What is freeride mountain biking? Everything you need To Know (2024)
Freeride mountain biking has been introduced to free of gravity’s limitations. These bikes are Inspired by the risky stunts of BMX and motocross, legends like Wade Simmons opened a new path in the late 1980s, showing gravity-defying feats and determining freeride as a distinct sport.
It’s a sport that values risk-taking, creativity, and the joy of single track trail riding.
In this blog post, we will talk about what gear you’ll need, where to go, and the main course. What is freeride mountain biking?
What is Freeride Mountain Biking?
Freeride mountain biking is a dynamic sport that puts creativity, style, and technical skills over speed.
Like downhill bikes, which focus on completing a set course as fast as possible, freeriding allows riders to explore a number of areas and options, which often involve big jumps, drops, technical descents and tricks into their rides.
This discipline started in North America, specifically British Columbia and Utah, when riders started to play with new trail structures in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Freeride mountain biking began on Vancouver’s North Shore, when riders like Todd “Digger” Fiander pioneered the construction of wooden features such as skinnies (thin planks) and ladder bridges.
These developments increased trail riding options and led to more technical trails that tested riders’ skills and creativity.
Riders in Utah explored natural terrain with huge drops, ending in events such as the Red Bull Rampage, which included some of the most extreme freeride performances.
Riders frequently seek out rare courses that may not match regular trails. Many riders also enjoy the controlled environment and features of a bike park.
Freeride mountain bikes (features)
Image Credit: Canyon
Frame: Freeride mountain bikes feature solid frames, which can be made of aluminum or carbon fiber and built to survive large drops, dirt jumping, and crashes.
Long suspension travel: Both the front and rear suspension travel are enough (usually 180-200mm) to absorb shocks from tough terrain and landings.
Slack Head Angle: A slack head angle (between 63 and 65 degrees) drives stability at high speeds and on steep descents.
Strong Wheels and Tires: Wide rims and tough tires with aggressive tread patterns offer traction and puncture resistance.
Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes with big rotors provide consistent stopping force even on technical descents.
Short stem and wide handlebars: This combination improves control and movement, particularly in the air and on technical trails.
Single Chainring Drivetrain: simplifies shifting and minimizes weight while focusing descending performance.
Dropper Seatpost: Allows for fast seat height adjustments on the fly and offers more stability on descents and hard terrain.
Equipment Needed for Freeride Mountain Biking
Helmet: A full-face helmet is essential for protecting your head and face from falls and impacts.
Knee pads: Keep your knees safe from debris, bases, and impacts.
Elbow pads: protect your elbows from damage and falls.
Shin guards: They protect your shins against pedal impacts and debris.
Gloves: provide grip and protection for your hands.
Image Credit: evs-sports
Body armor: Consider adding chest and back protectors, especially if you’re trying large drops or difficult traits.
Goggles: will protect your eyes from dust, dirt, and branches.
Types of Freeride Mountain Biking
Big Mountain Freeride: Is to navigate steep slopes that have big jumps and drops. Events such as the Red Bull Rampage showcase this method.
Slopestyle courses: inspired by ski and snowboard competitions, are made up of many parts and assess riders on their tricks and style.
Street Freeride: This type is centered around urban locations, with mountain bikers using city structures as obstacles for tricks. These courses are often found in bike parks.
Freeriding is not limited to certain regions; it can be done anywhere, from forest trails to cities. It’s also a great option for riders looking for a challenge beyond the usual single track.
Events and Competitions
Some high-profile competitions have helped boost freeride mountain bikes.
The Red Bull Rampage is one of the most popular freeriding events, held in Utah’s desert and includes some of the most deadly stunts performed by expert mountain bikers.
Crankworx is a global series of mountain biking festivals with a wide range of events, including slopestyle competitions. Some Crankworx events are held at bike parks.
These competitions not only display the abilities of talented riders, but also encourage newbies to the sport.
Riders in Freeride Mountain Biking
Brandon Semenuk: is an influential player in freeride biking, he is known for his clever stunts and several wins at big events.
Nicholi Rogatkin: A young rider who has built a name for himself with strong performances and a unique style.
These individuals have helped raise freeriding’s global profile and inspired future generations.
Conclusion
Freeride mountain bikes have evolved from its start in the late 1980s to an exciting sport that values quality, style, and technical skills over speed.
Pioneers such as Wade Simmons and Todd “Digger” Fiander established the foundation for this discipline, which currently includes a variety of styles from large mountain freeride to urban street riding.
Mountain bikers such as Brandon Semenuk and Nicholi Rogatkin continue to excite with stunning stunts at events like the Red Bull Rampage.
If you want to try freeride mountain bikes, start by investing in the necessary equipment and learning near trails with various terrain.
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