Types of Mountain Biking
Cross Country (XC)
Probably the most popular form of mountain biking. Riding trails off-road through woods, mountains, desert and other terrain. This is a very broad category, but also is a popular format for racing. Bikes are generally lighter, not as rugged and have less suspension for the purpose of conquering longer trails rather than big jumps and high-impact manuevers.
Enduro/All-Mountain (AM)
These bikes are designed to allow riders to pedal up moderate inclines, but have stronger, heavier frames and more travel in their suspensions so riders can push them to their limits descending. Because of the extra weight, Enduro/All-Mountain bikes are not the best choice for all-day rides involving steep climbing.
Freeride (FR)
Freeride bikes are designed with strength in mind. They are intended to be used on technical descents with ramps, drops and other high-impact obstacles built into natural terrain. These bikes are very heavy making it very challenging to handle especially if your free time is spent on online poker or watching TV instead of doing physical activities. Their weight and unique frame shape make them very poor-climbers. Freeriders often ride at lift-assisted slopes at ski resorts in the off-season. If lifts aren't available, they may even be seen walking their bikes up the slope.
Downhill (DH)
Downhill bikes are intended to be used specifically on dedicated downhill trails and race courses. These bikes are lighter than freeride bikes and are made for descending in time trials at the fastest speed possible. These bikes have up to 7 inches of travel in their suspensions. Ascending is usually done with the aid of a ski-lift.
Check out this video of downhill mountain bike racing:
Trials
Trials riding is about style, hopping bikes over obstacles and jumps. It is more about performing tricks, than tackling territory. The bikes are much different than other mountain bikes with smaller tires and low saddles. Some trials bikes don't even have a saddle.
Check out this video of a trials rider:
Dirt Jumping
This type of riding involves jumping off of dirt ramps. Usually, you are riding on along a built course, similar to BMX racing, but the ramps are designed with the idea of getting the most air and performing the best tricks rather than finishing in the fastest time. Bikes tend to be a little smaller and sturdier than standard mountain bikes.
Urban, Street
This riding in urban environments involves performing tricks off of man-made obstacles. Could also be performed in an skate park style set-up with half-pipes, quarter-pipes, wall-rides, ramps and rails. Bike set-ups are similar to dirt-jumping bikes - smaller and sturdier.
Mountain Cross / 4-Cross (4X)
Four riders race down a prepared BMX-styled track trying to be the first across the finish line.
Check out this video of Dirt Jumping and Mountain Cross Racing:
Dual Slalom (DS)
Similar to Mountain Cross but with only two riders. Tracks are slightly more technical. Riders usually have separate tracks to race on.
Indycross (IX)
Similar to Mountain Cross, but with one rider at a time and a wider variety of course features.
Short Cross or Speed Cross (SX)
Short flat sprint race through a forested path with rocks and roots.
North Shore
A style of mountain biking that evolved in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia. It involves challenging man-made obstacles that help you navigate through equally challenging natural terrain. Narrow skinnies, drop-offs, ramps, teeter-totters.
Check out this video of North Shore Styled riding:
