Mountain biking has been a popular activity in the last decade. It doesn’t matter if you’re just beginning to learn about mountain biking or cycling for a long time, knowing how to choose a mountain bike can be overwhelming with all the models and brands that are available. This post will give you three ideas on what you should consider when buying your new mountain bike.
Consider where you will be riding your bike. Bikes specifically designed for downhill racing are not suitable if you only want to go for a ride around town. If this is your case choose bikes that are more geared towards urban use.
You need to consider the terrain you’ll ride in the most frequent. If the terrain is flat or hilly it won’t require more suspension. It is possible to get more suspension when riding on technical trails with rocks and roots.
Second, think about the type of riding that you are most likely to do. There are numerous mountain bikes available, so choosing a bike that suits the way you ride is essential. Also, consider which size bike is suitable for you. Bikes come in a variety of different sizes, ranging from small (XXS) medium (XS) Large (L) up to large (XL). It is recommended to choose your bike according to how tall are.
Thirdly, be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend. The more money you spend on a bike and the higher quality you will get. Mountain bikes can be purchased at a price of $300 or more, and even more expensive for professional racing bikes. Make sure you stick to your budget.
It’s an excellent idea to invest in a few hundred dollars if you are just starting out. So, if you aren’t a fan of riding bikes, you won’t have to lose as much money.
Where can I find quality mountain bikes
To begin, you must decide which types of styles you are interested in. You can then choose between full suspension or hardtail, and finally, size (small, medium, or big).
Don’t forget that the biggest aspect in choosing a suitable mountain bike is the size of your body. You can consider all other factors after you have found one that fits you perfectly.
To determine what size bike you need, measure your inseam. This can be done by placing a book in between your legs on the wall and measuring the length of the mark from the floor.
These are just a few of the other queries you may want to ask:
Where will you ride your bike? Open fields, dense forests roads, rocky trails? What obstacles could you expect to meet? The rocks, roots, and hills.
How often do you intend to use it? It’s crucial to take into consideration the weight of your bike if you plan to use it for everyday commutes. Do you want a bicycle to use every day as your primary mode of transportation?
Now you can start looking to find specific features:
Frame Material:
Aluminum: inexpensive and light weight, but not as sturdy and durable as steel or carbon, more susceptible to being out of alignment; requires frequent tuning . Carbon fiber costs a lot; is very thin and sturdier than aluminum. Does not require as frequent tune-ups however it may still need to be adjusted after a crash
Steel is durable and tough however, it is also heavier than many other materials.
Components: Rear derailleur: the part that moves the chain between various gears Front derailleur: controls which gear is utilized for the front ring.. Brakes are the brakes that break across both arms of the bike Wheelset: What you use to attach your tires It is available in standard and disc styles Saddle: the seat that rests on the top of the bike
Handlebars extend from the center and are attached to the front forks and are available in different designs like straight, down-turned, or flared Drop bars. They are very widely used on road bikes; ideal for off-roading, provided you have the proper length
Gearing system: Which of the below gears would you choose? 7, 9, or 21?
Which type of shifting mechanism works best for your needs?
What is the number of rings found on your crankset (the piece that connects the pedals to the crankset)? Rings with larger diameters provide more torque but weigh more and impact your pedaling speed.
The final decision is the process of buying mountain bikes may be daunting, but following these basic tips will simplify the process.
If you want to learn more, click mountain biking tips