You want to buy a new mountain bike but you’re conflicted on which type to get. Good bikes are not selected based on how fancy they are, what color they are, and their size; but instead based on the advanced materials used, body structure, and suspension design. It is up to the rider to determine whether they want a bike that’s fancy or strong.
Begin by searching for a shop with an experienced salesperson and various brands to choose from. Ask as many questions as you can and if possible, take some bikes out for test rides before you buy. Understand that there are different shops with their specific expertise, you need to do a little research about which ones mountain bikers go to the most.
You must get the right mountain bike for the type of riding you do. Here are tips that’d help you decide which bike is right for you.
1. Have a Budget
Before going into the store to choose your bike or think about the specifications of the bike, you need to determine what price range you can afford at the moment. As with other products, mountain bikes have a wide range of prices. The higher your budget, the better the quality of the bike you get. It is necessary to have a budget as you would be able to make a more informed decision and not be overwhelmed when you walk into a shop to buy one.
2. Choose a Good Suspension Quality
There are different types of suspension on mountain bikes. They help the bike roll easily on uneven ground, keep steady traction when they ascend or descend, and absorb forces generated during landing drops or jumps. Follow closely because, at the end of this article, you’d be well-informed and able to get the right bike. On one hand, there is the hardtail suspension; it is a bike with only a front suspension and solid rear end that gives the bike a good balance for all types of terrain.
Then, there are the full-suspension mountain bikes having suspension on both ends. This provides more comfort and protective support while you ride through uneven terrain. If you intend to ride your bike over bumpy terrain, full suspension is the suspension of choice.
3. Decide What Type Of Riding You Want To Engage In
Considering there are two major categories of mountain bikes (Trail and Downhill), you need to be realistic about what your needs are.
If most of your time is spent riding local trails or making trips to lift-serviced trail areas every year, then it would not be advisable to buy a downhill bike
A preferred approach would be to purchase a trail bike and lease a downhill bike when you need it. If you don’t have a budget for renting after you buy, don’t worry too much. When riding on marked trails, a good quality hardtail suspension bike will get you where you want to get to and back safely. On the flip side, if most of your riding is shuttled or lift-serviced, getting a downhill mountain bike would make more sense. That’s assuming it’s within your budget.
4. Don’t Focus Only On The Weight
Even though weight is essential when you’re off the road, strength is almost as important. There would be random rocks on the path you’re taking, roots can grab you at any time from all angles; they would slow you down, steering accuracy, corner you, and cause you to lack confidence. It’s far better for your bike to be strong than to carry some more pounds; it would keep your bike from falling and certainly, out of the workshop too.
5. Check Warranty Details
Ensure you get and understand the terms of the warranty that comes with the bike. For a model year holdover, be certain the warranty begins when you buy it and not when the store puts it in inventory. Ask about the availability of any follow-up tune-ups; most stores provide free tune-ups between 30 to 90 days after the initial purchase date to help you with any issue that may have occurred during the break-in process. Other shops even offer lifelong tune-ups.
If you’re buying a fairly used bike, make sure to carefully look the bike over. Look at the frame to be sure there are no cracks and make sure the wheels are strong. Check for weather cracks on the tires. Have a local shop assess the bike for you to ensure the suspension is smooth and that it does not squeak. Make sure the fittings, bearings, and suspension linkages for any play that shouldn’t be there.
There are other tips to consider when searching for the right mountain bike for your rides. Nonetheless, with the ones listed here, you’d certainly get a pretty good bike that meets your needs. If you’re a new rider, don’t forget to know what type of terrain you’d be riding on so you can pick a strong bike. You can now choose the right bike with the information you’ve been able to gather.
