Points To Consider When Buying a Mountain Bike

So you’ve been thinking about buying a new mountain bike, hitting the back-trails and getting a little muddy; or maybe you’re more interested in coasting down a paved river-path, or riding the gravel road that brings you to your favorite beach. Well, luckily the modern mountain bikes market has no shortage of variation, and places like Tesco have plenty of options for all styles of riding.

What kind of rider are you?

The three main categories of mountain bikes are:

Recreational Bikes:

Rec bikes are your “all-around” style mountain bike. They are just as suited for cruising paved roads as they are for riding over gravel and dirt paths. These bikes usually have front suspension and occasionally rear, and they are great for beginners, but not suited for major off-roading.

Trail Bikes/X-country Bikes:

The difference between a trail bike and a x-country bike is subtle. They are both excellent off-road bikes, capable of handing all but the steepest descents, and though both are usually equipped with full (front and rear) suspension, the suspension on x-country bikes tend to be a little firmer, making it better suited for climbing and handling tight corners. The trail bikes, on the other hand, are the stronger choice for your bumpier rides.

Downhill Bikes:

Downhill bikes are the daredevil’s choice, and they are built, you guessed it, for those who seek the thrill of racing no holds barred down the face of a mountain. They have both the largest wheels and suspension (200mm of travel) of all mountain bikes, and because of this, doing anything on them but going downhill is near impossible.

Choosing a wheel size?

Up until a few years ago virtually all mountain bikes came with 26-inch wheels. Today, however, most come standard at 27.5 inches. This size provides a slightly smoother ride, and requires a little less pedal effort from the rider.

Finally, when buying mountain bikes be sure you ask for professional help when looking for the correct size of bike-frame and the height of your seat-post. And most importantly, don’t forget to pick up a well-fitting helmet and protective gear!

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Image by DaiSliders used under the Creative Commons license

Written by Rory Johnson, a keen mountain biker who is active in the bicycle blogging scene