Maybe you enjoy the afternoon rides around the neighborhood with the family or the freedom of the open roads. But, if your everyday ride experience feels lacking, or you want to add a bit of excitement into your life, maybe it’s time to look into getting a mountain bike. This specialty bike is designed for the off-road adventures of mountain trails, dirt paths, and more. They are recognizable with their typically bulkier frames, built-in shocks, and larger tires. Here are 5 reasons why you should get a mountain bike.
The Off-Road Adventures
The first, and best reason why you should get a mountain bike is that it allows you to enjoy an off-road adventure. Picture yourself on a new bike. Now, imagine sitting on top of a trail on this bike and seeing the trail below you. The air is still, the birds almost a whisper as if they are holding their breath and waiting for you to start. Then you start the descent riding the trail, making jumps, having trees whiz by you, engaging every muscle in your body to make sharp turns, and feeling your heart pound from the excitement and adrenaline. If you got chills just reading that, then a mountain bike is for you! A mountain bike isn’t just about throwing a bike into this scenario. In order to be safe while having fun, you need a bike that can handle the task.
A Full-Body Workout
Many of us get into cycling for the health benefits that a bike provides. Besides the immense cardio workout that a typical bike provides, mountain biking adds a different element to the mix. When you are riding on those trails, you are engaging the entire body to make those turns even at a beginner level. From your lower body to your core, a mountain bike is a great investment in your workout goals. Another aspect to consider is that, unlike road cycling, mountain biking is about making smaller adjustments on the fly. Since the terrain isn’t a flat constant, the small adjustments made while riding, such as speeding up to gain speed over a hill, or braking slightly to decrease speed on a turn, are akin to sprinting. This helps work out different muscle groups constantly.
Intensity Builds Bonds
Everyone loves a good bike ride and there’s not much better than a relaxing afternoon ride with the family. But by combining the challenge of learning a new type of riding, with the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere, along with your family afternoon rides, you get a unique bonding experience. There’s something to be said about tackling a challenge together. In this case, whether with friends or family, tackling a new riding experience together can strengthen those bonds like never before.
Escape Busy Roads
On the more practical side, having a mountain bike will allow you to escape the busy roads. Imagine being stuck on your bike in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Not only is it frustrating, but we all know the dangers between vehicles and cyclists. With a mountain bike, you may be able to cut across a field or even take a trail that your road bike couldn’t. If you are really ambitious, maybe you can even create your own trail and cut down your commute.
Enjoy the View
One of the best things about cycling is the fresh air and the views. If you live in a particularly picturesque location, you can find some spectacular views from your mountain bike. And even if you don’t have a hilltop or mountain peak to climb to and see some amazing panoramic sights, there is some value in heading off onto a deep trail and finding some peace and quiet. Just you and the forest critters. Sometimes, cycling isn’t about making fitness gains, chasing the next adrenaline rush, or even spending time with family. Sometimes, all you need is the wind rushing by your face and the calm serenity of nature around you.
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There you have it. We just went over 5 reasons why you should get a mountain bike. Are you ready to start your mountain biking adventure? If so, head on in to your local Sun & Ski Sports. There, our experts can help you choose the right one for you. Not sure which one to get? Take a look at our beginner’s guide to choosing a bike. With that, you can go through the process of choosing the best one for your needs!