Mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories that are verse in what can they offer. The following are:
- BMX- has 20 inch wheels and are commonly used at skate parks or dirt jumps. It is easy to perform tricks and stunts with because of their smaller wheels.
- Cross Country- made for riding up and down hills. It is considered to be the least extreme form of mountain biking.
- Cyclo cross- a cross between road and mountain biking where the riders have to go through obstacles, cross rivers and race on and off course or trials.
- Dirt jumping- used to jump over man-made dirt jumps while doing tricks on air.
- Downhill- for racing downhill as fast as possible. It is very intense and extreme that is very perfect for adventure seekers.
- Freeride- Competitions on this are popular as the rider has to find the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express himself.
- Single speed- a bike with only one gear. Simplicity is the key meaning, less mechanical problems plus a lighter bike to compete with.
- Street and Urban- involves riding around the city or urban areas, through stall and grinds.
- Trails- 20 or 26 inches of wheels are used and they have small low frames. Trail riders are required to have an extreme amount of balance and concentration to jump over their obstacles.