Mountain Biking
ALSO KNOWN AS:
- MTB |
- Downhill Biking |
- Downhill MTB |
- Off Road Biking |
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the UK’s countryside with limitless routes on an off-road bike.
Discover the best mountain bike trails to ride near you, whatever your level. Some routes offer families a fun way to experience the outdoors and the more thrilling descents and climbs reserved for more experience riders.
There are different types of mountain biking to suit all tastes and levels of experience:
- DH (downhill) trails – Fast and technically demanding downroute trails.
- XC trails – Cross-country trails that includes both climbs and descents.
- Easy trails – Enjoy an easy ride with family or friends.
…plus freeride, pump tracks, bike parks, dirt jumps and much more!
Product Reviews
Pros
- Faster and more exciting than walking
- Enjoyable and accessible for all ages
Cons
- Weather dependent
- Steep hills can be hard work
- Can be expensive
Training & Qualifications
No certification is required. Professional instruction is recommended to speed up your progress.
Gear
All you need is a bike and take to the hills. A helmet and additional body protection is advisable.
Front or full-suspension bikes offer a more comfortable ride for advanced rides, although these substantially increase the cost.
All Mountain Biking Providers
BEST Selling Biking Gear
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
MEETEU Men’s Compression Underwear Set,... | 17 Reviews | £23.89 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 2 |
|
Optimum Men's Nitebrite Cycling Rain Jacket,... | 456 Reviews | £23.31 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 3 |
|
Under Armour HG ARMOUR Men's Long-Sleeve... | 826 Reviews | £35.00 £19.48 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 4 |
|
Cycling Gloves, Waterproof Touchscreen in... | 621 Reviews | £19.99 £9.79 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 5 |
|
Reflective vest for Running Road Cycling Dog... | 68 Reviews | £14.50 £10.85 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 6 |
|
Veriya Bike Chain Cleaner Kit, Easy and Quick... | 39 Reviews | £12.99 £6.99 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| 7 |
|
FDX Cycling Gloves Windproof Gel Padded... | 547 Reviews | £8.85 | Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
Popular Blogs
July 8th was undeniably an interesting day for the people working in The Shard, the 310-metre skyscraper towering above Southwark, London, and one of the tallest buildings in Europe.
Early in the
By Charlotte Johnston
It's really not looking good for millennials.
We are the media’s scapegoat du jour, relentlessly bashed for being self-absorbed socialist slackers that spend too much on
By Sam Bowell
As a fanatical mountain biker, the TOAD team and Bike Parts UK thought I may be just the person to put the Legend through its paces and provide you with an impartial review, based
There is something entrancing in defying gravity.
When combined with the safety of a deep body of water beneath you and the beauty of a rocky landscape, thrills are guaranteed (and spills are
This climbing season there has been news of a growing number of climbers dying on Mount Everest this year, although, not as a result of a single day’s unfortunate events, like in the 1996 disaster,
British Runner Set a New Time Record in the Annual ‘777’ World Marathon Challenge
British runner Susannah Gill has stunned the world by attempting one of the most physically and psychologically
Brit defies scorching temperatures to photograph active volcanoes
It seems hell is not much of an issue for some people!
27-year-old Christopher Horsley got tired of the usual rocky cliffs,
A Russian TV Producer glues his shoes to the underside of a hot air balloon.
Attached only by a pair of trainers, the glue...and a wooden board.
After proving the glue's effectiveness he
Our recent trip to Queenstown in the South Island offered one of the highlights of our tour of New Zealand.
With the area becoming the world's 'go-to' destination for adventure sports, the
For a long time, bungee experiences in Queenstown were dominated by A.J.Hackett. But now, there's a hot new option offering a very different experience.
When we visited the adventure capital of
In December, British surfer Tom Butler rode a 100-foot wave at Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, Portugal – and everyone thinks he's likely broken the record for the biggest wave ever surfed!
They were
By Matt Cook
If you've been hill walking in the Lake District, or even just a passing guest driving through, you'll appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Rolling hills, stunning rock
US explorer Colin O’Brady managed to cross 932 miles of ice-covered ground in 54 days, completing the first-ever unaided solo trek of Antarctica.
Travelling alone and without any external help,
It’s fair to say that the options are endless when planning a road trip in the UK. But as any savvy, adventurous traveller knows, not all roads are created equal.
The United Kingdom has
An American tourist has had a horrifying experience when launched on his first hang gliding flight, without being attached to the glider’s frame!
The incident took place in the Swiss Alps a couple
A couple of us recently headed along to KTM Experience to try our hands at Motocross riding in the beautiful Meon Valley. The location, just outside of Winchester, is popular with motorbike riders
There are few things in this world more fulfilling than being able to climb and stand on top your very first mountain.
If you've done minor climbs in the past, you will know what we mean. But even
Planning the next outdoor adventure is a good time to assess your photography equipment.
Accidents can happen at any time, especially outdoors; and whilst fully protecting a camera may never be
The struggle for survival at sea fascinates sailors and non–sailors alike.
Stories of people who manage to escape grave situations at sea inspire us, strengthen us to face our own challenges,
Ever find yourself looking at a cyclist breeze along the cycle lane while you’re stuck in traffic on the way to work? Find yourself getting jealous when you see a mountain-biker hurtle downhill or
2019 may well prove to be a remarkable year for jet suit enthusiasts. British inventor Richard Browning is convinced that we will see a new speed record of more than 50 km/h (up to 32 mph) in one of
Sir Richard Branson, the 68-year-old billionaire Virgin owner was "seconds away from certain death" after being caught in a rockfall on Mont Blanc.
Richard was with a team of 13 which included
We all know that outdoor activities and adventure sports can be risky. But, just how dangerous is your chosen pastime?
This great info-graphic has been created by Best Health Degrees, which
Catch adventurer Ben Fogle, 44, and Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, 37, making their Everest summit attempt under the tutelage of mountaineer Kenton Cool at 9pm on ITV tonight (30th
Overboard are world leaders in waterproof cases and bags for beach, boat and many outdoor activities.
Their waterproof iPhone and iPad cases keeps your gear dry and protect the things you
High-altitude climbing is not something you want to take lightly.
Guided high-altitude climbs started only a couple of decades ago, although now thousands of adventurers are scrambling up
Everest, K2, Denali, The Eiger...you've probably heard of.
How about Pumori, Khan Tengri, Ama Dablam and Nevado Huascarán?
Climbing is physically and mentally strenuous, but there are climbs
When planning a camping trip with the family, by far one of the most important decisions will be the sleeping arrangements.
Unless you are bringing a campervan, this likely means that you will
Now that Go-Pros and action cameras are such a big part of sports at all levels, it's a daily occurrence to see the next big thing in extreme sports popping up in your Facebook news feed.
However,
Follow in the footsteps of Pablo Escobar in the ultimate paintball showdown!
If you’ve ever watched Narcos on Netflix, you’ll be very familiar with the name and face of Pablo Escobar, the
In the ultimate display of strength, courage and refusal to give up, double amputee summits Everest.
Almost 43 years after losing both of his feet scaling Mount Everest, Xia Boyu, a Chinese double
Bike riding is adventurous. It is the most popular way to explore any country while interacting with the locals and falling in love with the culture, the sights, and the smells of an
Adrift will be the new film adaptation of how one woman survived 41 days adrift in the mighty Pacific Ocean.
One of the greatest sailing survival stories is about to be released as a major Hollywood
Hiking - the perfect escape from the stresses of our everyday routine - feeding our soul with the natural beauty of the countryside and filling our lungs with pure, fresh air.
The best part is
As spring arrives and the weather is (slowly) getting better, the possibilities to explore the outdoors grow ever more enticing. However, it’s safe to say that these days no one’s leaving home
The UK’s rugged northern landscape is ideal for climbers who put diversity and natural beauty above everything else.
Climbing spots of different level of difficulty can be found across the
Almost two decades after his tragic demise, Alex Lowe’s body was finally discovered on the slopes of Shishapangma. Ranking among the most prominent American mountaineers of the 20th century, Alex
Written by Sam Bowell.
Planning a wedding is hard work; planning a wedding 200 miles away from where you live is harder still. So when TOAD asked me if I would like to go and check out Cornwall
Whether you are fascinated by putting yourself in danger, or you just love adventures and wish to know what to do in case things don’t go as planned, this zipped survival guide will help you
Outdoor adventures brings with them a unique set of challenges which aren't experienced in every-day life. One wrong turn and you'll need your wits about you to stay well and get home safely.
When
Life goes by faster than a bullet. If you see the BIG 40 on the horizon, it's time to put some unique lifetime experiences on schedule!
Here is our selection of things you simply must try out
Summer has almost ended, but that doesn't have to be the end for your adventures on water.
Winter can be chilly, but you can enjoy a wide range of watersports in the depths of December; so long
How did a French electrician manage to get back to civilisation after being stranded in the middle of nowhere; using parts of his broken Citroen 2CV to make a makeshift motorbike?
The Journey
When
Skiing Down K2
A skier has decided to defy Himalayas’ K2 intimidating history and imposing slopes and try first to climb the mountain and then slide down its entire 8,611 metres (28,251 ft) on
For those who live their life to the full, the sky is the limit!
Maybe it is the sense of freedom, the adrenaline rush and the blasting wind of 120 miles per hour; that provides the unbeatable
Indoor skiing is the ultimate haven for people who simply can’t wait for winter’s snow to sharpen their skills and feel the sport’s unique adrenaline rush.
It is also ideal for people who
Adrenaline - a hormone, a neurotransmitter, even a type of medication but also the most exhilarating and healthy addiction in the world!
Have you ever considered an 'adrenaline' themed tour around
Alex Honnold has become the first climber to free solo Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall.
To those of you who know nothing about Yosemite’s El Capitan, this news may not seem so
With white water rafting growing in popularity and offering participants a thrill ride which is hard to match, inventor Darren Vancil has come up with a fantastic alternative to rafting.
In
There has been a lot of interest over the past week or so on the current status of the Hillary Step on the South Side of Everest.
The Hillary Step is a 12-metre (39ft) rock face, considered the
Hi All,
We're looking for some writers to contribute to the TOAD blog.
We're keen to hear from anyone with an interest in outdoor activities and adventure who's looking for a platform to
By Matt Cook
Hydrospeeding is wet and cold at the best of times. It's all about making the most of whatever conditions you encounter and enjoying the ride!
Hydrospeeding is a form of solo
By Matt Cook
My list of extreme sports for 2017 is designed to show you some of the best activities and experiences from here in the UK, and around the World.
There's a mix of adventures you may
Hi to all readers of this blog. I'm Matt.
There isn't a lot of you (just yet), but I hope that will change.
Whilst this website has been running for a few years now, there's always been a
As a windy island, it’s not surprising that the UK is a haven for water sports. Diversity is the key. It’s not about just offering perfect surfing waves or spectacular dive sites, for TOAD the
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EVENTS IN THE UK
The UK is blessed with a community of adventure lovers and some of the best locations to enjoy. It also hosts some of the best events to add to your diary for
EXPERIENCE THE WATER YOUR WAY
Water activities come in many different forms, so whether you’re more into extreme sports and thrills, calm and relaxing breaks, or something in the middle, there is
Product Reviews
Best Airbed for Home Use
Sable Inflatable Bed Air Mattress with Built-in Electric Pump
[amazon box="B071FC2SJV"
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
SwissGear produce great kit and the 199 ScanSmart laptop backpack doesn’t
MPOW Wireless Headphones
Performance on a number of levels that runners will appreciate. As you can see, they’re
Khyam Highlander
Combining an impressive rain resistance, a clever wind responsive design and Khyam's famed Quick Erect
Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 is an excellent camera, with lots of great features, all for a great price.
[amazon
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Convertible Walking Trousers
A versatile and hard-wearing pair of walking trousers from
a well-known
King Bike Road and Mountain Helmet - Hybrid
Whether you’re
Prowell F59 Cycle Helmet
A great-looking, very comfortable helmet with good venting and visibility.
[amazon
Pearl Izumi
The Pearl Izumi cycling shoe is classically-styled to make a statement, and technically designed to ensure an
Grsta Sport Water Bottle
A dynamic design, with great features, well suited to an active adult.
[amazon box="B07BR34PYL"
American Tourister Bon Air
A great-looking, light bag with all the right features and a wide selection of finishes.
[amazon
The North Face Cobra
Offers outstanding performance in winter and mountain environments...
[amazon box="B0788S1SYS"
Cycleafer
A good-looking, solid light with good features, at a good price.
[amazon box="B077GYW7WX"
Phoibos – PX005B
It appears as if Phoibos set aside all pretence and hype, and invested in one primary concept – make a
Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots
A boot from one of the best known brands and it delivers the usual high
Vango Hampton DLX
A very comfortable chair which has six reclining positions...
[amazon box="B01EGA0X9W"
Coleman Tent Cortes Octagon Tent
An easy to set up and versatile tent...
[amazon box="B00R1FJ7WO"
Mountain Hardwear Ozonic
A hard-wearing jacket that still allows for movement and flexibility...
[amazon box="B010MIWDL8"
Marmot Minimalist Jacket
The Gore-Tex construction of this Marmot jacket means it is both waterproof and
Campingaz Camp Bistro
A stove that delivers good value at a great price...
[amazon box="B000Y854WC"
Coleman North Rim
Ideal for school trips, light expeditions, family camping and camping abroad...
[amazon box="B00BSAGGWC"
UE Boom 2
Unmatched style, powerful audio and ability to double up...
[amazon box="B0141208EA"
Vibram 5 Fingers Mens Signa Water Shoes
Quality design, material and truly multi-purpose in nature...
[amazon
UNIFUN Waterproof Portable Charger
Waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof...life-proof?
[amazon box="B016HPHIWO"
GoPro Hero4
GoPro Hero4 Black takes the tradition of the action camera firm a step further...for a great price!
[amazon
Silva Trail Runner II
Best for multi-sport athletes and adventurers...
[amazon box="B016AA4Y00"
TomTom Adventurer
A hefty but justifiable price tag...
Whether
Ultra Dry Adventurer Premium Waterproof Bag
This dry bag is light, tough and highly durable - promising to be rip and
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (Men's)
Full of features and yet relatively light...
[amazon box="B079QC4T1Z"
The Head Supershape Magnum are fast, can handle short carves and long carves and also are at a great price.
[amazon
Blueborn Boat Indika 2
Will exceed your expectations in all conditions...
[amazon box="B00KEYWCB2"
JT Elite Prime Goggle
A basic mask with some great features that comes in at a very affordable price.
[amazon
Red Paddle - The Whip
A very fun board to surf on and easy to take anywhere!
[amazon box="B01LXQFY1M"
Neil Pryde Ryde
By Ollie Acton
Buying a windsurfing sail is an
Similar Activities
