What to Look For in a Mountain Bike

By David A Carter

In the market for a new mountain bike? Don't type in your credit card details just yet. A new mountain bike is a substantial purchase, and a little bit of research and thought can make the whole ordeal both easier and more satisfying. This guide will help you find the right mountain bike for the right price.

What Kind of Bike is Right For You?

Mountain bikes come in a number of different styles and makes, depending on the type of terrain you plan on taking on. One bike might be best suited to a rough-terrain, downhill ride, while another bike is optimal road or light off-road riding.

In your search for a new bike, be sure and take into account the terrain you'll be riding on. Some of the cheaper models are just fine for light conditions, but if you plan on taking on some really adventurous rides, it's definitely worth it to shell out a few extra dollars.

Another thing to take into account is that mountain bikes, like road bikes, generally come in a Men's and Women's style. The difference is not just aesthetic: men and women have different body builds, and riding the wrong style of bike can either impede your ability, or worse, end up hurting you.

Also, make sure and look at the suspension that comes with the bike. In mountain biking, a good suspension can mean the difference between a smooth, enjoyable ride and an utterly disastrous one. Optimally, we recommend a full- or dual-suspension, preferably an adjustable one, for serious riding, though a front- or rear-only suspension is fine for road and simple-trail riding. Understand your options and find out which is best for you: full suspension or front suspension.

Set a Price Range

Like any other specialized product, mountain bikes come in a wide spectrum of prices. Frankly, you could spend anywhere from $100 to over $4,000 on a new mountain bike. Consider your budget and set a realistic maximum price for your new bike.

If you're looking to save a few dollars (and who isn't?), we highly recommend checking online, especially for used bikes. You can find a used machine for a fraction of the price, and if you're thorough in your shopping, you can find one that is in perfect or near-perfect condition.

Specialized Components

There are a number of components to look at for your new bicycle. Besides the all-important suspension, it's a good idea to look at breaks, frame composition, gear-shifters, and other options.

For example, rim brakes are generally cheaper than disc brakes, but offer less control. For easy riding, rim brakes are just fine, but if you're going on tough downhill rides, you'll definitely want the added punch of high-quality disc brakes.

Tires are also crucial. Wide tires (1.5-2 Inches) are ideal for rough terrain, because they give you maximum control. Thinner tires are much better suited to road and light off-road situations (much like the super-thin tires seen on quality road bikes) because they allow for higher speed, but will cause problems when the terrain changes.

Conclusion: The fact is, buying a new mountain bike is a big purchase, and one that absolutely warrants serious consideration. Don't rush into an ill-advised purchase. Consider all the variables and buy the best mountain bike for you. Mongoose Mountain Bikes for Sale ----------------------------------------------------------- For more Mountain Bike Information, see www.bestbikeguide.com