Help Buying a Hardtail Mountain Bike

There are different types of mountain bikes on the market that suit various types of riding styles. Full suspension bikes are equipped with a front shock and rear shock integrated into the frame. Hardtail bikes do not have a rear shock however the majority of bikes nowadays come with a front shock in the fork. The decision to buy a full suspension or hardtail bikes depends on your type of riding terrain. Some riders suggest that the more technical the trail the more a hardtail mountain bike is desired.

Trail riding and racing is the perfect match for a hardtail mountain bike. Hardtail mountain bikes are lighter, cheaper and require less maintenance because there are no pivots when compared to a full suspension bike.

Researching which hardtail bike to purchase can be daunting for a first time buyer. Not knowing each brands product line and not knowing the difference in quality of components can be frustrating. To help with this process keep the following suggestions and questions in mind when deciding which hardtail mountain bike to purchase.

Shop for your hardtail mountain bike at a reputable bike store. Do not buy your bike at Walmart or Target because odds are you will not find the service and quality that you desire. Bike shops have good selections of mountain bikes for sale and bike parts. At a bike shop one will be able to find quality products and expertise that one can count on.

Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails in the woods as a recreational rider or are you going to be traveling and racing? Be honest with yourself.

Determine your budget and stick to it. Mountain bikes can be very expensive and you want to make sure that you buy the best bike within your budget. You might feel very excited when you see all of the bikes for sale at the store so keep your goals in perspective.

Purchase a bike that has a quality frame made out of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium.

Determine if you want a drive train that has 21 or 27 speeds. Many riders prefer a 27 speed for the extra gears. Upgrading from a 21 speed to a 27 speed in the future could be a hassle and more costly then paying for it up front.

Learn some of the basics about front suspension forks. A suspension fork will help improve the comfort and control of your mountain bike on the trail. There are several manufactures that have proven quality products so research them before you buy your bike.

Try to buy a bike with brand name components. These components do not have to be top of the line however just make sure they are a familiar brand. Some brands are not interchangeable; meaning brand Y derailleur does not work with brand X shifters. If you buy a bike with a no name component and it breaks it could be hard to find the needed replacement part.

Make sure the tires are appropriate for the terrain that you want to ride on. As an example if you are buying a cross country bike then make sure that it has a good cross country tire.

Talk to your friends and read online forums. Also make sure you test ride as many bikes as you can. Shop around and have fun.

See you on the trail.

How to Pick the Right Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Bike Servant.com

Imagine flying down the rough terrain paths at Sugar Bush in Vermont. You could practically see the whole state from the spot you were perched on at the top of the mountain. All you need now to make this dream a reality is a good mountain bike. But how do you choose the right one for you?

If you really have your heart set on a full suspension mountain bike, then some of the things you really need to consider when choosing on are weight, maintenance, and need. First of all, you need to keep in mind that these types of bikes are heavier than your traditional hard tail. Their fork and shock make these bikes heavier. What this means for you is a harder time when you have to stop and carry your bike, as well as maneuvering on the trail.

The next step when deciding which one is right for you is to keep in mind the maintenance needs altogether. We aren’t talking about just a tire here or a few extra tubes there. Many people often choose the full suspension for its durability. However, although they are durable, they most often need more maintenance than your standard styles. What this means for you is a higher cost when bringing your bike in to get serviced.

A smart thing to do would be to keep your eye on mountain bike classifieds and online forums. You will be amazed at the awesomely cheap parts you can find from others just like you. From cassettes to cranksets riders are always buying and selling parts. What’s more, if you are tight for cash and really want that awesome bike, then this is also the best place to find great used bikes for sale. Because let’s face it, these babies can be quite expensive.

Whether you choose a new or used bike, another important factor to consider is the type of design. Are you looking for that perfect all purpose sweet-spot design? Or perhaps you would prefer a single-pivot design. These tend to be much simpler than others and require the least amount of maintenance. Although that may not seem as important now the right choice could make you more comfortable.

The last important tip is to really have an idea of what kind of terrain you will ride on the most as both the weight and design styles can rely heavily on what type of biking you will be doing. Make sure you buy a bike that can handle the job. The only other word of advice is always remember your water bottle as hydration is key to a safe ride.

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