Downhill Mountain Biking originated in California in the late 70’s, since this time the sport has evolved tremendously since these early days. In the 70’s and 80’s specialist bikes were not produced for this sport as it was still at a grass roots level of its development, many downhiller’s would use beach cruisers with hub gears. These bikes were impractical as the speed and friction caused by breaking at the high speeds possible in downhill racing would melt the grease within the hub gearing system. Early downhill races were not as technical as modern day races due to equipment used.
Considering that the 90’s mtb manufacturers are inventing specialist bikes for downhill mountain bikes racing a number of these were new brands which were created throughout the introduction of mountain biking for instance Orange, Mondraker and Kona. However established Road and leisurely Mtb businesses such Specialized and Trek have also enter the Downhill Market.
Downhill bikes are heavy than almost every varieties of bicycle the lightest arriving in about 35 pounds. This can be a result of the require for a strong frame that absorbs shocks also to stop the frame from cracking after it is inevitably crashed. Probably the most popular bikes available may be the Specialized Big hit all this bike is often a thouroughly tested proven Race winner. This bike will come in three different specifications I, II, III to suit different prices and it’s ridden by World Championship Winner Sam Hill.
Frames aren’t the only element to a race winning downhill bike good suspension system are vital, suspension system on DH Bikes create the largest difference in ride quality and times, A good Fork and Rear Shock will absorbs the bumps but also crucially be not too springy as this will affect power transfer and handling and on less technical sections will slow the rider. Rock Shox’s Boxxer Fork is one of the most advanced Forks in Downhill and costs as much as some frames. Rear Shocks also can be as much as 500 pounds to these are made by Suspension specialists such as Rock Shox, Cane Creek, and Fox Shox.
Downhill Bicycles typically use special chainsets designed to meet the rigours of Downhill these chainsets are usually fitted with chain devices to stop the chain coming off when racing. These chainsets are usually of the single chain ring variety however double chain ring options are available, downhill chainsets a small and usually do not exceed 36T chain rings this is because less power in the legs is required in downhill due to gravity and difficulty of terrain than many other forms of cycle racing. One of the best Downhill chainsets is the Race Face Ride DH Cranks.
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