| The first thing to do before purchasing a bicycle for | | | | suspension. |
| any reason is to know what your primary riding is | | | | Downhill and trial bikes are for serious mountain |
| going to be. Most people initially purchase a dual use | | | | bikers. The downhill bikes have both front and rear |
| bike, something that can be ridden on road and off | | | | suspension, disc breaks and are very strong. A trial |
| road. Eventually, when the bug bites big it'll be time to | | | | bike is for a very skilled rider. Trail riding itself is a |
| invest in a bike that is all muscle for the mountains. | | | | very competitive sport demanding a lot of precision. |
| One of the ways that mountain bikes differ from | | | | Most riders of downhill and trail bikes build their bikes |
| other bikes is that they have very strong, lightweight | | | | from scratch, choosing each component individually. |
| frames, multiple gears, powerful breaks and wide | | | | You will want to do a lot of reading about different |
| tires. A comfort bike, or recreational weekend bike, | | | | types of bikes, and you'll want to visit many bike |
| touring bikes and cruiser bikes are built more for | | | | shops. A cross country mountain bike can cost |
| comfort than durability. WIthin the mountain bike | | | | between $600 and $800 or more. Some bikers say |
| category there are several types of bikes available; | | | | that your first bike should be the best bike you can |
| the cross country bike, the trials bike, the downhill | | | | possibly afford, even if you think that it's too much |
| bike and the jump/slalom bike. | | | | bike for you. If you buy a low-end bike initially and |
| Generally the largest percentage of mountain bikes | | | | then find you want to change components later it |
| sold are in the cross country, or XC classification. | | | | can get costly. Before choosing a bike you will want |
| These are good dual purpose bikes. They are | | | | to ride it. Most dealers allow for a 15 to 20 minute |
| lightweight and good for riding over tough terrain, but | | | | test ride. If you do a test ride make sure you go |
| they are also comfortable for road riding. | | | | "off road" if you can, even if it's over curbs and |
| Jump/slalom bikes are also good dual purpose bikes. | | | | grass. You want to get a feel for the bike. |
| They are very strong and have an excellent front | | | | |