Chriso_29er
Likes Bikes and Dirt
Hey All,
Been a bit of discussion in other threads about different types of riding and bikes and how they may affect fitness.
Wanted to give my opinion and thought it might be a topic many might find interesting or have some input.
IMO it is not the bike you're riding but the type of riding on that bike which has the biggest effect on how your body responds to the riding.
For me the best approach is a good mix of different types of riding.
For example I find a 2hr single trail ride very different to a 2hr dirt road or gravel ride even if on the same bike.
The trail ride gives the full body a workout, where less demanding riding such as road or gravel really focuses on your legs and cardio.
True MTB riding, even if a XC type ride still involves a lot of coasting or pedal brakes for corners, pumping etc so you never get that same constant leg power thing going on like you do on a dirt road or non tech climb.
But on the other hand, single trail is great as it forces you into more situations where you need short sharp power for building strength.
Less demanding road, path or gravel riding regardless of what bike its done on, is IMO a great complement to MTB as I find its the best way to build true bike fitness (to move the bike forwards) if you have limited time. Off-bike exercise can make up for the rest so you don't tire out in the upper body too quick once you do get on the trails. Having the legs makes my trail riding much more enjoyable. So with the limited time I've got I like to do rides that focus just on them too, even if not as fun as being out on the trails.
Of course, none of this will make going for a long gravel ride enjoyable on a Enduro bike, but thought I'd put it out there
Let me know what you think, what do you find the most effective during the different types of rides and bikes available to you. What fitness benefit do you find the most useful, bike-fit legs or overall fitness from trail riding?
Been a bit of discussion in other threads about different types of riding and bikes and how they may affect fitness.
Wanted to give my opinion and thought it might be a topic many might find interesting or have some input.
IMO it is not the bike you're riding but the type of riding on that bike which has the biggest effect on how your body responds to the riding.
For me the best approach is a good mix of different types of riding.
For example I find a 2hr single trail ride very different to a 2hr dirt road or gravel ride even if on the same bike.
The trail ride gives the full body a workout, where less demanding riding such as road or gravel really focuses on your legs and cardio.
True MTB riding, even if a XC type ride still involves a lot of coasting or pedal brakes for corners, pumping etc so you never get that same constant leg power thing going on like you do on a dirt road or non tech climb.
But on the other hand, single trail is great as it forces you into more situations where you need short sharp power for building strength.
Less demanding road, path or gravel riding regardless of what bike its done on, is IMO a great complement to MTB as I find its the best way to build true bike fitness (to move the bike forwards) if you have limited time. Off-bike exercise can make up for the rest so you don't tire out in the upper body too quick once you do get on the trails. Having the legs makes my trail riding much more enjoyable. So with the limited time I've got I like to do rides that focus just on them too, even if not as fun as being out on the trails.
Of course, none of this will make going for a long gravel ride enjoyable on a Enduro bike, but thought I'd put it out there
Let me know what you think, what do you find the most effective during the different types of rides and bikes available to you. What fitness benefit do you find the most useful, bike-fit legs or overall fitness from trail riding?