How to Choose a Mountain Bike – Types of Mountain Bikes
Russell Franklin - October 26, 2022Since the introduction of the first mountain bikes in the 1980s, the sport of mountain biking has undergone significant development. Modern mountain bikes are amazing contraptions that were made specifically for riding with great confidence and enjoyment on a variety of trails. This has been made possible by new designs and technologies, but it also complicates your decision regarding which mountain bike to buy. It’s crucial to comprehend the fundamentals of mountain bike design, be honest about your own riding style and ability, and be aware of the types of trails you’ll be spending the majority of your time on in order to get the most out of your hard-earned money. There are many more factors to think about, ranging from price to the individual components that make up your bike, once you’ve decided on the right kind of mountain bike. We’ll analyze each of these elements in detail, as well as a few others, to assist you in selecting a mountain bike that is ideal for you and your riding style.
What Are The Different Types Of Mountain Bikes?
There are various kinds of mountain bikes. They differ in terms of their geometry, tire sizes, rigidity, weight, suspension, seat posts, and other factors… The variations are endless, but they are generally grouped into the following categories:
Rigid: The front fork and rear suspension on these mountain bikes are both missing. There isn’t much to say about this besides the fact that if you are a beginner and choose this for off-pavement or hard-pack dirt riding, you will simply get destroyed and hate mountain biking before you have a chance to like it. In comparison to road bikes, these comfortable, adaptable bikes are safer and easier to use when riding on pavement.
Hardtail: a mountain bike with suspension shocks on the front fork, but not the rear. These are more reasonably priced, which will allow you to buy a bike with better and lighter components on your budget. Additionally, full-suspension bikes for beginners handle worse than hardtail bikes. Hardtail mountain bikes are not just for beginner riders looking to save some money; they also make excellent cross-country and racing bikes due to their lighter weight and rigidity. See below.
Full-suspension: The front and rear suspension of full-suspension bikes enhances comfort and makes it easier to ride on more difficult terrain. They usually cost more and weigh more. Beginner mountain bikers typically hold off on purchasing their first full-suspension bike until they have more experience.
How To Choose A Mountain Bike
- Identify the mountain bike type that is best for you.
- Comparing model specifications and statistics
- Which size will fit you the best?
- Choose a build kit and components that suit your needs and budget.
- Demonstrate the models you’re considering by riding some bikes.
- Determine which mountain bike best suits your riding style and financial situation.
When we list it out like this, it appears straightforward, right? But it can be challenging to choose the best mountain bike. First, let us reassure you that there are so many high-quality mountain bikes available today that choosing one is virtually impossible. Gains and differences are frequently negligible, so pay attention to the crucial factors we list below and keep in mind that enjoying yourself on the trails is the main objective. Therefore, stop worrying about the details and get on your bike!
What Is The Distinction Between Hardtail And Fully?
The bike’s frame is not referred to as Hardtail or Fully. The suspension system of the bike is what is meant by the phrase.
Fully = Full Suspension MTB
With the Fully, the front wheel and back portion of the bike has suspension. A front suspension aids in keeping the front wheel in contact with the ground when going uphill while the full suspension helps to dampen shocks in uneven terrain. Your back is additionally protected by the suspension.
Where a Fully shines:
- high speeds
- challenging and steep terrain
- Jumps and drops
Disadvantages of a fully :
- heavy
- expensive due to large components
- maintenance-intensive
Wheel Size: 27.5″ Or 29er?
In the mountain bike community, there is a lot of discussion about wheel size. A few years back 27.5″ replaced 26″ as the most popular wheel size. Now larger 29″ wheels are becoming increasingly popular following their success at the races. Most cross-country racers use 29″ wheels and many enduros and even downhill racers have had success on these bigger wheels. While there is no clear-cut answer to the question of which one will be better for you, there are some points to consider which will help your decision on whether to buy a bike with 29″ or 27.5″ wheels:
Pros
- Larger 29″ wheels roll more quickly when they get going.
- Smaller 27.5″ (& 26″) wheels are easier to turn. Because of this, maneuvering the bike through tight turns is made simpler.
- Taller people fit better with larger wheels. Riders over 6 foot tend to get on really well with 29″ wheeled bikes.
Cons
- Big wheels are slower to accelerate.
- The fit of a bike with smaller wheels is preferred by smaller riders. 29″ wheels can sometimes limit your ability to move around on the bike, especially on steep descents. 27.5″ bikes are great for the average rider and 26″ wheels are still fitted to some very small and junior size mountain bikes.
Of course, personal preference is a factor, and many shorter racers adore their 29ers. But if you are in doubt, and are under 6 feet tall a 27.5″ wheeled bike will probably be your best choice.
Conclusion
The good news is that there are some general guidelines that define what category bikes are placed in to make things easier. Choosing the best mountain bike for your style of riding can be challenging. As you read on, we’ll go over the fundamentals before talking about how bikes are constantly changing and, as a result, blending various mountain bike types and mountain bike disciplines.
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