BUYING A MOUNTAIN BIKE
Buying a mountain bike can be a frustrating and time consuming experience.
The following article outlines a few tips to help you make the best choice when purchasing a mountain bike.
PRICE
As with all purchases, the price is an important factor. One of the first considerations is to determine the price you have to spend. The sky is the limit as far as price of some bikes go, so try to figure out the price range you are comfortable with.
When you have a budget and it’s time to buy, be sure to check out your local bike shop and support the local industry. Generally the prices at a local bike store a bit higher than at the bigger chain stores, yet they do stock high quality bikes and offer a much better service.
If the price is all that matters, then online stores like Amazon.com have some great deals, often providing free delivery. Click here.
STYLE
Each mountain bike is designed a little bit different from each other, which is determined by the types of terrain it is to be ridden on and the style of the rider.
Check out my Mountain Bike Buying Guide here, for the different types of mountain bikes.
Determine what type of riding you’ll be doing and on what type of terrain.
Take advice from the sales staff, but be sure to select the bike that suits your style, rather than what the sales person is trying to push.
HARD TAIL vs. FULL SUSPENSION
Hard tail mountain bike don’t have rear suspension. They offer a lighter weight option and are very efficient to pedal. Full Suspension mountain bikes have greater control and are more comfortable.
Full suspension bikes are generally more expensive, yet are normally the superior bike.
BIKE COMPONENTS
The wheels, derailleurs and forks are the most important components of a bike to take in to consideration. The quality of these components will greatly affect the sales price of the bike.
SALES
When buying a bike, take advantage of the discounts that occur during winter. If you have the choice to wait, some great sales can occur. Massive savings can be had if you are patient enough and look around. Check out your local bike store or online stores regularly for specials or discounts on accessories too if you buy from them.
REPAIRS AND SERVICE
In the future, your bike will undoubtedly need some repairs and service. So before you buy your bike, check out the merchant’s service arrangements and conditions.
THE TEST RIDE
Try and test ride as many bikes as you can, to get a feel for the different styles and sizes available. Only bother the test the bikes that are in your price range. The more mountain bikes you can sample, the greater understanding you’ll have of what you like and don’t like.
RESARCHING
Read up on what other people are saying about a particular bike. This is a great way find out some secret gems (good and bad) that you would never find out elsewhere.
Product reviews can provide some important information on the bike’s overall rating and reliability.
Always look at what other people are saying about a particular bike. A great resource to read other rider’s reviews of bikes is online at Amazon.com. There are literally hundreds of reviews, on all sorts of bikes. Click Here
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Thanks for checking out my site. There is a wealth of information here on all types of Mountain Bikes and biking accessories. I hope you find it interesting and informative. Stay tuned for more in depth reviews and biking features.
Pat Somes