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A
mountain bike
or mountain bicycle (abbreviated MTB or ATB (all terrain bicycle))
is a bicycle designed for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or
other unpaved environments. In contrast, road bicycles are not
designed for such rugged terrain.
Mountain bikes
have wide, knobby tires for extra traction and shock absorption. In
recent years, front wheel suspension has become the norm and full
front and rear suspension is becoming increasingly common. Some
mountain bikes are also fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but
with the increase in popularity of riser handlebars (as opposed to a
flat straight handlebar) fewer riders use bar end extensions. The
bikes normally have 26 in (559 mm) wheels, but since 2002 some
models have been available with 29 in (622 mm) wheels, which is the
same diameter most commonly used for road bikes (also known as
700c). |
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