| want to get fit, experience the joys of the great | | | | force is lost when the rear suspension compresses. If |
| outdoors and have a few thrills and spills along the | | | | you’re not sure which way to go, ask your |
| way? Sounds like you need to get out there and buy | | | | local bike dealer and test ride both a hardtail and full |
| yourself a mountain bike. But with full suspension, | | | | suspension bike. |
| hardtail and a myriad of mountain bike models from a | | | | You’ve now decided that you want either a |
| huge variety of quality manufacturers, what type of | | | | hardtail or full suspension bike. Now, how much are |
| mountain bike is right for you? Here we offer a few | | | | you willing to spend? Mountain bikes are available |
| simple tips that may just help you decide. | | | | from a wide variety of manufacturers each with |
| Firstly, is it a mountain bike you are really after? A | | | | many different models that may range in price from |
| mountain bike is great if you want to ride off the | | | | a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. If |
| road and get into the great outdoors. If you will | | | | you’re a beginner, you may be better buying |
| mainly be riding along the road or pathways, then | | | | a cheaper bike to start with. You can always upgrade |
| perhaps you need to look elsewhere. But for now, | | | | later. However, this will depend on your intentions. If |
| we’ll assume that a mountain bike is what | | | | you want to get involved with your local club and |
| you’re after. So, the first decision you will | | | | compete in some races, then you’ll probably |
| have to make is whether you want a mountain bike | | | | want to spend more money. Again, discuss this with |
| with, or without, suspension. | | | | the local bike dealer or speak to your local mountain |
| If you want a bike that will provide a smooth ride | | | | biking club. |
| when you’re travelling up and down on | | | | If you have friends into mountain bike riding, then |
| rugged, rocky trails, then you might consider a full | | | | naturally, speak to them and ask their opinion. One |
| suspension bike. A hardtail bike on the other hand has | | | | word of warning: when you buy a bike, try to avoid |
| no rear suspension and may or may not have front | | | | buying one from one of the larger department |
| suspension forks. Hardtail bikes generally weigh less | | | | stores. If you do you’ll probably be |
| than full suspension bikes and are usually cheaper. | | | | disappointed because they’re usually of |
| Hardtails are often a better choice for beginners. | | | | dubious quality with cheaper components such as |
| Another advantage worth pointing out is that you will | | | | brakes and gears. And one thing you don’t |
| use less energy when you’re pedalling on a | | | | want is a mountain bike that won’t change |
| Hardtail. This is because on a full suspension bike, | | | | gears properly. |
| when you push down on the pedal, some of your | | | | |