Freeride bikes - review and reviews
Experienced sports fans, even far from being conservatives, are forced to admit that the spirit of the times forces them to navigate in modern “trends” and “offshoots” of familiar classics.
Fashion trends, for example, in cycling and skiing, have reached the top - freestyle (skiing and snowboarding), mountain biking (mountain bike competitions), BMX (cyclocross on bicycles of the same name) are included in the program of the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. The verdict of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) is recognition of popularity.
There is one characteristic feature that unites these "newcomers" - extremeness. Speed and dizzying somersaults, sometimes beyond human capabilities, amaze with fearlessness and fantastic coordination.
No restrictions, complete freedom of choice and ... this approach is also not contrary to the rules. Indeed, something new.
Features of freeride riding
Freeride began to emerge in the United States in the eighties of the last century.
Adventure seekers, adrenaline junkies and cycling gourmets have found their own style in freeride. The more difficulties on the track, the better - their motto.
Insufficiently “killed” in a natural way roads and trails, for freeriders, are also destroyed by artificial barriers - all kinds of springboards, slides, stones, etc. joys. Big fans of such activities, Canadians, described this sport as transcendental.
On ordinary "civilian" models of bicycles there is nothing to do there, you need a kind of "jeeps" on 2 wheels.
There would be a demand, and the offer would not be long in coming. The laws of the market came into play and the producers responded by presenting a wide menu for every taste. The range is not cheap, because. there are plenty of requirements for the “mountain bike” category, namely, any whim is allowed on them.
Styles
The good news for those who want to get into the freerider caste is that there is a path “from simple to complex”: freeride has an extreme subspecies - “classic” and relatively soft - “light”.
"Light" style
Provides an opportunity to gain experience. Being engaged in a simplified freeride, you don’t have to immediately “rush into the embrasure” and conquer Everest. The route is selected with a simple profile, without extreme obstacles (simulation is used). This approach makes it possible to feel the bike, load the necessary muscle groups and get positive emotions. "Step a step" - a method of smooth transition to the next stage.
"Classic style"
Everything here is grown-up. Mud, sand, gravel, bumps, stumps, hillocks, jumping from springboards and cliffs - this is an incomplete list of the delights of the "route sheet".
Strength of mind will be far from superfluous quality (the height of the cliffs can reach 10m.), But only in conjunction with the necessary skills. How:
- select the appropriate gear;
- choose the optimal speed mode;
- shift gears on ups and downs;
- overcome ascents and descents of various steepness;
- pass the "broken" turn;
- perform a jump over an obstacle and land correctly;
- "fight" with the water rut.
The "classic" freeride has its own narrow specializations:
- Jumping from low roofs, cliffs, etc. - dropping;
- Riding on wooden bridges, ski jumps - North Shore;
- Performing tricks on specially equipped tracks - slopestyle.
Speed is not an end in itself in freeride (unlike downhill). The main attention is paid to the technique of passing the tracks and performing tricks.
Distinctive features of freeride bikes
The main parameters include:
- High strength
- Cushioning properties
- Efficient braking system
- Tires with a wide profile
- light weight
Structural strength
A large dynamic load falls on the frame, and therefore this part must be of high strength (the requirements are higher than those of a conventional mountain bike). Aluminum alloys are used in production.
Ease
On a light bike, it’s easier to “fly” over cliffs,. Acceptable weight is up to 15 kg.
Cushioning system
Vibration damping is provided by front and rear shock absorbers with a long stroke of approximately 7 inches. There are two versions of the suspension: spring-elastomer and spring-oil.
Brake system
The brake system is disc hydraulic. Brake discs are made of metal and are mounted on the front and rear wheels.
Wide tires
Wide-profile tires are mounted on the wheels, the tread pattern is deep.
Other Features
As a rule, freeride bikes are equipped with a wide curved handlebar, trapezoidal frame and 26-inch wheels.
It should be noted that the weight of the bike causes inconvenience during delivery to the starting point. You can't do without a car or a lift.
Popular Freeride Bike Brands
"GHOST"
German manufacturer. There are 7 classes of bicycles in the line. For freeriding, a two-suspension MTB Fully and 4-Cross are suitable. The lightness and rigidity of the structure is achieved through the use of a pipe with an oval section - an innovative solution. New technologies have also been applied to the design of needle-shaped bearings.
The company exports its products to 20 countries around the world. The brand is in demand among leading athletes. Excellent build quality, attractive design, good ergonomics. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
TREK
Brand from USA. It is in the top ten of the world's best manufacturers. Produces models for all niches. Export - more than 90 countries. Start of mass production - 1980. Since 1983 has experience in making mountain bikes.
On the Trek 9800 and 9900 models (for the ultra light frame) carbon fiber was used. Since 2001 any buyer can order an individual design.
GIANT
Manufacturer from Taiwan. Start of activity 1972 A number of "mountain bikes" of full suspension has more than 15 models. The first company to introduce production technology using pipes of perfect shape, providing structural rigidity without welds. In Russia, Giant is officially represented by Neotren.
What even non-pros of freeride get up on their way requires appropriate preparation. Without well-established skills and specific knowledge, you should not test your bones, joints and ligaments for strength.
Unfortunately, there is a risk of injury. Few manage to "live" without injury. In order to avoid serious consequences, it is recommended to treat the purchase of protective equipment with the same fanaticism as the choice of a bike.
Minimum set of protective equipment
- Helmet (full face type)
- Corset to protect the cervical vertebrae
- knee pads
- Shields to protect the tibia and fibula
- Elbow pads
- Gloves (with cut fingers)
- mesh mask
Price
The price range for freeride bikes has a very wide spread - from 20 thousand rubles. For example, the Velo Go store in Moscow offers a 2016 Giant Rinсon Disk bike. included: fork SR Suntour XCT HLO 26” 100mm travel, aluminum frame, 24 speeds, wheels 26”, hydraulic disc brakes for 32600 rubles. and 3500 euros for Ghost CAG 7000 on the site https://f.ua/shop/velosipedy/ghost/28790-tip-velosipeda-dinamicheskoe_frirajd/ store "The Same" in Kyiv.
