Are you ready to put some thrill into your life? Want to get out and experience the great outdoors but you can't stand camping? Then you could be ready for your first mountain bike. Mountain bikes are specially designed bicycles that are equipped with a number of performance and safety features that set them apart from their distant cousins, the road bike. While is there is a wide variety of models, prices and types, all mountain bikes are categorized by "rigid," "front suspension," "dual suspension" or "freeride" frames. You can also buy mountain bikes as package deals that come with particular components or you can customize them to your own specifications. Once you buy your bike, it's easy to upgrade shifting components, pedals or seats. Most parts are standardized and designed to be upgraded.
What to Look for
As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for." Nowhere is that more true than when buying a quality mountain bike. Based on how much you can afford to spend, you'll need to decide on the frame, drive train, wheels, brakes and accessories. The most important component of your mountain bike is the frame. Frames are available in a variety of materials--chromoly steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium are the most popular. Although there a number of components on the market, the two major manufacturers are Campagnolo and Shimano. They both offer a full line of choices that include the drive trains (rear derailleur, shifters, bottom bracket) and the brake systems. The least expensive (but still good) brake systems are called "V-brakes" after their configuration. The best brake systems are "disc brakes," the same type of brake systems that you probably use on your car or motorcycle.
The type of wheels you buy for your bike is dependent on the type of riding you do. Made from a variety of materials with different spoke configurations, the most popular wheels are made by Bontrager, Mavic, Alex and DT Swiss. Mountain bike tires are usually made with "knobby" tread patterns but you can also buy tires that are multipurpose and allow you to ride on the street as well as off-road. There are many kinds of accessories you can buy and perhaps none is more important than your bicycle seat. Comfort is everything. If you're going to be riding into the back country, miles away from civilization, it's also a good idea to buy spare inner tubes or tires, tire pump, a took kit and water bottles and cages.
Common Pitfalls
Probably the only mistake you can make that isn't easily correctable after you buy your mountain bike is the frame size. Mountain bike frames are typically much smaller than road bike frames. A good rule of thumb to use when choosing a frame size is to buy one that will allow you to lift the front tire off the ground between 3 to 5 inches while you're straddling the top bar. If you intend to ride off road, buy the best quality bike that you can possibly afford. Nothing is worse than being stranded miles away from home without help because a cheap part broke on your bike. Buy the best.
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