Freeride as a discipline

Freeride is a style of cycling and an athletic discipline within the sport of cycling. It implies driving on difficult, sometimes artificially created tracks. To ride a freeride, you need excellent physical fitness and high bike control skills. And of course, not every bike is suitable for this extreme discipline, more on that later.

Freeride (free riding in English) means riding on an almost unprepared track, which is teeming with cliffs, jumps and sharp turns. Freeride can be divided into 2 types: classic and lightweight.

Freeride types

The classic option is riding in the mountains, where no route has been laid in advance. That is, on the way, the athlete meets slopes, mud, stones, roots and other delights of wildlife. It is dangerous, but it brings a lot of adrenaline to the rider and it looks very spectacular from the outside.

Light freeride is also mountain skiing, but along paths and mountain paths, a more civilized and safer option. This type of freeride is suitable for amateurs, there is not much experience of extreme riding here and the bike can be simpler.

Freeride bike

Powerful two-suspension bicycles are used. The weight of such bikes can reach 20 kilograms. Fork travel (preferably two-crown) from 140 to 250 mm, rear suspension travel 160-230 mm. Brakes are disk hydraulic. There are usually 10 speeds, but sometimes more. And most importantly - wide tires with a good tread that will confidently hold the road. The fact that the most important thing in such a bike is the frame is clear and so.

Freeride equipment

Both beginners and experienced athletes must be well equipped to minimize the risk of injury, because falls are a regular occurrence in this sport. First of all, you need a full face helmet. It will protect against concussion, fracture of the cervical vertebrae, knocking out of the jaw and other serious injuries. To protect the neck, a special design is used, which in turn is fastened to the shell, which protects the back, ribs, and so on. It's not cheap, but if you're serious, definitely buy it.

Freerider in gear

Other elements of protection include elbow pads, knee pads, gloves. On some tracks, a balaclava or snowboard-type goggles will not be superfluous to protect against dust, small pebbles and other things.

Freeride competitions are held in many countries around the world. The number of fans of this sport is growing steadily, despite its danger. Cities with ski slopes are especially popular. So, if you are interested in taking part in such competitions or improving your skills, find a local freeride community and go on an adventure!

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