HOW TO BUY A MOUNTAIN BIKE
Nov 15 '04
The Bottom Line Choose carefully and always test ride a bike you're interested in.
There are many things to consider when purchasing a bike. It's fairly similar to choosing a car. And if you take mountain biking seriously then the stakes can get high.
=Price Range=
This is probably the biggest determinant as to which of the following options you'll get to choose from. If you're a casual rider that doesn't push the limits you could get away with a bike in the $300-500 range. If you're a casual rider that wants to try an occassional race shoot for the $500-700 range. From $700-1,000 you're looking at serious bikes for frequent riders who shred on the weekend and race fairly often. Most bikes over $1,000 are good for racing often or riding very hard on the weekends. Bikes over $2,500 or so are like pro level bikes.
=Frame Material=
Few mountain bikes are made from cro-moly (steel) anymore so you'll likely end up with an aluminum frame. This is a good thing. Higher end bikes ($1,800+) may offer carbon fiber and really expensive bikes may be titanium (the best in my opinion). It'll mostly depend on how many greenbacks you wanna dish out.
=Front Suspension vs. Full Suspension=
There's a growing wave of riders that are throwing their suspension out the window (metaphorically) and going back to the old school rigid bike. But most people want shocks. Generally speaking, front suspension only bikes are best for cross-country riding and full suspension for downhill riding. However, manufacturers are doing better at making full suspension bikes that are specifically designed for cross-country riding. So be sure to ask the salesman or read up on the model you're considering online. Casual riders...don't waste money on full suspension it's likely way beyond your needs and skills. Even most frequent riders don't really need full suspension, but it's mostly a personal choice. If you can afford a decent set up and you really want it...go for it. However, I would suggest taking the same amount of money and putting it into a really nice hard tail (front suspension only) bike and improving your riding skills first. Then move to a full suspension ride and use it to compliment and expand your skills instead of it becoming a crutch for lack of skill.
=Disc vs. V-Brakes=
If you can get 'em go for disc brakes! They will allow you to virtually stop on a dime! Most lower end bikes come with v-brakes but disc brakes are fast becoming the standard. For safety and control, disc brakes just make sense.
=Toe Clips vs. Clipless (vs. Platform)=
Platform pedals are the old school, no frill, plain bike pedal you grew up with. These are equipped on cheap bikes or bikes made for dual-slalom racing. Platform pedals may be useful if you ride to work and don't want to lug your work shoes in a backpack. Toe clips are the standard for low to middle end bikes. They have a plastic "cage" that fits around the toe of your shoe and gives you a more even transfer of force from your foot to the crank through the entire pedal stroke. You'll pedal more efficiently with toe clips. Clipless pedals are the ones you need special shoes for and require some practice to get in and out of quickly and safely. Serious riders and racers use clipless pedals. They are the most efficient through the entire pedal stroke. They are standard on mid to high end bikes.
=Riser vs. Low Rise=
Many mountain bikes, especially if they're cross-country specific, have low or no rise handle bars. This means they are pretty much just a straight bar. Riser bars...rise up. Imagine that! Anyway, these are popular on "all-mountain" bikes and especially downhill bikes. I prefer riser bars so I don't have to bend over so far, it relieves pressure on my back.
Miscellaneous Tips:
* Brand names aren't as important as what you're planning to use the bike for
* Think through your purchase carefully
* Consider what type of riding you're realistically going to do
* Bike buying is unlike getting a car, in that you don't haggle
* Most bike stores offer one free bike tune up, double check
* If you want to race, join a bike club or join the bike shop's team
Final Comments:
Read about several different models beforehand. Then go test them out. Then narrow it down to your two favorite and test them again. Then decide. Just don't let your excitement block out reason and logic and make a wise decision. I think you'll have a good time choosing a bike because buying a bike isn't high pressure like a car and you don't have to fill out mounds of paperwork. You can't be denied either!
Then shred the local trails with your hot new ride!
============
Related Reviews:
============
* BIKE FRAME MATERIALS
* REI MORNING STAR 65
* MAG LITE
* WEIDER CROSSBOW PLATINUM
* FITNESS QUEST GAZELLE EDGE GLIDE
Thanks for reading my review!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
spongebob_man1
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Location: Vancouver, WA
Reviews written: 264
Trusted by: 179 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc. 