FreeRide

Freeride bikes have to tackle some of the most technically challenging trails around, but with the added pressure on the rider to pick out the best lines and routes based on their real time judgement. This means that Freeride cycles need to be adaptive and flexible enough to allow the rider to feel in control at all times during particularly taxing downhill runs.

You can get cheap Freeride mountain bikes, although in general you will find that the most capable models will be a little more expensive than bog standard cycles. Brands such as Scott, Giant, Kona and many more produce Free Ride bikes, most of which will feature full-suspension setups in order to cope with the punishment of uneven terrain and the impacts that come after making big air.

Freeride bikes are of course not all about the downhill sprint, because climbs will also be part and parcel of the experience. This is why the best Freeride cycles will be able to combine the need to soak up bumps and jumps with a lateral stiffness which can help you when the time comes to push uphill. If a bike is loose and soft you can lose all of your power and momentum, but choosing a well received Freeride bike will let you cope with any situation. Multi-chamber suspension comes into play in this area, with some models adapting automatically to deliver just as much travel as the situation requires.