MTB

The history of mountain biking The mountain bike, also known as mountain bike (MTB) in English, was born in California in the 1970s before being marketed in France in 1983. Since then, he has experienced an exciting development, becoming a sporting discipline at the Olympic Games in 1996.

What is a mountain bike?

The ATV or Bike All Terrain is a bike that allows you to ride on non-bitumed tracks and rugged terrain thanks to wide and cramped tires, front and/or rear suspensions, a very handy ride with a flat hanger. At the material level, ATV frames are divided between steel, aluminium, titanium or carbon. The geometry of frames differs between female ATVs and man ATVs. The framework tends to be shorter for women and heavier weight for men. Today almost all ATVs are equipped with disc brakes.
Since the invention of the Mountain Bike in the 1970s and the launch of a first Mountainbike brand by Tom Ritchey, Gary Fischer and Charlie Kelly, the practice of mountain biking has evolved greatly with the emergence of many disciplines: enduro, cross country, descent, all mountain, etc. The characteristics of the bikes adapt to the requirements of each discipline as well as the equipment of the pilot that includes backsales, full helmets and protections) for the practices involved.

The different types of ATV

The 26-inch wheels that traditionally formed the standard of mountain bikes are less and less used, even if their reduced size provides good handling and allows effective recovery.
Mountain bikes for cross country or hiking are most often characterized by 29-inch wheels with front suspension. The absence of dampers in the rear promotes lightness and effective pedaling, even if all-suspended ATVs tend to also generalize in this discipline.
The mountain bikes for the enduro, the descent, the ‘all mountain, the freeride, are characterized by wheels usually in 27.5 inches with a front and rear suspension to cushion the shocks and manage the technical descents.

The different categories of ATV

There are various categories of ATV, each adapted to specific styles of practice:

• DH mountain bike (Downhill): For fans of extreme descent, speed and sports in competition.

• Freeride: Designed for extreme slopes, obstacle jumps and undesigned trails.

• Enduro: Ideal for climbing and descending mountain trails and driving on long distances.

• ATV Dirt: Perfect for jumpers and bike parks, close to the BMX.

• All Mountain: A compromise between enduro and trail / cross-country.

• Cross Country (XC) / Race: Focused on speed and optimal pedal performance.

• ATVAE: An electric assistance bike to facilitate your exits.

How to choose the right mountain bike?

Before making your choice, ask these four crucial questions:

1. What is your type of practice? Each discipline corresponds to a range of suitable ATVs.

2. What is your budget and your needs? Determine if you are looking for a mountain bike for leisure or competition.

3. Rigide, semi-suspended or suspended? The type of suspension depends on the terrain and your style of practice.

4. Technical configuration: Consider elements such as frame size, wheel size, handlebar, fork, saddle, brakes, and transmission.

VTT brands to know

We present some of the most famous ATV brands on the market:

• Seriously : Ideal for beginners with models suitable for hiking or cross-country.

• Cube : Offer a wide range of bikes for all budgets and disciplines, from mountain bikes to high-enduro mountain bikes.

• Ghost : Focused on enduro, freeride and downhill, with a variety of choices, including electric mountain bikes.

• Kona : Known for its quality, strength and performance, adapted to high-level competitions.

• Voting : Specialized in the enduro and descent, offering high-end mountain bikes approved by magazines and security institutes.