Outdoor lovers are taking what was once just a child’s way to spend the afternoon and reviving it in their hearts. They’re getting back on the bike; more specifically, they’re getting mountain bikes.
If you are one of these outdoor enthusiasts who has discovered a renewed passion for these two-wheeled modes of transportation, it may be overwhelming. It can be hard to know what type of bike you need. Mountain bikes come in a vast range of styles, prices, and durability. Here are some of the reasons that we feel mountain bikes are trending.
Durability and Great Utility
Though the sticker price may give you pause, when you stop and think about it, this isn’t like a lot of other purchases. It’s more of an investment. That’s thanks partly to the fact that mountain bikes are exceptionally durable.
Mountain bikes are built to handle anything you can throw at them for an extended period. They’re designed to deal with the extreme temperatures and weather that you find in outdoor sporting areas.
A mountain bike can last up to twenty years for most average riders. In our current culture of use it and throw it away, mountain bikes have some serious sustainability. Many people use them for commutes or just riding on the weekend. They’re an excellent all-around bike for those who want to have options. In the case of a mountain bike, you can ride it on the street and then still take it on that challenging trail over the weekend where you can’t do the same with your standard commuter bike.
Environmentally Conscious Option for Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts aren’t always environmentally conscious. For example, motorized dirt bikes, quads, and other ATVs can be detrimental. They can damage the plants, put pollutants into the air and water, and disturb the wildlife with their sounds.
Mountain bikes, alternatively, offer a very low-impact way to enjoy the environment.
If you stay on the trails designed for biking, you’ll be helping keep the outdoor area clean and usable for everyone. They’re also easier to take along for adventures that require an overnight stay. With mountain bikes, you can mount them on your car rather than pulling a trailer behind.
You also won’t consume gas and lower your carbon footprint for your weekend outdoor adventures.
Suppose you want to make your bike multi-use. You might consider taking it occasionally to work or on errands rather than your car. It can save you loads of money on fuel, especially with the ever-rising gas prices we’re currently facing. It’s also an excellent way to know how mountain bikes ride. By doing a few of your usual outings a week on your bike rather than in your car, you may be surprised at how much you save and how each ride gets easier. This can help you build up to those long weekend trips.
More Places in the Wild to Explore
If you have always wanted to explore some of those hiking trails, a bike might be the best alternative. One of the reasons that mountain bikes have become so popular is that they let you go further than the average recreational user can go on foot.
There are unique places in the wilderness that you will reach that you might otherwise miss out on altogether.
An Exciting and Enjoyable Way to Get Healthy
You’re not alone if you’ve struggled to hit the gym or join those cycling classes. Most people don’t really enjoy the gym; instead, they enjoy all the health benefits.
Mountain biking can be rigorous exercise and yet, at the same time, is totally suitable for those who are just getting started. Whatever your level, there is an option for you to find your path to health.
You can really set your own pace when it comes to mountain bikes. One of the reasons is that there are so many ways that mountain bikes can be ridden. You’ll find that there are low-impact, low-grade trials available for beginners who are just starting their peddling journey.
There are also pedal-assisted mountain bikes for those who want to go a little farther while not working quite that hard. This can be a good starting point for those who struggle with physical activity. It can help give them the confidence to move on to regular mountain bikes.
It’s also not as rough on the joints as other exercise forms, like running. Mountain bikes have excellent suspension systems, and they will
Regularly riding mountain bikes can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, as it’s a cardiovascular exercise.
It can also improve lung function and overall physical stamina.
Mountain Bikes Bring with Them Community
Another popular reason people of all ages are taking up mountain biking is that a whole community is already in place. As we begin to feel out what our new sense of normal is in a post-pandemic world, more people seek new forms of community. It’s not surprising as we’ve spent so much time in isolation.
The mountain biking community is warm and will welcome people with open arms in most cases. You’ll learn tons from those with years of riding experience and commiserate with those like yourself who are just getting started. You can learn what it takes to maintain your mountain bikes. They’ll also have the inside track on all the newest gear, the best trails, and things to avoid as a beginning mountain biker.
Whatever your reason for considering getting into mountain bikes, it’s a sport that will last with you a lifetime. Even if you are just getting started, you’ll find that you can still go on adventurous rides and get out into nature which has been proven to help improve your mental health. It’s good for us to sometimes unplug from our chaotic, busy lives and get some fresh air, and mountain bikes are an excellent way to do just that.