Downhill
Downhill experiences all over Romania. Book online in moments, with instant confirmation and honest reviews from other travellers.
Difficulty
Advanced – Expert
Duration
1 hour – a day
Location
Bike parks, mountains, purpose-built tracks
Season
Spring – autumn
What is downhill?
Downhill is an MTB discipline built around riding a course downwards as fast as you can.
The tracks take in steep pitches, bends, roots, rocks and obstacles both natural and built.
It calls for real control of the bike and for proper protective gear.
It is one of the most spectacular forms of mountain biking there is.
Types of downhill
Bike park downhill
Built tracks with obstacles and several grades.
Mountain downhill
Natural descents on mountain tracks.
Competitive downhill
Timed races on technical tracks.
Freeride
Descents ridden your own way, with jumps and built features.
How does a downhill session work?
Walking the track
You look over the obstacles and how hard the line is.
Getting the bike ready
You check the suspension, the brakes and the tyres.
The climb
You get up by lift or under your own power, depending on the place.
The descent
You ride the track with control and technique.
Sharpening your technique
Doing it again and again is what builds the control.
Who is downhill for?
Experienced riders
For people who have already ridden MTB routes.
MTB riders
Good for training and for racing.
Thrill seekers
For anyone after a technical challenge.
Riders working their way up
With some coaching and the right tracks they can build up gradually.
downhill experience level
Introductory downhill
Easy tracks for learning your position and how to brake.
Recreational downhill
Descents with moderate obstacles and technical bends.
Downhill — technical
Difficult tracks over rough ground with involved sections.
Competitive downhill
Extreme tracks for performance and for racing.
At a glance
A purpose-built bike
A DH or a suitable enduro bike is what you want.
Brakes that work
Keeping your speed in check is everything on a descent.
Suspension
It soaks up whatever the track throws at you.
Riding technique
Body position and control of the bike are everything.
Knowing the route
Looking over the track beforehand cuts the risks.
Full protection
The protective gear is not optional here.
downhill kit
Downhill bike
Frame, suspension and parts built for descending.
Full-face helmet
It protects the head and the face.
Body armour
Knee pads, elbow pads and a chest protector.
MTB gloves
They give you protection and grip.
MTB goggles
They keep dust and flying debris out of your eyes.
MTB shoes
They help you keep control of the pedals.
downhill safety
Downhill involves speeds and obstacles that call for serious preparation.
Downhill — frequently asked questions
Yes, but start on easy tracks and with some coaching.
No. Bikes built for descending are what you want.
Yes. Given what the sport involves, the protective gear matters.
Yes, especially for control and for staying strong through the run.
In bike parks and on mountain tracks laid out for it.
The dry stretch from spring through to autumn suits it best.
Building your technique and enjoying the descents.