Tuning Club

Buying a new mountain bike is an exciting experience; however it can certainly be a bit overwhelming with all the different decisions you’ll have to make. Shopping as an educated consumer will only make it much easier, so I’m here to provide you with some tips that you should know before buying a new mountain bike. Don’t worry, soon enough you’ll be riding through the trails!

The first decision you’ll need to make is how you plan on using this bike? There are several different types of bikes available, including the following: cross-country, free-ride/downhill, dirt jump bikes and all-mountain. Each bike has specific features based on the type of terrain. Cross-country bikes are made to be lighter in weight and are more nimble. They are made for all styles of trails, so they’re quite versatile. Freeride/downhill bikes are heavier and sturdier in order to gain more speed for downhill rides. They can also perform on jumps as well. The all-mountain bikes combine the two types previously mentioned, while dirt jump bikes are designed in a similar fashion to BMX bikes.

Once you have an idea of the courses you’ll most likely spend time riding on, consider the terrain of the courses as well. The terrain can vary, such as rocks and hills. If you plan on riding on rocky hills, you’ll need a suspension to handle the rough terrain. For flat and smooth trails, a suspension isn’t necessary.

Understanding the different components of the bike will only help you find the right product for your needs. Before making any purchase, make sure you understand components such as the drivetrain, brakes and shocks. These are all important components of the bike and will vary on each bike. You may even have something very specific in mind, which maybe available as well. For example, lock-out features are popular amongst bikers riding up hills. It allows for a smoother and easier climb, since the shocks tighten up as you climb. Other features to look out for are breaks, shifters and design style.

Now that you’ve determined the type of bike you want, finding the right size is crucial. You always want to be comfortable on your bike, so make sure to refer to a size chart if purchasing online. If you’re buying your bike in a store, test out the bike. Most websites will have guidelines to follow.

There’s a huge selection out there, so make sure to look around. It’s become extremely easy to find the right bike on the internet, especially since there are some fantastic deals online. Amazon.com has some great options available, but be sure to read the reviews.

Now that you’ve decided the type of bike that suits your style and budget, you’re ready to make a new purchase. Make sure to look for the components that fit your style or feel free to ask for some of the smaller changes when ordering. Features like different saddles or a certain type of pedal can easily be changed.

The most important tip I can offer is to always ride safe! It’s an absolute must to purchase a quality helmet when purchasing your bike. It’s quite easy to fall while riding on trails and a helmet can certainly save your life! Good luck with your new bike!

The writer also regularly shares knowledge on subject such as GMC Topkick Dual Suspension Mountain Bike.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 21st, 2010 at 7:06 amand is filed under Recreation and Hobbies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.