How to Buy a Mountain Bike
Whether you plan to take leisurely rides or hit the trails like a daredevil, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your mountain bike.
Up next in Bike Repair & Equipment (32 videos)
Every avid cyclist should know how to fix his bike; learn the basics in this video series.
You Will Need
- A budget
- Research
- Test rides
Steps
-
Step 1
Know your purpose
Know why you are purchasing the bike to begin with -- to do stunts, explore the woods, or to commute.
-
Step 2
Determine your price
Determine the price range you can afford to help narrow your bike search. Bikes range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
-
Bike shops have better knowledge and service than most department stores, even if you are shopping for a low-end bike.
-
Step 3
Learn the features
Research the features and options available and how they meet -- or don’t meet -- your needs. These include the composition of the frame, suspension, brake pads, tires, and gear shifters.
-
Step 4
Take a ride
Take a test ride of any models you are considering to see how they handle. Be sure to hit a few bumps, or ask the dealer if you can take the bike off-road.
-
Step 5
Check the fit
Check the fit of the bike by straddling the frame and checking the distance between the upper tube and your groin. You should have a gap of 2 inches.
-
Step 6
Mix and match
Mix and match components if the store model doesn’t have everything you want. Pay special attention to getting a bike seat that is comfortable and easy to sit on.
-
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. You may be able to bring down the price.
-
Step 7
Buy
Buy the bike when the price, fit, and components all meet your needs, and then ride off into the sunset on your new set of wheels.
-
The Great Divide mountain bike route covers almost 2,500 miles of trail from Canada to Mexico along the Rocky Mountains and is the longest such trail in the world.
