Things You'll Need:
- Bike Jerseys
- Bike Locks And Cables
- Bike Pumps
- Bike Shoes
- Bike Tire Repair Kit
- Bike Tires
- Full-suspension Mountain Bikes
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Step 1
Consider a single-pivot design, which is simpler than other designs and requires little maintenance. The downside? Pedal-activated bobbing in the granny gear. Pivot location is very important.
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Step 2
Consider a sweet-spot design. These good all-purpose cross-country bikes attempt to isolate the suspension from pedaling forces. The downside: They're only really active when the rider is seated.
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Step 3
Consider a Horst-link or another strut design. Still considered by many to be the ultimate, these are very active. However, they're often more expensive and heavier, and they may require more maintenance.
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Step 4
Consider a rocker or linkage design. Again very active, these tend to be more single-purpose designs, better suited for downhill riders (not so good going up).
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Step 5
Test-ride some bikes. This is the best way to sort out all the theory.
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Step 6
Ask around. Every six months there seems to be a new, hot full-suspension design. However, there are quite a few proven performers out there, too.
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Step 1
Think about weight. Full-suspension bikes are still heavier than hardtails.
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Step 2
Consider maintenance. Most full-suspension bikes require periodic maintenance. Some of it can be quite involved or require specialized tools.
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Step 3
Ponder performance. There's a reason that most racers still ride hardtails. On most courses, a hardtail is still the most efficient choice.
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Step 4
Consider comfort. Full-suspension bikes can be much more comfortable than hardtails over rough terrain.
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Step 5
Think about price. Many people would argue that if you have less than $1,000 to spend on a bike, you'd be better off with a hardtail.
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Step 6
Ask yourself what you want to do with the bike. If bombing down hills is your passion, you don't mind a bit of added maintenance and you love new technology, a full-suspension bike could be the right bike for you.








Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When looking at Full suspension, Most entry level mountian-bikes already have a suspension fork installed. You can offset the cost of an expensive full suspension bike by upgrading your stiff seatpost to a suspension or flexible seatpost. There are several manufacturers and they cost between $30 and $200, depending on the materials and amount of flex offered. If you're looking for a downhill banging freeride bike this may not be the route for you but if you're only looking to smooth out some of the bumps on a off-road ride, it's something to consider.