Mountain Bike Fun!

Before you start mountain biking you really need to consider the type of riding that you will be enjoying. The are several types of bikes for you to choose from and with these mountain bike tips you will be able to make a knowledgeable decision on which bike is going to be best for you.

As we all know mountain biking is now a very popular sport as it gets you outdoors and is a great way to get and stay fit. It really is very good exercise and helps burn calories very effectively. And of course it is great fun too! Go riding with your friends to have the most fun while enjoying riding out in a natural environment.

There are several different types of mountain bikes currently available and the type you choose will be determined by the type of mountain biking you want to do. So with some research and by making some decisions you will find out what you want and then decide on the perfect mountain bike for your needs.

Firstly you need to learn about which different types of mountain bikes are actually available.

XC Cross Country Mountain Bikes

Probably the most popular mountain bike is the cross country bike. These cross-country mountain bikes are now the favorite bike among many of the newer riders. The reason for this is that XC bikes are built to be extremely light in weight. The advantage of this is that it makes it much easier to ride this type of mountain bike over hills and steeper and rougher terrain, without having to get off and walk.

So it’s not really surprising that cross country mountain bikes are so popular and they have become the best selling mountain bike of choice for many. You may even find some bikers using their XC bikes to travel to and from their place of work. Some of these bikes are full-suspension and others may be hardtails and the one you choose really depends on where you will be doing most of your riding.

A couple of useful tips you should remember are that on rougher terrain a full suspension bike makes a huge difference to your ride quality and that hard tails tend to be lighter and faster, but don’t provide such a comfortable ride.

DH Downhill Mountain Bikes

For the more experienced mountain biker the attraction of a downhill mountain bike is great. These well built bikes will almost always have heavy duty front and rear suspensions and full-on disc brakes. And you will also find that many downhill bikers will custom build their bikes to their own specifications.

On tip to remember here is that you need to be very experienced before you try downhill mountain biking as it is dangerous and you could get hurt! The guys that do this always wear special protective gear and strong full face helmets and if you want to watch some extreme biking action you should go and see some of these guys perform. As well as riding at hide speed on extreme mountain terrain they will often do high jumps too at different locations on their downhill trail.

PRO Professional Mountain Bikes

And of course, there are also the professional grade mountain bikes built specifically for racing and mountain bike competitions. As you might expect, and just like those built for downhill mountain bikers, professional MTB bikes are bought by the most skilled of all bikers, who are really good mountain bikers with a lot of experience in both riding and competing.

These bikes are made of high quality and very light materials which means they are also very expensive to buy and some manufactures will only provide these bikes to their team riders for racing. These bikes also tend to be very strong and you will require a lot of skill to ride these correctly and get the most out of them.

Recreational Mountain Bikes

For those that don’t need the high tech and high spec of a mountain bike from the XC, DH or PRO ranges there are a wide variety of more general use mountain bikes for recreational purposes. These are a good bike to start with and they are especially suitable for families as there will be bikes in these ranges for everyone in the family.

You can get the benefit of full suspension for ride comfort even if you and you kids do most of your riding on the road. With suspension forks at the front and rear of the mountain bike you will be able to go off-road in comfort and try mountain biking in it’s real environment and have a lot of fun while doing so!

Consider these mountain bike tips on where to buy what you need. Apart from the professional bikes, you should be able to find most of the other types of mountain bike for sale at your local biking store or go online to find the best deals. Recreation mountain bikes may even be available from your local department store. But for better advice and technical knowledge you should visit a mountain bike shop and also test your favorite bike before you buy.

Mountain Bike Safety

Always remember though that whatever type of mountain bike you eventually choose to buy, you must make sure that your safety is well protected when you are out riding, even for short rides. So make the effort to always wear the proper safety equipment. A helmet is essential at all times!

So choose the best mountain bike for your ability, riding location and budget. Then go out and enjoy yourself, but ride safely!



By: Nicky Wright


About the Author:

Buying a mountain bike not only takes time but also ***** a lot of energy out of you. Following are some recommendations that you should bear in mind before you make a down payment or pay lump sum amount to purchase a mountain bike.

Finalizing the cost of a mountain bike
If you are very much passionate about bikes, then your expenditure knows no boundary or limit. To make optimum use of your hard earned money, you have to decide how much money you can spend on a new bike. Once you are ready to buy, avoid buying from mass merchant stores like Wal-Mart. Instead, always prefer to visit your local bike shop in order to purchase a bike and services that you expect.

A bike that suits you best
Mountain bikes are not only available in various designs but also are made for different types of terrains such smooth riding, mountain cruising, lift accessed downhill or cross country racing. In order to find a bike that suits you best, you have to think what style of riding you like the most. You have to make sure that the bike you are going to buy best matches your personality and not of anybody else.

Full suspension Vs hard tail
If you are financially strong and like smooth and comfortable riding, you must go for a full suspension mountain bike. However, if you have a limited budget then you can choose a hard tail without rear suspension. This one is much lighter in weight as compared to the first one. The only drawback of this bike is that you need to put more energy while pedaling this bike. On the contrary, a full suspension bike is pretty comfortable and you can have better control over it. Thus, you need to take into your consideration the cost of the bike, your way of riding, and the types of land areas where you often like to ride most.

It is almost impossible to compare bikes in terms of component to component because mountains bikes are available in various designs and made for different purposes. Therefore, it is wastage of time and energy to compare each and every component with those of other bikes. Rather you should look for the components such as fork, handles, brakes, wheels, and rear derailleur, that are most important to you and make sure that other factors includes in your budget.

The best buying season
The prices of mountain bikes keep changing throughout the year. However, the period between Spring and Summer is considered to be the main season for buying mountain bikes.
If you want to strike a good bargain, then you have to wait until the fall and winter. This is the right time to spend on the bike as you can get free accessories and heavy discounts on bikes.

How to find a good dealer
It is significantly important to buy a bike from a good bike dealer who sells bikes at reasonable rates. It is pertinent to mention here that you should always look for a dealer who intends to sell you the best bike rather than sell you the most expensive one. You can easily perceive if the dealer is genuine or not just by looking at his workshop. If it is neat and tidy and has good impression on you, you can trust him without any hesitation.

Take a test ride
Before buying, we strongly recommend you to take test ride of all kinds of bikes that fall in your budget and match your personality. In this way, you will be able find the right one, which you have been looking for.

Research and reviews
Do not forget to do research and go through bike reviews published in various magazines and on the internet. These are one of the most reliable sources from where you can learn more about the durability and efficiency of mountain bikes. Hence, by taking above mentioned tips you will be able to buy your dream bike.



By: Daniel Capusan


About the Author:

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes have made great advancements in the last couple of years. Because of these advancements, the bikes can be ridden in more places. These types of bikes are good for Downhill Mountain biking or riding through rough terrain.

Because these types of bikes are used for this purpose, they can be expensive. However, with the durability and comfort associated with this type of bike, it can be deemed well worth the extra cost in order to travel over rough terrain, plus they are manufactured to suit men, women and children of all ages.

The reason these are called full suspension is that they have suspension integrated into the front fork and the rear of the mountain bike frame. This is done so they can deal with the difficult terrain of mountain riding. The suspension also gives the person the ability to ride longer and harder. A suspension bike means that the bike absorbs the bounces and bumps – an obvious benefit over the body absorbing the bouncing instead.

Women, men and children will enjoy the ride more with these additional features. These features will give greater control over the bike as you ride through the rockiest areas. There are some drawbacks to this type of bike, however. Because of the additional features, these types of bikes are heavier. For people doing a lot of uphill riding or racing this can be a big deal.

Mountain bikes need to be maintained on a more regular basis; therefore, this can be an additional cost to consider. But hey, considering the type of terrain that these bikes are subjected to, it is not at all surprising. If you are looking for durability and comfort, then these are the types of Mountain Bike to own.

They are also strong and can stand up to most riding punishments that can be done to them. Most of these bikes have the ability to have the rear tire or other parts replaced. Having this ability to replace parts so easily means that maintenance and repair can be facilitated without the need to purchase a new bike.

This is a great feature when mountain riding, because it is easy to trash the rear of the bike if you crash. Another great feature is the number of speeds available. They now have up to 27 speeds and this is an excellent feature for women. They also give women a slender bike frame and wider seats, allowing for more support.

When you get ready to purchase a bike there are some things to remember. The most important thing to know is how you intend to use the bike. This will tell you what kind to buy and what features will be needed. There are many manufacturers of these types of bike, and as such the prices vary considerably. However, many standard Full Suspension Bikes can now be bought at quite reasonable costs due to their increased popularity.

If a lightweight material for the frame is chosen, then the bike will cost more. They have regular tires and tubeless tires. The tubeless do better on the harder terrains. There are handlebars that detach and rear assemblies that can also be detached.

An avid rider will want to know the entire specifications and extras they require before they decide to buy. Fortunately, a lot of information is available on the net, including Videos, which helps the rider to determine the best type of bike for them.

As a rough guide, bikes for boys come in a 24-inch style and are made with easy to change gears and brakes. Similarly, womans bikes come with a saddle seat, twist grips and easy to shift gears, often with a lighter frame making maneuvering easier.

The mens bike starts at 21 inches and can go up to 27 inches as standard. They can choose larger suspension, different forks, and different metals for the frame. This allows for a more diverse terrain for them to ride on.

When needing to change the tires this can be done on any model by using the no-tool closure system. Removal can be done quickly and anywhere.



By: Alan Williamson


About the Author:

Your first time buying a mountain bike can be frustrating, especially since you are new to the sport. How will you know what to look for if you never have done it before? Here you will learn how to select the right mountain bike for you.

Mountain bikes are available in a wide array of styles, quality, and prices. To stay within your budget, keep the price you can afford in mind while you are out shopping. To get the most bang for your buck, avoid chain stores when looking for a bike. While the prices may be enticing, they will not deliver on quality the way that a local bike shop will. Small shops also may offer discounts on follow-up service should your bike need it and can make custom adjustments.

Different mountain bikes styles are designed for different terrain and riding styles. Some are designed for trail riding, while others are made for downhill, cross country and pleasure trail riding. Before buying a mountain bike, decide which type of terrain and which style of riding you prefer the most, then let the salesman know what type you are interested in.

If you are at all able to incorporate a full suspension into your budget, it will be well worth it. Otherwise a hard tail (no rear suspension) is often less expensive than a full suspension bike. A full suspension will be heavier, but it will offer more shock absorption. A hard tail will be lighter and it is more efficient for travel. The choice between the two depends on what kind of terrain you are planning on riding most.

There are many components that are available. Find a few that you definitely want to have, and look for a bike that is equipped with what you are looking for.

During the spring and summer bikes prices raise because of the high demand for bikes in the nice weather. Resisting the temptation until the rainy season can save you several hundred dollars. You may even find shop owners want to sweeten the deal by throwing in some gadgets or discounts to make the sale.

Not all dealers are equal. Some charge higher prices, while others are out to give customers a good deal. Find a dealer that is reputable, has good reviews, and has a tidy repair shop.

Always should you test the bike out before you buy it. It should feel comfortable to ride and feel like a good fit. By test riding it, you ensure you are getting a bike that works for you, and your wallet.

It is always a good idea to do research before you buy. Look for reviews online to see how others liked it.



By: Marcus Liberty

About the Author:

Tighten the straps on your bike shoes, get your gloves on along with your helmet and your ready to ride the Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL. This bike was designed with you in mind. The technology engineering that was put into this cross country marathon bike is enough to make any mountain biker willing to ride this bike again and again. I am confident that after you ride this bike for the first time you wont want to stop unless you need to stop and catch your breath.

There are many advantages to this bike that you will soon find out once you hop on and start riding. At first glance, it is a full suspension bike and as you will notice the Fox shocks as you roll over logs, rocks and other types of terrain that mother nature has to offer. The triple crankset comes complete with 44/32/22 chain rings so you can scream down the down hills with the 44 chain ring or use the 22 as you grind up long technical assents. The frame of this bike is definitely one for the record books. Rocky Mountain has engineered a very high tech frame for you. It is easy to notice the advancements with this frame and as you roll up to the trail head for the start of you next group ride your friends will notice the down tube is shaped to be able to deflect rocks from the spray coming off your front wheel. Once they comment to you about your new bike, you will soon be telling them about the integrated seat collar clamp. If your buddies still want to hear about the Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL bike of yours, tell them that once you and them get to a long uphill, the first of its kind 76 degree seat angle will give you better power transfer as you make your way to the top. Or better yet, don’t tell them and as you are ascending, look over your shoulder and you’ll see your friends gasping for air as they wish they were riding your bike.

Enter into a cross country race with this bike or explore the trails with this Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL and once you get done riding, and are ready to unclip out of the pedals, you will be telling yourself to get right back on the trail and ride even more. Except this time you will be riding faster and more aggressively.



By: David Tannascoli

About the Author:

Tighten the straps on your bike shoes, get your gloves on along with your helmet and your ready to ride the Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL. This bike was designed with you in mind. The technology engineering that was put into this cross country marathon bike is enough to make any mountain biker willing to ride this bike again and again. I am confident that after you ride this bike for the first time you wont want to stop unless you need to stop and catch your breath.

There are many advantages to this bike that you will soon find out once you hop on and start riding. At first glance, it is a full suspension bike and as you will notice the Fox shocks as you roll over logs, rocks and other types of terrain that mother nature has to offer. The triple crankset comes complete with 44/32/22 chain rings so you can scream down the down hills with the 44 chain ring or use the 22 as you grind up long technical assents. The frame of this bike is definitely one for the record books. Rocky Mountain has engineered a very high tech frame for you. It is easy to notice the advancements with this frame and as you roll up to the trail head for the start of you next group ride your friends will notice the down tube is shaped to be able to deflect rocks from the spray coming off your front wheel. Once they comment to you about your new bike, you will soon be telling them about the integrated seat collar clamp. If your buddies still want to hear about the Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL bike of yours, tell them that once you and them get to a long uphill, the first of its kind 76 degree seat angle will give you better power transfer as you make your way to the top. Or better yet, don’t tell them and as you are ascending, look over your shoulder and you’ll see your friends gasping for air as they wish they were riding your bike.

Enter into a cross country race with this bike or explore the trails with this Rocky Mountain Altitude 70 RSL and once you get done riding, and are ready to unclip out of the pedals, you will be telling yourself to get right back on the trail and ride even more. Except this time you will be riding faster and more aggressively.

By: David Tannascoli

About the Author:

If you have a mountain bike and are an avid down hill mountain biker then at some point in your life you will need a mountain bike fork. There are many types of bike forks on the market and choosing the right one for your life will be a crucial component for your enjoyment when going down hard trails and bumpy rides. A good suspension fork will entitle you to a more comfortable and controlled ride when going on bumpy trails that hard terrain.

There are many types of suspension forks on the market can range from very cheap to very expensive. So how exactly do you want to purchase a mountain bike fork when there are so many on the market? The first thing you’ll need to do is talk to an employee at a mountain bike store and get some information about the best ways to purchase a fork.

First of all, one of the things that you need to do is to decide what type of fork can actually fit onto your mountain bike. Sometimes suspensions will not fit the geometry of your bike so you need to make sure that suspension bike fork that you purchase will actually fit. If it doesn’t match up correctly then you will have to return the fork and purchase another one. The most important part about purchasing a fork is to determine what type of writing style that you do. If you are a person that likes to do extreme jobs and like to punish your mountain bike, then you will need a fork that has a lot more travel. Travel means how much the suspension moves vertically. Remember that cost is not everything and that you need to make sure that you get the most for your dollar, but do not skimp when purchasing a fork as an extra $50 can be the difference between a very comfortable ride for your writing style or a wasted investment.

By: Hee Cheol Kim

About the Author:

It would be great to own the perfect mountain bike for yourself and you can do this by knowing exactly what you are looking for. There are many different types of off road bikes out on the market and I am confident that there is a mountain bike waiting for you.

When you think of the perfect mountain bike for yourself, there are a few things that you should consider. One of those things is the type of riding that you do. If you ride on a lot of bumpy terrain and go over a lot of jumps then a full suspension bike would be for you. But if you would rather own a more rigid bike and be able to cruise up inclines with better power transfer, then a hard tail bike is also something to consider. A lot of mountain bikers who have been ridding a lot and who ride on very technical terrain that offers a wide range of different obstacles, like to be on a bike that allows them to roll over this type of terrain much more effortlessly. To do this these riders buy themselves a 29er. On the other hand, if you like to do nothing but ride downhill at a high rate of speed, then a downhill bike would be a perfect bike to have.

Once you have bought the perfect bike for yourself, explore the local trails that you live near and once you get done riding, and are ready to unclip out of the pedals, you will be telling yourself to get right back on the trail and ride even more. Except this time you will be riding faster and more aggressively.

By: David Tannascoli

About the Author:

David Tannascoli asked:




Cruising your local single track trails differ in so many ways than jumping on a road bike. Maybe it’s the feeling of becoming one with nature while meandering through a thick lush forest with the occasional deer or even a moose sighting. It could also be the fact that once you swing one leg over the saddle, clip into the pedals and head into the forest or open wilderness where there are no cars, traffic lights, or even that dog coming out to chase you like you would encounter while cycling on road.

There are many reasons why outdoor enthusiasts prefer to get into mountain biking rather than getting into cycling. Some of witch I’ve been told by my friends and also seen first hand. From looking at pictures, watching videos and even reading other articles in magazines, there are plenty of mountain bike parks around the United States and even around the world for you to explore the back country. While getting off the pavement and into the single track trails, you can practice your bike handling skills, something that is a lot easier to practice on a mountain bike than on a road bike. It is much easier to practice your bike handling when you are in a park that offers an endless amount of rocks, boulders, roots, logs and man made bridges over creeks. Once someone gets good at being able to handle their bike in all different circumstances, the desire to show off by doing tricks in front of your friends such as wheelies and even riding onto a ramp ten feet off the ground and doing a no handed track stand becomes very tempting. Even though I put in plenty of miles by riding on the road, it is very nice to get onto my full suspension bike and do a workout with friends who are also mountain bikers too. When I’m feeling that pain in my legs while ascending a long climb or making my way through a series of switchbacks, quite often I see parents taking their young kids with them to ride through the park. It is much easier for a parent to take their child through a park on properly fitted bike than to be out riding out on the road where there are cars and other dangerous elements to deal with. When someone who is a cyclist and rides on the road, they feel all the bumps and vibrations that comes with being on the pavement. On the other hand, when you are clipped into you mountain bike and exploring the lush forest, any bumps in the trail system that you are on are soaked up by the suspension system of your mountain bike.

With all the different reasons why mountain biking can be better than road riding, I am confident that you will feel the same way and even find more reasons once you swing one leg over the saddle, get clipped in and head into the forest or open wilderness where there are no cars, traffic lights, or even that dog coming out to chase you like you would encounter while cycling on road.

There are different types of mountain bikes and some of these types are hard tail or full suspension bikes, cross country race bikes, downhill bikes, rigid bikes and while most mountain bikes have 26 inch wheels, you can even find 29ers.

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Vincent M asked:


I know that getting rear suspension on a mountain bike eats up some of the energy I use to pedal the bike, but can someone give me an idea of how much? How much will this effect me on a long bike ride?

Am I going to notice an increase in effort if I go from a hard tail to a full suspension bike?