Mountain Biking at BIKE24 – Make Trails Better

Have you always wanted to know what would await you over the next hill on a hike through your local forest? Or do you like to explore woodlands, mountains, meadows and valleys with your own strength? 

But the routes become too long or too demanding for hiking or jogging. How about riding them on a bike? On the unpaved paths and steep trails, you will probably quickly reach the limits of what you can ride with a normal bicycle. A group of young, visionary US Californians also made this experience in the early 1980s. And they developed their very own type of bicycle for off-road use – the mountain bike!  Since then, the original type of mountain bike has gone through many evolutionary stages, but some main features have remained: rough-treaded, high-volume knobby tires, wider handlebars and a stable frame construction. But when it comes to frame materials, suspension, derailleur system and wheels, the situation is different. Here, full-suspension frames made of the latest lightweight materials such as carbon, sophisticated technology highlights such as electronic shifting systems and 27.5" and 29" wheel sizes now dominate the scene in many disciplines. It is still all Greek to you? 
According to the claim Make Trails Better, we will tell you everything you need to know about this topic.

The following topics await you:

• What Do You Want to Do with Your Bicycle?
  • The Different Fields of Application
  • What Is Special about Women's MTBs?
  • Mountain Biking with Kids – Share the Stoke!
  • Finding the Right MTB Frame Size
• MTB Helmets – Open Face, Full-Face and More
• The Right Apparel for All Situations
• MTB Parts for More Performance, Ergonomics, Low Weight and Durability
  • Wheels
  • Tires
  • Suspension Fork and Rear Shock
  • Shifting Systems
  • Brakes
  • Cockpit and Seat Area

Stupid question, mountain bike riding of course! But to ensure that your motivation to push the pedals is not soon followed by disappointment, it makes sense to think about the intended field of application and your demands on mountain biking. The field of application depends on the terrain and the technical difficulties. The question about your demands is about how you want to ride a mountain bike. Is it important for you to climb the uphill under your own power or are you also interested in an E-MTB? Do you want the paths that mountain bikers call trails to be very demanding or steep? Do you want to pursue mountain biking as a sport, experience enjoyable tours through nature off the paved tracks or do you want to take paths that hardly anyone else treads?

The first discipline we would like to introduce to you is cross-country. In the classic definition, XC-MTB means mastering an off-road course as quickly as possible with a colourful mix of flat sections, steep climbs and sometimes challenging descents. Artificially built jumps are not to be found on these courses, but drops can certainly occur. Cross country is more of a performance-oriented MTB discipline, which is expressed especially in the cross-country race and the longer marathon form. In XC riders often ride light hardtails that allow maximum propulsion but are rather minimalistic in terms of suspension and comfort. If the trails are more demanding in sections, you can also opt for a modern down-country full-suspension bike. If you are already keen on setting best times with a cross-country mountain bike, read on here.

Do you prefer fun over performance and do you want your future MTB to be capable on technical mountain trails as well as on your home trails? Then you will most likely feel at home in the trail or all-mountain range. The latest generation of trail and all-mountain bikes are true all-rounders. They convince on flat terrain, when climbing uphill – as an electric mountain bike also with motor support – as well as in moderately steep downhill terrain. This is possible thanks to full suspension with around 130 mm travel and a still low weight. Thanks to the trail geometry, they always invite you to play around and do not shy away from jumps and drops. On our trail/ all-mountain topic page you can find out more details about why a trail hardtail can be a good alternative and what else is important besides the bike.

True to the motto "It does not get any steeper than this" and "The only thing better than flying", gravity mountain bikers almost always ride at the limit. If you also want to experience the boundless freedom of mountain bike riding not only on the ground, MTB enduro and downhill are just the right thing for you. In enduro mountain biking you can prove your endurance in very demanding uphill sections and then fly back downhill in steep sections full of obstacles. A tough uphill and downhill ride on narrow, exposed single tracks that are mostly blocked with stones or covered with roots. Would you like it to be a little harder and more thrill seeking? Then the downhill bike is just the thing for you. A shuttle or lift takes you up to the mountain summit and then you are faced with trails that are usually the ultimate in terms of gradients, jump heights and ground conditions. To make this possible, the extra-sturdy bikes have plenty of suspension travel (up to 200 mm), even more aggressively treaded tires and extra-wide handlebars (up to 800 mm). From now on there should only be one direction for you and that is: downhill? Then take a look at our topic page.

True to the motto "It does not get any steeper than this" and "The only thing better than flying", gravity mountain bikers almost always ride at the limit. If you also want to experience the boundless freedom of mountain biking not only on the ground, MTB enduro and downhill are just the right thing for you. In enduro mountain biking you can prove your endurance in very demanding uphill sections and then fly back downhill in steep sections full of obstacles. A tough uphill and downhill ride on narrow, exposed single trails that are mostly blocked with stones or covered with roots. Would you like it to be a little harder and more thrill seeking? Then the downhill bike is just the thing for you. A shuttle or lift takes you up to the mountain summit and then you are faced with trails that are usually the ultimate in terms of gradients, jump heights and ground conditions. To make this possible, the extra-sturdy bikes have plenty of suspension travel (up to 200 mm), even more aggressively treaded tires and extra-wide handlebars (up to 800 mm). From now on there should only be one direction for you and that is: downhill? Then take a look at our topic page.

#GirlsRideToo – Even in mountain biking, the times when the sport and hobby were mostly the domain of men has thankfully long been a thing of the past. Meanwhile, the girls are teaching the boys lessons in all disciplines.
So that you can soon be one of them, you should consider buying a special women's MTB. In contrast to men's or unisex models, mountain bikes for women are often available in particularly small frame sizes. Furthermore, the frame shape and suspension are mostly adapted to weight and body proportions. As far as the bike parts are concerned, all contact points are adapted to the female anatomy. Styles for Smiles – On women's MTBs, stylish spectral colours tend to dominate the picture or set pleasant accents. On our women's MTB topic page, we have put together everything SHE needs for maximum trail fun!

Outdoor exercise is healthy and mountain bike riding is one of the best ways to explore your home country. So what could be more natural than exploring nature alone? Of course, getting to know new trails together on an MTB tour and sharing the passion. Two essentials are, of course, a children's MTB with the right frame height and wheel size and sufficient protective apparel. These and other useful mountain biking equipment can be found on our children's topic page. Because if you want to overtake mum and dad one day, you have to practice early!

The decision for a certain model has been made. Now you just have to choose the right frame size, put it in the shopping basket and check out. But choosing the right frame size is sometimes more difficult than you think. You can find out how to calculate the best frame size for you here: The right bike frame size.

You have chosen a specific MTB, congratulations! But before you start your ride: Safety First! And that definitely includes wearing an MTB helmet. But which one is the right one?
In principle, you can choose your helmet according to the field of application, just like you choose your bike. MTB helmets for cross-country tend to be lightweight, very well ventilated half-shell helmets that often do not need a visor. If demanding mountain trails are your terrain, a trail/ all-mountain helmet is probably more suitable for you. In contrast to XC helmets, they have a shell that is pulled down further at the back of the head and a proper visor. This protects your eyes and face even during the flight phase. The more you ride off-road, the more you will notice that the application fields can flow into each other. The same applies to the choice of helmet, where personal taste is also important. For example, some enduro riders use a full-face helmet with goggles, while others use a trail half-shell and cycling glasses. Technologically, helmets have also evolved massively. Besides additional safety features – MIPS impact protection and Koroyd honeycomb – they also offer practical gimmicks such as modular chin bars or integrated radio systems. A full-face helmet offers even more safety thanks to its fully integrated chin bar. At the latest if you get serious about downhill riding a full-face helmet with goggles will become a must and further protective gear is highly recommended. Read on to find out more about apparel for mountain biking.

What should I wear? All mountain bike riders ask themselves this question. Choosing the right apparel is no longer just about functionality. The whole set of MTB shorts, jersey, gloves, goggles, socks, shoes and, of course, bike must form a harmonious overall look for many. Depending on the length of the tour, a backpack that naturally matches the look is also recommended. When it comes to the choice of colours, people are divided: sometimes subdued colours with small accents or bright spectral colours. But the colourful outer layer is also technologically convincing. Thanks to functional materials such as softshell, hardshell or coated fabrics you are effectively protected against wind, damp and coldness and can go mountain bike riding all year round. In terms of cut, aerodynamically tight-fitting jerseys and spandex bib shorts are common among XC and marathon riders. Trail, all-mountain and enduro riders, in contrast, often opt for more relaxed fit MTB shorts and shirts or pants and long-sleeves. The hardcore faction of downhill and freeride mountain bikers like a particularly loose fit at the top and also rather long at the bottom in summer – to avoid abrasions.
The shorts and pants are a particularly important piece of clothing, as they are always in contact with the MTB. Modern trail shorts combine a comfortable, casual cut with essential features such as removable liner shorts with seat pad. Unlike their tight-fitting XC counterparts, they almost always offer zipped pockets.
Since you never know if the weather will change in the mountains, a rain jacket and rain pants are invaluable on longer tours. In addition, if you are a tough all-season cyclist, base layers made of merino wool are an ideal basis for your multi-layer outfit.
Most MTB shorts and pants are also cut extra wide to leave enough room for protector pants and knee pads. When it comes to upper wear, it is a bit different. Normal bike shirts, with short or long sleeves, fit a little looser but are not yet optimised for wearing protection vests or back protectors. These can only be perfectly integrated under the wide DH outfits. Furthermore, it will be completed with a neck brace worn around the neck for maximum protection in case of emergency.

Finally: Do you prefer flat or clipless pedals? Clipless pedals allow for more efficient power transfer and more control. Flat pedals are compatible with all shoes and offer beginner-friendly use. Once you have decided, you can choose from the wide range of clipless shoes and flat pedal sneakers.

You already own one or more MTBs and want to get better performance out of your bikes because, for example, your friends often outrun you? Then we have everything you need - from lightweight to ergonomic to especially durable MTB parts. You are probably wondering what to start with first. We have sorted all the important upgrade parts for you according to their improvement potential: wheels and tires, suspension, derailleur system and, of course, brakes. Finally, we briefly discuss MTB ergonomics.

Take your mountain bike to the next level, with or without an electric motor, and upgrade now!

New 27.5" or 29" wheels offer the greatest tuning effect, especially on complete bikes from the entry-level and mid-range range. Thanks to lightweight materials such as aluminium on the hub and rim or even carbon rims, the rotating mass can be effectively reduced. The result: your MTB accelerates more nimbly and you benefit from the lower total weight, especially on uphill's. If you want to make full use of the entire lightweight construction portfolio, you cannot do without carbon, which tends to be more expensive. In some cases, you can save up to 500 g. Another side effect of the wheel upgrade is usually a wider rim that allows you to run tires with less air pressure for more traction and comfort. By the way, the rim width-o-meter is clearly pointing upwards. For XC, a 25 mm inner rim width is almost the standard these days. In Trail/ All-Mountain and Enduro, people give preference to a whopping 30 mm and more comfort and smoothness – even with the options for Plus and Semi-Plus. More internal width' does not stop at classic disciplines, and so inner widths around 30 mm are becoming more and more popular in downhill as well. Another plus is tubeless compatibility, which unfortunately is not always standard ex-factory. When buying, it is important to choose the right wheel size - 26", 27.5" (650B) or 29" - and the appropriate mounting standard, e.g. quick release, thru axle or Boost thru axle.

By the way: Converting to tubeless is one of the upgrade options with the best price-performance ratio. If the tires and rims on your bike are already tubeless-ready, you only need the sealant, tubeless valves and rim tape to enjoy more efficient rolling behaviour, yet with more grip, better damping and puncture protection – small holes are sealed automatically. 
In addition to the possibility of tubeless operation, new MTB tires also offer even more options for improving performance. Namely, you can choose the model that suits your type of riding in addition to the size (26", 27.5" and 29"). Two examples: If you ride more on wet and soft surfaces, the rubber compound, lug tread and size should be adapted accordingly. If you are riding on hard ground with sharp stones, you need flatter, narrower blocks and good puncture protection for easy rolling. Furthermore, the new tires are usually lighter thanks to the foldable bead core, which brings you a bit more forward on the trail.

Next, we put your suspension on the test bench, i.e. suspension fork and, in the case of full-suspension, the rear shock. Whether for enduro, trail or downhill: with a stiffer, long-travel fork and an individually adjustable shock with the finest responsiveness and low weight, you will hardly believe riding the same mountain bike or E-MTB. The upgrade options are often equipped with weight-saving air springs and have better adjustable shock cartridges to avoid losing to much power on longer transfers or climbs, for example. Furthermore, all sliding parts such as seals are optimised for less friction, which improves the breakaway force and thus the response to fine impacts. Your mountain bike's fork and shock are not that old, but you still want to get more performance out of your suspension? With a tuned air spring for the fork or a lighter, progressive steel spring this is easily possible. Just choose the right spring rate or put the right number of spacers in the air chamber of the fork, and you can hit the jumps and drops without any worries, while your bike keeps optimal contact with the ground during trail surfing. Trail and enduro MTB riders in particular love to tackle uphills on their tours and then head for the descents. But sometimes, especially on downhills, the saddle tends to get in the way. Brand-new bikes are therefore equipped with so-called dropper posts, i.e. seatposts that can be adjusted in height via handlebar remotes. If your MTB doesn't have one yet, it is time to upgrade immediately. 

To ensure that your power will be properly transferred to the chain when mountain biking, the right gear selection is important. This is done on MTBs via separate shift levers, which are usually operated from the handlebars via thumb and forefinger. It is just stupid when you only hear a crackling and rattling noise from the rear derailleur or rear triangle, but nothing happens, or the front derailleur is surrounded by a lump of mud. For maximum reliability and an optimal gear range, current MTB shifting parts and shift groups are designed for 1x11 or 12 or 7 speeds (DH) on the rear wheel. The front derailleur is no longer required. This makes mechanically or, for even more precision, electrically controlled shifting systems lighter and super-efficient.

When irrepressible forces reign, the right braking power is also needed to stop the MTB on the dot. Disc brakes have established themselves on mountain bikes. You can choose from powerful, finely doseable brake systems with up to four pistons and individual adjustment options. Depending on the rider's weight and type of use, you can also choose from brake discs with 140, 160, 180, 203 or 220 millimetres. Especially on downhill bikes and E-MTBs, there usually cannot be enough braking power.

The way you sit on the MTB is the way you ride! The magic word here is ergonomics. It is all about the contact points between rider and bike and their distances. The most exposed cockpit areas are divided into seating and grip area. If the saddle is uncomfortable or incorrectly adjusted, the tour can become a real torture. A saddle with the correct width can sometimes be a real relief. Sometimes you also have to change the seat post so that the distance to the handlebars is correct. If you ride over a field of roots, despite the suspension fork and tires, some the energy is still transferred to the rider. If the handlebars and grips do not fit properly, your muscles and joints will give up sooner than you would like. The handlebar grips should offer good damping, counteract bending of the wrists and always offer sufficient grip for maximum safety. An optimally fitting, wide MTB handlebar improves stability, cornering ability and control. Your handlebar width should allow you a comfortable (50 - 60° upper body inclination) basic riding position. In the optimal basic position, the arms are slightly bent with the elbows pointing downwards and the upper arms rotated slightly outwards. To achieve this, modern MTB handlebars are quite wide – 740 to 800 mm – and equipped with a rise (height difference: grip and clamping area) and a backsweep (bend back towards the rider).