Mountain bike suspension: How much is enough?

 And how much is too much?

Let’s talk “travel”—mountain bike suspension travel, that is.

One of the most crucial factors in selecting a mountain bike is determining the appropriate travel for your riding style. "Travel" refers to the amount of suspension movement a bike has, and it plays a significant role in how your bike handles different terrains. This blog will delve into the different types of mountain bike travel and how to choose the best one for your riding style.

Understanding mountain bike travel

Mountain bike travel is categorized by the suspension's range of motion, measured in millimeters (mm). It affects the bike’s performance, comfort, and control over various terrains. Travel can range from as little as 80mm to as much as 200mm, and each range is suited to different types of riding.

Short travel (80-120mm)

Short travel mountain bikes typically feature 80-120mm of suspension travel. These bikes are often referred to as cross-country (XC) or trail bikes.

Best for: Cross-country riding

Cross-country riding emphasizes speed, efficiency, and climbing. XC bikes are lightweight and agile, making them ideal for racing and long-distance rides on less technical trails. The shorter travel provides sufficient cushioning for small bumps and rough patches while maintaining efficiency for pedaling and climbing.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and efficient for climbing.
• Faster acceleration and easier to handle on smooth trails.
• Suitable for long-distance rides.

Disadvantages:

• Less capable on rough, technical terrains.
• Limited comfort on aggressive descents.

Medium travel (120-160mm)

Medium travel bikes, with 120-160mm of suspension, are versatile and well-suited for various riding styles. These bikes are often categorized as trail or all-mountain bikes.

Best for: Trail and all-mountain riding

Trail riding involves a mix of climbing and descending on moderately technical terrain. Trail bikes strike a balance between climbing efficiency and descent capability.

All-mountain riding is more demanding, involving rougher terrain and more technical descents. All-mountain bikes offer more travel than trail bikes, providing better control and comfort on aggressive trails.

Advantages:

• Versatile, suitable for a wide range of terrains.
• Better control and comfort on technical trails.
• Capable of handling moderate jumps and drops.

Disadvantages:

• Heavier and less efficient for long climbs compared to XC bikes.
• Not as specialized for extreme downhill riding.

Long travel (160-200mm)

Long travel bikes feature 160-200mm of suspension travel and are designed for more aggressive and extreme riding styles. These bikes fall into the enduro and downhill categories.

Best for: Enduro and downhill riding

Enduro riding involves racing on timed downhill stages with untimed uphill transitions. Enduro bikes are built to handle rough, technical descents while still being capable of climbing.

Downhill riding focuses exclusively on descending steep, technical, and challenging trails. Downhill bikes are heavy, robust, and designed to withstand the rigors of extreme terrain and high speeds.

Advantages:

• Superior control and stability on steep, technical descents.
• Capable of handling large jumps, drops, and rough terrains.
• Designed for high-speed performance on downhill sections.

Disadvantages:

• Heavier and less efficient for climbing.
• Not suitable for long-distance or cross-country rides.

Choosing the right travel for your riding style

Selecting the appropriate mountain bike travel depends on your preferred riding style, the type of terrain you ride, and your skill level. Here are some key considerations:

Terrain

• Smooth, rolling terrain: Short travel (80-120mm) is ideal for less technical trails and cross-country riding.
• Moderately technical terrain: Medium travel (120-160mm) suits trail and all-mountain riding, offering a good balance of climbing efficiency and descent capability.
• Technical, rough terrain: Long travel (160-200mm) is best for enduro and downhill riding, providing superior control and stability on aggressive trails.

Riding goals

• Speed and efficiency: If your goal is to cover long distances quickly and efficiently, a short travel bike is your best bet.
• Versatility: For a balance of climbing and descending on varied terrain, a medium travel bike offers the best of both worlds.
• Extreme descents: If you’re focused on tackling the most challenging downhill trails, a long travel bike will provide the necessary stability and control.

Skill level

• Beginner: Beginners might prefer the stability and confidence offered by medium travel bikes, which can handle a variety of terrains without being too specialized.
• Intermediate: Intermediate riders can choose based on their specific riding preferences, whether it’s the versatility of a trail bike or the descent capabilities of an enduro bike.
• Advanced: Advanced riders often have a clear preference based on their riding style and can benefit from the specialized features of short travel XC bikes or long travel downhill bikes.

Hey, it’s easy to get confused by all this. Don’t fret–come down to theDurango Outdoor Exchange, where our biking experts can explain it all in simple terms.