Essential Tips When Buying a Mountain Bike

mountain bike

Planning your first bike ride? This article outlines some of the vital tips to use before the big purchase. We aim to ensure that we get the right bike for the ride. Within this article are buying a mountain bike: everything to know. The main area of consideration requires the user to decide on which bike is best for usage.

Suspension Versus Hardtail

Most mountain bikes in operation today have in-built suspensions that help the bikes even when on uneven ground. The bikes are capable of maintaining traction as they ascend or descend. The result is a unique ability to absorb the force generated from jumps and landing drops.

Bikes fully suspended have forks on their front and shocks at the rear. This allows them to cover technical terrains with greater confidence and speeds. Just as the name suggests, hardtails comprise of a rigid rear and a given set of forks. Generally speaking, the hardtails provide excellent climbing and remain efficient when pedaling. They are an excellent choice for riding cross-country and remain affordable for those looking to get a bike without spending a fortune.

Size of the Wheel and Tires

man on a bikeMountain bikes have three main wheel sizes. The 29-inch wheels are the biggest. The larger their size, the higher the momentum generated as they roll with ease through rough terrain. Looking at their downside, the heavier the wheels, the more weight added on your bike. The frame provides a great deal of flex that means one has the budget to opt for reliable and light alternatives. Once can also maneuver less through twisting rails which are suited for smaller riders. The most popular wheels in use are the 27.5 inches. This is due to their agility and responsiveness when subjected to all forms of terrain. The 26 inch which replaced the 29 and 27.5 options remains the dominant size. Another popular choice remains the plus-sized 27.5 wheel sizes. The big wide tires offer greater traction and stay ideal for muddy and snowy conditions.

Types of Mountain Bikes Available

Mountain bikes stand out due to their versatility when exposed to different environments. Elements that vary are the frame geometry including seat tube angle, head angle, suspension design, suspension travel and other components such as handlebars, gears, and brakes.

Cross-country bikes – are built explicitly on the foundation of efficiency. Editors noted that these bikes are light in weight with little or no travel or suspension systems. They are mainly designed for forward-movement, and their speed is adjusted by their gears which maximize efficiency and speed. The hardtails remain the best choice for XC racers as they run on full suspension bikes which are available and accessible. Their geometry is designed to deliver on climbing which makes their descent challenging to handle.

Trail bikes – Great for the all-purpose rider, trail bikes remain great for climbs and descents. They are suited for the trail centers or a wild single track.

Enduro – Purposefully designed for enduro racers where they can cover vast distances and challenging terrain.

DH Bikes – Great for downhill descents and handling difficult task such as drops, jump or rock gardens. Their brakes are extra powerful while their disc rotors offer maximum braking potential.…