Buying A Mountain Bike
It can be a bit frustrating as well as time-consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find some tips and things to be aware of before you lay down the cash and buy a mountain bike.
Determining your price
There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out your price range and how much you are willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Costco. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.
Finding your style
All-mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. You need to figure out how smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift-accessed downhill. Ensure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sales staff.
Full suspension or hardtail
If you can afford it, a full-suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hardtail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedals more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.
Finding your favorites
Comparing mountain bikes component to components is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to do this is to find a few components that are the most important to you and make sure the rest of the minimum fall within your price range. You can start with the fork, then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, you can save a couple of hundred dollars normally in the fall and winter. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.
Finding a good dealer
Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high-priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, the better you understand what works and what doesn't.
Doing the research
Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bike's reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before making that final purchase.
Different Types of Mountain Bikes
With mountain biking being a trendy sport, there are many bikes to choose from. Depending on what type of riding you like, the style of bikes you can choose from will vary. Below, you'll find tips on the different types of bikes available.
1. Cross country
Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category. Cross country mountain bikes are lightweight, making them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and downhills. This is the most common mountain bike and can be used with ease for riding on the path or even commuting.
2. Downhill
These types of bikes are for serious bikers who crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders like to custom build their own.
3. Trials
Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of skill and is classified as the precision riding of the sport. Like downhill bikes, trial riders will often build their own bikes rather than purchase one off a shelf. Generally very light and very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.
4. Jump and slalom
Slalom and jump bikes are powerful and designed for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They offer a front suspension and use robust components dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very popular with the sport of mountain biking.
Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose from, all of which depend on your style. If you are still looking for the best style for you, all you have to do is try out several bikes and see which one suits you the best.
Beginner Mountain Bike Skills
Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. Compared to the average bike ride, it does present some danger. Therefore, you should master these basic skills before you hit the trails or the dirt.
You can practice these beginning skills at a local park, school, bike path, or simply around your house. If you can, try to find a location with a steep hill.
Get a feel for your pedals.
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around for a bit. Those with the toe clip and clipless type foot pedals will want to spend a bit more time practicing.
Sit and spin for the position.
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should also adjust your seat height, so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have either your knees or your elbows locked.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster, while the lower gears are easier to pedal and help you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, it's best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while you’re on it.
Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals without sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent, but don't lock your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting your body towards the rear end of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank them around. You should try this in higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears while on a hill.
Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at different speeds until it becomes second nature.
Once you practice these techniques and get the hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it may take some getting used to, it'll become second nature before you know it.
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