| Someone looking for a mountain bike that can run | | | | better in terms of performance compared to those |
| flawlessly in scary downhills, a rocky and muddy bay | | | | retailing for slightly below £800 and weighing |
| and long hard rides should consider either the hard tail | | | | at least 30 pounds. Bikers buying a hard tail should |
| or the light to medium weight suspension mountain | | | | make sure that what they are getting is equipped |
| bike. The full suspension is the popular choice for | | | | with a strong suspension fork. |
| mountain bikers but have the following disadvantages: | | | | Those that choose full-suspension bikes claim that |
| - A full suspension mountain bike is heavier by at | | | | their rides are more fun to use, as they can ride |
| least two pounds compared to a hard tail. | | | | swiftly in rough terrain. However, bikers that want to |
| - A full suspension mountain bike is more expensive, | | | | experience the benefits of the two selections should |
| as it is designed to soften the impact of bumpy | | | | choose a £800 hard tail and a full suspension. |
| roads. | | | | Bigger is not always better |
| - More maintenance work needs to done in a full | | | | Mountain bikes are designed with a low profile to |
| suspension bike particularly on its rear shock | | | | ensure that the rider will not land on the cross bar if |
| absorbers and pivot lubing. | | | | he bounces off the saddle. Those shopping for a |
| - The increased weight of a full suspension bike | | | | new mountain bike should first lift the seat pin an inch |
| makes it more difficult to use in climbing hills. | | | | about the top end of its travel. The bike might be |
| However, full suspension mountain bikes offer the | | | | too big if you cannot reach the pedals or the floor. |
| following advantages: | | | | The frame can be concluded as too big if the seat |
| - They are safer on the bail out line given that the | | | | pin cannot be extended by more than half. However, |
| mountain bike is running at moderate speed. | | | | a biker might need a larger frame if he can still pedal |
| - Improved control and higher downhill speed. | | | | comfortably even if the seat pin is just slightly above |
| - Long hard rides are less strenuous and fatiguing. | | | | its limit mark. |
| Given the following, full-suspension are inappropriate | | | | Mountain bike buyers should also consider a chainset |
| for: | | | | with replaceable rings and choose those produced by |
| - Those that want to be competitive in a | | | | established companies such as Giant, Specialized and |
| cross-country race. | | | | Trek. These brands offer competitively priced quality |
| - Those that want to be competitive in an uphill race. | | | | mountain bikes. Good mountain bike shops add a free |
| - Bikers on a tight budget | | | | helmet, which is a necessity when riding on the road. |
| - Bikers that do not want to be bothered too much | | | | Important factors in choosing a mountain bike: |
| on maintenance. | | | | - Buy a product that fits your budget. |
| A hard tail is ideal for those with limited funds, as this | | | | - A mountain bike should never be too big. |
| type of mountain bike can perform almost similarly to | | | | - Choose a bike appropriate for your riding style. |
| a full-suspension mountain bike with the additional | | | | - Try to push for discounts and possible freebies. |
| benefit of being cheaper and easier to maintain. | | | | - Purchasing from a local shop is advisable, as you can |
| Lightweight full-suspension bikes are considerably | | | | easily avail of after sales service. |