Off-roading is a great way to enjoy nature as well as hone your knowledge of automotive repair. There are many different kinds of vehicles that you can use for off-roading, and it largely depends on your personal preference and what you want to do. Some offer more flexibility, and others are more friendly to novice riders. To get started, here are the top off-road vehicles that you can consider getting.
Mountain Bike
For cyclists who want to increase their strength and muscle, using a mountain bike (MTB) to go off-road is one way to do this. These bikes are designed to handle a wide range of terrains such as mud, rocks, and snow. Its wheels are generally thicker and larger than the standard road bike. This allows it to grab onto the surface much easier and smoother. Unlike road or racing bikes, MTBs are also heavier because their components are generally stronger.
An MTB will give you a lot of options when it comes to finding a good trail. Some trails are quite narrow, so jeeps and cars won’t be allowed to pass through. With a bike, this problem is minimized. Another good thing about bikes is that you don’t have to worry about gas or fuel on long trails.
Dirt Bike
If you want to be more adventurous and fast, a dirt bike is a way to go. Among all these vehicles, the dirt bike will let you go the fastest because of its engine and weight. You can also do tricks on a dirt bike, which will be a lot more difficult on four-wheeled vehicles. Similar to MTBs, it can also fit into almost every terrain.
However, some people find that dirt bikes are not easy to use in hard snow. You would need winter tires to get more traction. Learning how to ride a dirt bike takes quite a bit of time and effort, though. Quads are definitely much easier to figure out as a beginner in that regard.
Quad Bike
A popular choice of off-roaders of any age is a quad bike. One of the main reasons for this is because all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally a lot sturdier and less accident-prone. It can be extremely affordable because you can find many old second-hand vehicles online that still works great. Most of their manufacturers still produce parts for older models, so you can easily fix it up.
Quads have a lot of maneuverability and can easily tackle any terrain. Something to watch out for, though, with these vehicles is when it tips over. Depending on the model and such, it can be quite heavy and can cause serious injuries. Always know your limits when it comes to these kinds of vehicles. If you find that the trial is too steep or narrow, then you may want to see if it’s up to your level.
Jeep
Off-roading isn’t just about the journey but also the destination. A lot of trails come with good swimming locations and campsites. You can only carry so much when riding a quad or dirt bike. In this case, a jeep would be perfect for carrying all those items. Another good thing about it is that you can bring other people with you as well. Kids or friends that aren’t familiar with off-roading can come with you on your adventure.
On the other hand, jeeps may not be able to access all locations. Some trails can be too narrow for this kind of vehicle. It will require more maintenance, though. Don’t forget to do regular transmission checks and inspect your brakes before going on a trip. It would be extremely inconvenient to break down in the middle of a trail.
