| A mountain bike buying trip can be more
taxing than the toughest trail.
However, it becomes quite simple
if you put a bit of time and thought
into the purchase! Planning carefully
around your unique mountain bike
buying requirements, may be what
prevents your bike from becoming
just another silver elephant.
You will have one set of needs
if you plan to ride frequently,
be a serious racer, and take part
in events. In this case, you will
have to do some serious mountain
bike buying, looking for durability
and ruggedness in all the components.
You will also have to look for
a bike that is brash enough to
handle any weather, and conditions
that are not ideal. If, on the
other hand, you are simply going
to enjoy a leisurely weekend ride,
your task will be much easier.
Here, comfort may be your main
consideration. If you are planning
to do a bit of mountain bike buying,
you also have to ask yourself
if you will have time to spend
on maintaining the bike, or if
you will need one that doesn't
require too much of you in the
form of pampering and TLC! Decide
what your upper price limit is,
and examine your options within
that range. Look at slightly more
expensive models to get an idea
of what you get for that price.
In the long run it may well be
worth spending a little more when
mountain bike buying, as a better
quality bike may offer better
stability, control, and a safer
ride. When mountain bike buying,
you will have to decide between
full suspension and hardtail.
The more expensive bikes have
full suspension, which adds to
riding comfort on rough terrain.
This just means that, similar
to a car, both wheels are suspended
by springs and shock absorbers.
These bikes may be heavier and
slower, but for serious mountain
biking they offer better control
and a less bumpy ride. If you
can afford it, this is the way
to go . You will ease your task
immeasurably, if you ask other
bikers for the best specialized
store for mountain bike buying.
You need a store where you will
feel comfortable enough to ask
questions. The salespeople must
be knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
You must be invited to take your
bike back for any repairs or maintenance.
Look for a bike store that has
a good reputation and check the
qualifications of the mechanics
working there. A specialist bike
store often adds value in terms
of support and after sales service,
and will contribute to making
mountain bike buying a pleasant
experience. The salesperson should
be able to help you to find the
best fit in terms of adjusting
the handlebar stem, saddle, seat
post, or cranks. Make sure that
the frame suits you by sitting
astride the bike. You should be
able to reach the handlebars easily
and not have to balance on tip-toe.
Your last task when mountain bike
buying, is to scrutinize the warranty,
and make sure that you are sufficiently
covered. Also make sure what you
may and may not do in terms of
modifications. You don't want
to void your warranty through
ignorance. Mountain bike buying
may be less expensive in July
and August when bike shops are
getting rid of older models to
make way for new stock. If you
are a novice on a mountain bike
buying trip, it is often safer
to buy established brand names
like Gary Fisher, Trek, Giant,
Klein, Shwinn, Haro, Jeep, or
Specialized. Because of the volume
these companies produce, their
prices can come down without affecting
quality. The value in their brand
name, also prevents them from
using inferior components, that
will affect the durability of
the bike. Mountain bike buying
is a long-term investment. Take
the time to make the right choice!
For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com
Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com
researches, writes, and publishes
full-time on the Web. Copyright
of this article: 2006 Rika Susan.
This article may be reprinted
if the resource box and hyperlinks
are left intact. |
