Downhill mountain biking (also called DH) is a fast paced, gravity-assisted race against the clock. The rider who bombs it to the bottom in the shortest time wins. A typical downhill race course will feature difficult, technical terrain with obstacles like rocks and roots and often big, hair-raising jumps and drops.
To make sure that DH bikes (also known as DH rigs) can take the punishment of such rough terrain, each component is usually specifically designed to take tough knocks and will therefore be manufactured to a very high standard.
Freeriding can best be described as the non competitive version of Downhilling. Freeriding is about riding the same trails, jumps, drops and doing tricks but more for the enjoyment and adrenalin rush.
Freeride bikes are very similar to Downhill (DH) bikes. Freeride bikes will often have less suspension and be lighter which means they are suitable for other styles of riding, like North Shore. Components that are commonly found on both bikes are bash guards, triple crown suspension forks (not always on DH bikes) and chunky tyres.
The normal amount of front and rear suspension for a DH bike is 203mm or 8 inches. For Freeride bikes this is usually slightly less, perhaps between 6 and 8 inches.
