Choosing a Mountain Bike
One of the things that people looking for a mountain bike ask about most often is how to buy the best one. Unfortunately, there’s no really simple answer to that. Most bicycle companies don’t actually offer many differences between one bike and another, as long as you stay in the same price range, so it’s not a matter of brand. Instead, you need to choose the bike that’s right for you and the way you ride, as well as fitting into your budget.
Better Mountain Bikes are More Expensive
Generally, the better the bike, the more expensive it is. However, that doesn’t mean you should run out and get the most expensive bike on the market. If you aren’t a regular rider, or aren’t in terrain The cost of your mountain bike will depend on two basic factors. One is the weight of your frame. The other is its durability. Lighter bikes tend to cost more, because greater engineering and costlier materials are involved in creating a frame that will hold up to use without falling apart. Remember that a cheap light bike has had to make some sacrifices somewhere to have the low price tag that it does, and usually those sacrifices are the are of durability. Don’t be tempted by one of these mountain bikes – they’re safety hazards for their riders.
About Mountain Bike Frames and Components
The average mountain bike has fairly standardized frame proportions, attempting to offer a combination of good handling and stability. Many street bikes are willing to relax their stability requirements in favor of speedier handling. However, on rough terrain, that’s not the best idea. In general, bikes with steep head tubes and steep seat angles handle more quickly. Those with a lower degree angle in these areas, combined with a longer wheel base, have more stability.
Frame materials are important too. There are a few basic choices – high tensile steel, chromoly steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on how you ride and how much you have to spend. For instance, high-tensile steel is often found in less expensive mountain bikes. It’s less stiff than chromoly steel, and generally heavier. In general, this material is one of the cheapest for mountain bike frames, but its weight means the rider does more work. Both types of steel have high durability.
Aluminum is much lighter than steel, and the stiffest material. Stiffness is good, in terms of the kind of ride this frame material gives, but it also means that there’s less resistance to cracking. Aluminum’s durability is generally, low, a trade off for its weight. Titanium and carbon fiber are quite durable and very light. However, they’re also the most expensive of the frame materials.
Other components also play a big part in the way your bike performs. In general, you’ll want to look for more speeds if you ride in hill areas, and can get by with lower priced components and fewer speeds in flat areas or if you’re in very good physical shape. While low end components work reasonably well, you’ll be surprised at the precision and the easier ride you can get with some of the more expensive ones. Once again, if you’re a casual rider with a budget, there’s no need to go overboard. Choosing mid range components that are easy to afford and fit your riding needs is better than buying the newest and best.
Tags: bicycle, bike, bike frames, cycling, Mountain Bikes, mountain biking