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Equipment

Retro mountain bike? There’s no bike Carl at Bike Love in Glasgow can’t fix

Your bike

Out on the hills, glens and forests of central and southern Scotland you’ll encounter mountain bikers riding machines costing between a few hundred pounds and a few thousand. Your choice of bike is contingent on a number of factors, but is generally the sum of disposable income divided by degree of enthusiasm. There’s no doubt that a top-of-the-range, lightweight bike with high-specification components can only add to the enjoyment of off-road cycling. However, there’s little point spending thousands on a bike that only sees action a few times a year. For those who are serious about their sport a good quality machine is essential, but choosing the right type of mountain bike for you is a far more important business than the relative cost alone, and it’s best to seek advice from reputable bike retailers before buying.

Choosing the right frame size is a crucial factor, bearing in mind that a smaller frame than you would need for a road bike is better suited for off-road riding. An increasing number of mountain bikers ride full-suspension bikes, which take the edge off the bone-jarring sensations experienced on rougher terrain; a smoother ride also means greater control, especially on downhills and ‘technical’ terrain. Many of the trails encountered at the trail centres throughout southern and central Scotland are as appropriate terrain for full-suspension bikes as anywhere, although many people still prefer to ride ‘hardtail’ machines – that is, front suspension only – which are lighter and faster uphill. This is a matter of personal preference, dictated in part by the kind of riding you do.