The mountain bike really burst on to the scene in the late eighties and early nineties, and since then has been one of the most popular modes of conveyance you are likely to find. They are incredibly versatile, which makes them great for adults and children who are riding for any reason. They have little problem with rough terrain or difficult climbs, but they are not built solely for that kind of terrain. This versatility has made the mountain bike an indispensable part of the bicycle industry.

Indeed, the Olympic games now include an element of mountain biking – which is as high an accolade as can be conferred upon a sport. Unlike most conventional bikes, a mountain bike has the capacity to be taken up and down tough hills, over tree roots and other such unforgiving terrain. Indeed, it is practically encouraged that you do this. This of course requires you to be careful when riding a mountain bike. Just because the bike can handle the terrain doesn’t mean that you can.

Mountain bike tours are also now a popular way to spend your free time. The same toughness and technical quality that allows them to be ridden on tough climbs and through forests also means that they are an ideal bike for desert terrain and dirt roads. This makes for a quite exhilarating pursuit which really takes you back to nature.

And of course, the point of versatility returns when you realize that just because they can be taken through the toughest of terrain, this does not mean you are required to ride them only on such terrain. They are also ideal for trips to the shops and back. This is part of what makes them so popular, and why they will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.