Mountain bikes today are specially designed using the most advanced materials available. However, the sport is still relatively new and up until recently there weren't specifically designed bikes available. Here we take a look at the history of the mountain bike form its emergence to the models we are familiar with today.
The first models
Up until the 1970s the only form of cycling was done on roads. Then groups of friends looking for a new experience started modifying their bikes so that they could take them off road. Suddenly there was a gap in the market and manufacturers took advantage of this my introducing bikes that were suitable for riding off road. The first mass produced mountain bike was called the Stumpjumper made by Specialized; becoming available on the market in 1981.
Improving components
The overall design of mountain bikes stayed the same for pretty much the next decade. There were of course improvements to various components, such as the gears and braking systems. Likewise newer materials were used to make the bike lighter and stronger and the steel frames were phased out.
New introductions
The early 1990s saw a couple of very big changes to the overall appearance of mountain bikes. The first was the introduction of bar ends, which are curved extensions that fit on the end of normal handlebars and slant upwards. Bar ends enable the rider to change position while riding providing more comfort and also allow for extra leverage; making riding uphill easier. The second innovation saw the emergence of suspension used in front forks, which serve to reduce impact on the rider's body and increase speed during downhill riding. By the mid 1990s rear suspension also became available with full suspension mountain bikes becoming very popular.
Back to the future
By the end of the 1990s the use of bar ends had become less widespread, with many riders finding that they often got caught round branches whilst riding thus causing accidents. The fact that the rider's hands are also away from the break levers when using bar ends means that it takes longer to break in the event of a sudden obstacle. In order to still get the leverage benefit that bar ends provided, manufacturers of mountain bikes began fitting riser bars, which kink upwards from the centre to provide a bullhorn look. This type of handlebars are a move back in time and mirror the style used on normal bicycles that people would traditionally use for getting around the town.
If you are interested in getting involved in mountain biking and need some help choosing the right bike then visit All Terrain Cycles for a wide range of quality mountain bikes for all levels.
The first models
Up until the 1970s the only form of cycling was done on roads. Then groups of friends looking for a new experience started modifying their bikes so that they could take them off road. Suddenly there was a gap in the market and manufacturers took advantage of this my introducing bikes that were suitable for riding off road. The first mass produced mountain bike was called the Stumpjumper made by Specialized; becoming available on the market in 1981.
Improving components
The overall design of mountain bikes stayed the same for pretty much the next decade. There were of course improvements to various components, such as the gears and braking systems. Likewise newer materials were used to make the bike lighter and stronger and the steel frames were phased out.
New introductions
The early 1990s saw a couple of very big changes to the overall appearance of mountain bikes. The first was the introduction of bar ends, which are curved extensions that fit on the end of normal handlebars and slant upwards. Bar ends enable the rider to change position while riding providing more comfort and also allow for extra leverage; making riding uphill easier. The second innovation saw the emergence of suspension used in front forks, which serve to reduce impact on the rider's body and increase speed during downhill riding. By the mid 1990s rear suspension also became available with full suspension mountain bikes becoming very popular.
Back to the future
By the end of the 1990s the use of bar ends had become less widespread, with many riders finding that they often got caught round branches whilst riding thus causing accidents. The fact that the rider's hands are also away from the break levers when using bar ends means that it takes longer to break in the event of a sudden obstacle. In order to still get the leverage benefit that bar ends provided, manufacturers of mountain bikes began fitting riser bars, which kink upwards from the centre to provide a bullhorn look. This type of handlebars are a move back in time and mirror the style used on normal bicycles that people would traditionally use for getting around the town.
If you are interested in getting involved in mountain biking and need some help choosing the right bike then visit All Terrain Cycles for a wide range of quality mountain bikes for all levels.
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