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This class of bikes can be called ATB (all terrain bike), MTB (mountain bike) or off-road bike. They have 26" wheels with knobbly tyres, between 21- 27 gears, straight(ish) handlebars, and are generally without racks, mudguards and other useful accessories - although these can usually be added on. Most entry level and above ATBs come equipped with front suspension forks as standard nowadays - very civil!

But beware! There's a big difference between pseudo-mountain bikes (cheaper "play" bikes not up to the rigours of off-road riding - cheap full suspension ? Don't even go there!) and genuine off-road machines. Decent hardtail ATBs tend to cost upwards of £300. "Decent" means better quality bearings, rims, brakes, gears - the lot really. Cromoly steel and more often aluminium are what you'll get as frame material. Titanium and carbon fibre are for the aesthetes and large of pocket.

Once you get into "mid range" and above you're entering a world of mountain biking that can cope with thrilling single track, exciting technical bridleways, challenging moorland, and the rest.

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