Buying A New Mountain Bicycle?

Is a Mountain bike right for you?

Mountain bikes continue to evolve. Full suspension is lighter and more affordable. Disc brakes set a new standard. Overall engineering for durability is markedly improved. Mountain bikes are now sophisticated machines, with exotic frames and components for both men and women.

Mountain bikes are usually for the aggressive rider who likes to take risks, and ride hard. Do you like to go in the woods to ride amongst the trees, rocks and bumps, doing jumps and riding through creeks. Mountain bicycles are designed for riding over rugged terrain.

Downhill: Aggressive, Tough Mountain Bike Riding. Generally means most of the ride is going "down the hill". Downhill mountain biking is associated with downhill skiing with both featuring giant slalom, slalom and freestyle events. Bikes frame needs to be sturdy with lots of support, usually full suspension, front and rear shocks, and high performance brakes. Front suspension bikes are suitable for the rider who spend most of their time off-road and serious off-road riding (downhill). Some full suspension bikes have become lightweight enough to fit into the Cross-country category. Hardtail bikes climb hills better in general though some full suspension have new technology that make them climb like a hardtail, but have the comfort of full suspension.

CROSS -COUNTRY

Cross-Country: Does everything that downhilling is not. Cross-country bike is constructed to be a light weight as possible. Cross-country bikes tend to be what are known as hardtails, meaning they are equipped with a shock up-front, but not at the rear.

Rigid: Cross-country with no shock at all are called rigid bikes. Rigid bikes have no front or rear suspension. Great for smooth dirt or paths.

Here is a list of some additional "types" of mountain bike

The riding position is fairly upright so you can see where you are going quite easily.

You ride in a leaned over position, the seat is high, bars are straight, and frame is small.

This combo makes the bike handle better for the aggressive ride through the woods, and over rough terrain.

KNOBBY TIRES

Mountain bikes are usually 21 - 27 possible gearing combinations. They are geared very low for easier climbing on mud, and soft surface terrain. If you are riding mostly on street and maybe some flat trails a mountain bike my not be right for you. With the low gearing and fat tires on this style of bike makes it less attractive to those riding on the street. Fat tires have more rolling resistance and knobby fat tires have even more resistance, the gearing makes it hard to get the speed that most would like for riding on paved roads.

FRAME MATERIAL

Steel Alloys: High-tensile steel is strong and longlasting, but it's also heavy. A well-built steel frame can last a lifetime. Carbon-steel tubing is usually used in entry-level bikes. An advantage of steel alloy mountain bike frame is repairs can be made easy. It's most suitable for kids' and recreational or comfort style.

Chromoly Steel: Chromoly steel is 40% stronger than high tensile steel. Because of chromoly's significantly higher strength, we can use thinner, and therefore, lighter tubing.

Aluminum Alloys: Aluminum Alloys are lightweight, affordable, and has high resistance to corrosion which makes it easy to maintain. Aluminum frames also offer great rigidity, which is crucial in the construction of full-suspension mountain bikes. . It's not a s forgiving as chromoly, but is lighter than steel. Good for riders who want lightness and who don't mind a slightly rougher ride. Basically, it is light, stiff and strong

• Entry level models are good for beginning riders who plan to ride primarily on bike paths, dirt roads or rocky trail
• Front suspension bikes are suitable for intermediate riders who spend most of their time off road, but may also venture onto bike path, dirt road or trail
• Full-suspension cross-country models are designed for serious off-road riding

MTB Advantages & disadvantages:

TAKE ALONG TOOLS

Learning minor bike repairs and adjustments is easy and a must when riding rough terrain. They usually can be done with Allen wrenches between 2mm and 6mm.

Take along tools for every ride.

The16 function multi tool design incorporates spoke wrenches into tire levers. Swiss army-style folding layout for easy use. Includes:

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We hope this overview helps you pick out a great new mountain bike. Feel free to kick some virtual knobbies on our website and be sure to visit our real store soon so we can show you some of these amazingly fun bikes up close and personal. Happy shopping!