Looking to get a mountain bike for you?

Getting a new bicycle should be a time of thrilling sensation – but thinking about selecting the right bike can make it a period of high anxiety, because there are so many manufacturers and styles on the market.

We’re here to turn that challenging experience into an exciting one, you just need to follow these considerations before buying a new mountain bike.

What size is the right size?

Mountain bikes are offered using a “Small, Medium, Large” type size guide. These sizes compare rider height and weight. Typically sizing runs consistently between brands, however, check on the specific website to be sure before purchase. If a person falls in-between sizes it is recommended that they stop at a bike shop and try out that size offering for feel, comfort, and fit.

NOTE: Making sure that the bike is the proper size and fit is a huge as an improper fit can lead one to sustain serious and potentially long-term injuries.

What is and How Does Reach Work?

Reach and effective top tube (ETT) is the most often and commonly used way for a non-professional to determine length, in regards to bicycle sizing, Specifically, reach is the horizontal “line” used in bicycle standing measurements; ETT is a horizontal “line” that measures seated. Reach and ETT have been broken down to better explain.

Standing:

• Measure from the center of the bike’s tube head the center of the bottom bracket.
• Accounts for feels out of the saddle
• Accounts for when descending
• Accounts for climbing a steep single track

Seated:

• Measure from the bike’s seat tube to the head tube.
• Accounts for a sloped tube frame
• Accounts for a straight tube frame

NOTE: To get the same information when purchasing online try these steps in place of the ones above.

Measure from the crotch part of pants while in their normal worn at the waist position to the floor. Then wearing bicycle shoes, straddle a book and stand against the wall. Place a mark on the wall where the spine of the book meets it. Measure from the floor to the dot.

What Frame is the Best Frame?

When purchasing the right mountain bike most oftenly posted cost includes the frame selection offered. Frames have a cost variance due to the materials used for making, weight of the frame. Ride, and quality for example. Spending a little more for a quality frame is recommended as you can always upgrade alternate components later if you have a properly fitted, quality frame. Frames most commonly come in and offer the varieties.

Carbon

• Five overall grades, four used on bikes
• Only used by five creation manufactures
• Not typically used on downhill/park styles

Titanium

• Is lighter weight
• Is stronger, tougher
• Is often too expensive for higher-end use

Steel

• Is tougher built
• Is a heavier option
• Offers a smooth ride
• More expensive than most types

Aluminum Alloy

• Most commonly used on mountain bikes
• Is a lighter option
• Is available on high-ends
• Has most component type and process variance

What is Important about Style?

There are primarily five style categories in which mountain bikes offer. These styles are the following.

Down-Hill Style

• Components more durable
• Less pedaling needed
• Has fewer gears
• Great reaction based workout

Fat Style

• Good on snow and ice
• Great for beginner cyclists
• More forgiving for inexperienced

Trail Style

• Most common mountain bike style
• Optimal for fun
• Nonspecific functionality

All-Mountain / Enduro Style

• Maximum performance in non-ideal conditions
• Optimal performance coverage on step descents
• Light and nimble hill performer
• Racers delight
• Enduro riders primarily option to utilize

Cross-Country Style

• Climbing prowess is optimized
• Offers race rider comfort
• Competitive considerations covered
• Anticipates travel variables

What Options Are Available for Brakes?

Again it is for the best to avoid plastic parts and pieces. Entry level mountain bikes have done away with the use of rim brakes, and now typically use disc. The following brakes can be found on bikes.

Hydraulic Brakes

• Self-adjust with brake wear
• More progressive and stronger
• Requires less finger effort
• Most expensive to service

Cable-Activated Brakes

• Manual needed to adjust
• Cheaper replacement of rotor
• Superior in steep, wet conditions
• Require less finger strength
• Cause less wheel wear
• More stopping power
• More effective in mud

Rim Brakes

• Easier pad replacement
• Easier inspection of pads
• More economical
• Easy to watch pad wear

What suspension is needed?

Mountain bikes are offered in rigid (no suspension) or can be equipped with one of two main varieties. All three selections are broken down and further explained.

Rigid

• Found on most fat bikes
• For low tire pressure tires
• For the wider bicycle tire
• Lowers the overall bike cost

Hardtail

• Better absorption front wheel
• Less issues or maintenance problems
• More direct rear power transfer with pedal
• No suspension rear wheel

Full suspension

• Many varieties available
• Best trail absorption
• Most effective at climbs
• More enjoyable ride conditioning

What tire sizes are an option?

Mountain bikes can be purchased with a wide variety of options, and comes in three different sizes for mountain bikes: 29 inch, 27.5 inch and 26 inch. Make sure that you get the right size tyre for your wheelset. The manufacturer’s label on your wheelset should detail the size of tyre that they will take.  Alternatively, this is an option that can be switched and upgraded.

What is your budget?

Mountain bike price is typically set depending on quality, type, and number of components. Often the most cost effective purchase option when buying a mountain bike is to spend more for a high quality frame and upgrade as you have the money, as your skill set develops or whenever works best.