About the full-suspension bike

About the full-suspension bike:

Here we describe the terms that are frequently used in bicycle shops. Dependent on how much travel the front fork and rear shock have, bikes can be used for certain specified purposes and categories. This applies to both men and women bikes. For an easier understanding, we added appropriate images for each category.

Categories of full-suspension bikes:

DH (Downhill): Downhill typically means driving down a hill, where you will mostly take your bike with a chairlift up to the hill and then quickly descend into the valley. This also allows a front fork, in most cases with 203 mm travel. Due to the downhill gradient, the center of the rider’s gravity on the bike is typically tilted back. Downhill riders are trained and experienced riders with great motor abilities and courage. Steep trails, roots, high rocks, artificial barriers and time controls are 'problems' which downhill riders have to face.

Freeride: You will use this bike for quick descents in combination with demanding segments. Mostly you will take your bike with a chairlift up to the hill and then quickly descend into the valley. The descent is more technically challenging. Typical Freeride bikes have a front wheel with only one sprocket which does not allow a lot pedaling. However, the wheel allows more variation of vibrations, swaying and rocking. If the wheel is intended for a more technical Freeride riding, it is equipped with two front sprockets, since this allows more pedaling. This bike in turn provides less scope for vibrations, swaying and rocking. Freeride front forks have a big travel (170, 180 mm). In case of a more technical Freeride bike, there is also a travel up to 160mm available (and less 120mm). Freeride are enthusiastic cyclists who love overcoming demanding segments during the descent. Rocks, roots and overhangs do not form an obstacle, but a welcome challenge.

All Mountain: The term means a versatile full-suspension bike. This bike is for off-road use, such as meadows and partly also foot paths. This bike is not intended for Downhill and Freeride. With this bike you will climb and descend a hill. Therefore, the wheels in this class usually have 3 front sprockets which allow a better pedaling. Front forks have different travels, mostly around 120mm. The rider’s weight is bended forward. All Mountain riders thrill to overcome demanding climbs and impassable trails. They love overcoming long distances.

Cross Country: This is a riding app. 90% on forest roads and10% only on asphalt surfaces. Therefore, these bikes usually have 3 front sprockets, allowing a better pedaling. Front forks have in most cases a travel of around 100 or 110mm. Racing Mountain bikes also belong to this category.

XC Race: Only intended for races as it is the lightest full-suspension bike available. Most bikes have a 100mm travel. Nowadays, the 29 " bike also belongs to this category.

+ Additional description for the 29" bike:

29" bike: 29" tyres that have a larger diameter than mountain and trekking bikes. Compared with MTB bikes, the 29" tyres have a better grip due to the larger diameter.