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designed for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes share some similarities with other bicycles, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. These typically include a suspension fork, large
, more powerful brakes, straight handlebars, lower gear-ratios for climbing steep grades and sometimes rear suspension to really smooth out the trail.[2]
Mountain bikes are generally specialized for use on mountain trails,
, and other unpaved surfaces, although perhaps[original research?] the majority of them are never used off-pavement, and it is common to find hybrid road bikes based on "mountain-bike" frames for sale. Mountain biking terrain commonly has rocks, roots, loose dirt, and steep grades. Many trails have additional
. Mountain bikes are built to handle these types of terrain and features. The heavy-duty construction combined with stronger rims and wider tires has also made this style of bicycle popular with urban riders and couriers who must navigate through potholes and over curbs.[3]
, and a variety of track and slalom types. Each of these place different demands on the bike, requiring different designs for optimal performance. MTB development has led to an increase in suspension travel, now often up to 8 inches (200 mm), and gearing up to 27 speeds, to facilitate both climbing and rapid descents. Advances in
The expressions "all terrain bicycle", "all terrain bike", and the acronym "ATB" are used as synonyms for "mountain bike",[4][5][6][7][8] but some authors consider them passé.[9]
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