Downhill is the most popular form of mountain biking.
Type of bikes
Bikes used for downhill are simply called "Downhill bikes". Downhill bikes are often heavy and strong to withstand the force and speed required for competition. The bikes are typically full suspension which means they have a shock in the front (fork) and in the back, the shocks usually have around 8 inches of travel. The courses are steep and often muddy or slick so the bikes are very long and normally have tires with big knobs for better traction.
Hardline
Probably the most popular downhill race is Red Bull Hardline. Hardline 2016 was in November and there was 21 riders who raced, Bernard Kerr won the race. Most downhill races last a few minutes and Bernard Kerr's time for hardline was 3;32 with Ruaridh Cunningham coming in second with a time of 3:34.