
Mountain bicycles have exploded in popularity since their introduction just a few decades ago. They are easily one of the largest market segments in the entire industry and account for millions of dollars in sales each year. In most bike shops, they make up at least half of the available inventory.
Mountain bicycles were developed for off-road use. They utilize a much larger, more sturdy frames than does the average road bike, as well as larger, aggressively treaded tires. Many modern versions also incorporate suspension systems to allow them to absorb the shocks that can occur while on the trail.
Mountain bicycles can be purchased from nearly any bike shop. In fact, most bike shops will usually have a selection of different brands from which to choose. While some of these bikes can cost thousands of dollars, there are much less expensive options for those that aren’t looking to turn pro.