Mountain biking is a terrific physical activity that is not only enjoyable, but it can keep you fit and in shape year-round. First, you need to look at the initial cost to purchase the mountain bike.

Mountain biking is a terrific physical activity that is not only enjoyable, but it can keep you fit and in shape year-round. Although it can be a daunting task finding the right bike for your needs, there are some things that can help with the process when looking at mountain bikes.

1. Riding type

The first thing to consider is what your riding type is. There are specialized downhill bikes that are not ideal for those looking to ride paved or packed trails. At the same time, a lightweight cross-country bike is not going to be able to handle the stresses of rough trails. Think about what kind of trails you will primarily be riding.

2. How much suspension?

The next thing to consider when looking at mountain bikes is how much suspension you would like. Full suspension bikes provide the most versatility, but many riders prefer hard-tail bikes as they are more comfortable for distance riding. Hard-tail bikes, which have fixed rear suspension, also have less maintenance.

3. Bike components

The most important components to look at with mountain bikes are the forks, derailleurs, brakes and wheels. Each of these components are interchangeable and can be upgraded making it all the more important you talk to an expert to determine what is appropriate for the type of riding you will be doing. Also take a look at shocks and handlebars.

4. Budget

The final thing to take into consideration is your budget. First, you need to look at the initial cost to purchase the mountain bike. From there you can begin to think about maintenance costs and upgrades you would like to make. Just know high-end bikes typically need less upgrades and less maintenance while low end bikes will cost you more down the road with upgrades and maintenance.

Article Tags: Mountain Bikes

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Widen your knowledge on mountain bikes at http://www.mountainbikeriders.com - Free information and impartial advice.

By: Craig Thornburrow