The sport of mountain biking combines extreme features such as riding over rocks and cliffs, steep descents, muddy trails, and other rough terrains. For this reason, this activity is commonly referred to as mountain bike riding or mountain biking.

The history of mountain bikes incorporates traditions from the Roughstuff Fellowship in the United Kingdom and races held on hills and valleys in Europe. The term “mountain bike” first appeared in print in 1966 under the name “mountain bicycle.” A mountain bike is a modified heavy cruiser bicycle used on steep mountain trails. This sport gained further popularity in 1970 in Marin County, California, USA. The 2007 documentary Klunkerz detailed the early BMX-style bicycle races of that era. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, bicycle companies began producing mountain bikes using lightweight materials such as M4 aluminum. Although more expensive, materials like titanium, hydroformed aluminum, and carbon fiber frames have become increasingly common in recent years. The first mass-produced mountain bike was the Specialized Stumpjumper, first manufactured in 1981. Between the 1990s and 2000s, mountain bike racing was no longer considered a minor sport, as it had become a major discipline represented in international competitions and world championships.

In mountain biking, the athlete’s main objective is to perform the necessary maneuvers on mountain trails. This sport uses specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bike races are held on hilly and uneven mountain trails, often featuring sharp turns.