Freeride

Freeride: Freeride mountain bikes built for downhill and stunt riding became popular in the late 1990s.

Freeride bicycles are a type of mountain bike designed for challenging, technical terrain and aggressive riding styles, such as jumping, drops, and steep descents. These bikes prioritize durability, suspension performance, and rider control, allowing skilled riders to tackle obstacles and explore creative lines on demanding trails.

Freeride (Approximate bicycle dimensions): Long and slack like downhill bikes, wheelbases 1200-1300mm typical.

Approximate price ranges for 'Freeride' type of bike (minimum - average - maximum prices): $1,500 - $3,500 - $7,000

1. General Information

• Name and type: Freeride bicycle
• Purpose: Designed for challenging, technical terrain and aggressive riding styles
• Price range: Mid-range to high-end
• Suitable for: Men and women, adults, experienced and skilled mountain bike riders

2. Characteristics

Frame

• Material: Aluminum or carbon fiber
• Geometry: Slack head angle, long wheelbase, and low bottom bracket for stability and control

Wheels

• Diameter: 26 inches or 27.5 inches (650b)
• Tire type: Wide, burly tires (2.4-2.8 inches) for traction and impact absorption
• Rim material: Aluminum or carbon fiber, often reinforced for durability

Transmission

• Number of gears: 7-speed to 11-speed
• Derailleur type: External, rear only, often with a chain guide
• Crankset: Single chainring, aluminum or chromoly steel

Brakes

• Type: Hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors (200-220mm)
• Actuation: Hydraulic
• Manufacturer and model: Shimano or SRAM

Fork

• Type: Long-travel, heavy-duty suspension fork (160-200mm) and rear shock
• Suspension design: Varies (e.g., single-pivot, four-bar linkage, virtual pivot point)

Saddle and handlebars

• Saddle type: Slim, durable saddle
• Material: Synthetic or Kevlar-reinforced
• Handlebar type: Wide, riser bars for control and leverage

Bike weight:15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)

3. Features

• Additional equipment: Chain guide, bash guard, sturdy pedals, protective frame elements
• Accessories included: None
• Unique characteristics or technologies: Heavy-duty components, long-travel suspension, reinforced frames
• Compatibility with additional equipment: Limited, due to focus on simplicity and durability

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

• Main advantages: Durability, suspension performance, and rider control on challenging terrain
• Potential disadvantages or limitations: Heavy, less efficient for pedaling, not suitable for all-around riding
• Comparison with other similar bike types: More focused on technical terrain and jumps than enduro bikes, less race-oriented than downhill bikes

5. Target Audience and Recommendations

• Suitable for: Experienced and skilled mountain bikers who enjoy challenging, technical terrain and aggressive riding styles
• Frame size recommendations: Based on rider height and personal preference
• Maintenance and care tips: Regular cleaning, lubrication, and tune-ups, with extra attention to suspension, drivetrain, and brakes

6. Popular Models and Manufacturers

• Examples of popular models: Santa Cruz Bullit, Kona Operator, Transition TR11
• Well-known brands specializing in this type: Santa Cruz, Kona, Transition, Norco, Rocky Mountain

7. Conclusion

• Summary of key characteristics and advantages: Durable, long-travel bikes designed for challenging, technical terrain and aggressive riding styles, prioritizing suspension performance and rider control
• Optimal choice for: Experienced and skilled mountain bikers who want a bike that can handle big jumps, drops, and steep descents, while allowing for creative line choice and style expression on demanding trails