subject: Top Features To Look For When Buying A Mountain Bike [print this page] If you're going to be cycling over rougher terrain than your average road or park path, chances are you'll be looking to buy a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are far more equipped to deal with off-road surfaces than other types of bicycle, so if you're thinking of taking on the woods, hills, or bumpy country trails, then this is definitely the bike for you.
There's a wide selection of mountain bikes on the market, ranging from entry-level models up to premium bikes for serious enthusiasts and cross-country racers. Whatever style of riding you're going to be taking part in, there are a few key features you should pay attention to when making your purchase.
Suspension - This is a vitally important part on a mountain bike, as it absorbs the shocks and impacts your bike will face when riding off-road, as well as making the ride more comfortable for yourself.
Mountain bikes come in two forms - 'full-suspension' and 'hard-tail'. As the names suggest, full-suspension bikes have suspension at the front and back, while hard-tails only have it at the front. Full-suspension bikes are more suited to extreme riding, such as over rocky trails - however, they can be heavy to pedal. Hard-tails are lighter and stiffer, so are better for speed.
Tyres - Again, tyres are an extremely important consideration when buying a mountain bike. Ideally the tyres should be chunky and offer good grip, all the better for taking on rugged landscapes. Make sure your bike has a quality pair of tyres, otherwise you'll spend half your life repairing punctures rather than riding the trail.
Brakes - Brakes are another key element to get right on a mountain bike. A good set of brakes means you'll have much better control over your riding, particularly on downhill terrain. Hydraulic disc brakes are among the best types of brake out there at the moment, and will provide maximum stopping power when you need it most.
There are some excellent mountain bikes out there utilising the latest designs and technology. Brands such as Carrera, Boardman and VooDoo have become very good at incorporating quality off-road features with great looks, using some of the best parts and components available. Buying a new mountain bike is a significant purchase that will last you for years to come, so it's worth taking your time to find the right one - look online and chat to the staff in your local bike shop to help inform your decision.
by: Alan Trotter
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