There are some things that you need to consider when you buy a mountain bike. You need to learn more about mountain bikes so that you can make the best decision for you.
Purchasing a mountain bike can be very overwhelming and can consume quite a bit of your extra time if you are not prepared. This article contains some hints that will help to make the process of buying a mountain bike less frustrating.
Your Mountain Bike Budget
You can spend thousands of dollars on a mountain bike if you want to, but for most of us, we have to set a budget so that we do not overspend. To do this, you need to determine how much that you can afford to spend and then stick with that budgeted amount. You will get much better service and a better bike if you purchase from a bike shop, rather than a mass-merchandiser like Wal-Mart. If you stick you’re your budget, then you will be much happier with your purchase in the long run.
What Style Of Bike?
Mountain bikes come in several different designs that correspond to the different terrains that you might be riding on and your particular riding style. You first need to determine where you will be riding your mountain bike the most. Are you going to be mountain cruising, smooth riding, cross-country racing, or doing lift accessed downhill riding? Determining this will enable to salesman at the bike shop to help you find the right bike for you and your needs.
Hard Tail or Full Suspension?
If your budget will allow it, you will want to choose a full suspension bike. The hard tail bike that comes without suspension in the rear will weigh less and allow you to get more efficiency from your pedaling, but a full suspension bike will be more comfortable and easier to control. This decision will be determined by your budget, the terrain that you will be riding on, and your particular style of riding.
Your Favorite Things
When you begin trying to compare mountain bikes using components, you will quickly find that it will be overwhelming. Determine what components are the ones that you cannot live without and then compare based on this to find the bike that meets your needs and your budget. In this way, you will not be paying for a lot of components that you do not feel are important.
Watch For Seasonal Sales
You will find that mountain bike prices can go up and down quite a bit over the course of a year. The main time that mountain bikes are purchased is during the spring and summer. If you can wait until it grows colder during the fall and winter, then you can save quite a bit of money. Local bike shops may even offer incentives on other components if you purchase a mountain bike from them, rather than from a mass-merchandiser.
Locating the Right Dealer
Even more important than the cheapest price is finding a trustworthy dealer to buy your bike from. You can always find a good price, but it is hard to find a bike shop that offers you good service and information that is more relating to your bike riding than their sales. If you find one, then you need to support them in your purchasing.
Take a Test Ride
Test ride the bikes the fit your budget and your particular riding style to find the bike that has the right fit for you. You will know when a bike feels right. The more bikes that you test out, the easier it will be to make this decision.
Research, Research, Research
Reading mountain bike reviews and other product reviews will help you to learn more about your choices and the pros and cons of them. Reading mountain bike reviews that are written by other owners will help you to determine the right bike for you and your needs. Researching is the best way to make the most of your mountain bike budget.
Other Considerations.....
1. Take the time to select the bike that is right for you and one that fits you properly rather than gravitating towards the first impressive looking mountain bike you see. To check the fit and comfort take the bike on a test ride.
2. You may think that it doesn't make much sense to spend a lot of money on a mountain bike without knowing first how much you will like riding it. While it's a fact that the pricey mountain bikes offer advantages to experienced riders, it's still worth spending your money on a good bike and avoid costly repairs in the future. You should figure on spending between six and eight hundred dollars on your first mountain bike.
3. Get the right wheels. Obviously, the wheels will take more wear than anything else. Choose the tires for your mountain bike based on how much off-road riding you expect to do and the type of terrain you'll encounter on the trails which appeal to you.
4. Easy on the brakes. You need to learn how to cruise to ride a mountain bike effectively. Although it may not feel like it, you are more stable the faster you are going. When you're riding on long downhill slopes let your mountain bike take the strain, using that momentum for the next rise.
5. Learn about local trails. It's no good getting a mountain bike for vacations and then not really knowing how to use it. There are mountain bike clubs all over the world which can direct you to the best trails near your home.
6. Play it safe. It's inevitable that you'll fall sooner or later if you are riding your mountain bike hard. It's of most importance that sure purchase (and wear) a good helmet. Some mountain bikers like to make use of protective padding such as chest protectors, gloves, elbow and knee pads.
7. Look after your bike. Cleaning and storing your mountain bike correctly can make it perform better and last much longer. You will save money on repairs by investing some time and effort.
8. Build up slowly. When you first get a mountain bike you may feel tempted to spend all day riding it. However, riding off-road can strain your muscles in unexpected ways. Pace yourself as you get used to the experience - you don't want to strain a muscle and end up being unable to ride at all for weeks.
9. Develop a taste for adventure. Your mountain bike can take you to places you may never have thought of going before. Mountain bike clubs and magazines can advise you on the wide range of new riding experiences now open to you.
10. Have fun! While regular run of the mill bikes may simply be a form of transportation, mountain bikes are all about having a lot of fun.
