Learn How To Buy A Mountain Bike

[I:http://www.mountainbikesplease.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KeithRejino3.jpg]Before driving to the local mountain bike shop with your wallet in hand, it may be a good idea to ask yourself what your goals are for mountain biking. Are you interested in riding the local fire roads near your house, or jumping off the steepest mountains at the state championship? Are you a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, or a new mountain bike rider purchasing his first MTB.

For most, a new mountain bike is an investment that will be enjoyed for many years. So determining your goals for mountain bike riding is the first step when selecting your new MTB. With plenty of riding styles out there, manufactures have responded by producing a selection of mountain bikes to fit your riding goals.

Buy the best mountain bike within your budget. If mountain bike riding is in your long-term future, spending as much as you can is usually best. Buying a bike with mid-level components similar to Shimano's XT group is usually best in the long-term as compared to its lower LX class sibling.

If you buy a MTB with a lower level component group now and decide to upgrade later, it will cost you more in the future. MTB manufactures receive volume discounts on components and pass those savings onto consumers. Plus, the components are already installed so there is no installation cost or you having to do it yourself.

Do you buy from your local MTB shop or go online? The advantages to buying online are typically selection and a lower price tag. But one of the most important decisions to buying a bike is buying the one that fits you. Everyone has different size torsos and legs so purchasing a mountain bike that maximizes your comfort and power distribution is best.

Purchasing from your neighborhood MTB store may cost a bit more, but they are the local bike fit experts when meshing a new MTB to your physical body. The disadvantage is MTB selection as local mountain bike shops are typically dealers for a few mountain bike brands. Visiting a number of local MTB shops may be best to find the mountain bike that is best for you.

Paying your local mountain bike shop for a good bike fit then ordering the MTB you want online with your physical measurements is another idea. Once you receive your MTB, you can have you local mountain bike shop perfect your bike fit. However, most MTB shops will include a bike fit if you purchase from them. Weigh the best option based on total price, the MTB you want, bike fit and your time constraints.

Check out the forums and ask your fellow MTB riders. There is nothing like getting real world reviews of the MTB you're thinking about from mountain bikers who are riding the MTB model you're considering. With knowledge on the strengths and weakness of the MTB model, they are a great source of help.

Below are five universal MTB styles to consider:

1. All-Mountain Bikes - If you like the trails and climbing the mountain but also favor steep descents, an all-mountain bike may be your ticket to fun. Its geometry provides greater stability in steep, rough situations as compared to a trail bike.

With four to six inches of suspension, the all-mountain MTB provides good trail riding, plus allows you to take-on light stunt work too. If the trails, freeriding and downhill riding interest you, an all-mountain bike may be the best MTB for you.

2. Cross-Country Race Bikes - If flying down the trails is in your dreams, then a cross-country mountain bike may be the MTB for you. With steep angles for geometry, and a suspension travel that is between three and four inches, the XC mountain bike handles good, and performs well on moderate trails.

3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes - for all around terrain, cross-country trail bikes are a great choice. These MTB bikes provide good comfort while climbing with efficiency, and provide MTB riders with three to five inches of suspension travel. If like riding tough trails, this bike may be for you.

4. Downhill Race Bikes - if you are looking for speed on the downhill, this is the bike for you. With six inches or more of travel and a well built frame, these bikes can take a pounding on the downhill. However, with the added weight, you may think twice about taking on a long climb.

5. Hardtail Bikes - If you like light trails or an easier off-road course, a hardtail is a good choice. As hardtails are also fast and light bikes, you may want to choose this bike if speed is important. With front-only suspension, they have less pedal bob and increased pedal stroke efficiency as compared to most dual suspension mountain bikes out there.

When choosing a MTB, consider that each type has its strengths and weaknesses on the trail. Remember, when you have more suspension and a sturdier frame, you have more weight and tougher hill climbs ahead of you, but easier downhill's.

Figuring out which MTB riding style is your favorite then working back from there to other styles may be a good approach to take when choosing your new mountain bike.

Keith Rejino is a personal trainer, mountain biker, and sports photographer for Dreamscape Images. His All Mountain Bike website provides MTB race coverage, and training and nutrition tips for the mountain biker. For more information on how to XC MTB, check out Dreamscape Images MTB site.

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