Cycling freeriding is a sports discipline that involves cycling along difficult tracks with various obstacles (natural and artificial). It is almost impossible to ride such a track on a regular bike, which is why special bicycles for freeriding are used here. Today we take a closer look at this type of extreme sport and find out what a bike should be like so that it can overcome the freeride track.
general information
The name of this direction comes from the English phrase free ride, which is translated only as “free movement”. But how can you call free driving along such difficult routes that obey only after years of training and a dozen bruises? That’s the point - the more professional the cyclist, the more he can afford and the more difficult the track can be.
Classic freeride
There are two types of freeride: classic and light (light). The classic is perfectly expressed in extreme riding in the wild. The athlete does not have any restrictions in riding speed, length of jumps, trajectory of movement and steepness of turn. In general, complete freedom of action. However, before learning to ride in such conditions, you need:
- Master the technique of jumping, landing and controlling a bike.
- Conquer dozens of tracks: from simple to difficult.
- Work on moral training. Namely, to develop the ability to make the right decision in an emergency based on fundamental knowledge and experience. Of course, one cannot do without calm and common sense.
- Purchase full equipment.
Reviews of athletes show that skating in this style allows you to get unforgettable emotions, enjoy natural beauties and conquer new heights. Of particular pleasure is overcoming areas that even seem difficult for motorists (puddles, dirt, bumps, etc.). Riding along difficult tracks, the cyclist greatly risks his safety, therefore, without proper preparation, you should not do this.
The track, on which slopes, bumps, abrupt changes in the path, cliffs, etc. abound, will not obey the cyclist who is used to riding around the city or forest paths. What to do for those who do not want to study too long? Especially for such an audience, they came up with a lightweight version of freeride.
Light freeride
This direction does not require special training from the rider and is very popular among lay cyclists, whose ranks often include tourists. In the lightweight version of freeriding there are no protracted stone descents, sharp cliffs and other complex elements. The track usually only slightly resembles a freerider. On it you can find well-traveled paths, small artificial jumps, minor bumps and smooth turns. The slopes for the light version of this sport are usually gentle. If they are made of stones, then the stones are used small, without sharp corners. Sometimes, instead of natural descent, an artificial, imitating hillside is built. There are no restrictions on speed and technique, so anyone who has the basic skills of mountain biking can try light freeride.
Freeride Bicycles
Since this area is considered an independent sport, bicycles are issued for it separately. A professional bike for free style is a kind of mountain bike. Bicycles for freeride and downhill are very similar to each other, but professionals know that they have significant differences. Among the features of the bike for extreme riding can be identified:
- Structural strength.
- Light weight.
- The presence of a depreciation system.
- Powerful brakes.
- Wide tire profile.
When riding on difficult tracks, the bike experiences severe dynamic loads, so structural strength is especially important. The frame for such a bike is much stronger than the usual mountain. It is usually made of aluminum alloys.
Besides the fact that the bike should be reliable, it also should not weigh a lot. The lower the weight of the bike, the easier it is for the cyclist to overcome the climb uphill and fly over cliffs. Typically, freeride bikes do not weigh more than 15 kilograms.
If in mountain bicycles one shock absorber is often enough - the front shock absorber, then in freeride bikes the second one - the rear one will not hurt. The damping and vibration damping system smooths out shock loads that occur not only on the bike, but also on the cyclist. Shock absorbers on such a bike have a large stroke, about 7 inches. In freeride, two types of suspension are usually used: spring-elastomeric and spring-oil.
Professional bicycles for freeriding without fail have a high-quality brake system. Typically, disc hydraulic brakes with metal pads are installed on them - the most expensive and powerful type of brakes to date.
Wide-profile tires with a deep tread pattern allow the bike to maintain balance on off-road, stone slopes and sand. With ordinary wheels in such conditions it would be much more difficult.
According to reviews of cyclists, freeride bikes are a rather specific vehicle. To apply them in other disciplines is not recommended. However, novice riders usually use these bikes for downhill and just mountain biking.
For comparison, consider several well-known brands that produce bicycles for freeride.
Ghost
The German company Ghost has become famous all over the world thanks to a serious approach to the quality of each model. From the very beginning of its development, the manufacturer said that he was doing everything so that riding a bicycle brought maximum pleasure. Every day, this phrase is confirmed by the creation of the next batch of bicycles for sports, travel and just relaxing with unsurpassed German quality. The manufacturer produces a huge number of models, which are divided into seven classes. The Ghost freeride bike can be found in the MTB Fully class.
Cannondale
An American brand that has gained worldwide popularity due to its brightness, personality, as well as innovative solutions in Cannondale bikes. Freeride bicycles of this manufacturer are recognized by many professional athletes.
Rock machine
The Czech company, which quickly managed to conquer the European, and then the American market. The main advantage of the manufacturer in comparison with competitors is its excellent value for money. Many athletes and experts recommend Rock Machine models for free skating. Company freeride bicycles have repeatedly shown themselves at world-class competitions.
Trek
This company offers reliable bikes with a very ergonomic design. Today, the company is considered one of the most sought after in the global market. Trek freeride bikes have won more than once in the highest class competitions.
Security
The most important aspect of professional freeriding is safety. To protect themselves from injuries that may occur even with a simple fall, riders must use special equipment. Usually it includes a helmet, body and neck protection, knee pads, elbow pieces and fingerless gloves.