Mountain biking has become quite popular, especially at places like Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. However, finding the right mountain bike for you can be a bit of a challenge in the beginning.

If you’re used to riding on smoothly paved roads, you may be wondering what you need in order to ride on uneven, hilly terrain. We’ll make it simple for you to find just the right mountain bike you need.

First, you need to think about what kind of riding you want to be doing. From there, you can dial into a bike that can meet your needs.

There are several different types of mountain bikes on the market today, which are often classified by their type of suspension. Here are some of the most common mountain bikes to get out on the trails:

Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

A dual (or full) suspension mountain bike has a suspension system for both the front and rear of the bike, including a shock absorber in the back. It also has a linkage connecting the two suspensions. This creates a more comfortable, smoother ride so you can stay seated longer while still going off jumps and riding downhill.

Hard-Tail Mountain Bike

A hard-tail mountain bike has one suspension in the front and none in the rear. Hard-tailed bicycles are typically the go-to bike in the mountain biking world. They’re light, simple, more affordable, more durable, and even more reliable than a frame with rear suspension.

Cross Country (XC) Mountain Bike

A cross country mountain bike is made for riding on a variety of trails including forest paths, smooth roads, and roads that connect trails. They usually have air-sprung shocks and are made from materials that are lightweight and resilient and have great maneuverability on hairpin turns while allowing you to climb up hills with less effort.

Downhill Bike

For racecourses or downhill tracks, a downhill mountain bike is best. Downhill bikes is a full suspension bicycle that is specifically designed to allow riders to ride down steep, technical trails. With a downhill bike, riders get maximum durability, speed, and control when taking on steep courses or even off-season ski slopes.

Now that you have a good idea of what bikes are available, it's time to go out and pick the one that's perfect for you and hit the trails.