| With mountain biking being a very popular sport, | | | | different riding styles and terrain types in mind. |
| there are many bikes to choose from. Depending | | | | You'll need to figure out what type of riding you |
| on what type of riding you like, the style of bikes | | | | will be doing the most. |
| you can choose from will vary. Below, you'll find | | | | Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain |
| tips on the different types of bikes available. | | | | cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you |
| 1. Cross country Almost all mountain bikes will fit | | | | need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you |
| into this category. Cross country mountain bikes | | | | select fits your personal style and not that of the |
| are light weight, making them easy to ride over | | | | sale's staff. |
| most terrains, even up and down hills. This is the | | | | Full suspension or hard tail: |
| most common mountain bike and it can be used | | | | If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain |
| with ease for riding on the path or even | | | | bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, |
| commuting. | | | | without rear suspension, is much lighter weight |
| 2. Downhill These types of bikes are for serious | | | | and pedal more efficiently, although full |
| bikers who crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill | | | | suspensions offer more comfort and overall |
| bikes have front and rear suspension, strong | | | | better control. |
| parts, and disc brakes. Rarely available off the | | | | You'll want to make that decision based on your |
| shelf, most riders like to custom build their own. | | | | price range, riding style, and the type of terrain |
| 3. Trials Trail mountain biking involves a great | | | | you'll be riding on the most. Finding your favorites: |
| degree of skill and is classified as the precision | | | | Comparing mountain bikes component to |
| riding of the sport. Similiar to downhill bikes, trial | | | | component is nearly impossible, as there are far |
| riders will often build their own bikes rather than | | | | too many combinations available. |
| purchase one off a shelf. Generally very light and | | | | The best way to go about doing this is finding a |
| very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline. | | | | few components that are the most important to |
| 4. Jump and slalom Slalom and jump bikes are | | | | you and making sure the rest or the minimums |
| very strong and designed for jumping, street | | | | fall within your price range. You can start with the |
| racing, and slalom. They offer a front suspension | | | | fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur. |
| and use very strong components dedicated to | | | | Sales and seasons: |
| what they do. These bikes are very popular with | | | | During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can |
| the sport of mountain biking. | | | | fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the |
| Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport | | | | main buying season. If you can wait until the right |
| can be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to | | | | price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you |
| choose from, all of which depend on your style. If | | | | can save a couple hundred dollars. |
| you are still looking for the best style for you, all | | | | Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other |
| you have to do is try out several bikes and see | | | | accessories if you buy from them. Finding a good |
| which one suites you the best. | | | | dealer: Finding a good bike dealer is more |
| Buying A Mountain Bike: | | | | important than finding the best price. You should |
| It can be a bit frustrating as well as time | | | | always find a dealer that cares more about selling |
| consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, | | | | you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. |
| you'll find some tips and things to be aware of | | | | A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and |
| before you lay down the cash and buy a | | | | give you the impression that you can really trust |
| mountain bike. | | | | them. |
| Determining your price: There is really no limit as | | | | Test ride: |
| to how much money you can spend on a new | | | | You should test ride as many bikes as you can |
| mountain bike. To help you keep your spending | | | | within your price range and riding style. You'll find |
| under control, you should figure out what your | | | | that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. |
| price range is and how much your willing to pay | | | | The more bikes you can test drive, you better |
| for a new bike. | | | | you'll understand what works and what doesn't. |
| When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass | | | | Doing the research: Product reviews and bike |
| merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should | | | | reviews are some of the best ways to find out |
| instead support your local bike shop and get a | | | | about a mountain bikes reliability and overall |
| much better bike and much better service. | | | | performance. You should always look at what |
| Finding your style: | | | | other owners and reviews think about a bike |
| All mountain bikes are designed with several | | | | before you make that final purchase. |