Mountain Biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world because it couples the thrills of riding a e bike damen down trails of different terrain, as well as being a relatively cheap and accessible sport to get get into. Although most mountain bikes are very similar in their fundamental design, there are a few key components that you should carefully consider when evaluating bikes before making that final purchasing decision.
Type of Mountain Bike
There are essentially three different types of bikes, either (i) a full suspension bike which has a shock absorber attached between the frame and the front wheel, or (ii) a dual suspension bike which is fitted with two shock absorbers, one at the front and one at the rear wheel, or finally (iii) a hard tail bike which does not have the shock in the middle of the frame. As a result of the shock absorbers, suspension bikes offers a much more comfortable ride through difficult trails, although they are slightly heavier than a hard tail bike. You will also find that hard tail bikes are usually more suited for racing and faster than full suspension bikes due to the lighter frame.
Size of Frame
If you are looking to purchase a mountain bike for a child, then make sure you select the right size of bike according to their age and height. There are various sizes of bikes available and we recommend that you take your child to your local bike store and get some professional assistance. Adult bikes are standard size in that they usually have 26 inch wheels. However, the general rule of thumb is that when standing flat footed on the ground, you should have a minimum of 3″ clearance between yourself and the top tube of the frame. Other than that, there are slight differences when comparing mountain bikes from one manufacturer to another. Make sure you check the seat, frame and handle bars when sitting in the saddle and select the bike that feels the most comfortable to you. A bike that feels great to me, someone of below average height (I am only 5ft 2 inches tall) may not feel so good to you if you happen to be over 6 feet tall. The seat needs to be comfortable, the frame sturdy and the handle bars well away from your knees when you cycle.
Your Budget
These days it’s simply not enough to purchase a mountain bike. Remember that mountain biking can be a dangerous sport if you are not fully geared up for it, and so certain accessories should be mandatory purchases with your bike (unless you already have them of course). Make sure that you have the budget for a bike helmet, some gloves, knee and elbow pads, comfortable cycling shorts, and possibly even a bike lock. If you plan on riding your mountain bike on the road and late at night then get yourself some fluorescent or reflective high visibility clothing.
