has a lower profile design it is less important. Still, the best way to find the right bike is to seek advice from your local bike shop and most importantly, test ride as many bikes as you can and bring a knowledgeable friend before you purchase!

Simple checks before you go

Although mountain bikes are usually very robustly built, a few simple checks before you leave home may save you some trouble and prolong your bike’s lifespan.

1. Brakes – you don’t want to find a faulty brake in any situation when riding, so check them to make sure they work and that the brake pads have not worn below the markers. If you use hydraulic brakes, check for leakage.

2. Tyres – don’t use any tyres that are worn out or with cracks on the side wall. Make sure you know and keep the correct pressure for your tyres and inner tubes, pump them up if necessary.

3. Drive chain – apply a good quality chain lube every time you go riding because of dust and dirt you will encounter on track. Make sure you know how to put your chain back if it comes off during riding.

4. Gears – make sure all the gears are working and shifting to the right index.

5. Repair kit – Bring at least your puncture kit, tyre levers and pump. A spare inner tube is also good to have.

6. Water – many of us don’t drink enough water when exercising, it’s always good to have a bottle and drink occasionally even if you don’t feel thirsty. Ideally a backpack solution like Camelbak, where you can keep other gear and food with you too.

7. Helmet – even if you think your head is tougher than a rock, still wear a helmet! If it’s involved in a crash, replace it immediately.

8. Body armour – if you ride aggressively, wear at least knee and elbow pads. Wearing full body armour with full-face helmet is not an option if you do DH, or some very technical FR.