A Beginner’s Guide for Buying Mountain Bikes

There are a lot of things you should need to consider if you are planning to purchase mountain bikes. Selecting the kind of mountain bikes and how you are going to use them are not the only factors you’ll need to consider. Some mountain bikers prefer rocky roads and trails while others would choose biking in paved roads. Enthusiastic bikers correlate the kind of riding they do with their mountain bikes. Also several bike parts need to be considered including the bike’s tires, forks, saddle and etc. However, let’s assume that you want something which is neither too expensive nor too cheap.

Since you are a starter and aren’t sure what are the right things to do and of course you want a decent bike that will make you happy, here are some of the guidelines that you might need to follow.

The Type of Bike You Should Get…

If you want to begin off-road riding, you need to look for a bike that have front suspension only or a rigid type that have no suspension fork. Buying an excellent full suspension bike is too costly to be regarded as a starter bike. A rigid bike is the best choice if riding on paved surfaces.

Recognize the Bike Quality…

You have a tight budget and you need to buy the best bike you can afford with your money. If you’re hesitant what to watch for, you could be giving a wrong impression by features that seem to make mountain bikes better. Here are what to look for in your bike search.

Consider the Frame…

You should get the best frame as you can within reason. There is no need to spend too much on a frame alone but you should not be contemplating a cheap frame. Don’t buy a bike that has any part made of hi-ten steel, whether in the main frame or in the fork. Although there are different sorts of aluminum, there’s not much to distinguish them at this price range.

Suspension Fork…

If you want a suspension fork, then you need to know which one is the best. Moreover, sad to say but the more expensive the forks are, the better the quality it has. There are a lot of fork variety materials and internal building and it’s always changing all the time. You can look for the best forks through magazines so get the best and the most affordable for your budget.

Wheels…

While the frame is the heart of the bike, the wheels are what make a bicycle! Most MTB wheels look similar, but when you get into the details, you’ll find the difference between wheels that will fall apart after one month compared to the ones that will keep spinning happily until you finally wear out the rims through braking.

As time goes by, prices continue to go down but selection decreases as well. You can buy mountain bikes from your local shop. At least a shop that is not too far away so you can go back anytime if ever you have any problem with the bike.

Generally, these are just a few things to consider for in purchasing your mountain bike. Purchase the kind of bike which you enjoyed riding the most. Hopefully this will be a help for you someday whenever you want to start riding mountain bikes.

By: Richard McWhilly

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Mongoose mountain bikes are a brand that signify quality and trust in mountain bikes. The company has an array of products suited for each class of biking enthusiasts, so you are bound to get the one that is just right for you. The brand is also at the forefront of most radical biking events and features its own news updates about the brand and its teams.

Mongoose mountain bikes have two product lines – ups. You can choose from BMX stunt bikes or the pavement and mountain bike categories. The BMX line up features freestyle and team bikes for use in stunt biking. You can also check out their dirt street bike range that features some awesome models. The BMX category features light weight bikes and you will find comprehensive product specification on the company’s official website for every model.

The mountain bikes designed by Mongoose are in a class of their own. You can choose from conventional categories like the hard tail and dual suspension bikes. Those who are looking for a little extra can check out their excellent hybrid section as well. Although mountain biking might not really be synonymous with comfort, the Mongoose brand offers you a range by just that name. So you can have a leisurely ride up and down those mountains after all!

The company also has its own team called the mongoose tribe. You will find more information about it and the products on the company’s official website. In addition the site also has some cool features like a gallery with photos and videos of the team and the bikes in action. Mobile downloads further increase the cool quotient of the brand. The online store has some really interesting riding gear and memorabilia for fans. The site also helps you locate your nearest dealer, help get your bike registered and gives you a large number of downloadable manuals to keep your mongoose mountain bike in good shape.

By: Paul Kramer

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Haro Mountain Bike

For those of you who like to get off the beaten track, get some great physical exercise and fresh air, while having a lot of fun doing these things, you might find Mountain Bike riding is just the thing to accomplish those goals. Of course, in order to pursue a hobby such as this, you are going to need the right equipment and that equipment starts with a state of the art machine that is designed to take the rough and tough terrain you will be riding over. The manufacturers of Haro Mountain bikes understand that and have designed their machines with just these types of terrain in mind.

Haro knows a thing or two about bikes. Since 1978, this company has been designing the very best precision machinery in BMX and freestyle history. Several years ago they turned their attention to developing a new line specially designed for those wishing to ride over some of the roughest terrains possible. They have developed a line of Haro mountain bikes for all. Four types of mountain terrains, Cross country, Free ride, Downhill and All Terrain. This company has earned a reputation for producing the finest machines for each of these different terrains.

Basic Features

Here are a few of the basic features that make Haro Mountain bikes stand apart from all the rest. The tires on these machines are broad bumpy rubber tires that helps to absorb shock and offer phenomenal grip when climbing, no matter how steep that climb may be, without worrying about slipping and sliding. These tires allow you to ride in safety even when the terrain changes swiftly without giving you much notice.

Another feature of these machines are that the frames are the lightest weight possible to get the job done. This not only makes them easier to load and unload when taking them from home to the riding site and back again, but it means that climbing is easy and the handling on turns is swifter. These frames allow for optimum performance just when you need it the most.

Most importantly these machines are sturdily built which means that for the average person who is riding for fun these machines will literally last you for years without any serious problems. They are made to handle the rough and tough wear and all the bumps and thumps that are part of the enjoyment of this type of riding with ease.

Several of the top of the line of Haro Mountain Bikes have virtual link suspension which greatly enhances the performance of these machines by placing 60% of the riders weight over the rear wheel and eliminating pedal bob and chain stretch. Making for better and easy climbing, more control on turns and ease of braking on the down hill. It also means that you can ride over roots, rocks, logs and the many bumps along the trail almost like they weren’t even there.

What all this means is that whether you are a beginner or have been riding for awhile these machines will give you the safest, smoothest overall ride possible while not compromising on dependability or long lasting durability.

Something For Everyone

Haro mountain bikes also offers something for everyone. Whether you are just starting out, been riding awhile or a professional there is a machine just for you. These machines aren’t just for men either there are sizes and styles geared for women and children too so the entire family can get up and get out and enjoy a superb ride while getting the exercise you need and want.

A price you can afford

Because this company believes that everyone should have a choice, they just didn’t stop at making great machines. They made sure they made a line that everyone can afford. These machines start at a little over $300.00 and run the gambit to professional quality machines at over $2000.00. So no matter what your budget you can find a machine made by this company at a price you can afford.

What Type of Bike Should I Choose?

Many people new to the sport just aren’t sure which of the many Haro mountain Bikes they should choose. For most beginners the all terrain machines work well as it will allow you to try all the different types of riding terrains without having to have a different machine to do so. However, machines designed for all terrain use are less easy to ride in certain situations. So, if your area only has straight riding trails, then choosing a cross country machine might be your best choice as you really don’t need the other features and having a machine especially designed for the specific terrain you will be riding on will give you a higher standard of performance.

Great Service

Whatever style of machine you choose you can rest assured that this company gives you great service. Not only do they listen to what you need but they ship any replacement parts you may need swiftly. This is especially nice for those of you who live in an area where the riding is good for only a few short months out of the year. Nothing is worse than losing precious time you could be enjoying a hobby you love than sitting around waiting for parts. With this company that is one thing you won’t have to worry about. They will get the part to you quickly and you will be on the trails again in no time at all.

Reviews

Reviews on Haro Mountain Bikes have been extremely favorable overall. Especially noted has been the durability and how nimble and quick these machines are. Many reviews rave about the quality of these machines and their ease of handling.

Up And Coming

The best is yet to come from this company. Due out this year is the Sonix650 with tweener wheels which are designed to make climbing even easier and rolling over the humps and bumps even more effortless.

By: Dennis Miller Tan

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As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And if you’re going on a lengthy bike ride, that makes a lot of sense. To keep yourself comfortable and safe – and avoid getting caught in any frustrating situations – it’s important to be prepared before you set out.

Since it will be such a crucial part of your ride, your backpack itself should be an investment. Look for one made especially for cyclists. Such packs are made of durable, lightweight, weather-proof materials. Ideally, your pack should have adjustable waist and chest straps and a ventilated back. Some even contain compression systems to prevent the contents from shifting and rattling during your ride, and hydration packs to hold large amounts of water and allow for hands-free drinking. Such features are optional; nice, but not absolutely necessary.

Riding takes a lot of stamina, especially in warmer weather. You will need plenty of water, and you may want to throw in some sports drinks for sodium replenishment. If possible, arrange to ride along a path where there will be opportunities to refill your water supply if necessary. Pack one sports bar or piece of fruit – bananas are great for cyclists – for every hour you plan to ride, plus one or two extras just in case you’re out longer than you planned (or one of your companions isn’t so well prepared).

In case of bike malfunction, you’ll want to carry some tools. To save space, consider carrying a multi-tool. These handy all-in-one tools contain everything you need to fix common problems on the road: Allen wrenches, Phillips and flat-blade screwdriver heads, spoke wrenches and chain tools. Throw in a patch kit, tire lever, a small bottle of chain lube, and a spare tube and you’re covered (inspect the spare for damage before each ride, especially if it’s been in your pack for a while). Make sure you know how to use all the tools properly, though; they’ll do you no good if you can’t figure out what to do with them! You can carry a guide with you, even if it’s just a few tips scribbled on index cards, outlining bicycle repair basics (such as fixing a flat) if you have trouble remembering. Tip: laminate your bike repair guide in case you find yourself having to consult it in the rain. Buy the mountain bikes online at bicyshop.com

Being prepared for a malfunction doesn’t just include problems with the bike – it includes everything from inclement weather to emergencies to personal discomforts. Pack a cell phone (ensure that it’s fully charged first!) or a phone card. It doesn’t hurt to carry a few dollars, and maybe a couple quarters as well. A lightweight, foldable hooded jacket or poncho will protect your clothing from an unexpected downpour. Make yourself a laminated card with your name, address, telephone number and emergency contact numbers, and put it in a place where it can be easily spotted. Pack a bottle of waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen – travel-sized if you’re short on space – so that you can reapply as needed, and a tube of protective lip balm such as Chap-Stick. You may also want to carry a tube of sports cream to relieve on-the-road muscle aches and stiff joints, some Band-Aids and antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes, and a travel-sized pack of tissues or baby wipes.

Whatever the contents of your biking pack, unload it and check everything out periodically for expiration dates, breakage, leakage, or other general problems. Bumping around in a backpack, or being stored for long periods of time, can eventually wreak havoc on your supplies. Make sure everything is in good working order!

You never know what problems could pop up on a bike ride, but you can tackle any situation with ease by packing the proper supplies. Here’s hoping you never need to use them!

http://www.bicyshop.com/

By: Jennifer Bynum

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Mountain bikesare gorgeous rolling frames; an invention of unique quality to address the love for outdoors. It is fascinating to behold it rolling past us, carrying the biker with such gracefulness innate of a ballerina. Mountain bikes are superior versions of the ordinary domestic bikes. For some, it is ridden for pleasure and some for personal advocacy. These bikes though are more appropriate for off roads travel and rough conditions. It has been popular ever since its maiden days because of its matchless capacity. Its lightweight frame makes it a lot more comfortable for the bikers to chart impassable treks.

Mountain bikes have its great uses, especially for exercise. It is known to help in maintaining cardiovascular fitness. An hour a day of riding it will definitely shave off a large amount of your hideous fats and scary cholesterol. The good thing is, you get to commune with nature while having fun riding your bike. There is no better way of transportation, to and fro.

There are things to consider if one wishes to indulge himself with a mountain bike, especially if he/she has a distinctive requirement. You can start with the weight of the frame. The weight is a vital factor depending upon your specific use. But most bikers of course will choose the one with the most durable material with the lightest weight. If you plan on trekking mountains riding on your mountain bikes, you will especially want it to be lightweight for easy lift. With the recent technology, manufacturers have already come up a very lightweight material and able to withstand the most extreme conditions. Next, you have to have the most suitable tires. It actually depends on the trails you will be treading. A trail with a clay surface will require an entirely different set of tires for a surface laden with boulders. You might also need to take a serious look which ones have the best traction. A great tire with a good grip will definitely keep you away from unnecessary accidents.

A very reliable brake system must also be properly installed in your mountain bike; off-road trails have the tendency to be slippery when wet. You don’t really know how much difference a good brake makes until you need it. Your suspension, pedals and handle bars all make a fine contribution to the whole experience of riding your mountain bike. For some bikers, they completely customize their bikes to perfectly fit their inclination. But of course this entails a rather high cost. So if you don’t really plan on traversing extremely odd surfaces, a good ready-to-ride mountain bikes will be sufficient enough. With regards to the prices, you can always shop around and ask for discounts. Just remember to choose the one with sound durability, great look and with the most reasonable cost.

Make sure to always have your accessories when riding your mountain bikes, always put on your helmets and pads. Never try to tread places with unfriendly surfaces; it is not wise to trek a ground which is unsuitable to your bike make-up. Therefore, exercise caution while having fun.

By: Richard McWhilly

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Mountain biking is a fun but physically demanding sport. Each exhilarating ride tests the rider’s strength and endurance, which makes it also a good form of physical conditioning. But be wary however, experience and training is necessary in riding difficult and more advanced trails. These routes are made up of steep jumps, sharp turns, and difficult terrain. It is advised best to stick with trails that are equivalent to your skill levels.

Aside from your mountain bikes, a number of accessories, which mostly are composed of protective gears, are must haves on your trip no matter what your skill level is. Some of them are as follows:

1. Helmet – I could not stress enough how important this piece of gear is. Helmets are indispensable that in many places, it is against the law to go biking without one. Helmets protective the part of our body that would most likely endure a fatal injury. Take note however, helmets are not created in equal quality. So make sure yours has passed the Consumer Products Safety Commission bike helmet certification standards.

2. Gloves – Controlling your bike causes friction between the handle bars and your hands and over time, could cause injuries to your palm. Having bike gloves will save you from this discomfort.

3. Protective Eyewear – Dust and other floating particles can accidentally get caught and irritate the eyes. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent this to happen. It also shades the eyes from the brightness and heat of the sun.

4. Water bottle/ Hydration pack – Mountain bikes have bottle cages where you can conveniently attach you water bottle. Or if you prefer a more convenient hydration system then bring with you a hydration pack.

5. GPS – Global Positioning System receivers are very handy especially when unfamiliar with the trails. These gadgets are also essential if you want to keep track of the distance you’ve travel, your speed, and many more measurements that you might be needing when riding.

6. Repair kit – When on the trail, the last thing you want is gear malfunction. But this is an unavoidable circumstance, so make sure you have your pump, multi-tools, and other bike repair essentials with you.

By: Alan Craner

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To be honest, I’ve not come across another type of a bicycle that is rugged enough for rough, unfriendly and unsafe terrain than a mountain bike. When it comes to its design, this bike is terrific and in fact created with roughness in mind. Amazing feature such as broadness, knobbier tires for grip and absorption of shock plus suspension in modern ones, characterizes its endurance and toughness.

Normally, this bike will have 26 inches or 559 mm wheels though you can also find some with 29 inches or 622 mm. However, Giant mountain bikes have wheels with a much bigger diameter and actually ranges from 952 mm and so on. Basically the bigger they’re, the more difficult they become to handle and for a beginner they can be a headache. Nevertheless, when you’re used to, it’s very exiting to ride one.

If your specialty is mountain biking, then giant mountain bikes are just the right tool for you. In fact, it’s quite unsafe using the normal road bikes as they may not be rugged and resilient enough for mountain terrain. I bet I would say they’re the symbol of mountain biking passion.

Though the name ‘giant mountain bikes’ may imply they’re huge and gigantic, their weight is contrary to this and actually light. Other advantages of this bikes include; stiffness, gorgeous, have a better acceleration and definitely their submissive ride and absorbing of vibrations. They’re also available in different colors such as hazy red, sky blue, yellow, orange, green, satin Grey, vivid pink, black, blue with white spokes, grey, vivid purple, satin blue etc.

By: Peter Gitundu

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A mountain bike is specially manufactured and made for off-road. It is used for cycling on trails, declines, unpaved ways, uneven roads, jumping, off-road hindrances like rocks and trails. The tires of these bikes are exactly made for the upheaval of off-road as they are made knobby for traction and shock absorption. Rims for these bikes are approximately 559mm in size. In exceptional cases, there are few bikes in which bar ends are built in. the reason behind this bar end is to provide extra easiness in hill climbing whenever it is necessary.

On the basis of suspension, there are following designs of mountain bikes:

Rigid Design: In this design, there is no suspension but a frame with a rigid fork and rear is fixed.
Soft tail: There is small amount of suspension, which is activated by flex not by pivots.
Hardtail: There is no rear suspension but a frame with front suspension fork.
Dull or Full Suspension: It has rear suspension with a rear shock and front suspension fork. There is also linkage, which lets the back wheel moved on pivots.

There are many types of mountain biking including cross-country (XC) biking, trail biking, downhill biking and all-day endurance biking (AM).

Cross-country mountain bikes have light front and back suspension, which is achieved from lightweight construction in frame and other components of the bike.

Trail bikes are considered a cross between XC and AM bikes. There are many famous bikes in trail bikes including The Giant Trance, the trek fuel EX series, the Gary Fisher HiFi.

Downhill bikes are considered strongest bikes and have seven or more than seven inches of suspension travel. They are strongest bikes but very light in weight.

All-day enduring bikes (AM) are made to equal the gap between free ride bikes and cross-country bikes. They weigh between 30 and 35 pounds (14kg to 16kg).

By: Sarah Nabila

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Do you know why many professionals prefer Haro mountain bikes than any other? I Am sure you’ll tell me it’s because of their stylish look. Well, I won’t say that it’s not a reason but there are also many other features such as light in weight, superb climbing and acceleration, submissive ride and absorption of vibrations, stiffness and gorgeousness that make this bike unique and one of a kind. In fact, it’s designed to do well in dirt trails, unpaved surfaces and mountain terrain.

Generally, Haro mountain bikes come with 26 inches or 559 mm wheels which have broad and knobbier tires for more grip and absorption of shock. Nevertheless, you can still find some with suspension for front wheels or both. Some of the varieties and colors of this bike include; BMX FIC found in blue and yellow, BMX F1 in black and orange, BMX Back trail Haro X1 available in blue, black and orange, BMX F2 in green, double plat, black or red and also BMX Partial 16 available in color black.

They say that simple things can make a difference and are the ones that matters sometimes. When it comes to Haro mountain bikes, their simplicity in design is the secret to performance. It gives the bike enough strength to go on epic rides without any hick ups. Moreover, it’s their simplicity that makes them easy to repair.

Did you know that you can actually upgrade a few areas on this bike? Well, it’s very much possible and in fact you can improve on its performance, efficiency and the stylish look. In addition to all this, the prices are very reasonable.

By: Peter Gitundu

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Barracuda mountain bikes are known for their strength. On tough mountain trails or rough terrain the bikes hold their own and can be counted on to deliver a solid firm ride.

The type of technologies you will encounter on a Barracuda bike include:

Full Suspension.
Frame: Aluminum.
Fork: Zoom Comfort suspension fork.
Transmission: 21 Speed Shimano w/ Shimano Easy Fire STI Shifters.
Brakes: Powerful Front & Rear V/brakes, Levers with Shimano Easyfire integrated shifters.
Crankset: 42T/32T/22T with alloy crank arms.
Extras: Steel riser bar, Kronos Adjustable quill stem, Kronos Comfort saddle and suspension.

Trends and Styling:

Barracuda mountain bikes are changing quite a bit with the shape of the frame tubes becoming more angular. More aggressive looks and angular frames make the bike look and feel firmer to ride. The ease of gear change is becoming ever more refined with the ability to move in and out of gear with ease using technologies such as Shimano Easy Fire STI Shifters. A nice trend we see is the ability to switch your suspension on and off. What would be even nicer is to have greater control over the suspension – to choose the degree of stiffness at the touch of a button.

Pros:
Sturdy frame
A trusted name and offer quality bikes in the middle price bracket
Lots of new technologies

Cons:
Barracuda mountain bikes might let you down on suspension
Some complain of a stiff ride on some models

What to look for when purchasing:

When buying your bike it will be helpful knowing what to look for when purchasing. First, the bike must fit. Do not get a bike that is too big for you! If you’re going to be in the saddle a lot make sure you get a gel seat. If you going to be whizzing around corners and up and down undulating terrain get yourself some Easyfire gear changers. Soft suspension on front and back is useful for difficult terrain but on road surfaces you will enjoy the rigidness of firm suspension much more. Take a look at the tires, if they have a nice curved profile and flat area in the middle these will offer speed on flat surfaces. Being able to turn front fork suspension off from the handlebars rather than leaning over to press a button is a life saver.

By: Ethan Heathcliff

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