| | | | | different frame designs. Single-pivot, sweet-spot and |
| Every year bicycle manufacturers make better, | | | | horst-link are a few popular designs and each has |
| lighter and cheaper mountain bikes which make them | | | | their advantages and disadvantages. The best way |
| more attractive to consumers. Do you want to buy a | | | | to truly understand the difference is to go to a few |
| full suspension mountain bike? If you do below is a | | | | bike stores and test ride the different designs. The |
| list of items that you might want to considered | | | | bike store guy will be more then happy to explain |
| before buying a new mountain bike. | | | | and point out the pros and cons of each design. |
| | | | | |
| One of the most important questions to ask yourself | | | | Remember that full suspension bikes are heavier then |
| is what type of terrain will you be riding on? If you | | | | hardtail bikes. Full suspension frames are a little |
| are going to be riding cross country maybe a full | | | | heavier and they carry more parts then hardtails so |
| suspension mountain bike is not warranted and a | | | | be prepared to pedal around a little more weight on |
| hardtail will better suit your needs. However if you | | | | the trail. |
| are going to be riding downhill or on rough terrain a | | | | |
| full suspension bike might be right up your alley. | | | | Read some of the online forums to determine what |
| | | | | other riders like and don’t like about their bikes. |
| Determine your budget and stick to it. Consider | | | | You can learn a lot from other rider’s opinions. |
| buying the best bike you can afford within your | | | | |
| budget. Many riders suggest that if you have less | | | | Do not forget to factor in your maintenance costs |
| then $700 to spend on a bike you might want to | | | | into the equation. Full suspension bikes require a little |
| consider a hardtail because full suspension bikes are | | | | more maintenance and for the do it yourself type |
| more costly. However you could consider buying a | | | | you will need a few extra tools. |
| used full suspension bike at a good price on a | | | | |
| mountain bike classifieds site. | | | | Finally, test ride as many bikes as you can before |
| | | | | buying. Also do not forget to test ride a full |
| If you determine that a full suspension mountain bike | | | | suspension mountain bike with the front and or rear |
| is what you need and want then consider the | | | | shock locked out. |