Finding an entry-level mountain bike is as easy as selecting a bike that is priced right and performs to your liking. Mountain bikes range in cost from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000. Do not overtax your budget in pursuit of reliability, but you get what you pay for when purchasing a bike.
Style and Size
An entry-level bike should be one that entices you to ride it. Walk among a display of mountain bikes and look for one that catches your eye; the color scheme may appeal to you, or you may be attracted to the entire package, from the tires and rims to the handlebars and levers. Ask the salesperson to wheel the bike out for sizing. Straddle the bike and stand flatfooted. There should be 2 inches of clearance between the upper frame tube and the bottom of your pelvis. When the bike is too short, your upper-body weight makes you top heavy when you ride. A bike that is too tall makes it difficult to maintain balance using your feet. Find a few bikes in the style and size you like and make a list of candidates.
Accessories and Components
Components found on new mountain bikes, such as derailleurs, shifters, brakes and chainring cranks, have design improvements that were implemented to meet consumer demands in a competitive market. Two popular manufacturers, Shimano and Sram, are considered to be suppliers of high-quality parts, giving you confidence in their performance and reliability.
Tires
If you live in the mountains or plan to use the bike exclusively in the hills, knobby tires are the ticket. A combination knobby-street tread works best when you plan to ride on both streets and trails. Dual-use tires have a ridge in the middle of the tread to minimize street resistance on the knobs. Large knobs are best for mud and sandy terrain. Standard knobs found on most production mountain bikes provide traction on harder surfaces, such as dirt roads and trails. Consider starting with a dual-use tire on the front wheel and a standard-knob tire on the rear wheel. Tell your salesperson where you plan to ride and describe the conditions, such as streams, trails, loose terrain or hills. The salesperson can use your input to give pertinent recommendations about your final purchase selection.
Test Rides
After whittling down your list of candidates, take each one for a 15-minute test ride. Ask your salesperson to adjust the seat and handlebars before you set out to evaluate the mountain bike. If possible, find a stretch of road that includes inclines and flat sections, so you can evaluate the shifting performance and test the brakes. The gears should shift up and down easily; the brakes should work effectively when you use a moderate amount of grip with the levers. Ensure that the bike seat is comfortable and that you like the way the bike handles. Your entry-level mountain bike should be one that you feel comfortable riding, is priced right and has name-brand components.
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