How to Choose the Right Amount of Travel for Your Mountain Bike

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How Much Travel Do I Need for My Mountain Bike?

When it comes to choosing a mountain bike, one of the most important factors to consider is the amount of travel you need. Travel refers to the amount of suspension that your bike has, and it’s measured in millimeters. The amount of travel you need will depend on the type of riding you do and your personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of mountain biking and how much travel you need for each one. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right bike for your needs.

So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, read on to learn more about travel and how it can affect your mountain biking experience.

Bike Type Recommended Travel Notes
Cross-country 100-120mm For smooth trails and light off-roading
Trail 120-140mm For more aggressive off-roading and jumps
Enduro 140-160mm For demanding terrain and long descents
Downhill 160mm+ For the most extreme off-roading and racing

What is Bike Travel?

Bike travel, also known as bikepacking, is a type of cycling that involves long-distance travel on a bicycle. It is a challenging but rewarding way to see the world, and it can be a great way to get in shape and explore new places.

There are many different types of bike travel, from short weekend trips to multi-month expeditions. No matter what your goals are, there is a bike travel adventure out there for you.

How to Measure Bike Travel

The amount of travel that you need on your bike depends on a number of factors, including the type of terrain you will be riding on, the weight of your gear, and your fitness level.

For general bikepacking, a good rule of thumb is to have 100mm of travel on the front fork and 120mm of travel on the rear shock. This will provide you with enough suspension to handle most types of terrain, and it will also help to improve your comfort and control.

If you plan on riding on very rough terrain, such as rocks or roots, you may want to consider a bike with more travel. A full-suspension bike with 150mm of travel on both the front and rear wheels will provide you with the best possible performance on these types of trails.

However, it is important to note that a bike with more travel will also be heavier and more difficult to pedal. If you are planning on doing a lot of long-distance riding, you may want to consider a bike with less travel.

Here are some tips for measuring bike travel:

  • Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from the center of the axle to the top of the head tube. This will give you the amount of travel on the front fork.
  • To measure the travel on the rear shock, compress the shock as far as it will go and then measure the distance from the top of the shock to the bottom of the frame.
  • Be sure to take into account the sag of your suspension when measuring bike travel. Sag is the amount of travel that is used up when you are sitting on your bike.

Bike travel is a great way to see the world and get in shape. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have the right amount of travel on your bike for your next adventure.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [Bikepacking Tips and Advice](https://www.bikepacking.com/tips/)
  • [How to Choose the Right Bike for Bikepacking](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bikepacking-bike-guide)
  • [Bike Travel Gear List](https://www.theultracyclist.com/bike-packing-gear-list/)

How Much Travel Do I Need Mtb?

The amount of travel you need on your mountain bike depends on a number of factors, including your riding style, the terrain you’ll be riding on, and your weight.

Riding style

If you’re a beginner or casual rider, you’ll probably want a bike with less travel. This will make it easier to handle and more comfortable to ride on smooth terrain.

If you’re an intermediate or advanced rider, you may want a bike with more travel. This will give you more control and stability when riding on rough terrain.

Terrain

If you’re mostly riding on smooth trails, you’ll be able to get away with a bike with less travel. If you’re planning on riding on rough terrain, such as rocks, roots, and drops, you’ll want a bike with more travel.

Weight

Heavier riders need more travel to absorb the impact of bumps and jumps. If you’re a heavier rider, you’ll want to choose a bike with more travel than a lighter rider.

Recommended bike travel ranges

The following table provides a general guideline for choosing the right amount of travel for your mountain bike:

| Riding style | Terrain | Weight | Recommended travel |
|—|—|—|—|
| Beginner | Smooth trails | Light | 80mm-100mm |
| Intermediate | Intermediate trails | Average | 100mm-120mm |
| Advanced | Rough trails | Heavy | 120mm-150mm |

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines. The best way to determine how much travel you need is to test ride different bikes and see what feels comfortable and works for you.

Factors to consider when choosing bike travel

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing bike travel.

Budget

Bike travel can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The amount you’re willing to spend will obviously impact the type of bike you can buy.

Maintenance

Bikes with more travel require more maintenance than bikes with less travel. This is because they have more moving parts that can wear out. If you’re not comfortable doing your own maintenance, you’ll need to factor in the cost of taking your bike to a bike shop.

Warranty

Most bike manufacturers offer a warranty on their products. The length of the warranty will vary, but it’s important to make sure you have a warranty in case something goes wrong with your bike.

Resale value

If you’re planning on selling your bike in the future, you’ll want to choose a bike that has a good resale value. Bikes with more travel tend to hold their value better than bikes with less travel.

The amount of travel you need on your mountain bike is a personal decision. There are a number of factors to consider, including your riding style, the terrain you’ll be riding on, your weight, and your budget. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right bike travel for your needs.

How much travel do I need for my MTB?

The amount of travel you need for your MTB depends on the type of riding you plan to do. For cross-country riding, you will typically want a bike with 100-120mm of front travel and 80-100mm of rear travel. For trail riding, you will want a bike with 120-140mm of front travel and 100-120mm of rear travel. For downhill riding, you will want a bike with 150mm or more of front travel and 130mm or more of rear travel.

What is the difference between front and rear travel?

Front travel refers to the amount of suspension travel that occurs at the front wheel, while rear travel refers to the amount of suspension travel that occurs at the rear wheel. The amount of front and rear travel is typically proportional, so a bike with 120mm of front travel will typically have 100mm of rear travel.

How does travel affect the handling of my MTB?

More travel makes a bike more stable and forgiving, but it also makes it slower and less nimble. Less travel makes a bike more agile and responsive, but it also makes it more difficult to control over rough terrain. The amount of travel that is best for you will depend on your riding style and preferences.

What other factors should I consider when choosing a MTB?

In addition to travel, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing a MTB, including wheel size, frame material, and gearing. Wheel size is typically measured in inches, and the most common sizes for MTBs are 26″, 27.5″, and 29″. Frame material can be either aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel. Aluminum frames are the most affordable and durable, while carbon fiber frames are the lightest and most responsive. Gearing refers to the number of gears on the bike, and the most common combinations are 2×10, 3×9, and 1×11.

How can I find the right MTB for me?

The best way to find the right MTB for you is to visit a local bike shop and talk to a salesperson. They can help you assess your riding needs and recommend a bike that is right for you. You can also read reviews of different MTBs online to get an idea of what other riders think of them.

the amount of travel you need for your MTB depends on a variety of factors, including your riding style, terrain, and budget. If you’re a beginner or primarily ride on smooth trails, a shorter travel bike will be sufficient. However, if you’re an advanced rider or ride on more challenging terrain, a longer travel bike will provide more stability and control. Ultimately, the best way to decide how much travel you need is to test ride different bikes and see what feels comfortable and performs best for you.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.