Assure Performance and Safety By Selecting Only High Quality Downhill Mountain Bikes

Mountain biking offers many kinds of rides that get the adrenaline pumping as well as the legs.  Going downhill fast is as exciting as it gets and having one of the better downhill mountain bikes under you will increase your confidence, performance and your chances of getting to the bottom in one piece.  Let’s take a look at some key features of downhill mountain bikes and also some of the set-up required for improving your ride.

As for features, choose from downhill mountain bikes with full suspensions.  Most offer them, though a few still go hard tail.  Spend the extra money to get a better, safer and more controllable ride with full suspension.  Having adjustable suspension is also vital.

Secondly, choose downhill mountain bikes that feature top-quality brakes.  They should have motorcycle-style disc brakes for maximum braking power.  This is no place to save a few bucks or to rely on inferior equipment.  Gravity will be at work and if your brakes don’t stop you something hard and immovable just might!

Next, choose a frame designed specifically for downhilling.  It may be longer to provide greater stability.  Shorter frames are more responsive but that also means they turn more sharply.  That’s not always something you want on down grades.  Lose it for a second and you’re over the bars in a heartbeat.  Some head angles can be adjusted.  For downhill mountain bikes choose a less steep angle for greater control. Downhill mountain bikes also feature heavier, more rugged frames, and since gravity offsets the weight issue you’ll want the sturdiest ride you can find.

As for the basics of setting up at the top in order to optimize your ride to the bottom, here are some pointers.  Let’s start with breaks since you’ll no doubt find them handy at some point of your descent.  It’s best to adjust them so that you have maximum leverage and control.  This is achieved by setting the lever to fall beneath your index finger.  One-finger braking means 3 fingers plus your thumb are still on the handle bars, and the more the better.  Simply make sure your grips are tight and tacky so your hand won’t slide away from the lever.  They’re no good if you can’t reach ‘em!

Set the suspension softer for low-speed compression in order to handle the roots and small stones you’ll find on most trails. Set the high-speed compression firmer to withstand bigger hits coming off drops, for example.

The tyres on your downhill mountain bikes should be made of soft compound rubber for better grip on the terrain.  Also having them nearer the low-pressure threshold will serve you well by producing more contact with the trail.

If heading downhill is in your future then be sure to shop for top quality downhill mountain bikes only.  Paying less for cheap downhill mtb bikes will not serve you well.  The bike won’t hold up and you might not, either!

Summary: When purchasing downhill mountain bikes it is important to buy one built for the demands of downhill riding and racing.  It is also vital to have the setup correct for downhill purposes.  This guide discusses the essentials of finding the right bike and optimizing the setup for performance and safety.