The popular "mountain bike" style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles designed for cruising up and down a mountain. Obviously racing down a mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. Anyone actually considering taking on a mountain pass is advised to invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. With the right equipment and some common sense, mountain biking is a fun sport for the entire family.

Choose Your Style

The three basic styles of mountain bikes are cross-country, freestyle, and downhill styles. While each style varies in many ways, they each demand a great deal of skill. The type of mountain bike you should buy is determined by your personal riding style. In other words, if you plan on busting moves with your buddies, don't buy a heavy downhill bike. Lighter freestyle models are better suited for trick riding.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mountain biking requires personal stamina and endurance and stamina. You'll also need ambition and a fair amount of courage to take on nature's tricky courses. And, like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and lots and lots of practice. Don't expect to ride around the block a few times and then cruise right into scaling rocky hills and maneuvering winding trails. Be prepared to acquire a few bumps and bruises before you're ready to ride with the big kids.

Learn About Your Location

Assume that every mountain biking path is an unpaved surface. Your bike is ready to take you virtually anywhere you want to go, and there are many North American parks that offer designated biking trails. Before hitting these park and conservation trails, check for local rules and regulations. Trail maps may be available for you to take along on your trek. Ask about local mountain biking clubs, competitions and group trail rides. Your local bike shop should have this information, and you can also check the newspaper and search online. Biking groups can vary from beginner to advanced, so be sure to join a group that's appropriate for your skill level.

Choose your Ride

Once you've determined whether your mountain biking style is cross-country, freestyle or downhill, the bike you choose basically comes down to personal choice. Today's market is flooded with a huge variety of makes and models. Take the time to compare styles, sizes and price.

Don't forget to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, and don't be fooled into thinking that the most expensive model is necessarily the best bike. The Internet provides an awesome tool in shopping for a bike, as some sites will compare quality, features and prices for you.

Ask for a test drive when you find a bike that you like. You should feel as though the mountain bike is an extension of your body. Make sure that your body position is just right, the seat is comfortable and the gears and brakes meet your personal preferences.

Good quality mountain bike can be very expensive, so ask around and do your homework before you buy.

Safety First

It's dangerous to ride a mountain bike on unpaved roads and through unexplored territories. In fact, you simply don't know what's waiting around the corner. Never ride without a helmet, and consider wearing elbow pads, knee pads and riding gloves. Goggles should be worn if you're riding in the woods or following a group. Be prepared for anything, and keep a few band-aids in your pack, just in case.

Whether you're riding across the county, or across the country, mountain biking is a great way to see the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, proceed with caution and have fun!