Determining the accurate amount of travel can break or make the ride. If the stuff is flat, then your bike might feel like it’s uninspiring and lethargic. And if you travel less, the bike might turn out to be not up to the mark. You might be wondering what suspension travel is. Suspension travel means the number of ups and downs faced by the wheels on rough surfaces.
On hills or mountains, bike travel can vary from 80 millimeters; it can run from 200 millimeters on a vast downhill speed machine on an xc bike. Less travel suspension implies efficiency on the climbs, and the suspension does not require a lot of pedal power. More travel results in increased confidence and traction when riding down the hill via rough terrain at very high speed. Let’s look into how many bike riding styles there are, and then based on them, you will learn how much travel suspension it would require.
Types of Bike Riding Styles
Trail riding
Usually, trail bikes have to travel up to 140 millimeters. They mount the limit between tougher DH-oriented traveling and cross country-style traveling, which implies more travel than XC bikes. Less travel indicates its burden being reduced; short riding shocks with lighter all keep weightless. But whenever you are getting a little bit fierce or adventurous, the extra squish is necessary to keep you in control and reduce the chances of crashing.
All mountain
Typically, all-mountain bikes have a travel of 130 mm and 160 mm. The ride is pretty much evident in the name only, which is for mountains only.
These types of bikes are suitable for all kinds of paths, be they flowy and smooth single stack or rough pathways. Every mountain bike has enough suspension to deal with all kinds of traveling; it doesn’t matter if it’s tough or easy. In addition, most of these bikes are light, and even if you don’t travel a lot, it will always give you longer pedaling.
Enduro
Enduro bikes have a journey of around 150 to 170 mm; sometimes, they can even reach up to 180 mm, which is in rearward situations. They are made so that they can deal with rough tracks and be light enough to ride up to the top of the hills.
Here are a few of the rides which excel in certain kinds of travel.
Short rides
For bike riders who want maximum efficiency, a nimble ride and a bike that switches rider input in the trail, not a lot of traveling is the key. Along with 80-110 millimeters of traveling by bikex seems like a miracle on the rough terrains. However, it needs extra rider input to ride a little fast on the rough paths. The contrast is that if a rider likes to be a little adventurous and likes to play and jump around the bike, less travel would be of great help.
On smooth surfaces, smaller travel bikes can hold on to the speed more quickly, and while pumping with the use of a roller, they’ll tend to react more.
Mid travel
Mid travel bikes have a travel of almost 120-140 mm and are best for people who like to ride a bit of everything. For climbs, they cannot be considered the most efficient on the climbs, they need a bike with the extra set of skills and extra efforts for going down, but they would be efficient in riding everything. On the other hand, if the riders are still a little perky compared to an XC bike can assist a rider in many dangerous moments. Travel bike with 12–140 mm travel soaks the tough stuff much better and provides bikers an adventurous bike to hop around on.
Long travel
Long travel bikes with the travel of almost 160-180 mm of travel are the height of going down quickly, along with being able to climb up from high terrain. With a large amount of traction, travel to take big shocks, and enough cushions to cover up over aspiring limits, the biker’s confidence will be on top. More travel will be used whenever the bike hits a certain obstacle, such as a rock. Even more travel suspension permits the wheel to go ahead on the more significant hurdles without rider input.
Riders will tend to be less stressed as fewer riders input for going on fast. The only negative point in more travel is that the bike would feel even more sluggish under rider input. Pumping and cornering need a lot of body language to get in speed. Climbing is very tough due to the suspension soaking pedal power and additional weight. Everything is made for when you look and point at the downhill and can’t hide the happiness from your face.
Downhill
Travel of almost 190-200 mm is only for downhill speed. Pedaling capacity is pretty awesome for going up to the hill. The wheel’s movements are upwards and get over the hurdles efficiently, and the rider can also flick harder on the downside. There is a lot of traction for changing ways and braking, even on the trails which have the craziest ways.
This amount of travel is perfect for you if you have chairlifts and shuttles near the place you reside and want to travel as quickly as you can. Bikes with a pure race have around this much of travel as they would offer a lot of confidence wherever you go down the hill. Because they are specialist bikes, not a lot of people might need this bike.
Conclusion
If you are centered on capability, perkiness, and effortless rides, then the bikes with small travel suspension are perfect for you. But, if you are a hardcore rider and like racing down the hills, then bikes with long-travel suspension are appropriate for you. Riders who have a lot of skills and efficiency might get an advantage from the capabilities of a mid-travel bike, but the stress is enhanced because of increased rider input.
Larger travel bikes need maximum input to switch directions or maneuver to provide a more relaxed biking style. Maximum travel will also cover some mistakes and enhance the confidence of beginner riders who like to go downhill.
