Purchasing a new mountain bike can seem like a daunting experience. The different frames, the components, and the equipment are disguised by mountain bike jargon that can seem like another language. Do you want front suspension or full suspension? Are you comfortably within your budget? Do you really need to spend thousands of dollars? All these questions must be addressed before you consider your purchase.
Paying attention to these 10 signs of a quality mountain bike will put you on a machine you can have confidence in.
1. Price - The first question to ask yourself is how much are you willing to spend? If you plan to ride off-road then anticipate spending over $500, anything less will be inferior and will not handle the rough terrain, leading to costly repairs and pricey upgrades. Trying to buy a bargain bike will cost more in the end.
2. Warranty - Buy your bike from a reputable bike retailer and only buy bikes with a lifetime warranty on the frame. Most bike shops sell established brands that back up the quality of their bike frame. Components are not usually covered by the manufacturer but some bike shops will give a limited guarantee on the entire purchase.
3. Frame - Your style of riding will dictate which type of frame is right for you. Avoid bikes made of steel or high tensile steel, they are poor quality and outrageously heavy. “”Crom-oly” is a term given to a mixture of steel, chromium and molybdenum. Crom-oly is a reasonable alternative for beginner mountain bikers. It is heavier than aluminum but handles vibrations from rugged terrain very well. Aluminum is the most popular frame element. It is light and stronger than you may think. However, under extreme conditions aluminum can bend so make sure you have a lifetime warranty on the frame. Titanium frames, once very expensive, have come down in price to be affordable to most riders. It is comparable to aluminum in weight but as strong as crom-oly. Titanium has a reputation of being weak at the joints so be sure to purchase a brand that is known for making a quality titanium frame. (Ask your trusted bike shop professional). Finally, carbon fiber is very light and can be extremely strong if the bike is made with solid carbon fiber tubes. Many full-suspension bikes are made with hollow tubes of carbon fiber; these can be fatally damaged by rocks or tough spills resulting in complete frame failure (not something you would want to experience).
4. Suspension - Don’t even consider purchasing a mountain bike without some form of suspension. Without at least front suspension your bike and your body will experience heavy vibration, and jarring rebound, resulting in possible wheel failure and rider discomfort.
“Hardtail” bikes have front suspension only; these are great cross country bikes, usually very light and great for hill climbing. Front suspension bikes are easier to control than a rigid bike (a bike without suspension) and simpler to maintain than a full suspension bike.
Full suspension or “dualies” have both front and rear suspension. This is the ultimate in control on the most difficult terrain. If you plan on riding hard over big rocks, daring jumps and deep drops you will need a full suspension ride. Dualies are heavier, require more maintenance and are harder on the wallet, but for serious riders there is no equivalent.
5. Geometry or bike fit - Never underestimate the importance of fitting correctly onto your bike. Work with your bike retailer to find the right fit for you. The biggest difference in bike frame geometry is the distance from seat to handlebar. Some riders prefer to ride more upright, taking some of the stress off the neck and shoulders, and sacrificing some control. Others prefer to ride lower with more control and better streamlining. The seat height is easily adjusted and some riders will change the seat position depending on the trail, keeping the seat high for climbing (leg extension) or low for steep descents (keeping body weight back and low).
6. Seats - These come in many shapes and sizes (just like riders) and just like a good pair of jeans you must try one on to find the right fit. Different material can help alleviate chaffing or wick away sweat. Seat posts can be upgraded for taller or heavier riders. The nose of the seat can be thin or fat depending on your preference. It is worth noting that a split nose on the newer higher priced seats are reported to put less pressure on the blood vessels in the scrotum of male riders, manufacturers claim this will reduce the risk of ailments such as testicular cancer. This may or may not be an accurate claim, but research is ongoing.
7. Brakes - There are two systems of brakes available for mountain bikes; the standard pull cable rim brakes that we are all familiar with from our childhood bikes and the newer hydraulic disk brakes.
Cable rim brakes are simple to fix or adjust and reasonably priced, but once wet or muddy the braking efficiency decreases. Disk brakes are more complicated and expensive but they work well in wet conditions and provide exceptional control. Many riders purchase bikes with rim brakes and upgrade to disk brakes, don’t purchase a bike based on the brakes but be aware of this upgrade possibility.
8. Gear set-up - The gear components consist of shifters and derailleurs. Grip shifters are popular with many riders; the gears are changed by twisting the grip on the handle bars, allowing you to shift without releasing your hold. The problem with grip shifters is that inadvertent shifting can easily occur during rough riding. Avoid shifter levers located above the grip, these are usually low quality. Instead look for trigger shifters, sometimes called “rapid fire” shifters located under the grips. These shifters are quick, accurate and not likely to result in inadvertent gear changing.
It is difficult to discuss derailleurs without running across the shimano name. Having a near monopoly, shimano derailleurs are both the best and worst on the market. Look for the letters LX or better still XT on the derailleurs. Again, this is not the reason to buy or not buy a particular bike because upgrade is a simple enough procedure for any bike shop.
9. Tires - This is an extremely important component as it is where contact with the ground takes place. Make sure to use appropriate tires for the conditions you are riding, tires are manufactured with aggressive tread for muddy trails or less tread and harder sidewalls for firmer trails. Specialty tires are available for rocks, pavement, even ice and snow. Experimentation and experience will provide the best tire for your riding environment. To begin, use the tires that come with your bike and adjust when you become more proficient.
10. Pedals - Most riders begin with pedals equipped with toe straps also called “baskets”, they take a little getting used to but keep your feet from slipping off the pedals and increase the efficiency of your pedal stroke. Once you have mastered the straps you can advance to clip in pedals, these require special shoes that attach to the pedals and increase your riding efficiency even more. The experience of being “clipped-in” can make you feel more connected with your bike giving you amazing control, and don’t worry, if you take an unfortunate fall your feet will easily disengage from the pedals.
Paying attention to these important components will result in the purchase of a quality mountain bike. Be sure to ask questions at you local bike retailer and insist on riding the bike before you buy, even if you just take a spin around the parking lot. Finally, don’t neglect the most important bike accessory of all, a good helmet.
