If you're in the market for a new bike, there are a ton of models and brands to choose from. It will help narrow down your choices if you look for mountain bike ratings before you start shopping, to get an idea of which models are best suited for you. From there you can decide on a number of other options. Let's look at some of the things you'll need to decide on.
Choosing a mountain bike can be complicated. Can be. But need not be. There are a few different designs geared around the type of riding a potential buyer has in mind. A little bit of technical information is helpful, followed by a dose of common sense. Not too tough.
A Cross Country bike, for example, is the most popular, since it provides features that suit the widest set of styles. But, for the ultra hard riders, Freeriders still sell very well.
Good tires are a must on any of the bike options available today. Even with huge advances in materials and designs, it's still essential to match tires with the bike design. The reason isn't hard to grasp: tires correlate with the category of riding, which drove the choice of bike.
Similarly, because mountain bike rides often last for hours, a good seat is equally important. Women especially need to consider carefully the choice of saddle because, let's face it, sometimes designers don't concentrate enough on that portion of the market.
Helmets are critical for both genders, of all ages. Children are especially vulnerable, but even the beefiest male can suffer head trauma. Today's helmets minimize the risk by offering sturdy materials in a design that fits just right if you choose carefully.
Riding apparel isn't just for looks either. Sure, fashion will always sway buyers. But health and safety are two big factors when it comes to picking out the right clothes. The right shirt, for example, can help control body heat and moisture, as well as protect vulnerable elbows and shoulders.
Once outfitted, you're ready to go. But wait; don't forget that all important bike maintenance. An hour's prep for a ride will be well rewarded with lower failures on the trail.
Still, stuff happens. That's when it pays to have a great trail repair kit. Tire patch kit, cartridge or pump, wrenches, and a few other small items can prevent that ride from getting cut short.
When you do that maintenance or perform those repairs it will be necessary, of course, to know a little bit about how gears and brakes work. Apart from flats, those are the most likely areas to experience trouble off the road or on it. With just a little bit of background, you can perform simple repairs that would otherwise bring a quick halt to your adventure.
And adventure is what it is all about for mountain bike riders. Health and fitness are important goals motivating every cyclist, to be sure. But getting out in great scenery, riding past creeks or through them, and just being outdoors are a big part of the mountain biking experience.
Start your adventure today.
Choosing a mountain bike can be complicated. Can be. But need not be. There are a few different designs geared around the type of riding a potential buyer has in mind. A little bit of technical information is helpful, followed by a dose of common sense. Not too tough.
A Cross Country bike, for example, is the most popular, since it provides features that suit the widest set of styles. But, for the ultra hard riders, Freeriders still sell very well.
Good tires are a must on any of the bike options available today. Even with huge advances in materials and designs, it's still essential to match tires with the bike design. The reason isn't hard to grasp: tires correlate with the category of riding, which drove the choice of bike.
Similarly, because mountain bike rides often last for hours, a good seat is equally important. Women especially need to consider carefully the choice of saddle because, let's face it, sometimes designers don't concentrate enough on that portion of the market.
Helmets are critical for both genders, of all ages. Children are especially vulnerable, but even the beefiest male can suffer head trauma. Today's helmets minimize the risk by offering sturdy materials in a design that fits just right if you choose carefully.
Riding apparel isn't just for looks either. Sure, fashion will always sway buyers. But health and safety are two big factors when it comes to picking out the right clothes. The right shirt, for example, can help control body heat and moisture, as well as protect vulnerable elbows and shoulders.
Once outfitted, you're ready to go. But wait; don't forget that all important bike maintenance. An hour's prep for a ride will be well rewarded with lower failures on the trail.
Still, stuff happens. That's when it pays to have a great trail repair kit. Tire patch kit, cartridge or pump, wrenches, and a few other small items can prevent that ride from getting cut short.
When you do that maintenance or perform those repairs it will be necessary, of course, to know a little bit about how gears and brakes work. Apart from flats, those are the most likely areas to experience trouble off the road or on it. With just a little bit of background, you can perform simple repairs that would otherwise bring a quick halt to your adventure.
And adventure is what it is all about for mountain bike riders. Health and fitness are important goals motivating every cyclist, to be sure. But getting out in great scenery, riding past creeks or through them, and just being outdoors are a big part of the mountain biking experience.
Start your adventure today.