Choosing your first mountain bike
There's no such thing as the perfect bike - just the one that's right for you. This guide is designed to give you an overview of what you need to consider when buying a bike.
It allows everyone to ride with confidence on specially designed trails. The bike features wide, straight handlebars, a sturdy frame, knobby tires, suspension (single or double), powerful brakes and a transmission that facilitates gear changes.
Mountain bikes fall into four categories: cross-country, trail, enduro and downhill. They all originate from a racing discipline, and are specialized to meet the demands of the sport. All but the mountain bike trail!
Bicycle trailthe ultimate initiation frame
Not being tied to any particular discipline, trail bikes stand out for their versatility. The perfect choice for those who want to do it all: climb efficiently and enjoy the descents without too many technical constraints.
Trail bikes are designed to provide a stable, reassuring ride on a wide variety of trails. A true jack-of-all-trades, these bikes prioritize comfort rather than performance: perfect for confident beginners.
Cross-country bikes: the uphill specialist
Cross-country is the most widespread discipline in Quebec. Having been an Olympic discipline since 1996, the competitive side of the sport is highly developed. Practised on hilly terrain, this discipline demands endurance, agility and speed, qualities that everyone can develop at their own pace. The fun comes from the continuous movement and physical challenge of the courses.
The bike from cross-country is designed to be light, agile and efficient when pedaling. Everything is designed to make it capable of absorbing ground irregularities without compromising power.
Enduro bikes: the versatile in-between
The enduro discipline has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among those who mountain bike for pleasure. Derived from the world of motorcycling, the discipline consists in reaching a summit in order to obtain the reward of a long descent. The pleasure comes from the mix of effort on the climb and technical ability on the descent.
Long descents mean muscle fatigue. That's why enduro bikes are better able to absorb obstacles and steep inclines. Being downhill-oriented, they remain versatile, but are heavier and less efficient when pedaling uphill.
Downhill bikes: the downhill specialist
Downhill skiing is enjoying a renaissance in Quebec. Many ski resorts now open their lifts to people who prefer to concentrate on the downhill action rather than the uphill. The pleasure comes from the intensity and adrenalin it provides.
Downhill bikes are heavier, sturdier and designed to absorb shocks and offer maximum stability. They are, however, difficult to pedal and handle.
