Downhill racing was for a long time the coolest thing you could do on two wheels – and Britain still has the best riders in the world, so it has a great appeal to young riders.

The sport is really about having fun, and pushing yourself and your bike to the limit. It can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know when to ease off the gas. But it’s also drop dead glamorous.

There are many short downhill tracks around the country, but for longer runs you need to travel, and in most cases some kind of  “up lift” is needed to get to the top, which means organised events and expense.

How dangerous? 7.5/10

It’s about pushing it, so accidents will happen.

How expensive?

Decent bikes and equipment don’t come cheap (from £1500) and neither does travel.

Adult time required?

Once the travel starts it can become a major weekend commitment.

• Pro’s – great fun with mates!

• Cons – limited venues mean travel, and also very cash heavy.