Like all your favorite pieces of equipment, you need to invest a lot of time and effort in buying a mountain bike that will serve you well in your upcoming adventures. Mountain biking whether for enthusiasts or just for sport requires a reliable and efficient bike to begin with.
You need to research and figure out the features that you are searching for in your ideal mountain bike. There are various types of mountain bikes that you can choose depending on the terrain you would use the bike on. You can opt from a wide variety of frame materials, number of gears, features, speed, and brake components to choose your perfect mountain bike. Each of these combinations may influence the final price of the mountain bike. Read on as we list down a few valuable points to help you in choosing your ideal mountain bike.
Type of Mountain bikes
Just like deciding on finding an optimum balance bike for kids, choosing the type of mountain bike you need is the most important decision for you to make before you start your purchase process. There are numerous types of mountain bikes which are built to excel in specific types of terrain. Additionally, mountain bikes vary to suit the different riding style of riders. We have listed down a few of the most popular mountain bikes to help you decide your preferred type of mountain bike.
Cross-Country: Cross-country mountain bikes are built using lightweight materials to help the riders use it for their regular outdoor outings. They are built to withstand moderate outdoor runs. Most of the kids’ bikes are the smallest examples of cross-country bikes.
Hardtail: Hardtail bikes are distinguished by their lack of suspension. The rear seat of these bikes are built in a monocoque design which makes the ride a bit bumpier due to the lack of a dedicated suspension. The lack of suspension also ensures that little or no energy is wasted in the compression of the suspension. A hardtail bike is much more forgiving if you are a novice or beginner who is just getting started.
Full suspension: These are the type of bikes you need if you are searching for a bike to withstand bumpy rides or pedal through different trails. These bikes feature a capable front and rear suspension to help soften the blow of the trails. Remember to carry a torque wrench to adjust the nuts and bolts during your trail biking.
Downhill: Downhill mountain bikes are built for speed and agility. They have high-quality components, heavy-duty disc brakes, and chain guards to add to your overall safety. They are also equipped with good suspensions to help you in the bumpy ride.
Freeride: Freeride mountain bikes are all-purpose versions of a mountain bike. It is equipped with design elements and features that ensure that the bike can be used for any style of mountain biking and effortless across all types of terrain. Its overall weight, suspension, brakes and power, means the bike is extremely versatile.
What are the different type of frame materials used in mountain bikes?
The strength, weight, and versatility of a mountain bike is influenced by the frame material used in building the bike. The overall price of the bike will also depend on the materials used as the use of lightweight and durable alloys will increase the price of the bike. Steel bikes are durable but heavy which makes it difficult to maneuver. Aluminum bikes are lightweight and durable making the most preferred choice of budget mountain bikes. Titanium bikes offer you the solidarity of the heavier bikes with the lightweight characteristic of the aluminum bike. Carbon fiber bikes are the most sought after mountain bikes amongst the professionals due to its extreme durability and lightness. Opt for a frame type that best meets your needs within your budget.
Mountain Bike Features
The prices of the mountain bikes are also governed by the features it provides. You do not need to opt for the full bells-and-whistles option. You can replace a few features of your bike in the course of time and depending on you usage. These features may vary from tubeless tires for better control to improved rolling resistance. You can choose from rim and disc brakes based on your requirements. Remember that your choice of suspension, hub materials, spoke, etc. will also influence the overall price of the bike.
