{"id":63788,"date":"2026-08-14T19:25:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T17:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/?p=63788"},"modified":"2026-08-25T10:45:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:45:37","slug":"get-started-with-downhill-mountain-biking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/en\/see-do\/biking\/downhill-biking\/get-started-with-downhill-mountain-biking\/","title":{"rendered":"Get started with downhill mountain biking"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n
\n
\n\n

Downhill mountain biking: speed, technique and a touch of adrenaline on top of that. Riding downhill is one of the best parts of summer. This is all you\u2019ll need to get started. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your bike and protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Riding downhill in the mountains puts a high demand on your bike, and that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s important to have a strong and durable bike that can handle all the tough elements. Front and rear suspension are a given, just as strong wheels are. The type of bike you choose depends on what type of riding you choose to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downhill bikes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Downhill bikes are usually equipped with 200 millimetre suspension from both the front and rear. There\u2019s a double crowned fork at the front (in the same style as a motocross bike), to create as much stability as possible and a rear shock with a spring in order to absorb a lot of beating. The saddle sits low so that you can move freely and properly in turns and steeper sections. You won\u2019t be sitting much, though. As you swoop downhill, you\u2019ll be standing on the pedals instead\u2014for better balance, more control, and most of all, because it\u2019s simply more fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downhill bikes are fantastic when going downhill, they can handle loads of speed while still being safe and sturdy. If you haven\u2019t ridden downhill before, this is the bike for you, and \u00c5re has a bunch of shops that have great downhill bikes for rent.However, just as good as your downhill bike will perform going down the hill, just as bad it is for climbing uphill. This is purely a bike to enjoy riding down the slopes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enduro bikes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re also up for a bit of pedalling, or just want a bike that\u2019s also fun on a bit flatter trails, an Enduro bike is the model for you. Enduro from the beginning was a competitive form of mountain biking that consists of pedalling up to the starting line, then accelerating full-on downhill towards the finish, on the same bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enduro bikes have 150\u2013170 millimetres of suspension both front and rear, and are a little lighter and easier to pedal than a downhill mountain bike. Regardless of the details, they\u2019re also great to ride the \u00c5re Bike Park on Mt. \u00c5reskutan with. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \"Cyclist\n \n Rent the right equipment and biking will be more fun.\n <\/span>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\n

Full face helmet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the risk of scaring you unnecessarily, sometimes you wipe out when riding downhill, it\u2019s part of the sport. So, a strong and properly protective integral helmet is a must. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \"Biker\n \n Remember the full face helmet as part of your protection.\n <\/span>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Goggles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A pair of goggles protects your eyes against flying dust, mud and random objects. Bike goggles only have one lens with usually clear glass, unlike mirrored lenses used in ski goggles, which can get quite dark in the forest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How much protection you choose to wear is entirely up to you, but we recommend at least knee and back protection for downhill mountain biking. Then you can add elbow protection and chest protection if you want to feel extra safe. Or get an all-in-one protective jacket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask for help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t know where to start looking or what the best equipment is for you, you can always ask for help at your local bike shop or from one of the local the rental companies. If you rent a bike all the protection gear described above is included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scroll down to find a list of all the bicycle companies in \u00c5re.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/vimeo.com\/803218083\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\n

Clothes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t necessarily need to buy specific clothes to go mountain biking, although there are of course clothes that are specifically designed for it. Dig a little in your wardrobe at home and you\u2019re guaranteed to find something you can use to start off with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n