Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a bicycle purpose-built for off-road riding over rough terrain, distinguished from a road bicycle by a sturdier frame, wide knobby tires, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and typically front or full suspension to absorb impacts from rocks, roots and drops. The type emerged in the late 1970s in Northern California, where riders adapted older heavyweight bicycles for downhill trail riding before purpose-built frames and components followed in the 1980s, and it grew into one of the most popular cycling disciplines worldwide, spawning competitive cross-country and downhill racing as well as a large recreational and commuting market. Modern mountain bikes are typically classified by wheel size and suspension travel suited to cross-country, trail, enduro or downhill riding, and the category's demand for stronger frames and disc brakes influenced bicycle design well beyond off-road use.