Things to Consider Before Buying a Mountain Bike

Buying a mountain bike can be a bit frustrating not to mention time consuming. In this article we will be discussing a few things to consider before plunking down your hard earned cash on a mountain bike.

There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.

You will soon find that all mountain bikes are designed around several different terrain types and riding styles. The first thing you should determine is the terrain types you will be encountering the most. You need to determine whether you will be doing cross country racing, smooth riding, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill. By doing your due diligence you will be ensuring that the mountain bike you select fits you and your style of riding intead of that of the sales staff.

If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.

You might find it nearly impossible to compare mountain bikes component for component as you soon find that there are too many combinations available. You might think about choosing the few components that are going to be most important for your particular riding style and environment and then picking the rest that meet your minimum requirements and price range. You might start with the forks then look at the wheels and derailleur system for instance.

During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.

Locating a good bike dealer is probably just as important as finding the best price on your mountain bike. Make sure you find a dealer that puts selling you a great bike ahead of just selling you the highest priced bike. Take a walk through the shop and make sure that it is clean and orderly. Also speak with the dealer and try to determine if you get the impression of trustworthiness.

You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.

Make sure you avail yourself of any product reviews that you find online or elsewhere concerning the bike you have identified for purchase. Product reviews are some of the best ways to learn first hand from the horse's mouth so to speak, about the performance and reliability of a particular mountain bike before committing to your final purchase.