How to Buy the Right Mountain Bike
Mountain biking can be a great release for those who want to flee the maddening crowd and take the road less traveled. Heck with roads: go up mountains, go down mountains, go wherever your bike can take you. Such extremes of terrain require a specialized bike. Choosing the mountain bike that's right for you is all the more important. Read this eHow to learn more.
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Instructions
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Be prepared to spend at least several hundred dollars for a quality mountain bike, and the cost can easily run into the thousands. Because of the nature of mountain biking, and the rough terrain on which you will be riding, having a good, sturdy, reliable bike is a necessity--not only for comfort but for safety.
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Decide whether you would like to buy a mountain bike with a heavier or lighter frame. The lighter frames can be as strong or stronger as the heavier ones; however, the materials used in the construction make the bike more expensive. Choices of materials are titanium, aluminum, high-tensile steel, and chromoly steel.
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Choose between a frame that has a steep head or lower degree head. A bike with a steeper head and a shorter wheelbase will be quick to handle. A bike with a lower degree head and longer wheel base will handle less quickly but will be more stable.
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Explore the different rear suspensions available. A raised low pivot (RLP) can utilize linkages, a rear shock systems that extends when the bike accelerates, or a single pivot swing arm to reduce bobbing.
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Consider the materials from which the components are made. The price will be commensurate with the materials used. For example, steel will be less expensive than components made of titanium; however the steel will be heavier. Explore aluminum and carbon fiber mountain bikes as well.
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Select the tires of the mountain bike carefully. You wish to have tires that will withstand the rigors of off-road riding. If you want to have excellent tires that will allow you to run lower pressures, consider purchasing tubeless tires and rims. Purchase tires appropriate for the terrain where you will do most of your riding.
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Go to a professional bike shop to purchase your bike. At a shop that specializes in bikes, you will have access to people who are very knowledgeable about mountain bikes and will be able to answer your questions and help you choose the bike that's right for you.
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Get fitted for the mountain bike. When you sit on the bike, you should feel as though you are sitting near the rear of the seat. Also, when one foot is low on the pedal and the other high, the high leg should be horizontal or a little below. When you pedal backward, your hips should not be pulled down as your feet reach the bottom of the pedal.
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Try the mountain bike out. Do you feel comfortable while you're riding? Is this a bike you'll be happy with for a while? Since you're making an investment, you should be able to enjoy the bike for at least 3 years, if not more.
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Comments
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hunting-fanatic
Feb 20, 2008
anbody would know that -
hunting-fanatic
Feb 20, 2008
anbody would know that
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K Mueller Stroup
Nov 23, 2007
The only caution I would recommend that you add is to warn the bicyclist that they want to be sure and use their rear brakes rather than their front brakes when going downhill - we don't want to have anyone flipping over the handlebars.
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K Mueller Stroup
Nov 23, 2007
The only caution I would recommend that you add is to warn the bicyclist that they want to be sure and use their rear brakes rather than their front brakes when going downhill - we don't want to have anyone flipping over the handlebars.
