Buy A Mountain Bike That’s Best For You
Before you run to your local bike shop to buy a mountain bike, you may want to ask yourself how you intend to ride your new MTB. Are you interested in coasting over the local trails in your neighborhood or flying off the steepest mountain tops at the state championships? Are you new to riding or an experienced MTB rider looking to upgrade?
Deciding to buy a mountain bike is an investment so determining your riding goals is the first step to choosing the right wheels for you. With many riding styles out there, there are a multitude of bikes to match your MTB goals.Buy the best MTB you can afford. If you see yourself as a long-term MTB rider, spending as much as you can is usually best. For example, buying a mountain bike with a mid-level component group like Shimano’s XT will outperform its lower LX class. If you decide to upgrade later on, it will cost you more to buy the component group separately than if you paid the extra money to get a better bike with the upgraded components as manufactures receive volume discounts that most retailers don’t. In addition, there is no installation cost, or you having to do it yourself.
Do you buy a mountain bike from your local bike shop or go online? The advantages to buying a mountain bike online are typically selection and a lower price tag. But one of the most important decisions to buying a MTB is buying the one that fits you. Everyone has different size arms, legs and torso so buying a mountain bike that maximizes your comfort and power distribution is usually best.
Buying from your local MTB shop may cost you more, but they can usually provide the best advice on mountain bike fit. A disadvantage is that you are limited by their current selection in stock. Usually, bike shops are dealers for a few select bike manufactures so visiting a number of local shops can help determine which MTB brand is best for you.
Another choice is to pay for a good mountain bike fit from your local shop then order online with the stats provided. Afterwards, your neighborhood bike shop can fit the MTB to your measurements. However, most bike shops will include the MTB fit if you buy from them. Weigh the options and savings to see which approach is best for your budget and time constraints.
Ask your fellow mountain bike riders. Asking other riders on the MTB forums or your team about a specific MTB brand or model you are considering can give you invaluable knowledge on the bike’s performance. There is nothing like real world reviews from riders who have purchased and rode the specific bike you are considering.
Here are five universal mountain bike styles you may want to consider:
1. All-Mountain Bikes – If you like the trails and climbing your local mountains, but also favor steep descents, an all-mountain bike may be your ticket to fun. Its geometry provides greater stability in steep, rough situations as compared to a trail bike. With four to six inches of travel, an all-mountain bike can take you almost anywhere, and also can handle light stunt work too. An all-mountain bike is best suited for freeriders and downhillers who also like to ride trails.
2. Cross-Country Race Bikes – If off-road speed is the name of your game, than this bike is for you. With steep angles, and three to four inches of travel, cross-country race bikes handle well and are fast on moderate terrain.
3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes – for all around riding, these XC bikes are the hot ticket. With maximum comfort, XC bikes climb with maximum efficiency and provide riders with three to five inches of travel. If you’re a XC rider who likes riding tough terrain, this bike is for you.
4. Downhill Race Bikes – if you are looking for speed on the downhill, this is the bike for you. With six inches or more of travel and a well-built frame, these bikes can take a pounding on the downhill. However, with the added weight, you may think twice about taking on a long climb.
5. Hardtail Bikes – If you like light trails or an easier off-road course, a hardtail is a good choice. As hardtails are also fast and light bikes, you may want to choose this bike if speed is important. With front-only suspension, they have less pedal bob and increases your pedal stroke efficiency as compared to most dual suspension mountain bikes out there.
When choosing to buy a mountain bike, consider that each type has its strengths and weaknesses on the trail. Remember, when you have more MTB suspension and a sturdier frame, you have more weight and tougher hill climbs ahead of you, but easier downhill’s.
Finding out which riding style you enjoy the most then working backwards to other styles may be the best starting point for choosing your new mountain bike.
Tagged with: buy a mountain bike • buy mountain bike • buy MTB • buying mountain bike • downhill mountain bike • mountain bike • mountain bike purchase • mountain bike reviews • MTB • mtb purchase • upgrading mountain bike
Filed under: Mountain Bike Tips
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This is great! I only have a street bike at the moment but now I know what to look for when I go to get a mountain bike. I wouldn’t have thought of the perfect fit – I thought all bikes were made pretty much the same. Now I know better!
I remember the first time I went to buy a mountain bike. I wish I had this guide then. The bike I chose began flipping me every time I applied the brakes after only a few months. When it got stolen, I felt sorry for the thieves.
I bought a cheap bike once and the break line snapped out of no where. That could have been very dangerous. It is important to be willing to spend on quality and not buy because a bike is cheap.