Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Your Next Mountain Bike

Feb 22nd, 2009 | By coolbiking | Category: Mountain Bike (MTB)

By J. J. Jessup

Mountain bike riding has become increasingly popular. The bikes themselves are amazing and incorporate some unbelievable technology. If you’ve been thinking about buying one, you can quickly become overwhelmed by the assortment of manufacturers and features.

The old adage that says “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” definitely doesn’t apply to mountain bikes. The bikes of today are miles ahead of the bikes made just 5 or 10 years ago. I’ve put together a few tips that might make it a little easier for you when you decide to shop for your new mountain bike. Your best bet is to do a bit of research online and perhaps visit a local store or two before purchasing a new bike. Here are some suggestions that might come in handy.

If you’ve got a limited budget, get a hardtail. If you bought a bike with full suspension at a budget price, you’ll end up with an inferior fork and other components. At the time of this writing, you can get a decent entry level hardtail for around $500.

Invest in clipless pedals. Some benefits of using clipless pedals over platform pedals or the strap type are that they make you more efficient. You’ll be generating full power over almost the entire pedal stroke. That’s because you’re actually pulling up the pedal which also helps strengthen your hamstrings.

When you’re ready to buy, avoid the big box stores. They typically stock very low-quality mountain bikes. You’re best bet is to figure out what you want and then buy it online where prices can be 30-40% less than what you’d pay in a bike shop.

If you’re thinking about buying a used mountain bike, be careful. Buying a used bike can be tricky. I liken it to buying a used Jeep–a car that you’ll often find traveling over rocks, through rivers and over rough terrain. It can develop a lot of hidden problems that aren’t obvious to a buyer. The same thing goes for mountain bikes. You never know what the previous owner put that thing through. A mountain bike is meant to be ridden hard. If the former owner was a serious rider, the bike may be on its last legs. Some people may think they’re getting a great bike because it was very expensive when it was new. The truth is, the better value might be a new bike that costs half of what the old one did originally.

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By J. J. Jessup - Want to learn more about mountain bikes or buy mountain bikes online? Visit http://www.schwinnmountainbikes.com for the latest products and information.

Source: Cool Biking Zone – Your source for great cycling, sports and fitness articles!

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