Do you really
need one? Probably not. PROVIDED the bike you are usuing is a suitable frame and has beefy enough wheels, you can get away with just about anything.
Cross bikes are a good example of this. CF forks solid frame decently wide tires, all meant to be ridden on single track type conditions. I could probably get away with one of those for the type of riding I do.
However, there is no denying that a mountain specific bike is helpful and can be beneficial for riding trails and such. Particularly the cush of suspension is very benefical to those of us who fit back problems from time to time.
But back to these "gears", what are they about and how do you get them?
