Headphones on a mountain bike are not really allowed. Well, you can always make the excuse that it's a "hands-free kit" and the helpers in blue will be reassured. But let's be honest: lonely, long uphill rides cry out for driving guitars or pumping beats and simply make you faster. This has even been scientifically proven: Skin respiration on the surface of the body increases, skin temperature and skin moisture change. The entire posture of the body changes while listening to music. Muscle tone - the state of tension in the muscles - is increased or relaxed depending on the music. The effect of music while biking is therefore a psychological effect. Studies with marathon runners have shown that music can increase performance in sport by up to 15 percent. This effect is known, at least before the races. Most racers prepare for their race with music and tune in to their playlist.

But which music should you choose?

If music triggers a positive emotion in us that we associate with power and strength, it contributes to an increased release of endorphins during sport and increases pleasure. So the choice and order of the music is crucial. A soft reggae song may make it easier to enjoy the mountain landscape, but it won't make us any faster. Faster, harder pieces should be used here. A Rage against the Machine song simply pushes more than "the harder they come...". The producers of "Seasons" already knew this and backed Steve Peats' video part with "Bulls on Parade". However, music can also push you too hard on a downhill - I personally also need the sound of the bike and nature when riding downhill. If it has to be music anyway, Bufallo Springfield will get the last "smooth flow" out of you, Brandon Semenuk has already proven this...