6 Tips to Choose The Right Mountain Bike Before Hitting The Trail
Aug 12, 2022
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Mountain biking is fun and involves lots of physical activity and endurance. It also involves riding over rough terrain, which means you need a sturdy machine that will keep you safe while providing enough power for all those hills.
There's a lot of variation in price, performance, and accessories even among models from the same manufacturer. It's easy to get taken in by just the looks or brand name and end up with an e-bike that is too big for your needs, too heavy for its power, or too much cost as compared to what you were expecting.
Read on to learn about six important tips when choosing a mountain bike!
1. Get The Right Size
It may sound obvious, but it’s worth noting that you’ll end up with a bad size if your mountain bike doesn’t fit you properly. Knowing your measurements can help you select a bike that is specifically tailored to you. There are several methods for measuring oneself.
You can take a few measures using a measurement tape or with a string and a ruler. Alternatively, you can do a “stand and pedal” test, where you measure yourself while standing, then sitting, then pedaling.
Don’t be afraid to try different bike sizes until you are fully satisfied with the size. You may even want to try a few different brands since different bike companies fit their bikes differently.
There are several types of mountain bikes in the market and hardtail mountain bikes are the most versatile among all. They tend to be specially designed for riding on any road conditions.
2. Look For a Frame That Fits You Properly
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a mountain bike is how comfortable it feels. If you’ve never ridden a mountain bike before, you might not realize just how much comfort matters until you try out different models.
A bike that’s not tailored to your body weight, reach, and height will end up being a nagging pain in the back. Fit isn’t as easy as it sounds, since there are too many factors to consider.
First, you want to try the bike, paying special attention to the saddle height and the position of the handlebar. You'll get a better sense of how the bike feels as a result. Also, you’ll notice if it has the right or wrong feel for you.
3. Check Out The Brakes And Gears
Although the thought of going off on a mountain bike excursion without a brake might sound like a big oversight, it’s rarely a problem. The vast majority of mountain bike crashes are caused by poorly-trained riders who go off the trail or hit obstacles like tree stumps.
To avoid these situations, you must ensure that your brakes are functional. It’s a good idea to try out the brakes on the bike before you go out for your first ride, especially if you bought used equipment.
If the brakes feel too stiff or too loose, you should have them adjusted by a professional bike shop.
Most mountain bike brakes come with an adjustment screw, so it’s worth taking a look at. Gears are another important feature of mountain bikes. You want a bike that has low gears since climbing hills is going to be slow and painful if you have to pedal up them with high gear.
A low gear has fewer “teeth” than a high gear, allowing you to pedal at a lower RPM, thus allowing you to cover longer distances in less time. As with brakes, you want to make sure the gears on your bike are up to the task.
4. Take a Test Ride
Although some e-bikes generate trust while others seem more dubious, there are many good options in the market. Even so, if buying a new mountain bike seems intimidating, you can always try out bikes before you buy. Many bike stores offer free trial rides, and you can also try going online and searching for “free mountain bike rides.” You can even call a local bike shop and see if they have anything organized.
A test ride is a good way to determine if the bike fits you and if you like the way it rides. It’s also a great way to get a feel for your new machine since you’ll get a chance to see if it fits your riding style and if it’s fun to ride. This will give you an idea of how each bike feels and handles.
5. Don't Think Too Much About Bike Weight
While it’s important to make sure your bike is up to the mark, it’s also important to not obsess about the bike’s weight. The truth is that you’ll rarely be riding your new mountain bike for more than an hour at a time.
So, although it might feel like a big deal if your new bike is too heavy, in reality, it’s not going to make a noticeable difference in your riding experience.
If you end up dragging your new bike around on the ground or carrying it up the stairs after your ride, then it may feel too heavy, so keep it on the bike rack until you ride it again.
6. Choose a Wheel Size That Fits You
Although you might think it’s a good idea to go with the same wheel size on your mountain bike as your road bike, this is a bad idea. Road bikes usually have 26-inch wheels, while mountain bikes usually have 29-inch wheels.
Therefore, if you go for the same wheel size, you’ll be using the wrong type of bike for your fitness level. It’s best to choose a wheel size that’s commensurate with your fitness level and skill level. A bike that’s too heavy or too light, or one that’s too fast or too slow, will hinder your progress.
Conclusion
A mountain bike will enable an enjoyable and secure ride on rough terrains. But choosing the right mountain bike can be challenging, so it's important to follow these tips when choosing a mountain bike before hitting the trail. That will ensure that you have the best vehicle for your mountainous adventures!