Buy The Mountain Bike Thats Right For You

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.

A new MTB is an investment so determining your riding goals is the first step to choosing the right wheels for you. With many riding styles out there, there are a multitude of bikes to match your MTB goals.

Buy the best MTB bike you can afford. If you see yourself as a long-term mountain biker, spending as much as you can is usually best. For example, buying a bike with a mid-level component group like Shimano's XT will outperform its lower LX class.

If you decide to upgrade later on, it will cost you more to buy the component group separately than if you paid the extra money to get a better bike with the upgraded components as manufactures receive volume discounts that most retailers don't. In addition, 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.

Buying from your local MTB shop may cost you more, but they can usually provide the best advice on bike fit. A disadvantage is that you are limited by their current selection in stock. Usually, bike shops are dealers for a few select manufactures so visiting a number of local bike shops can help determine which MTB brand is best for you.

Paying for a good bike fit from your local bike shop then ordering online with your MTB measurements is another option. After you receive your mountain bike, you can have your local MTB shop fine tune your bike fit. However, most mountain bike stores will include a bike fit if you purchase a MTB from them. Weigh which option will provide you the best MTB, bike fit, and lowest cost on your budget and 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 trails and climbing mountains is your thing, but also steep declines, you may want to consider an all-mountain bike. The geometry provides excellent stability in rough, steep situations as compared with the typical 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 off-road speed is in your dreams, then a XC MTB may be for you. With a steep angle geometry, and a suspension that ranges between three to four inches of travel, a XC MTB handles well, and are fast on moderate trails.

3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes - these MTB bikes are it if you are looking for an all around mountain bike. With three to five inches of suspension travel, these MTB bikes provide good comfort, and climb with maximum efficiency. If you're a mountain bike rider who likes challenging terrain, this MTB 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 a fast MTB, a hardtail may be a good choice for you if maximum comfort is not at the top of your list. As hardtails have front-only suspension, they have less pedal bob and increased pedal stroke efficiency when compared to dual suspension MTB bikes.

When choosing your next mountain bike, it's a good idea to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each MTB type on the trail. Keep in mind that more suspension and a stronger frame equal more weight and a tougher climb up the mountain, but on the other side...easier descents.

Figuring out the mountain bike riding style that appeals to you the most, than working back to other styles may be the best approach to follow when you choose your new MTB.