People have been enjoying off-road cycling for many years and it remains one of the most popular forms of cycling. Some of the earliest written records of off-road biking involve the Buffalo Soldiers, which date back to the 1890s when an infantry rode their single-speed bicycles over harsh terrain. Not only were they required to cover rough terrain, but they biked lengthy distances while toting supplies. Amazingly, the bikes weighed up to 120 pounds when fully loaded and the longest recorded trip of the Buffalo Soldiers was an incredible 1,900 mile trek.
The Velo Cross Club Parisian of the early 1950s was another group who served as one of the first trailblazers of mountain biking. They adjusted their basic road bikes by adding modifications such as wider tyres, suspension and handlebar shifters.
John Finley Scott is another whose name is noteworthy in the evolution of mountain bikes. In 1953 he made several modifications to The Woodsie, his customised bike. These bikes had several of the features found on today's mountain bicycles such as flat handlebars.
However, as crucial as these developments were to the rise of the mountain bike, the majority of the credit should be given to a group of bikers who originated from Marin County, California. This group created their own bikes and then raced them in an event called the Repack Downhill, so called because the bikers had to repack their back brakes and hubs after a downhill run.
The Californians were instrumental in the commercialisation of off-road bikes. They went on to develop the technology needed for mass producing mountain bikes and then marketed those inventions.
Since the 1970s, there have been some key developments that have helped bring mountain biking to the masses.
One of the key innovations has been the introduction of disc brakes, which happened in the early 1990s. This type of braking system provides more power than previous braking systems and is also more trustworthy.
Another important development has been the use of suspension. Almost all mountain bicycles on the market today include front suspension. This makes them more comfortable to ride and easier to control. Rear suspension essentially provides the same benefits as front suspension.
The materials used to making mountain bikes has also evolved with aluminium now a popular choice as it is sturdy, lightweight and not too expensive.
If you're in the market for a mountain bike then knowing the history of the sport can help make your off-road riding more enjoyable than ever.
For further information regarding cycling and buying a mountain bike visit Wiggle, one of the UK's leading bike retailers.
The Velo Cross Club Parisian of the early 1950s was another group who served as one of the first trailblazers of mountain biking. They adjusted their basic road bikes by adding modifications such as wider tyres, suspension and handlebar shifters.
John Finley Scott is another whose name is noteworthy in the evolution of mountain bikes. In 1953 he made several modifications to The Woodsie, his customised bike. These bikes had several of the features found on today's mountain bicycles such as flat handlebars.
However, as crucial as these developments were to the rise of the mountain bike, the majority of the credit should be given to a group of bikers who originated from Marin County, California. This group created their own bikes and then raced them in an event called the Repack Downhill, so called because the bikers had to repack their back brakes and hubs after a downhill run.
The Californians were instrumental in the commercialisation of off-road bikes. They went on to develop the technology needed for mass producing mountain bikes and then marketed those inventions.
Since the 1970s, there have been some key developments that have helped bring mountain biking to the masses.
One of the key innovations has been the introduction of disc brakes, which happened in the early 1990s. This type of braking system provides more power than previous braking systems and is also more trustworthy.
Another important development has been the use of suspension. Almost all mountain bicycles on the market today include front suspension. This makes them more comfortable to ride and easier to control. Rear suspension essentially provides the same benefits as front suspension.
The materials used to making mountain bikes has also evolved with aluminium now a popular choice as it is sturdy, lightweight and not too expensive.
If you're in the market for a mountain bike then knowing the history of the sport can help make your off-road riding more enjoyable than ever.
For further information regarding cycling and buying a mountain bike visit Wiggle, one of the UK's leading bike retailers.
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