Mountain Bike Buyers Guide

Mountain bike buying guides aren't the easiest to find, but much of the decision when choosing a mountain bike comes down to who helps you in the shop. If you ever wondered whether or not that attendant had your best interests in mind, you might not be too wrong. Sometimes, your interests can get muddied by the newest sale, and that can be problematic for even the smartest shopper. Everyone wants to save money, so keep this mountain bike buying guide in mind when picking out your new bike.

The first and most important consideration for a mountain bike is what kind of biking you'll be doing. Downhill mountain biking is different than cross-country, due to the amount of shock you'll encounter as you travel along the trails. Downhill mountain bikes feature dual suspension systems, while cross country bikes have front suspension systems. If you decide to take either bike out on a track, you will feel the difference of how the bike handles bumps, as well as how easy it is to pedal. If you plan on biking uphill or on flats, get a cross-country bike.

When you find a few bikes that you like, the smartest way to test them out is to actually hop on it and see how it feels. Reach for the handlebars as you sit in the saddle, and make sure that you are comfortable with the general proportions of the bike. Frame size is the most important consideration because it is much more difficult to change after you buy a bike. Look into special seats with gel inserts or cushions if you think you'll participate in harder riding.

Don't forget to look for a helmet as well. Even if you have an old one, it's always a good time to update with the newest safety technoogy technology. Prices vary greatly for mountain bike helmets, but you should look for one that features air vents, a sun visor, and Consumer Product Safety Commission notification on the side. If you plan on extended biking trips, you might want to look into performance mountain bike helmets, which often feature higher-quality materials and designs for your comfort.

Be sure to carefully check your helmet for any features that you might find important. If you have a larger head or thicker hair, you just might want to buy a helmet that is available in multiple sizes instead of the one-size-fits-all designation. Sweat-absorbing materials will keep your face cool and dry when you are mountain biking, and can even prevent accidents from occurring. Likewise, you'll also want a bike helmet with multiple vents to keep the air flowing.

Consider your budget when buying mountain bike. If you can't afford a higher quality bike, you'll might find that you can update certain parts of the bike as you invest in smaller, replaceable items. Shop at a specialized bike store instead of a department store, and ask the attendant for older models from last year, which will be marked down significantly. You won't have as much choice for style and color, but you might be able to get something that suits you well.

Check these areas when picking out your mountain bike.

• Make sure that you have two inches of clearance underneath your crotch when above the top tube.
• Know that chromo-moly and aluminum are great materials for your first mountain bike, but you can also find bike with higher-quality performance materials like titanium and carbon fiber.
• Determine which gear shift you prefer. The RapidFire and Gripshift use different techniques in changing gears, but whatever feels most comfortable is what you should pick.
• Inspect the tires of your mountain bike, which should feature bigger knobs for tougher riding.

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