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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.
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 mountain bikes typically feature 80-120mm of suspension travel. These bikes are often referred to as cross-country (XC) or trail bikes.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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:
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.
Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.
But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.
Winter snow may still cover the high country for another six months or more, but it’s never too early to learn about what’s new in mountain bike tech for 2025. Spring Break is right around the corner and whether it’s a trip to the desert you have planned, or you are dreaming about your perfect ride for this summer, now is the time to learn about what’s new for this year.
Not up for a new bike? Come spring,Durango Outdoor Exchange will have plenty ofused bikes to choose from–we just may have the perfect project bike for some of the tech you see listed below.
One of the main ways to determine running shoe type is by looking at sole thickness. The sole is what cushions and stabilizes you, and how much of it your shoes have goes a long way to predicting how comfortable the shoes will be.
But, more sole does not always equate to a better shoe, and the reason behind this is guided in part by what kind of runner you are.
With so many shoes offering varying levels of sole thickness, how do you know what’s best for you? Let’s look at the importance of sole thickness, how it impacts your running performance, and what to look for when choosingrunning shoes in Durango.