Riding Off the Beaten Path

Mountain bikes, designed to be ridden over all kinds of terrain, came on the market about three years ago and have become popular in a hurry.

The bikes, which start at about $360, have wide, knobby tires that allow riders to get over rough trails or through mud. The bikes are built to be durable, but not to be ridden for great distances on roads.

“They’re designed to be ridden when you are continually changing and shifting your position,” said Randy Clark, who owns a Del Mar bike shop. “But you can ride for a long time in the weeds. They are designed not to be serviced because the manufacturers figure that people aren’t going to take care of them as well as a good touring bike.

“It’s really fun when it’s pouring rain to go out and ride one and just get covered with mud. A lot people use them as their second bike.”