A mountain bike is a two wheeled bicycle that is designed to be ridden on rough terrain. They can negotiate hills, steep slopes, gravel and rocky surfaces and rough land. They are different to a standard bike and first time buyers need to consider these 5 facts when they are looking at mountain bikes.
1. Mountain bikes are different to road and track bicycles. They have heavy suspension, a strong frame with wide, treaded tires to handle the rough conditions they are used on. Make sure that the model you are considering is a genuine mountain bike that will withstand the treatment it will get. There are several cross-over types of bike now – a sort of “semi-mountain bike.” To use a regular bike on a mountain bike track, or one not suited to the tough conditions, could be dangerous to both the bike and the rider.
2. There are variations of design within the mountain bike range. A cross country bike will have lighter suspension and frame. All-terrain mountain bikes will be heavier, have a larger frame and stronger suspension. A down hill mountain bike will be different again in weight and strength, because it is specifically designed for steep inclines.
3. There are critical angles to be considered on a mountain bike. These affect the position of the rider on the bike and the characteristics of the bike’s performance under certain conditions. Ask the cycle specialist about these critical angles and make sure that the bike is correctly built for your purpose.
4. Suspensions will differ on mountain bike models. The suspension protects the rider as well as the bike from the vibration of the rough terrain, which makes it a most important part of the bicycle. Suspension types include hard-tail, fully rigid, dual suspension and soft-tail. There are new suspension variations that have been developed to answer the demand for faster, tougher bikes, but the most popular type of suspension remains the hard-tail type of suspension.
5. The brakes are another aspect you need to check before buying a mountain bike. Braking systems are either standard V type or more modern disc brakes. Disc brakes are becoming more popular as riders realize their efficiency on rough conditions when compared to the more traditional bicycle brakes. Disc brakes also last longer and are easier to service and maintain than the more conventional braking systems.
When looking to buy a mountain bike, take these 5 points into consideration and you will ensure that you get a purpose-built bike that will give you hours of fun and lots of thrills as you enjoy the sport. Make sure you wear all the safety gear when you go mountain bike riding to protect yourself.
