DH Mountain Biking: a Brief Introduction
Downhill Mountain Biking is a discipline of mountain biking in which riders either for enjoyment, or in a race, race down a course of varying difficulty against other bike riders. The format of a downhill mountain bike race follows a similar setup to that of skiing.
A History of MTB Downhill
The first ever downhill event that was held was won by Alan Bonds having taken place on the now infamous Repack Road so called as hub bearings would heat up and degrade the grease during decent. That was back in Oct ’76 and downhill has come a long way since that date. Downhill Races now regularly take place across the world on a regular basis particularly in the mountain areas of nations similar to the UK or in the summertime at unused ski resorts in countries similar to France and Italy. These are by no means the only places though, and the DH World Cup is one of mountain bikes most popular events each yearly.
DH Mountain Bikes
In addition to the obvious changes in this format of MTB riding, there are a number of massive changes in the bikes and equipment utilised by the riders. A downhill MTB Frame will be far more specialised that the normal hardtail mountain bike frame you or I used, and will usually have a much more rugged and durable full suspension mountain bike frame. The reason for this is the more extreme trails that a downhill MTB will be subjected to. The choice of having a full suspension bike, which is made to a much better standard than a standard mountain bike is the weight. Whilst a standard mountain bike would be under thirty pounds in weight, DH bikes can to go over 40 pounds. This weight is now however being reduced~coming down~reducing~. Other big differences in the bike can include the use of disc brakes, a high travel suspension fork (five-six inches) and differing frame shape.
Additional Equipment
Extra Protection is always required when taking part in the world of downhill…. just view a couple of videos and you will soon understand that falls, crashes and injuries are a common occurrence and a certain danger this event offers. Body armour, face mask helmets similar the ones used in motocross are needed otherwise you will not be allowed on the trails or to compete.
