Freeride mountain biking, as the name implies, means "no rules, no course" (just get from "here" to "there" as fast as possible).  Freeriding is a term first used in snowboarding, but applies perfectly to this relatively new mountain biking discipline.  Of course freeride races have set courses and rules, but the concept applies to a bike that can do it all:  climb, descend, jump and tackle all obstacles.

Freeride mountain bikers use geared bikes allowing some uphill riding.  Unlike DH bikes which are extremely heavy and not at all suited for climbing, freeride bikes excel on very technical, somewhat rolling sections - making them much more versatile than pure DH bikes.  They still have long-travel suspension and the power of disc brakes, making them suitable for primarily downhill riding, but are more nimble and maneuverable on technical terrain.

Freeride bikes are the types most commonly rented at ski areas, where chairlift-assisted riding has become a summer favorite for riders who prefer gravity sports.  Like DH mountain biking, however, freeriding is not for beginners.  The rider's skill level and confidence level must be very high, and the consequences of a crash can be very serious.

Freeriding is one of the most popular types of mountain biking today, and many spectator-friendly competitions are held every weekend at ski areas during the summer.