How to Buy a Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes can be expensive. Here are a few things you should consider before buying one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mountain Bike Magazine
• Bike Headlights
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Pumps
• Bike Tire Repair Kit
• Biking Gloves
• Mountain Bikes

1. Keep in mind that decent mountain bikes are lightweight, responsive and easy to handle on challenging trails.

2. Call and visit your local bike shop. Bike store employees can usually help you decide exactly what type of bike you need.

3. Decide how much money you're willing to spend. If you'll be racing, you may need a better (i.e more expensive) bike than one used primarily for recreational trail riding with friends.

4. Experiment with friends' bikes before you buy your own. Ask your friends if they're happy with their bikes and make a mental list of the pros and cons of each bike.

5. Scan the Internet and the local classifieds for used bikes. You can often find exactly what you want for a lot less money than you would pay for a new bike. Bike stores often offer last year's models at significant discounts.

6. Be sure to test-ride a bike before you buy it. Make sure it's the right size and is comfortable to ride. If you buy from a store, ask the salesperson to recommend a proper fit for you based on your personal build.

7. Ask yourself: Is this the bike I really want? If the answer is yes, buy it.

Tips & Warnings

• Mountain bikes cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars for a new bike; a good beginner's bike with front suspension costs about $600. Cheaper bikes include steel frames, low-end components and no suspension. Working up in quality and price (and down in weight) you'll come across frames of aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium.
• Don't buy a bike from a department store. Such bikes are usually of very low quality and the employees in these stores will generally have no idea how to ensure you're getting the right bike for you.

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[TJENKINS]

on 5/26/2008 Has anyone seen a list of top brands of mountain bikes? I have one local shop that only sells Mongoose & IronHorse and another that sells only Haro & Scott.

[TJENKINS]

on 5/26/2008 Has anyone seen a list of the top brands of mountain bikes? One local bike shop has only IronHorse & Mongoose and another only has Haro & Scott.

[dubbeldrop]

on 3/7/2007 You may find this in-depth blogpost on how to buy a mountain bike also useful:
http://www.tredzblog.co.uk/2006/08/buying_a_mounta.html

on 11/22/2005 Mountain bikes are great for anything off the pavement, but other bikes are much more suitable for city pavement and distance rides over 20km.

Even if the bike store sells mostly mountain bikes, they may not be for you. Between road racing bikes and mountain bikes, there is a wide spectrum of good 'touring', 'hybrid', 'comfort', and 'city' bikes that can make a lot of sense.

on 11/22/2005 When buying a bike make sure it's the right size for you. Small frames are easier to handle, larger frames are more stable for long road trips. Also the frame's upper bar should be at least 10 cms (4") lower than your body (For comfortable landings).