| In the market for a new mountain bike? Don't type | | | | and find out which is best for you: full suspension or |
| in your credit card details just yet. A new mountain | | | | front suspension. |
| bike is a substantial purchase, and a little bit of | | | | Set a Price Range |
| research and thought can make the whole ordeal | | | | Like any other specialized product, mountain bikes |
| both easier and more satisfying. This guide will help | | | | come in a wide spectrum of prices. Frankly, you could |
| you find the right mountain bike for the right price. | | | | spend anywhere from $100 to over $4,000 on a |
| What Kind of Bike is Right For You? | | | | new mountain bike. Consider your budget and set a |
| Mountain bikes come in a number of different styles | | | | realistic maximum price for your new bike. |
| and makes, depending on the type of terrain you | | | | If you're looking to save a few dollars (and who |
| plan on taking on. One bike might be best suited to a | | | | isn't?), we highly recommend checking online, |
| rough-terrain, downhill ride, while another bike is | | | | especially for used bikes. You can find a used |
| optimal road or light off-road riding. | | | | machine for a fraction of the price, and if you're |
| In your search for a new bike, be sure and take into | | | | thorough in your shopping, you can find one that is in |
| account the terrain you'll be riding on. Some of the | | | | perfect or near-perfect condition. |
| cheaper models are just fine for light conditions, but | | | | Specialized Components |
| if you plan on taking on some really adventurous | | | | There are a number of components to look at for |
| rides, it's definitely worth it to shell out a few extra | | | | your new bicycle. Besides the all-important |
| dollars. | | | | suspension, it's a good idea to look at breaks, frame |
| Another thing to take into account is that mountain | | | | composition, gear-shifters, and other options. |
| bikes, like road bikes, generally come in a Men's and | | | | For example, rim brakes are generally cheaper than |
| Women's style. The difference is not just aesthetic: | | | | disc brakes, but offer less control. For easy riding, rim |
| men and women have different body builds, and | | | | brakes are just fine, but if you're going on tough |
| riding the wrong style of bike can either impede your | | | | downhill rides, you'll definitely want the added punch |
| ability, or worse, end up hurting you. | | | | of high-quality disc brakes. |
| Also, make sure and look at the suspension that | | | | Tires are also crucial. Wide tires (1.5-2 Inches) are |
| comes with the bike. In mountain biking, a good | | | | ideal for rough terrain, because they give you |
| suspension can mean the difference between a | | | | maximum control. Thinner tires are much better |
| smooth, enjoyable ride and an utterly disastrous one. | | | | suited to road and light off-road situations (much like |
| Optimally, we recommend a full- or dual-suspension, | | | | the super-thin tires seen on quality road bikes) |
| preferably an adjustable one, for serious riding, | | | | because they allow for higher speed, but will cause |
| though a front- or rear-only suspension is fine for | | | | problems when the terrain changes. |
| road and simple-trail riding. Understand your options | | | | |