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If you're new to biking and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you're in the right place. Today, we're introducing you to mountain biking slopestyle.
What is mountain biking slopestyle?
The slopestyle is an extreme and very spectacular mountain bike discipline that is largely inspired by dirt and BMX riding. In slopestyle, the discipline consists of performing figures on dirt bumps, wooden modules or urban elements depending on the terrain the rider is riding on.
Participants launch from a large ramp more than 10 meters from the top to gain momentum before moving onto a mountain bike track with several obstacles, starting with a double bump 8 to 10 meters long. Slopestyle is usually practiced in Bike Parks.
Slopestyle originated in winter sports as the discipline can be found in both skiing and snowboarding, where it has been present in the World Cup since the 2011-2012 season.
In competition, the practitioners are separated by a jury that scores the different tricks performed according to a barreème established in advance and which includes several criteria such as the difficulty of the trick, the style, the amplitude of the jump, the precision of the trick, etc.
Like dual slalom, the slopestyle discipline is notably present in the Crankworx World Tour, an international mountain bike competition organized in several rounds around the world and which includes several events (downhill, dual slalom, pumptrack, slopestyle, etc.
What equipment to practice slopestyle?
To practice this discipline, you need a slopestyle-specific mountain bike with low travel and preferably full suspension to absorb shocks while being responsive for relaunching. The bike has a single brake and a single gear. You should expect to pay between 500 and 2000€ for a bike designed for slopestyle.
Falls being an integral part of the discipline, it is mandatory to wear a helmet, back protection or a protective jacket as well as knee and elbow pads.
Now that you're up to speed on mountain biking trials, how about doing the same with other mountain biking disciplines like downhill, marathon downhill, enduro mountain biking, all mountain biking, cross-country, cross-country marathon, freeride, mountain biking, four cross, dual slalom, dirt, street mountain biking, or trials mountain biking ?
