Mountain Bike Categories
Hard tail
The quality is dictated by price. The MTB has front suspension which varies from spring to air. Some front suspension settings can can be locked out or adjusted whilst the bike is being ridden. The adjusteris mounted on top of the shocks or handle bars. Comes with 27 gears, a front derailleur with three chain rings and a 9 cluster at the rear with a derailleur.
The frame is aluminium, carbon fibre or a combination. Straight handlebars with two brakes (front / rear) and the shifters for both derailleur's. The brakes may be cable operated or hydraulic disc with the cheaper models being fitted with "Vee" brakes. This machine is used for touring or fire trails but is limited to the size of the pannier bags it can carry because of the short wheel base. There is a pannier carrier available to fit front shocks allowing the bike to carry panniers front and rear like a touring or hybrid bike but not as successfully.
To change over to road work there are a number of modifications including changing tyres and /or wheels which makes the changeover quicker and convenient. The ability to lockout the front shocks is an advantage here reducing the energy loss by the rider on road services where shock absorbers aren't needed.
Tyres are large diameter with lower tyre pressures and designed for off road work. Comfort on the hard tail MTB can be improved by the fitting of a suspension saddle post i.e. Thud buster or spring loaded saddle post or a gel saddle. Soft tail
As above with the introduction of an independent rear suspension which comes in many different configurations. On better quality machines the rear shock absorber can be locked out or adjusted to suit the terrain or rider. Truly designed for the real rough stuff and an increase in price to accommodate the extra components and design.
Panniers can once again be fitted but the rear suspension restricts the types of carrier and bags. This type of machine is very specialized and definitely not designed for about town road work. Free ride or 4cross
26 inch bikes made with stronger frames and parts designed for big jumps and racing. Free ride is one of the newest sports taking off all over Australia and the world.
4cross racing is just like BMX racing on a larger scale with bigger jumps and much more action. A 4cross bike is halfway between a BMX bike and a Mountain Bike with a different stronger frame geometry designed for jumping.
The mountain bike categories of bicycle although very popular with the public are not the best machines for general riding, please visit Purchasing a Bike - Beginners Guide for more information.
The Pushbike Factory carries both Merida and Jamis Mountain Bikes with models availab to view and try.
Jamis Bicycles Website
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