| The wife and I recently invested in a couple of | | | | may be cheaper, but in the long term the full |
| mountain bikes in an effort to get fit, save money, | | | | suspension bikes are more comfortable. Your |
| and perhaps be a little kinder to the environment. I'm | | | | derrière will thank you for it. |
| pleased to say, several months on, that we're | | | | - Components. There are huge combinations of |
| certainly fitter, have saved some money being more | | | | components available when buying a mountain bike. |
| active and not driving everywhere, and as for the | | | | Start with the fork, wheelsets, and rear derailleur. |
| environment I suppose you could say we're doing our | | | | Remember, if you buy the right bike you can replace |
| little bit. | | | | many of the components later. |
| I was amazed at the start of our little life change at | | | | - Right time to buy. Mountain bike prices can be |
| the myriad of mountain bikes out there to tempt all | | | | seasonal with many models being sold spring through |
| levels of ability and certainly all sizes of wallet. I admit | | | | to summer. If you buy out of season you may well |
| to being confused at that time as to where to start | | | | pick up a good deal. |
| and I expect I was not, then or now, the only one. | | | | - The Dealer. I recommend you buy, or the very |
| The categories detailed below may help you as they | | | | least test ride, your mountain bike at your local |
| helped me to cut through the jargon and the sales | | | | dealer. You will get a far better service, even if you |
| pitch so that you buy the right bike for you. | | | | end up buying the bike for a cheaper price elsewhere. |
| - Price Range. You can spend a whole lot of money | | | | Remember the points above, this bike is for you, not |
| on a decent mountain bike but my advice is to stick | | | | necessarily the bike the dealer would like to own. |
| to a price range and only road test those bikes that | | | | - Product Reviews. Once you've found the right bike, |
| fall in that price range, period. I do the same when | | | | take a deep breath and walk away for twenty four |
| I'm buying a new car, that's why I'm still married. | | | | hours. In that time go and read some product |
| - Terrain. What type of mountain biking you will do | | | | reviews. This breathing space may reinforce your |
| can impact the type of bike you buy. Will it be thrill | | | | decision as a good one, or get you to rethink. At |
| seeking downhill, trail racing, cross county racing, or | | | | least you will be sure. I hope you find the right |
| like me, mountain cruising. | | | | mountain bike to suit your needs. Remember to have |
| - Comfort. My advice here is to go for a full | | | | fun, mountain biking in all its' styles is a great sport |
| suspension mountain bike, the alternative hardtails | | | | and a great way to get fit. |