About Dirt Art

Downhill/Gravity

WHAT IS DOWNHILL/GRAVITY?

DOWNHILL/GRAVITY

Downhill mountain bike riding in a broad sense involves riding in a predominantly downhill direction with limited flat and very minimal to no uphill terrain. Downhill competition involves a course of between two to five minutes that is essentially all gravity orientated.

The common downhill-orientated mountain bike has front and rear suspension featuring up to 10 inches of suspension travel, and a range of heavy-duty components. The frames of these bicycles are generally constructed of aluminium and feature a number of strength related enhancements that tend to make these bicycles significantly heavier than a general mountain bike. The average downhill bike will generally have a single front gear with nine to ten gears at the rear, all of which are designed for high speed riding as opposed to slow hill climbing. The above features make these bicycles very cumbersome on flat ground and uphill.

While downhill specific trails are generally constructed for downhill specific bicycles there is a growing trend of less extreme downhill trails that are equally enjoyable on an all mountain or general mountain bike.

It is a common misconception that downhill and gravity trails are unsustainable an incompatible with sensitive environmental areas. Whilst this is certainly true in some cases where trails are incorrectly design/produced, a correctly design/produced downhill or gravity trail can offer similar wear levels as a cross country or all mountain trail.

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Dirt Art are highly experience in the design and construction of downhill and gravity trails, having produced some of Australia’s most popular trails and facilities.

Dirt Art extensively explore each new development area to gain the most out of the natural topography and land features whilst ensuring optimum sustainability.

Along with producing world-class downhill trails for both recreation and competition Dirt Art also produce gravity all mountain trails that focus on flow and enjoyment. This style of trail is a hybrid between downhill and trail riding and offers maximum enjoyment for a wide demographic of users from elite level downhill riders through to absolute beginners. Dirt Art design these gravity flow trails to be at one with their environment, ducking and weaving down the hill with a mix of flowing turns, pumps and jumps.

All Dirt Art trail designs include GPS mapping with optional services including detailed map development and pictogram maps for signage and promotional purposes.