By: Zach Dischner
If you plan to buy a mountain bike in the near future, there are several factors you will need to take into consideration. One of the most important factors of choosing a mountain bike is what you are going to be using the mountain bike for.
For example, the most avid mountain bikers, as the name implies, like to take their mountain bikes to rugged and rocky mountain terrain. Other mountain bikers prefer unpaved roads and trails, while other mountain bike enthusiasts stick to paved roads and bike paths.
There is a direct correlation to kind of riding you will do and the type of mountain bike you should buy. Three things to pay special attention to are the mountain bike’s tires, the mountain bike’s forks, and the mountain bike’s saddle.
Mountain Bike Forks
There are different types of mountain bike forks, but the main thing you want to look for are shocks. Mountain bikes with shocks will generally be more comfortable to ride than those that do not have shocks, and will also be better equipped to go over rougher terrain. Mountain bikes without shocks will have a more rigid feel to them, but you may find that these bikes are built more for speed than mountain bikes without shocks.
Mountain Bike Saddles
Some saddles are very light weight and do not offer a lot of padding. Some saddles are heavier and offer a lot of cushioning. Generally, mountain bikes that have saddles without a lot of padding are more high performance oriented, while those that have more cushioning in the saddle are designed for leisurely riding. Some mountain bikes also have shock absorbent seat posts.
If you find that you like a higher performance mountain bike better than a mountain bike that is designed for comfort, but do not like the saddle, keep in mind that you can always switch the saddle out for a more comfortable one.
Mountain Bike Tires
When you buy a mountain bike, take a look at the tires. Do you plan to ride on very rugged terrain? Then make sure the tires are wide, a little bulky, and provides lots of traction. Do you plan on riding only on pavement? Then stick with a tire that is a little narrower and smoother, but provides a little bit of traction. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use a tire with a lot of traction on pavement, but you will get more speed with a smoother tire.
These are just a few basic things to look for in a mountain bike. Ultimately, buy a mountain bike that you enjoy riding…you will probably be riding the mountain bike you purchase for the next 5 or 10 years!
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