How to Buy a Mountain Bike
How to Buy a Mountain Bike the Right Way
Learn How to buy a mountain bike
right buy answering my four questions.
If you get the right equipment and find the right trail, you
will love this sport!
Depending on your budget and needs, you can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $800 for a quality mountain bike. There are also basic accessories you will need (like a helmet, car rack, padded shorts, bike lock etc...) so keep this in mind.
Learn How to buy a mountain bike the right way and...
- Your bike will last longer
- You will be able to ride more challenging trails
- You'll want to ride your bike more often
- Your equipment will increase your safety
Mountain Bike Buy Guide
This mountain bike buy guide gives you four questions you will need to think about before you go to your local bike store:
Hard or Soft?
Hardtail bikes have suspension in the front only. I am among a shrinking group of riders who prefer hardtails. This is mainly because of two reasons. There are many quality hardtails that retail for under $800, and I feel like I loose power when I ride a bike with rear suspension. Hardtails also tend to be lighter, and their overall mechanics are definitely more simple.
Soft, duel-suspension, or full-suspension bikes refer to bikes that feature rear suspension technology. This technology is getting better, lighter, and more affordable. That is why droves of mountain bikers are being converted. I am yet to be converted!
If you want a smoother ride, more comfort, and are willing to pay a at least $800, you may want to check out a "softy". What I don't recommend is getting a full-suspension mountain bike that retails for under that $800 bench mark.
For more information on Bike Types click the link below.
How Much to Spend?
Expect the bike store to try and convince you to buy up a level. Don't get frustrated with them, because they are actually trying to do you a favor. A more expensive bike will probably improve your mountain biking experience, but you are the one who knows your bank account better than anyone. Just know what you are willing to pay going into it, and they will respect that.
Where are you going to Ride?
If
you can't decide which way you are going to go with the above
issues, your riding location may help you make the final
decision. If you are not buying a racing bike, or a
downhill bike, you should stay within 4-6 inches of suspension
travel. Travel refers to the amount of suspension a bike
has.
Less travel is lighter and is designed for smother trails. Lot's of travel is heavier but it can handle high impact like downhilling. The question is, where and what kind of riding are you going to do?
The Extras?
Lastly, you will need to plan ahead if you are working on a budget, and who isn't? You'll need a helmet that is appropriate for the kind of riding you will be doing. You will want to consider trying out click-in pedals/shoes so that you can get maximum pedal power. And there is always the question of transportation. How are you going to get your bike to the trailhead?
You will want gloves, biking shorts, and possibly even a set of crash pads. This all adds up, and you can easily spend a few hundred dollars on accessories. Just keep this in mind when you stretch your wallet to get that more expensive bike.
Where to buy mountain bikes...
An important part of buying a quality bike means getting it from a bike store. Bikes come to stores in boxes, and thus they need to be assembled. At a bike store, it will be assembled by a professional who knows what to do. One common problem that comes from poor bike assembly is poorly adjusted bearings. This will give your bike a shorter life-span.
Discount stores usually have bikes with bad brakes. Brakes are really important, so take this into consideration before you buy a bike from Wal-Mart or K-Mart.
Your local bike store can help you a lot, so use their expert advice.
- Get the right size (Bike Size Chart)
- Spending a little more for a much lighter bike is worth it even for beginners, but don't spend too much if you are just getting into the sport ($400 to $500 is a good range)
- Get a bike that matches your riding expectations
An aggressive mountain bike is going to have you lean forward more, giving you an offensive position. If you like to go fast, attack hills, and love adrenaline pumping through your veins, ask your bike store to set up your new bike in an aggressive position.
The aggressive posture is less comfortable and can put strain on your back. If you prefer to mountain bike with less back strain, go with a more comfortable and upright position. If you fit your bike, and your bike fits your needs...you will want to mountain bike every chance you get.
Disk Brakes vs. Rim Brakes
Lastly, you will want to decide if you need disc brakes or rim brakes. If you plan to normally ride in dry conditions, rim brakes can save you $100 and they will serve you just fine. However, if you ride in wet conditions, you may want to consider getting disk brakes.
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