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Mountain Bike Considerations

There are some things that you need to consider when you buy a mountain bike. You need to learn more about mountain bikes so that you can make the best decision for you.

Purchasing a mountain bike can be very overwhelming and can consume quite a bit of your extra time if you are not prepared. This article contains some hints that will help to make the process of buying a mountain bike less frustrating.

Your Mountain Bike Budget
You can spend thousands of dollars on a mountain bike if you want to, but for most of us, we have to set a budget so that we do not overspend. To do this, you need to determine how much that you can afford to spend and then stick with that budgeted amount. You will get much better service and a better bike if you purchase from a bike shop, rather than a mass-merchandiser like Wal-Mart. If you stick you're your budget, then you will be much happier with your purchase in the long run.

What Style Of Bike?
Mountain bikes come in several different designs that correspond to the different terrains that you might be riding on and your particular riding style. You first need to determine where you will be riding your mountain bike the most. Are you going to be mountain cruising, smooth riding, cross-country racing, or doing lift accessed downhill riding? Determining this will enable to salesman at the bike shop to help you find the right bike for you and your needs.

Hard Tail or Full Suspension?
If your budget will allow it, you will want to choose a full suspension bike. The hard tail bike that comes without suspension in the rear will weigh less and allow you to get more efficiency from your pedaling, but a full suspension bike will be more comfortable and easier to control. This decision will be determined by your budget, the terrain that you will be riding on, and your particular style of riding.

Your Favorite Things
When you begin trying to compare mountain bikes using components, you will quickly find that it will be overwhelming. Determine what components are the ones that you cannot live without and then compare based on this to find the bike that meets your needs and your budget. In this way, you will not be paying for a lot of components that you do not feel are important.

Watch For Seasonal Sales
You will find that mountain bike prices can go up and down quite a bit over the course of a year. The main time that mountain bikes are purchased is during the spring and summer. If you can wait until it grows colder during the fall and winter, then you can save quite a bit of money. Local bike shops may even offer incentives on other components if you purchase a mountain bike from them, rather than from a mass-merchandiser.

Locating the Right Dealer
Even more important than the cheapest price is finding a trustworthy dealer to buy your bike from. You can always find a good price, but it is hard to find a bike shop that offers you good service and information that is more relating to your bike riding than their sales. If you find one, then you need to support them in your purchasing.

Take a Test Ride
Test ride the bikes the fit your budget and your particular riding style to find the bike that has the right fit for you. You will know when a bike feels right. The more bikes that you test out, the easier it will be to make this decision.

Research, Research, Research
Reading mountain bike reviews and other product reviews will help you to learn more about your choices and the pros and cons of them. Reading mountain bike reviews that are written by other owners will help you to determine the right bike for you and your needs. Researching is the best way to make the most of your mountain bike budget.

About the Author

Alastair Hamilton contributes adding content to http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . A website with tips on
mountain bike reviews
, amongst many related topics.

What are the pros and cons of mountain vs road bikes?

I want to get a decent bike now that I have the money to, but I an torn on whether to get a road/racing bike or a mountain bike. Which is better? Better yet, what are the pros and cons of both?
I don't bike seriously, but I need something that will get me to school, to my friend's house, everyday stuff like that. I'm not gonna race in the Tour de France or go all over the badlands...

Road Pro: Fast, great for conditioning, light, responsive
Road Con: less durable esp. wheels, limited to good roads, best used with all the extras like the right shoes, shorts, jersey, helmet, attitude LOL!

MTB Pro: Go most anywhere
MTB Con: Slow and heavier than road bike (smooth tires can make a difference)

Cross Pro: Quick and more nimble than MTB, nice for errands--ride to class, ride to store, etc. some ability to ride on dirt etc. Good choice for riding in street clothes and gear.
Cross Con: not as fast as a road bike and not as go everywhere as a MTB. sort of a compromise.

This is more of existentialist question. Are you a roadie? Are you MT Bike person. Buy the bike that suits you first. If you are a true bike enthusiast you will end up getting the other types someday.

Extremity The Show - Big Mountain Pro 2009