Each avid cyclist quickly learns all the neighborhoods close to home. At the same time, there often comes a moment of boredom, when driving on familiar smooth roads becomes not as exciting as before. Downhill bicycles allow you to get off the packed, straight path, check your own abilities and set yourself new, serious tasks.
Specification
Downhill bikes are specific dual-suspension mountain bikes with improved cushioning of the rear and front wheels. They are intended for high-speed descent on especially impassable, steep sections. Unlike standard mountain double-suspension, freeride downhill bikes have a reinforced thick-walled frame with a huge margin of safety.
Compared with the extremely common universal cross-country bikes, models for descending from the hills are heavier, even when using the same frame materials.
Design Features
As a rule, downhill bikes are made of aluminum. However, at present, there are many carbon models on the market that belong to the upper price category.
The downhill mountain bike is designed so that the rear suspension travel is as wide as possible. Typically, this indicator is about 7-10 inches (from 178 to 254 mm). Front shock absorber forks - 7-8 inches (from 178 to 200 mm) also differ in considerable compressibility. Usually, suspension sagging while riding is about 50% of its maximum capacity. Such malleable cushioning contributes to the safe overcoming of stony and hardened sections of the track at the highest possible speeds.
Downhill bicycles have a slight tilt of the steering column, a long wheelbase and the ability to install wide tires. The latter provide better adhesion to surfaces on which it is rather problematic to stay even when walking on foot.
Switches
Among the switches that are equipped with downhill bicycles, the leading position is occupied by the Japanese brand Shimano and the American SRAM. Determining which is better is quite difficult, because the product lines are similar in quality and price.
Mostly top-end, expensive American switches that are suitable for installation on downhill bicycles are prevalent in domestic open spaces. Therefore, most riders prefer a conservative, fairly budget solution in the form of Shimano brand products.
Wheels
According to the standard, small wheels with a diameter of 26 inches are installed on bikes for downhill practice. Recently, cyclists who are familiar with the features of movement in difficult terrain, prefer tubeless tires. The latter facilitate a two-wheeled vehicle, reduce the likelihood of punctures. However, it is recommended to put such expensive wheels only to owners of downhill bicycles who regularly train to participate in serious competitions.
Saddle
Experienced riders prefer telescopic
seatposts. When using the bike exclusively for descending from highlands, this option is useless and can even cause harm. However, during movement along an inclined surface, the telescopic system can be lowered and raised to the desired limit with the click of a button. This contributes to the choice of more gentle riding modes for the condition of the knee joints.
Price issue
The cost of bicycles for downhill in the domestic market today starts at 1000 conventional units. It all depends on the manufacturer, configuration, build quality.
When deciding on an affordable price category, the main thing is to pay attention to the presence of an impressive suspension stroke, increased reliability of components, since the slightest breakdown during high-speed movement over rough terrain can lead to unpredictable consequences both for the condition of the bike itself and for the rider.
Finally
What should I be prepared for when buying a bike for a downhill? First of all, an unprepared rider will have to learn for a long time how to correctly keep the pedals in a standing position, shift weight, breathe in the right rhythm on steep climbs. As difficult as ascents, at first the subsequent descents will turn out to be.
The ability to smoothly slide off steep slides is an important skill for the downhill, which is acquired through long, hard training. Gradually, it is becoming easier to modulate speed, enter sharp turns, put the pedals in the right position.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that downhill is, above all, a sport that simply "sucks" money out of a wallet. At the same time, such an activity is an excellent hobby, which allows you to feel yourself truly alive.