7
TRAIL
Trail bikes allow riders comfortable uphills on long
mountain trails, combining the features of enduro
and cross country. They are available in full-sus-
pension or hardtail versions. Shock absorption at
a level between 130 mm - 150 mm, will allow a rider
to easily deal with unevenness and obstacles, such
as steep climbs. They allow for more aggressive
driving than cross country but are less dynamic.
Compared to the enduro, they are a bit lighter and
allow for a more pleasant ride uphill. The maneu-
verability of these bikes is influenced by the wide
handlebars, adjustable seat post, and the weight-
ing of the front wheel during the descent. Wheels
are usually 29 inches, although trail bikes with
a combination of 29 „front and 27.5” rear wheels
(the so-called Mullet) are also popular, as well as
with both 27.5 „wheels. The use of wide tires makes
it easier to overcome obstacles in the field. Based
on the emerging bike parks, a group of trail bike
enthusiasts has emerged. If someone would like to
go on a long trip on singletrack and not the most
difficult mountain paths for pleasure, he should
opt for a comfortable trail bike rather than enduro.
ENDURO
Enduro bikes were created for long mountain trips in
difficult terrain, riding in the mountains, often unpaved
routes. These bikes are more versatile and also allow
a rider to ride uphill, although it is not the most pleas-
ant. The travel of shock absorption is smaller than that
of downhill bikes. The most common are full-suspension
bikes with 160mm of travel, but there are also hardtails.
They have a fairly short stiff frame, an adjustable seat
post, and hydraulic brakes with large discs. Sometimes
there is a front derailleur. Some models even allow you
to quickly change the geometry of the frame, i.e. adapt
the bike to the climb or descent. Weight approx. 12-16 kg.
In enduro, the ability to efficiently overcome not only
winding paths, trails full of unevenness, sharp descents,
and demanding climbs will be useful. It is up to the rider
which route he will take because he has full freedom in
this matter. There are no inaccessible places for enduro
bikes, and the more diverse the better. You can go crazy
and bounce a bit off the ground. It is not the results or
the quick time that counts, only having fun. This is the
essence of a real enduro. A bicycle should be free, relia-
ble, and its user should be able to use its full potential. In
enduro, a rider chooses his path.
BIKES & FRAMES RIDING STYLE CHART:
Downhill
Freeride
Enduro
Trail
Blackbird 27.5/29
Bluebird 27.5/29
Blackbird Junior
FREERIDE
Freeride bikes are downhill bikes tailored to the needs of
ordinary people. Minimum stroke of the shock absorber
170 mm, solid frame, wide handlebars. All this is within
the limits that can be mastered by intermediate riders.
When driving fast, wide tires and sensitive hydraulic
brakes are essential. The high position of the handlebars
in relation to the saddle and the position of the rider
shifted backward ensure comfort when riding downhill.
It is also possible to overcome flat sections. The weight
of around 18 kg makes the climb very difficult, which
is why freeriders use the lifts most often. It is definitely
a bike for fans of extreme experiences.
DOWNHILL
Downhill bikes are bikes designed for descents(down-
hills) at high speed, in difficult and steep terrain. The
rider reaches speeds of up to 80 km / h on a rocky and
bumpy route. It also happens that these bikes bounce
into the air by avoiding obstacles. Such overload forces
the use of bicycles with a compact and stiff structure.
The sturdy frame has a low center of gravity, and the
wide handlebars with a short stem increase the maneu-
verability of the bike. Strong and resistant tires are re-
quired, full suspension with long travel, usually 180 mm
to 220 mm, and hydraulic brakes with large 203 mm
discs. DH bicycles weigh approximately 15-20 kg. Their
construction practically excludes going uphill, because
the damper absorbs almost all the energy put into pedal-
ing. Even navigating on flat terrain can be difficult, which
is why the ski slopes are usually located near the lifts.
