by Robert Cooksey
If you know what you’re doing, there’s no reason you can’t buy a good mountain bike online. However, it’s important not to buy the first thing you see that looks appealing. Appearances from a picture can be deceiving, and what you really need to know is whether the bike is a good fit for you. Learning about bikes before you start shopping, and knowing just what you want are the keys to successfully buying a mountain bike online.
A professional fitting is invaluable to being able to decide what the right bike is. It might cost a bit, but in the end, you’ll know what kind of frame size and geometry you need. Any reputable bike store will be willing to offer you a fitting, whether or not you end up purchasing your mountain bike there.
When you’ve finished with determining the sort of frame and size you need, you’ll want to begin looking at mountain bike brands and the variety of features offered. Browse a lot, and learn as much about every kind of bike as you can. You’ll want to settle on the type of material you want in the fame, (aluminum, steel, carbon fiber or titanium being the most common, although steel and aluminum are less costly).
With mountain bikes, suspension is something you should ask about - is there no suspension, front suspension or a combination of front and rear? A gentler ride comes with more suspension. Next turn your consideration to brands that appeal to you.
Think about brands that appeal to you. While the ultimate decision may not be based on brand name, it’s a good idea to begin evaluation with proved names such as Specialized, Cannondale and Trek. One thing you can be sure of is that a proven brand like Cannondale Mountain Bikes will provide you years of good service.
Online you’ll find a number of bike retailers, as well as a wide variety of mountain bikes being offered both by retailers and individuals on eBay. Buying bikes on eBay requires a bit of caution. If you choose to go with eBay, be very careful to make certain that the bike you’re buying is the one you want.
Return policies can be tricky, and individual sellers can misrepresent their bikes, intentionally or not. Pay close attention to the condition of the bike, the feedback about the seller, and the shipping and handling costs and you can really save money shopping for a mountain bike on eBay.
On the other hand, buying from an online bike retailer may prove to be a little safer. It’s always important to check up on the online store and make sure that they’re reliable, too. Find out about return policies and warranties, if available. So long as you take the time to investigate adequately, shopping for the right mountain bike online does not have to be onerous.
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bicycle,
bike frames,
bikes,
Mountain Bikes,
titanium
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July 21 2008 | Mountain Bikes | 1 Comment »
When you buy a bike, price is often indicative of quality. In short, you get what you pay for. That means lots of people are interested in buying the best bike they can afford, so they’ll have a nice ride, and a durable machine. However, deciding which top of the line road bike is a good buy and which isn’t worth the money can be tricky. Here’s some basic information to help you get the right bike.
Pick the Right Frame
Frame material can make a big difference in the way your bike performs. Some are lighter, stronger, and cheaper than others. In general, steel is strong but heavy. Aluminum is light, but often weaker. Titanium is strong and light, but expensive, as is carbon fiber. However, a higher end frame made of any of these materials will solve some of the problems they have better than less expensive models. You’re not only paying for the material the frame is made from. You’re also paying for the engineering to make it perform well. Don’t be tempted to get a cheaper frame made from a prestigious material like carbon fiber. Sacrifices have probably been made to make that frame less expensive.
Another part of getting a good frame is making sure that it fits you correctly. Most people, who haven’t been correctly fitted to a bike, ride one that’s too short for them. Ideally, you should be able to extend your leg almost fully on the downward stroke, without the frame being so high that you can’t straddle it at stops. Talk to a reputable bike seller to find a frame that’s the best fit for you. This is actually more important than the material the frame is made of. If you’re not able to ride efficiently, the extra edge you get from a quality frame material won’t be much help.
The components you put on the frame also matter. While ordinary ones will do the job, higher quality components allow for more precision. Again, it’s important to fit your purchase to the way you ride. Getting the maximum number of speeds available won’t give you a big increase in quality of ride if you mostly cycle in flat areas. Gearing is more important when you need to change the difficulty of pedaling to match the terrain. People who bike more often, and are in better shape, will usually need fewer gears. Those who are trying to get in shape will prefer a larger number of adjustments, so they don’t have to strain while riding. Remember that it’s better to enjoy cycling and ride often than it is to get a heavy workout every time you get on the bike.
Bike Style
Bike style is also important. If you’re mostly going to be on pavement, a light road bike is probably your best bet. However, for areas with uneven paving, or off-road riding, mountain bikes, or hybrids between the two are more effective. They’re heavier, but they offer better stability than many lighter bikes intended for more level surfaces. Once again, it’s your riding style and habits that determines the best bike for you. While buying top of the line is a great idea, getting a bike that doesn’t fit always spells trouble.
Tags:
bicycle,
bike,
bike frames,
cycling,
road bike,
road biking,
titanium bike frame
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February 15 2008 | Road Bikes | 1 Comment »