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Indian Subcontinent offers some of the most breathtaking mountain biking terrains, that is sure to increase your blood flow. Here is everything you need to know before starting mountain biking in India.

Mountain biking is an exhilarating adventure sport that involves riding bicycles off-road, often over rough tracks and hilly terrain. This is Performed using specialized mountain bikes built from sturdy materials and fitted with advanced features to tackle the most challenging landscapes.

The Indian subcontinent offers a diverse range of geographical features. In the north, the Himalayas offer a breathtaking experience, and in the east boasts the majestic Kanchenjunga. Moreover, Kodachadri in the south and Aravali in the west present their unique experience. Beyond these, many unexplored regions have more special to offer. So, this part of the world is an absolute heaven for all thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

Mountain biking requires balance, endurance, and concentration. Thus, it requires ample practice and the capacity to control the bike on uneven surfaces. But, if you are a beginner and keen to get started, focusing on basic riding and performing fundamental tricks is crucial.

In this article, we will get through the fundamentals of mountain biking and offer guidance on how to get start on your mountain biking journey.

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Mountain biking is categorized into four main types, Cross-Country Biking, Trail Biking, Enduro Biking, and Downhill Biking. With additional categories such as free riding, slope style, and pump track. Professional riders use specific mountain bikes for each discipline, such as Cross-country bikes, Downhill bikes and trail bikes.

Technically, the Enduro or Downhill bikes are the most complex compared to other bikes, making them more expensive. Trail biking, on the other hand, is one of the most popular biking disciplines worldwide.

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Cross Country Mountain bikes are used for riding in cross-country races. These bikes are built to tackle rough patches, muddy trails, sharp corners, and gravel paths. Cross Country bikes are good at gaining quick speed because of their lightweight structure, and larger tire size.

Cross Country bikes can either be hardtail or dual suspension. The suspension travel of cross-country bikes ranges between 80mm to 120mm. Overall, these bikes are made to provide better maneuverability and to gain quick speed.

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A trail, also known as a path or track, is an unpaved lane or small road usually passing through a natural area such as forests, countryside, mountains, and water streams.

Trail bikes are designed to tackle obstacles and rough patches. These bikes are build with strong frame material and advanced components for greater performance. The type of suspension used in trail bikes can be a hardtail, front suspension, or dual suspension. While a hardtail is better suited for less technical paths and dual suspension bikes are best for rough tracks. The suspension travel on these bikes is usually kept between 100 mm to 140 mm to provide a smoother riding experience.

Trail mountain biking is one of the most popular disciplines of MTB across the world.

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Enduro Bikes riding is a multiple-stage downhill race with sections of uphill, jumping tracks, and other rough paths. These rides are generally timed and require uphill sections, completed in three to five stages.

Enduro bikes are highly specialized MTB bikes, mostly built with a double suspension. The suspension travel of these bikes is typically between 120 mm to 180 mm. Enduro biking is a popular MTB racing type in Europe, North America, and South America. The most important skill to master for this type of riding is fitness and endurance.

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Downhill biking is the hardest discipline of mountain biking. As the name suggests, these rides are performed in descend, which often includes riding on some of the most technical regions. This type of riding requires a top-class bike that is capable of bearing hard impact along with providing a comfortable ride it its rider.

Downhill bikes are the most expensive mountain bikes, as they are build with the highest quality materials and top-engineered components. These bikes are full suspended, and a fork travels provided is between 180 mm to 200 mm.

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Basic Anatomy of a Mountain bike

The frame is the structure of any bicycle, serving as the foundation onto which all other components. It’s available in different sizes and materials, allowing riders to choose the perfect fit for their needs.

In mountain bikes, the most common frame materials are steel and aluminum alloy. These materials are ideal for riders who prioritize performance and value, as they offer a solid foundation for a variety of riding styles.

For those looking for the best lightweight and high-performance frames, carbon fiber and titanium are the best. These materials offer exceptional stiffness, strength, and weight savings. But, they can come with a higher price tag, so it’s important to check benefits and costs before making a decision.

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When it comes to mountain biking, the wheel set is crucial to your riding experience. The size and quality of the tires can have a significant impact on your ability to handle different terrains and enjoy your ride to the fullest. It’s important to note that each tire size has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. So you’ll want to consider your options before choosing a bike.

26 inch vs 27.5 inch vs 29 inches wheels

Topic	26 Inches Wheels	27.5 inches wheels	29 Inches Wheels
Weight	Lighter than 27.5 and 29 Inches	Heavier than 26 inches	Heavier than all
Rider’s height	Great for all riders	Great for all riders	Not for short riders
Ride Quality	Not great for riding over obstacles	Less impact on patches than 26 inches	Less impact over obstacles
Speed and reaction	Slower top speed but high reaction	Higher top speed than 26 inches while faster reaction than 29er	Faster Top End Speed but less reaction
Traction	Less traction	Better traction than 26 inches	More traction than all

Thankfully, there are plenty of tire sizes to choose from in the world of mountain biking. Some of the most popular options include 24 inches, 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches, each with its unique features and benefits. By understanding the differences between these sizes and how they can affect your ride, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect bike for your needs.

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The drivetrain on a mountain bike refers to the components that send power from the rider to the bike’s wheel. The parts of a mountain bike’s drivetrain consist of the chain ring, crank arm, pedal, derailleur, chain, and cassette.

The drivetrain works in a very systematic way on a bicycle. When we rotate the bike’s pedal clockwise, the bike’s crankset moves. The crankset joined to the cassette on the rear tire. The chain then engages in this way, helping the wheel to rotate in a clockwise direction.

In a multi-speed gear, we have an extra part, which is the derailleur. The derailleur helps in shifting the chain from one gear to another gear.

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The brakes on mountain bikes have been engineered and developed for hundreds of years. Today, brakes are just more advanced versions of the engineers’ mastermind. The most common brake types today are v-brakes or disc brakes. Disc brakes are considered more powerful than v-brakes, so they are the most commonly used braking mechanisms in modern MTBs.

Furthermore, disc brakes come in two types: mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical disc brakes work mechanically to equal the amount of pressure applied to the brake lever. Other than that, hydraulic brakes works with the help of hydraulic fluid, resulting in faster and more efficient braking.

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The suspension of a bike is a mechanism that absorbs the roughness of the terrain. Bicycles come in two main types of suspension: hardtail and dual suspension bikes. Hardtail bikes have front suspension but lack rear shock absorbers. While Dual Suspension have both absorbers on front and rear.

Suspension travel refers to how much a wheel moves up and down over rough terrain. And the greater the travel, the more shock absorption a bike can provide. Other types of suspension seen in bikes include seat post/saddle suspension and wheel hub suspension.

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Must have Mountain biking Accessories

If you have a budget for mountain biking, we recommend setting aside some of it for essential accessories. The most important accessory is a helmet. Even if you need to compromise on the mountain bike itself, make sure you invest in a good quality helmet. This is particularly crucial when you ride fast on rough trails with numerous obstacles that can cause a crash.

If the trail you plan to ride is highly technical and challenging, we suggest purchasing a full-face helmet. Make sure that the helmet fits your head perfectly and has a proper safety rating. In addition, we recommend getting a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and enhance your ride.

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2. Biking Gloves

Biking gloves are another essential safety accessory that you must invest in. Good gloves can absorb sweat, keep your hands dry, and provide a better grip on the handlebars. They also protect your hands in case of a crash. Therefore, it is crucial to buy a good pair of gloves for mountain biking.

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3. BagPack

A backpack is another accessory for your ride. A good mountain biker carries all the necessary items on a mountain biking adventure. Your backpack must have essential things such as a bicycle repair kit, a first aid kit, some energy bars and drinks, bicycle tools, a water bottle, and a hydration pack (if you are going for a long ride). These items will provide you with the necessary solutions in case of any unforeseen situation.

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4. Biking jersey and trouser

The main objective of a cycling jersey and trouser is to keep the body at ease and comfortable during the ride. They fit snugly onto the rider’s body, providing both comfort and ease of riding, as well as a professional appearance. Furthermore, there are specific jerseys designed for use in summer and winter.

A summer jersey helps keep the rider dry and allows for wind to flow through the front, helping to move faster and more accurately. A winter-specific jersey is a windbreaker that keeps the body warm and comfortable in cold conditions.

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5. MTB shoes

Good MTB shoes are essential for your biking kit. Characterized by a grippy sole, waterproofing, and quick-drying capabilities when compared to regular shoes. Additionally, these shoes provide comfortable cushioning and airflow for optimal performance.

Most popular mountain Biking destination in India

1. Leh-Ladakh

Ladakh is one of the most popular adventure destinations in India. Here, you will find breathtaking mountain ranges of the Himalayas and Karakorum range that are pure pleasure. The region is best known for its motorbiking trips, as bikers across India and other countries come to increase their adrenaline rush.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Ladakh offers some of the most challenging terrains. If you are willing to explore Leh-Ladakh on your MTB, make sure you take a good mountain bike and proper safety equipment.

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Ladakh has some of the highest altitude mountain ranges, setting a excellent stage for professionals. Some of the most popular forms of mountain biking, such as downhill riding, trail riding, and cross-country rides, can be enjoyed here. If you are a non-professional biker, then you can follow a paved path and ride locally to enjoy the ultimate scenes of the place.

2. Manali and Spiti Valley

Manali and Spiti Valley are other popular adventure destinations in India that make great places for MTB rides. This place is full of natural beauty, curvy roads, and rugged trails, which allow professionals to showcase their control and endurance skills.

The most awesome trail you can ride in the region is from Manali to Spiti Valley, where you will ride by Rohtang and Kunzum passes. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you will encounter some of the most beautiful and challenging tracks along the way.

Manali offers plenty of local services for MTBs for rent. Hence, you could enjoy mountain biking even without carrying your bike. This place has plenty of great tracks and areas for local riding.

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3. Purulia And Darjeeling

Featured by trailforks.com, the Purulia and Darjeeling regions of West Bengal have some of the best mountain biking trails. Surrounded by beautiful hills, forests, and challenging terrain. Some of the most popular biking routes in the Purulia region are Pakhi Hill Trail 1, Yogni 1 Trail, and Marble Lake Trail 1. While in the Darjeeling region, Singhalia Stages 1, 2, and 3, situated in Singhalia National Park, offer the best trail riding experience.

Furthermore, if you want to experience a cross-country ride, then Siliguri to Darjeeling is a must-ride. In this journey, you will find some of the most iconic scenes and ultimate beauty. Overall, this place will serve you best regardless of your level of expertise, whether you are a beginner or a professional rider.

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4. Pune

Pune District is in the Maharashtra state, surrounded by hill stations, forests, and lakes. This region has some of the highest mountain peaks in the state, such as Pointy Hill and Vetal Tekdi, making it perfect for thrill-seekers.

The Pune region is full of best mountain biking tracks for bikers to test their skills. Some of the popular ones are Weekender, Hidden Dirt, and Ride Along tracks situated near the Vetal Tekdi hill station.

Pune, best known for its indigenous Marathi Culture, also has plenty to offer in the outdoor and adventure space. Hence, it is a must-explore region for every mountain bike rider.

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5. Munnar

Munnar is a town in southwestern Kerala, best known for its lush green forests, Savannah, valleys, and tea plantations. This region has some incredible off-road trails, making it a great riding destination for mountain bikers.

In Munnar, you can ride locally or take the popular biking route from Munnar to Periyar, which will let you experience the beauty of region. The place is quiet, calm, and very close to nature.

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Top 5 MTB competition in India

1. Bengaluru Mountain festival

Bengaluru Mountain Festival event includes many sports such as sprinting, running, swimming, and adventure mountain biking, including cross-country Olympic and downhill events. These events are mostly held in January every year.

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MTB Shimla is a two-day cross-country race held around the city of Shimla. Participants have to cover a total of 120 km, passing through city roads and off-road tracks covered with trees and forests. The uphill and downhill regions in the city will certainly test your strength and endurance.

MTB Himalaya is an annual MTB cross-country race held in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The race covers a total of 650 KM in 8 days, which is considered one of the toughest MTB stage races in the world.

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MTB Nainital is another cross-country race held in the city of Nainital, Uttarakhand. This two-day XC league race takes place on Nainital city roads along with rugged forest trails. Checkout more competition and MTB Challenges here.

This ultimate MTB competition is conducted at Disko Valley Bike Park and generally covers some of the most thrilling off-roading tracks with jumps and downhill challenges. This event is mostly held in July-August every year.

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Frequently Asked questions

India is a vast country with diverse geography, and there is no universal best time to go mountain biking in every region. It is crucial to check the weather forecast before packing for a ride. While some people might prefer a particular season depending on the location, many consider autumn to be one of the most favorable season. It is always a good idea to do some research and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Riding a mountain bike isn’t just about performing tricks and stunts from the beginning. It’s important to focus on the basics and be consistent. Give priority to your fitness and strength as much as possible. This will undoubtedly make you a more proficient rider. Additionally, watching experts ride and imitate their moves is an excellent way to learn and improve your skills.

Most people don’t consider mountain biking as a viable career, but there are several ways for professional mountain bikers to earn money. Firstly, they can participate in different regional, national, and international competitions, which offer cash prizes to winners. Secondly, professional mountain bikers can earn money through sponsorships from companies that support their racing careers.

Furthermore, they can also make money by teaching others how to ride or becoming MTB influencers, promoting products and services related to the sport.