Mountain Biking

History

There are many theories about the origins of mountain biking, most of which involve bikers who adapted existing road bicycles for off-road use. At the end of the nineteenth century, for example, a group of infantrymen rode 800 miles from Missoula, Missouri, to Yellowstone, in an attempt to test the usefulness of a specially designed military bicycle. In the 1950s, some enthusiastic young Parisians made customized alterations to their bicycle mechanics (such as the addition of suspension forks and better brakes) that allowed them to tackle rough terrain.

Other "early adopters" included the hill riders of Crested Butte, Colorado, and the "Cupertino Riders," an informal club of cyclists who modified their bikes to run at up to ten speeds so that they could race up and down dirt roads in the hills of northern California. The Cupertino Riders formed and disbanded during a brief period in the 1970s; by the 1980s, the very first mass-produced mountain bikes had entered the consumer market, and the popularity of the sport exploded.

As mountain biking matured and more people began to discover the pleasure of off-road cycling, the sport began to split into various styles. Some, such as cross-country biking and urban biking, no longer even require access to mountainous terrain.

Cross-country mountain biking became recognized as an official sport of the Olympic Games in 1996, and devotees have not looked back since. Mountain biking is now a passion shared by huge numbers of recreational riders and dedicated professionals who are constantly coming up with new ways to challenge themselves with complicated courses and increasingly impressive techniques.

Techniques

Variations in mountain biking styles involve different basic techniques. Cross-country biking takes place on defined off-road trails on varied terrain but with fairly few obstacles, and bikers strive to go relatively long distances. Downhill riding, on the other hand, involves short, intense trails, with bikers attempting to make their way down as quickly as possible (usually in about 5 to 10 minutes), maneuvering around obstacles such as tree roots and branches. Freeriding enthusiasts like to push themselves on difficult terrain and often do high jumps during their rides. In "urban" mountain biking, riders attempt to perform various stunts such as hopping, rotating, riding on curved surfaces, and grinding ledges.

Trends

One major trend in mountain biking has been the increasing popularity of bike parts made out of so-called "space age" materials such as carbon fiber and titanium. These materials come at a price—they tend to be significantly more expensive than aluminum—but are highly coveted because they are lighter and stronger. Another trend has been the move toward wheel rims and tires with wider diameters—more 10 percent wider than what was traditionally the standard wheel size. Bigger wheels move more easily over bumpy terrain and result in a smoother ride, but also have drawbacks: they are heavier, harder to accelerate, and tend to collect more mud. In addition to using smartphone applications, mountain bikers continue to use advanced computers, including ones that also incorprate navigation, to track their distance, heart rate, and speed as well as the weather conditions.

By 2019, though debates over their classification and merit in the sport had persisted, electric-assisted bikes were attracting more attention for use in mountain biking. At the same time, because of the incorporation of an electric motor, depending on the class, the ability to use the rather expensive e-bikes on mountain trails, and where, was not yet clear.

Biking for Fun vs. Profit

It is possible to make a living as a competitive mountain biker, but since the money a professional earns through sponsorships is variable and may fluctuate depending on the time of year, "going pro" requires absolute dedication to the sport. Competitive bikers also need to train constantly in order to maintain their bodies in peak physical condition. The rewards of recognition and accomplishment may be worth it, however. More reliable, less risky, and less time-consuming ways to profit from a love of mountain biking include becoming a teacher, mechanic, or bike dealer. Most bikers are content to participate actively in a local riding club or enter the occasional race.

Learning More

Organizations

International Mountain Bicycling Association <http://www.imba.com/>

Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society <http://www.wombats.org/>

U.S.A. Cycling <http://www.usacycling.org/>

Books

Howard, John. Dirt!: The Philosophy, Techniques, and Practice of Mountain Biking. Lyons Press, 1997.

Lopes, Brian, Lee McCormack. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills. Human Kinetics, 2005.

Van der Plas, Robert. Mountain Bike Handbook. Sterling Pub. Co., 1991.