As the sport of mountain biking continues to grow at a phenomenal pace, beginners as well as avid enthusiasts are becoming perplexed by the overwhelming task of choosing a mountain bike that suits their needs. Here we will attempt to provide enough information to make your decision less intimidating.

The first thing to do is determine how much you are willing to spend. If cost is no object, buy the best you can get. You will not regret it. Good mountain bikes are lightweight, responsive and easy to handle. A quality entry-level bike can run between $600-$800.

Mountain bikes are designed for several different types of terrain and riding styles.

• Cross Country mountain bikes are designed for long distances on mostly flat surfaces. They are lightweight and responsive.
• All Mountain bikes are designed to climb and descend hills and these bikes usually have 5”- 6” of suspension travel to cross any kind of terrain.
• Free Ride bikes are meant for rough terrain and big drop-offs. Typically they have 7”- 8” of travel and weigh more than the All Mountain bike.
• Downhill are the heaviest bikes and have most pedal bob. Difficult and painful for uphill ride, however, they are the most stable and comfortable of all mountain bikes. Long travel enables them to float over large obstacles and handle large drop-offs well.

There are 2 types of suspension systems on mountain bikes.

• Full suspension bikes will have shock absorbers on both the front and rear allowing a softer, easier ride and are the ultimate of control on really tough trails. This is also the more expensive choice and is preferred by advanced riders.
• Hardtails have suspension only on the front fork. They are more durable, require less maintenance, and are still a good choice for most riders.

Consider these additional features before finalizing your purchase.

• Sizing – Your mountain bike frame should be about 3 inches shorter than your road bike. You should have approximately a 2-inch clearance between the top tube and your crotch. Be sure the bike has an adjustable seat.
• Frame Composition – Most bikes are either either aluminum or chro-moly. Aluminum is usually the more expensive, however chro-moly is stronger. Because of its light weight, aluminum can sometimes bend so, the tube diameters of these bikes are usually made larger for added strength. Higher-end mountain bikes may be made of other materials such as titanium.
• Brakes – The two types of brakes are rim and disc. Unless you are an advanced rider, choose the rim-style. They are the most common and easiest to service.
• Shifters – The two common types of shifters are Rapidfire and Gripshift. The Gripshift works like a motorcycle throttle. The gears are changed by turning the control on the handle bar grip. Rapidfire shifters use buttons or levers under the brake lever that you move up and down.
• Tires – Large knobby tires are the best for off road use. Smaller knobbies are better for street riding. There are tires available that will serve both needs.

In most cases, you can upgrade parts that will allow you to customize your mountain bike. Hopefully, this information will give you the basic knowledge to make an informed purchase that will give you years of riding pleasure.