| Many people these days are pursuing healthier, more | | | | overall experience will be significantly better. |
| active lifestyles. These people are discovering the | | | | After deciding how much you want to spend, you |
| benefits of having a strong fit body. One of the | | | | need to figure out what features are important to |
| ways people are choosing to exercise is bike riding. | | | | you. This is where things can get a little confusing |
| On-road or off, bicycling is a great way to have | | | | and where you'll find the added value in patronizing a |
| some fun and get into better shape. | | | | local bike shop where all these details can be |
| The fastest growing segment of the bicycle market | | | | explained and elaborated upon. |
| is that of the mountain bike. Mountain bikes are | | | | Many mountain bikes today feature full suspensions. |
| multi-geared bicycles designed specifically for trails | | | | This means that both the front and rear wheels are |
| and any other non-paved surface. Even if you don't | | | | cushioned with some sort of system which will give |
| plan on doing much trail riding, you'll appreciate the | | | | you added comfort and control when negotiating |
| mountain bike's design next time your speed over a | | | | tricky terrain. Of course, this adds to the price of the |
| pothole or surmount a curb. | | | | bike. Many bikes are made with just a front |
| When shopping for a mountain bike you'll encounter a | | | | suspension. This cuts down on cost and is quite |
| wealth of options. It can be a little overwhelming but | | | | suitable for most riders. You can get a mountain bike |
| we'll break it down for you to make your decision | | | | without any sort of suspension. The choice is yours. |
| easier. First of all, you need to determine your | | | | Try out all different sorts of bikes and see which one |
| budget. How much are you willing to spend? | | | | you like best. Again, listen to the advice you get |
| Everything starts here. You should budget as much | | | | from the pros at the shop, and do some research |
| as you possibly can because costlier bikes perform | | | | online. There's a wealth of helpful information on |
| better than cheaper ones. | | | | mountain bikes available on the web. Mountain bike |
| When it comes to mountain bikes, it's not just a | | | | magazines are also an excellent resource. Of course, |
| name you're buying. Higher priced mountain bikes | | | | there are many other things to consider when |
| really are worth it in the long run. They're lighter, | | | | purchasing a mountain bike, but for the beginner, it's |
| stronger, more comfortable, more reliable, and have | | | | best to just narrow it down to how much you want |
| more features than a cheap bike. Related to cost is | | | | to spend and what kind of suspension you're going |
| where you're going to buy the bike. We recommend | | | | to want. |
| purchasing your bike from a bike store as opposed | | | | Remember to test-ride any bike you're thinking about |
| to one of those "big box" retailers. The employees at | | | | buying because the feel of the bike is all-important. |
| your local bike shop will be far more knowledgeable | | | | Read reviews and heed the advice of experts. In no |
| about their products than the people at those | | | | time you'll be cruising through the woods and getting |
| sprawling, impersonal cathedrals of capitalism. A bike | | | | into great shape. |
| from a local bike shop might cost more but your | | | | |