Riding a mountain bike can be a great way to get fit while enjoying the freedom of making your way through some beautiful natural scenery. But for anyone who is just starting to get into the world of mountain bikes, the process of finding a suitable ride and all the necessary gear can be a little overwhelming. The type of bike you need to get depends on so many factors. If you would like to know what to look for when choosing a mountain bike, check out these tips on finding the perfect one.
Choose the Right Frame
You can make sure that your bike is the right fit for you if you choose a frame with a slightly longer distance from the saddle to the bars. The distance from the center of the crank to the mid-head tube should also be longer than any other bike`s. This will put the axle further ahead, which will give you a good grip and support your weight, preventing you from going straight over the bars in case of impact. Your seat tube should be short, to provide you more room to maneuver. If you worry that the seat will be too low, you can always extend the stem with alternative seat post solutions.
Get the Right Wheels Size
The standard wheel sizes for mountain bikes are 26″, 27.5″, and 29″. The smaller ones are sturdier, and therefore, are more suitable for aggressive trails, while the 29-inch wheels are perfect for slow, long rides. However, they are more sensitive to tire pressure changes, so you will always have to keep that in mind if you go for them. Additionally, you can have the option of buying plus-sized wheels. The most common ones you can find are 27.5-inch wheels with a wider rim and bigger tires. These are great if you need more traction while traveling through mud and snow.
Think About the Terrain
The terrains you will ride on will determine what kind of mountain bike you need. If you do most of your riding on well-established trails, you probably don’t need a bike with hardtail specifics. Although they have a slightly more simplistic construction, the best full suspension bikes nowadays can handle almost any type of terrain quite easily. However, if you want to ride through mountains or rough terrains, you should get a hardtail rather than a full suspension. You will probably get a lot more for your money if you choose a hardtail, and you will be able to ensure your bike can withstand the rigorous drilling.
Get Good Quality Suspensions
Whether you get a hardtail or a full-suspension bike, the focus should be on the quality of the suspension and not on its size. It doesn’t matter if it looks shorter, as high-quality damping and a decent air spring will serve you a lot better than a longer suspension would. The forks and shocks should do all the work, so make sure to check them out. Get on the manufacturer’s site for reviews or contact them directly. And keep in mind that aftermarket units often have lower quality than the original ones. If you want your bike to be durable, you shouldn’t spare any money on suspension.
Consider Your Budget
When you set out a budget for buying a mountain bike, it should also include all the accessories that go along with riding. You will need a strong trail helmet with good coverage, a backpack, and glasses to protect your eyes. You should also have special shoes that work on flat pedals, or get cleats instead. The shape of your seat might need some customization, so you want to set some money aside for that as well. There will be additional costs of course to get different types of tires to suit various types of terrain, an extra shifter in case it breaks down, and so on. It’s much more cost-efficient to get a sturdy bike with basic but durable components than to get a flashy, overpriced one that doesn’t give you the functionality you need.
As you can see, finding the right bike for each individual depends on so many factors. First of all, you’ll want to make sure you get a suitable bike for the type of rides you will take. There are various other details that you absolutely need to pay attention to. Otherwise, you could end up spending a lot more money than you have to and still get inadequate specs. Since the budget is usually the limiting factor for everyone, you should do your best to get the highest possible value for your money.