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What to look for in a hunting bike

When you think about hunting vehicles, it’s usually a jeep or a quad bike that comes to mind. But more and more frequently, hunters are opting for a bike to help them stalk their prey. You can now purchase specifically-designed hunting bikes that allow you to hunt more efficiently and effectively in any terrain. If you’re still unconvinced, let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

The benefits of a hunting bike

Size: A hunting bike is smaller and more lightweight than other vehicles. It is easily-concealed, as you can cover it with foliage or behind a large rock to keep it out of sight. Plus, they usually come with camouflage concealment paint to blend into their surroundings. They are easy to carry, which means you can simply lift them over obstacles in steep terrain, enabling you to access areas you might not be able to reach with a larger vehicle.

Noise: A hunting bike is almost entirely silent, enabling you to stalk your prey without a sound. Any motorized vehicle will create a great deal of noise and startle prey, but even electric bikes won’t alert animals to your presence.

Cost: When purchasing a hunting vehicle, you have to factor in the buying price, repairs, maintenance, licenses, and running costs. Bikes don’t require any form of license, and you can do all the repairs and maintenance quite affordably yourself. 

Health: Riding through the undergrowth under your own power offers excellent exercise and is a much healthier option than a motorized vehicle. Even an electric bike requires some human power so your body will feel the benefits after a long day’s hunting. 

What to look for in a hunting bike

If you are considering investing in a hunting bike, there are so many options available to you. The right decision will depend on several factors, including your priorities, hunting style, and personal preferences. Here are some of the most important factors you will need to consider.

Power

Perhaps the most crucial choice you will have to make is whether to purchase an electric hunting bike or a self-powered mountain bike. The obvious advantage of a regular mountain bike is that it is much cheaper. You can obtain a mountain bike reasonably inexpensively from any good bike store. On the other hand, an electric bike will make your life a lot easier when you’re out on the hunt. As the bike is powered by electricity, you will barely have to pedal, meaning you can ride for longer without exerting a lot of energy. This is particularly useful if you’re not in great shape or tire easily. It also means you can hunt for larger animals as an electric hunting bike will comfortably carry much more weight. The final decision will rest on how much you are willing to spend and the terrain in which you will be hunting.

Tires

When hunting in off-road terrain, you will need a bike with fat tires. They will allow you to ride on a variety of different terrains while offering a more comfortable, balanced ride. They should have plenty of tread and rolling resistance for traction on uneven, bumpy ground.

Storage

Your hunting bike will need to be able to comfortably store all of your hunting gear as well as any kills you bring home. Decide where you wish to contain these items. Keeping equipment in a backpack means you are less likely to damage it in the event of a crash, although this can be a strain on your back if you carry a lot of heavy equipment. Another option is a saddle bag or a cargo rack, which is useful for carrying small items and animals. However, you will need to be conscious of balancing the weight on your bike. For more substantial equipment and larger prey, you may need to tow a trailer. This allows you to carry almost anything you like and is perfect for multi-day trips. However, it will only work if the terrain you are riding is relatively gentle. If you are traversing particularly hilly, rough terrain, you will struggle to cover the distance. The trailer will also need to be relatively lightweight. Otherwise, you will get exhausted very quickly.

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a hunting bike, and the decision ultimately hinges on how and where you hunt. You will need a bike that is perfectly suited to the types of terrain you typically inhabit as well as having the ability to carry the equipment and prey you need.

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