Why Choose a Mountain Bike?
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, a mountain bike opens up a world of experiences and places to ride. From rugged trails to scenic routes, there's no limit to where your bike can take you. A mountain bike might be the right style of bike for you if you’re looking to ride off pavement, hit the trails, and explore anything from single track to the bike park.
Choosing the right mountain bike is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. Our comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate through the countless options and find the perfect bike for your needs.
No matter which bike you choose, we guarantee you'll love the ride. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect match and enjoy every ride.
Prep Before Buying a Mountain Bike
There is a lot of information and options when it comes to mountain bikes. Whether you're looking to buy your mountain bike online or in-store, here are some things to think about before you purchase:
Where you would like to ride?
The type of riding and where you want to ride can really help narrow down the bike that’s right for you. Are you looking for one bike to do it all? Or perhaps you’re looking for something versatile that you can crush your local trail system with but also travel to bike parks with. Whichever the case is for you, there’s a mountain bike out there to take care of the job.
What's your budget and what do you need?
Evaluate your budget and what you need. When you buy a mountain bike there are other items you might need to elevate your riding experience. Try to include items such as bike helmets, mountain bike shoes, armor and protection, shorts, and gloves into your budget.
Hardtail vs. Full Suspension
First thing to consider is if you're looking for a hardtail mountain bike or a full suspension mountain bike. Here is information about both so that you can decide what will fit your needs:
Hardtail Mountain Bike
Hardtail mountain bikes feature a rigid frame with a suspension fork. Ideal for cross country and trail riding, hardtails are the pure mountain machine. They’ll connect you to the trail and get you around quickly and efficiently. These versatile bikes can be used for urban commuting or trail riding on the weekends.
Benefits of hardtail mountain bikes:
• Budget friendly options
• Great for learning or getting into the sport
• Modern & aggressive geometry options available
• Fast on climbs and smooth trails
• Versatile
Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Full suspension bikes have both front and rear suspension. These bikes keep you in control and comfortable over rugged terrain. The full suspension category includes everything from super-light cross-country bikes, versatile trail bikes, aggressive enduro bikes, and rugged downhill bikes.
Benefits of full suspension:
• Faster on difficult trails
• Increased stability on rugged terrain and descending
• Instant confidence booster for beginners
• New technologies make them more efficient than ever
• More capability and versatility within the mountain bike category
Bike Frame Material
Common materials for mountain bike frames include aluminum and carbon fiber. Each has its own advantages in terms of weight, stiffness, and durability. When comparing carbon and aluminum mountain bike frames, several key factors come into play. Ultimately, the choice between a carbon or aluminum frame depends on your budget, riding style, and preferences.
Carbon Frame Benefits
• Lightweight and stiff, offering excellent power transfer and responsiveness on the trail.
• Smooth ride, absorbing more vibrations than aluminum frames.
• Aerodynamic Efficiency: Carbon fiber allows for complex shapes and designs that can be optimized for aerodynamics.
Aluminum Frame Benefits
• Generally more affordable making them a popular choice for riders looking for a reliable bike that can withstand rough terrain.
• While aluminum frames may be slightly heavier than carbon frames, they are still relatively lightweight and offer a great balance of performance and value for many riders.
Different Types of Mountain Bikes
There are several types of mountain bikes, each designed for specific terrains and riding styles. Of course you can take any bike and try to ride it anywhere, but here is what each style of bike is designed for and excels at:
Cross Country (XC) Bikes
Perfect for single track, long rides and endurance races. XC bikes are lightweight and efficient, with suspension travel typically ranging from 80mm to 130mm. The Cross Country category has everything from entry level hardtails to expert level XC race bikes.
Benefits of cross country mountain bikes:
• Light weight
• Efficient for climbing
• Built for speed and fast-paced riding
• Built for long distances
• Versatile
Trail Bikes
Versatile and capable, trail bikes are ideal for a variety of terrains. They offer a good balance of climbing efficiency and descending prowess, with suspension travel usually between 130mm to 150mm.
Benefits of trail bikes:
• Versatility: Trail bikes are designed to handle a wide range of terrains, making them suitable for everything from smooth paths to technical trails.
• Enhanced Suspension: With more travel in the suspension than XC bikes, trail bikes provide better control and comfort.
• Balanced Geometry: The geometry of trail bikes offers a good balance between climbing efficiency and descending stability
• Durability: Built to withstand rougher riding conditions, trail bikes are generally more robust and durable.
• Improved Handling: With wider tires and more suspension, trail bikes offer improved traction and handling.
Enduro Bikes
Built for aggressive riding and challenging terrain, enduro bikes have longer suspension travel (150mm to 180mm) and are designed to handle technical descents with ease.
Benefits of enduro bikes:
• Downhill Performance: Enduro bikes are designed for aggressive downhill riding, offering excellent stability and control on steep descents.
• Longer Suspension Travel: Enduro bikes absorb bigger hits and rough terrain, providing a smoother ride.
• Robust Build: Built to handle rough conditions, enduro bikes are durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of rough trails and jumps.
• Versatility: While excelling in downhill performance, enduro bikes also climb effectively, making them versatile for a variety of trail conditions.
• Traction: With wider tires and more suspension, enduro bikes offer superior traction, improving handling and confidence on technical sections.
Fat Bikes
With oversized tires and tons of tire clearance, fat bikes are designed to tackle soft, unstable terrain like snow. They provide excellent traction and stability in challenging conditions. With the addition of studded tires, you can ride in the extreme winter conditions.
Benefits of fat bikes:
• Tough & durable for winter riding
• Typically, will have disc brakes & lots of tire clearance
• Extends your outdoor riding season
• Takes you places you've never ridden before
• Increase comfort
Mountain Bike FAQs
Q: Do I need to invest in specific gear and accessories?
A: Yes, investing in proper gear enhances safety and comfort. When you buy a bike at The Bike Shop, you get 15% off parts and accessories for 30 days after your purchase. Try to consider these items when creating a budget for your purchase. Essential items include:
• Helmet: Crucial for safety and protection.
• Gloves: Improve grip and protect your hands.
• Hydration Pack/Bottles: Ensure you stay hydrated on rides.
• Protective Gear: Knee and elbow pads, especially for downhill riding.
• Repair Kit: Spare tube, pump, multi-tool, and tire levers for on-the-go fixes.
Q: How should I maintain my mountain bike?
A: The good news is when you buy a bike from The Bike Shop, you get one free full tune up within the first year, and a lifetime of service check overs. Additional things that you can do to keep your mountain bike in good condition include:
• Cleaning: Keep your bike clean, especially after muddy rides.
• Lubrication: Regularly lube the chain.
• Inspection: Check for wear and tear on tires, brakes, and drivetrain.
• Servicing: Schedule professional tune-ups to keep your bike in top condition.
Q: I already have a mountain bike, can I upgrade my mountain bike over time?
A: Yes, mountain bikes can be upgraded. Common upgrades include:
• Suspension: Upgrading front and/or rear suspension
• Wheels and Tires: Upgrading wheels and tires is one of the best and easiest ways to drastically improve your mountain bike.
• Drivetrain: Smoother and more efficient shifting.
• Brakes: Upgrading rotors, brakes, and pads.
Q: What are key components to consider?
A: Important components include:
• Frame Material: Aluminum (affordable and durable) or Carbon Fiber (lightweight and stiff).
• Suspension: Quality and type of suspension, hardtail or full-suspension, all will affect ride quality and bike performance.
• Brakes: Disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical).
• Drivetrain: The range of gears and shifting mechanism should match the terrain you plan to ride.