Are you tired of sticking to the same old trails on your mountain bike? Do you crave a bit more excitement and a new challenge?
Well, how about taking your mountain bike to a skate park?
Yes, you can take a mountain bike to a skate park. However, skate parks are primarily designed for skateboarding and BMX bikes, so you may need to adapt your riding style to fit in with the park’s features and avoid potential hazards. Also, make sure to check the rules, some skateparks do not allow mountain bikes.
While some may argue that mountain bikes and skate parks don’t mix, there’s a whole community of riders who are proving them wrong.
Here, we’ll discuss the benefit and challenges of bringing your mountain bike to a skate park, explore the skills you’ll need to tackle the ramps and rails, and provide some valuable tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What You Need To Know Before Setting Foot Inside a Skate Park on Your Mountain Bike
Many major and smaller cities have dedicated skate parks, making them accessible to riders.
Before you hit those ramps and bowls, let me share some “beginner survival tips” to ensure you have a thrilling and secure ride.
When visiting a skate park, dress casually in plain t-shirts, jeans (preferably tighter fitting or stretch jeans to prevent getting caught on the bike), and skate shoes with waffle-style tread.
Weekdays and mornings are generally less crowded at skate parks, allowing you to learn and master the features comfortably at your own pace.
First things first, get to know the skatepark inside out. Familiarize yourself with all the different features, ramps, bowls, and obstacles. This will help you plan your rides and select the perfect lines for your bike.
Make sure your mountain bike is in top-notch condition. Check those tire pressures and brakes and give it an overall maintenance check.
Some indoor skate parks may require you tosuit up with essential protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets, although enforcement may vary.
Start off gently on the easier sections of the skatepark. Gradually build up your skills, get comfortable with the terrain, and boost your bike handling abilities. This way, you’ll gain confidence before taking on more challenging features.
As you ride, remember to maintain complete control of your bike. Keep your body positioned correctly, centered over the bike. Grip those handlebars firmly and use your body to absorb any shocks or bumps you encounter.
Skate parks are made of materials like wood, concrete, or metal, which can be smooth but slippery, and you should avoid riding on wet surfaces.
Of course, it’s important to follow the rules of the skatepark. Each park has its own specific regulations, so make sure you know them and adhere to them. Stick to designated areas, go with the flow of traffic, and avoid any prohibited maneuvers.
Start with the fundamental bike handling skills: learn pumping techniques, how to carve bowls, and progress to hopping and dropping into quarter pipes.
Adhere To The Skate Parks Rules
Skate parks are vibrant hubs where riders of all levels come together to enjoy their sport.
To ensure a positive and safe environment, make sure to follow skate park etiquette and rules.
These guidelines help maintain safety, fairness, and the overall upkeep of the park.
Skate park etiquette includes:
Not sitting on ledges
Being mindful of where you stand
Not hogging the park
Respecting the flow of traffic
Being aware of popular lines and local riders’ preferences
Always respect others by giving right of way, communicating your intentions, and staying aware of your surroundings.
Safety is paramount, so make sure to wear protective gear and be mindful of your actions.
Fairness is key, so take turns and avoid hogging features. Lastly, help maintain the park’s longevity by keeping it clean and reporting any damages.
By following these rules, we can create a thriving and inclusive community for all riders.
Modifying Your Mountain Bike For Skatepark
If you’re thinking about taking your mountain bike to a skate park, there are a few important changes you should make to ensure a better ride.
Swap out your knobby tires for slicker or semi-slick tires that provide better grip and control on the park’s smooth surfaces.
Bikes used in skate parks should have higher tire pressure (45-60 psi) to prevent pinch flats and tire rolling
Consider opting for a hardtail bike or locking out the rear suspension for a more efficient and responsive ride. Setting the suspension fork to max pressure is recommended.
Lower your seat position to improve maneuverability and balance. Remove any unnecessary accessories to make your bike lighter and more agile.
Adjust your brake setup for optimal control and responsiveness to the park’s features.
Get rid of any extra accessories like lights, mudguards, or racks before you start doing tricks. They can hinder you or even lead to accidents.
Benefits of Mountain Biking at a Skate Park
Mountain biking on the trail is a dangerous feat. Taking your mountain bike to a skatepark is a fantastic opportunity to boost your mountain biking skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Here are some reasons why I love mountain biking at a skatepark:
Firstly, it’s all about skill development. Riding at a skatepark can help develop new bike control skills for those who enjoy hitting jumps and riding dirt.
Riding a mountain bike at a skatepark allows for performing BMX techniques and provides a different experience from street riding
It is easier on the body compared to riding a BMX bike.
Biking at a skate park is a fantastic workout. Instead of cruising with BMX or skateboarding, you’ll be exerting continuous effort, which will gradually improve your strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Older riders who want to try riding at a skatepark might consider a single-speed dirt jumper or a similar bike for added impact relief. As we get older, we may need a more forgiving bike for skatepark riding in the future.
Challenges of Riding a Mountain Bike at a Skate Park
Riding a mountain bike at a skate park comes with some drawbacks that riders should be aware of.
Equipment mismatch. Mountain bikes are designed for off-road trails, with features like suspension, wider tires, and sturdy frames. However, these components may not be suitable for the smooth concrete surfaces and tight transitions found in a skate park.
Damage potential. Skate parks are specifically designed for skateboarding and BMX biking, not mountain biking. The features may not be able to handle the weight and impact that mountain bikes bring, which can lead to damage to both the bike and the park infrastructure.
Safety concerns. Riders may encounter obstacles or features that aren’t suitable for a mountain bike, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. Additionally, skate parks often have rules and regulations that prioritize skateboarders and BMX riders, limiting access for mountain bikers.
Lesser control and maneuverability are other drawbacks. Mountain bikes, due to their larger size and different geometry, may not offer the same level of control and maneuverability as smaller, more agile skateboards or BMX bikes. This limitation can restrict the range of tricks and maneuvers that can be performed at a skate park.
Skate parks often have restrictions on the types of equipment allowed.
Not all parks allow mountain bikes and some only allow them at specific times. Skaters outnumber bikers in most communities, making it difficult to persuade the city to allow bikes in skateparks.
Most skateboarders are elitists and don’t want bikes in their park
Skateboarders think bikes are more dangerous given the huge brakeless trend in BMX.
Why Some Skate Parks Do Not Allow Mountain Bikes
Skate parks are specifically designed to cater to skateboarding and BMX biking, so they may not be suitable for mountain bikes.
There are several reasons why mountain bikes are not allowed in skate parks.
It’s a matter of safety. Mountain bikes are bigger and heavier, which makes it harder to navigate the park’s obstacles and increases the risk of accidents for riders and other park users.
Mountain bikes can cause damage to the park’s structures due to their greater force.
Another issue is the limited space in skate parks. The larger size of mountain bikes makes it difficult to maneuver within the park, compromising safety and flow.
Allowing mountain bikes in skate parks goes against the intended use and disrupts the overall experience for park users.
Liability concerns arise as skate parks may not be equipped to handle the specific needs and risks associated with mountain biking.
Therefore, some skate parks choose not to allow mountain bikes to prioritize safety and ensure the intended experience for all park users.
Exploring Skate Parks that Allow Mountain Bikes
Skate parks are typically designed for skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX riders, but some parks also allow mountain bikes.
The availability of bike-friendly skate parks can vary from place to place, so it’s always a good idea to do some local research or ask fellow mountain bikers for recommendations.
If you’re an avid mountain biker looking to explore skate parks in the United States, here are a few considerations and some places where you might find bike-friendly skate parks:
One of the few official bike-friendly skate parks. The park was built by California Skateparks and is open to the public seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. It features a variety of ramps, bowls, and street-style obstacles that cater to both skateboarders and mountain bikers.
Vans Off the Wall Skatepark Huntington Beach, California
The park features a Velosolutions asphalt pump track, an American Ramp Company armored BMX practice track, an asphalt skills trail, and a skate park. The skills trail includes wooden rollers. The park is primarily designed for BMX bikes, but mountain bikes are also welcome.
Monita Field Bike & Skate Park Huber Heights, Ohio
The Wheel Mill is an 80,000-square-foot indoor bike park. The park offers trails, jumps, and features for all ages and skill levels of mountain biking and BMX. The Wheel Mill is a great place for mountain bikers to ride and practice their skills in a controlled environment, especially during the winter months when outdoor riding is not possible.
The Wheel Mill Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Skate Parks and Trails Alternatives
Mountain bikers have a variety of alternative options for riding outside of skate parks and traditional trails.
Bike parks are specially designed areas that cater to mountain bikers of all skill levels. These parks feature a range of obstacles, flow trails, and jumps to challenge riders.
BMX tracks are another option for mountain bikers. These tracks are specifically designed for BMX bikes but can also be enjoyed by mountain bikers. They offer a chance to develop basic bike fundamentals and practice racing skills in a controlled environment.
Indoor bike parks and velodromes are great alternatives for riders looking to escape inclement weather. These indoor facilities offer a controlled environment where riders can train, practice new skills, and ride with others.
Dirt jump parks provide an arena for mountain bikers to showcase their aerial skills. These parks feature a series of jumps and ramps that allow riders to catch air and perform tricks.
Urban areas provide an exciting playground for mountain bikers. You can use steps, benches, railings, and walls for thrilling rides, but they must respect public property, pedestrians, and local laws.
If seeking a less technical yet physically demanding alternative, gravel or fire roads are perfect. These routes provide an opportunity to improve fitness while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The park is open from October through April and offers a variety of trails and features for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
The park is the world’s first and largest multi-terrain indoor bike park. It offers a full spectrum of mountain bike terrain and disciplines, including dirt jumps, pump tracks, and technical trails.
Every year, Ray’s revamps its trails by replacing aging features with new structures or simply adding new trails. The park is open to riders of all ages and skill levels and offers bike rentals and lessons.
However, always show respect for the environment, fellow riders, and local laws no matter where you ride.
Stick to designated trails, avoid sensitive habitats, and always yield to pedestrians. By following these guidelines, you can responsibly enjoy the sport you love while ensuring its sustainability.
James Hayden is a passionate cyclist and the Founder and Chief Editor of Swift Cyclist.
He has been riding since 2013 across Southeast Asia & North America and quickly became interested in the mechanics and engineering of bikes as well as training, nutrition, gear, and safety aspect of cycling.
James also specializes in digital marketing for ecommerce business in the cycling and outdoor spaces.
