The mountain bike was a descendant of the cruiser bikes that used to be ridden down the mountain trails in California. The were no actual mountain bikes at that time. The first mountain bikes were made using the frames of the cruiser bikes. Schwinn was one of the first ones made. Due to the way these bikes were put together, they made the perfect set up for modifying one to make a mountain bike.
One in particular that was used a lot was the Schwinn Excelsior. Using one of these bikes and modifying them with gears and motocross handlebars, the mountain bike was born. These bikes were called Klunkers.
The mountain bike was actually not manufactured until the early 1980s. A few were started in the late 1970s. The lightweight materials used in the mountain bikes was the key to speed. Credited with being the first to make the frames for these mountain bikes, is Tom Ritchey, although the first built mountain bike was presented to the public by Joe Breeze in 1978.
When Tom Ritchey teamed up with two other partners, Charlie Kelley and Gary Fisher, the trio made frames for Mountain Bikes. This partnership did not do well and was disbanded in 1983.
Mountain bikes were made using the frames of road bicycles. The frame had heavier tubing than the typical road bike. A wider frame and fork which was needed to put a wider tire on the mountain bike was also added. The handlebars were straight rather than the curved handlebars that were typical on racing bikes.
Some of the ideas for the earlier models of mountain bikes were taken from the BMX bike. Mass produced in 1983 by Specialized, these bikes were made in Japan and had 15 gears. These bikes are a stark contrast to the ones manufactured today. The ones being made to day have lighter frames and the design is much more sleek looking.
Mountain biking has called for better frames. The frames have needed to be lighter and stronger so this has been a consideration for the manufacturers. Since mountain biking includes riding over logs, rocks, and wooden bridges, and difficult setups made by others, the bike has to be very maneuverable.
The newer mountain bikes are equipped with 21, 24, or 27 speed capability. The gears normally consist of 3 in the front and approximately 8 gears in the back wheel. A couple have been made that do not pass the rigid strength test required for mountain bikes.
These bikes use the abbreviation MTB or ATB, so if you are looking to purchase one you may want to remember this. The bikes are made for racing on dirt tracks. They are made for rugged roads and the more rugged the better. The tires are wider and have a tread that provide extra traction. Usually these wheels are 26 inches although some are made with 29 inch.
This is an extremely popular type of sport for many who like an adventure and want cruise the mountains and hills available in many states.
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