How To Purchase a Mountain Bike

How To Buy A Mountain Bike

Looking to put a little excitement into your life? Want to venture off road to escape traffic and congestion? Attracted by friends' tales of sweet singletrack and jaw-dropping overlooks? You've got the mountain-bike bug. Good for you. Now's a great time to be shopping and we've got a showroom full of sweet fat-tire flyers that'll satisfy all your dirt dreams.

Do A Little Homework First
Before you rush in and kick some knobbies, though, think about how and where you'll ride. If you've got dirtheads for friends, you probably plan to ride with them, which is great because they know the best trails. Just ask and they'll give you an earful about what these rides are, and then we can set you up on a dialed-in rig that'll be perfect for your rides and budget.

Or, if you've got a biking background such as BMX riding and want to try a mountain bike, think about how you'll really use it. For example, if you're interested in popping wheelies, dirt jumping and free riding, you'll want a different bike from the guy who wants to enjoy scenic forest loops.

If you're new to the world of off-road thrills and hills, find out more about the riding around here (or where you plan to ride). We can tell you about the area's best off-road routes and give you advice on bike types and equipment that excels. You might consider asking to borrow a bike from a friend so you can try off-road cycling to get a feel for where and how you'll ride because this information will help you pick the right machine.

Choices Galore
You'll find that there's a fascinating range of off-road bikes and equipment; so much so, that shoppers are sometimes struck with analysis paralysis and have difficulty picking the right bike. We offer lots of tips in this story. But, it'll help you decide (and help us help you decide when you visit our store), if you spend some time contemplating your shopping tendencies. Knowing yourself and what you like is a fine way to narrow down the many new-bike possibilities and ensure that you get a winner.

Evaluate Yourself
For example, are you the type who has to have the best or would you be happier getting reasonable quality at a pleasing price point? Do you like simple designs or are you infatuated with cutting-edge technology? Will you keep this bike for ten years or more or are you thinking that you'll upgrade as your skills and interests develop?

While you're soul searching, give some thought to how much you'd like to spend on your new bike. Shop our on-line catalog to view some models and see how prices vary. And, think about what you'd be comfortable spending. Keep in mind that you often need accessories with new-bike purchases such as a helmet, gloves, shoes and cycling shorts. Because these will add to the bike's purchase price, include some extra in your budget.

Mountain Bike Types

Now that you've considered how you'll bike and have zeroed in on your buying tendencies, the next step is considering what type of off-road rig best suits your needs. Check our chart to see what the different models offer:


Type	Description	Features	Ideal Use
Rigid	The basic no-frills mountain bike	Comfy riding position, great braking & shifting, durable	All-around riding on roads and trails
Front Suspension	Also called a Hardtail, this is one of the most popular models; it features a suspension fork	All the features of the Rigid plus front suspension	Increased comfort and control for riding on even the roughest trails
Dual Suspension	Sometimes called a Dualie or Fully, these MTBs sport front & rear suspension	All the Hardtail's features plus a rear suspension	Awesome comfort and control great for rugged trails; less impact on the body, too
Freeride	Various models resemble the Hardtail & Dualie but have more rugged construction	Reinforced frame, wheels and components	Serious downhills, steep drop-offs, jumping, road and trail use

Keep in mind that within each bike type, there are various designs with significant differences. For example, if you're shopping for a dualie, you'll decide whether you want one with long-travel suspension or a model with less pronounced action. We can point out the differences and explain why you might prefer one over the other.

You'll see an interesting choice on our chart called a Freeride bike. Most manufacturers offer one or two models built ruggedly and designed for downhill speed and to absorb impacts over insane terrain. These bikes feature heavy-duty frames, forks, wheels and components that hold up to rough riding. And, they often sport long-travel suspension. If you intend to ride every drop-off and launch your rig at every opportunity, give these unique MTBs a look.