The number of cyclists is increasing every day. But before you buy a two-wheeled friend, you need to know all the nuances and selection criteria. Especially this rule applies to certain types, for example, it is important for choosing a mountain bike.
Advantages and disadvantages of a mountain bike
To understand how to choose a mountain bike, you should know its clear purpose. And he is needed for walking along difficult forest and mountain paths. The main characteristic of a mountain bike is its increased cross-country ability and stability on loose soils. The advantages of a mountain bike include:
- Universality. Such a bicycle is usually purchased for sports, walking along heavy tracks, as well as for ordinary trips.
- Comfort when driving.
- This view can be equipped with any additional accessories and components, thereby improving its performance.
But, like every multi-functional unit, a mountain bike has its drawbacks:
- Speed. It is not intended for fast driving and is significantly inferior to other types of bicycles in this indicator.
- Almost complete lack of reel.
The best mountain bikes by type
Since there are many types of mountain bikes, you need to know how to choose a mountain bike by its type. The first and most common is a high-speed mountain bike. They are divided according to the type of suspension: hardtail and double-suspension. The first type has a rigid frame and a front suspension fork. Two-suspensions are equipped with shock absorbing forks on two wheels.
Other types of mountain bikes include:
- Rigid rigs - equipped with rigid frames and forks. In such bicycles, depreciation occurs either due to the structural features of the frame, or thanks to the built-in shock absorber in the rear triangle of the frame.
- Cross Country is the most versatile view, suitable for high-speed cross-country driving, as well as for driving around the city. Such MTVs are characterized by low weight and high adaptability.
- Trial - designed for extreme driving. This view is characterized as a teenage mountain bike, because its frame is light, strong and small, and one or two brakes are a guarantee of safety. Trial, which is designed to perform tricks, have a certain design, namely: reduced wheels, the absence of a brake system, a movable steering wheel rotating 360 degrees around an axis.
- Downhill - the most expensive bike, which is designed to descend from the mountains at high speed.
- Freeride. Due to its design, this bike is designed to ride on very difficult mountain and forest roads. On it you can freely navigate through gully.
- Dirt Jumping. Artificial tracks are created for these mountain bicycles, since they lack the braking system and speeds.
Consideration of pricing when choosing a mountain bike
Before choosing a mountain bike, you should pay attention to its price. You can buy cheap mountain bikes only during the discount period. Basically, it falls at the end of the summer season. It is at this time that almost all mountain bikes receive discounts. According to experts, a good mountain bike starts at $ 400. It is in this price category that bicycles from well-known manufacturers come forward.
Cheap mountain bikes, as a rule, have poor equipment, a poor-quality frame that can crack while riding. A mountain bike, the price of which starts at $ 400, is quite simple to choose, because many manufacturers use the same equipment.
For example, in many models you will notice the same transmission, brakes or forks. But at the same time, some copies will have a higher value than their counterparts. This trend is that many manufacturers are increasing the price per brand.
That is why, the more popular the brand, the higher the board will be. Knowing this feature, it is necessary to look for a bicycle of a less well-known brand, but at the same time not inferior in its characteristics. For example, the Stealth mountain bike is an ideal model that has an adequate price and good performance.
Technical specifications of a good mountain bike - transmission
Another criterion for choosing a good mountain bike is its technical equipment. Particular attention must be paid to the transmission. It includes flips (front and rear), steering wheel switches (shifters), as well as front and rear stars.
The best manufacturers of these components are Shimano and Srem. These companies produce various lines that differ in price categories. It is worth remembering that each manufacturer tries, staying at the same price for the entire model, to install one expensive part and cheaper other components. Experienced users know that all bicycle parts must be either equally expensive or cheap.
You should also pay attention to the number of speeds. If there are 27 of them, then the speed of movement from this will not change. The best option is the presence of 24 speeds. In this case, the bike is equipped with 3 stars in front and 8 in the back. It is from such a distribution of speeds that one should build on, choosing a mountain adult bike.
Types of brake system
As for the choice of bicycles with a brake system, then the companies offer two options - disc brakes or vi-breaks. Disc brakes are significantly more expensive, but they show good performance in rain and dirt due to their independence from damage to the rim. Hydraulic disc brakes are easy to operate, but difficult to adjust unlike mechanical models.
Wi-breaks do not work well in rainy weather, often their wheels need to be kept level. Otherwise, they are in no way inferior to disc brakes and are much cheaper.
The remaining components do not need to be meticulously examined, since their influence on the quality of the bike is minimal. Also, they have no fundamental differences for all manufacturers, and the best example is the Stealth mountain bike. In addition, the remaining parts can be replaced with better ones.
Selection of a bicycle by the ratio of height and frame size
In order to ride a bicycle was comfortable, first of all, you must correctly select the height of the frame according to your height. Most stores offer models of standard sizes, but they are not suitable for all driving styles. It should be borne in mind that an aggressive form of movement requires a low landing frame.
To pick up a bike for yourself, you need to stand with it on a flat surface. Place it between the legs so that the saddle is under the buttocks. Based on the type of ride chosen, you need to measure the distance between the upper tube of the frame and the body. It is not necessary to take measurements with a ruler, you can just make a few jumps, approximately the way it will be during movement.
If the test manipulations are uncomfortable or cause pain, then a lower frame should be chosen. For simple trips, you can use a higher frame. Conventionally, the distance from the pipe to the body is 10-15 centimeters, but you should not be equal to these numbers, because you need to take into account the degree of your comfort, as well as the manner of driving.
Determination of the frame size based on the specified parameters
If there is no opportunity to try on a mountain bike, then you should know that there are standard ratios of growth and height of the frame. Basically, each manufacturer indicates the size of the seatpost from the upper cut to the central axis of the carriage. If measurements are made differently, this should be indicated in the technical specifications.
Since each company designates measurements in its own way, for the choice you need to know your height and correlate it with the length of the seat tube. Dimensions can be indicated in centimeters or inches, as well as in alphabetic terms. The average distance can be determined from the table, which is easy to find on the website of the issuing company.
Selection of a mountain bike by wheel diameter
Today, manufacturers produce 26 and 29 inch wheels. Their selection should be determined by the purpose of the bicycle. Wheels with a diameter of 29 inches slowly accelerate, but, thanks to a larger momentum, have good grip and a significant number of points of contact. The negative qualities of such wheels is a decrease in rolling due to the increased area, as well as the significant weight of the wheels, and hence the entire bike. In addition, a bicycle with such wheels is not suitable for maneuverability.
26-inch wheels, too, will not be able to reach significant speed, but at the same time the reel increases. This diameter allows the bike to be tough, maneuverable and light. That is why professionals advise you to purchase mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels for a safer ride. Performing stunts and faster riding require the use of 26-inch wheels.
Alternative to massive mountain bikes - folding bikes
Recently, cycling enthusiasts are increasingly acquiring folding main bikes for themselves. A folding mountain bike is a very convenient model, as it is very easy to transport without having to remove the wheels. And in terms of comfort, such instances are in no way inferior to monolithic structures.
As for the advantages of folding models - everything is simple, but they also have disadvantages. The first and foremost is limitation. It is difficult to perform various maneuvers on it, as well as carry out long trips. Many professionals, of course, can make a tour of the forest on a folding bike, but it is difficult for an amateur to do this.
The second disadvantage is the low speed. Despite being equipped with 24-inch wheels, the speed is very low. But most folding models have a wheel size of 20 inches, which also significantly limits the development of speed.
But everyone knows that such items are purchased not for sporting achievements or conquering mountain peaks, but for the sake of a unique folding system. Almost all models have a small frame with a movable hinge in the middle. As a bonus to the hinges, the bike can have telescopic handlebars and saddles, which makes it even more comfortable. This is what they usually pay attention to when buying.
Mountain bike comfort in detail
For those who are not comfortable with a folding mountain bike, and he is the happy owner of a modern MTV, many stores offer a wide range of accessories that can make the trip more thoughtful.
- Bike computer. It is needed to calculate the speed, kilometers traveled, as well as travel time.
- Wings. This is a necessary accessory when driving on wet asphalt.
- Flashlight. This is an indispensable purchase, especially if you often have to travel in the dark.
- Blinkers. This is another indispensable item for driving at night, because a bicycle, like other vehicles, should be lit with a white light in front and a red one in the back.
- Pump. For home use, you should buy a stationary pump, but to maintain tire pressure in the way, you need to get a portable device that attaches to the frame.
- Instruments. A set of necessary keys must have in their arsenal every motorist.
Top Mountain Bike Companies
There are a lot of companies producing bicycles. Some of them have a significant segment in the market due to advertising, while others are less well-known, but at the same time they produce quite high-quality models in an acceptable cost category.
The most famous today are:
- "Kenondale" (Cannondale). The bikes of the company can be identified by their frame with invisible seams, as well as a unique front suspension system. The most popular line of the company is Gemini, which can be used in bikercross and freeride. Bicycles of this company have never been cheap, but always have high quality indicators.
"Track" (TREK). Despite the popularity, brand bicycles have very affordable prices. Amateurs and professionals purchase steel and aluminum models for beginners and rating sports items. The company is famous for its high-quality carbon frames.
"Scott" (Scott). Represented by a diverse assortment for widespread use. Amateurs choose budget models, and professional cross-country riders turn their attention to racing series. Bicycles of this company are operated by the St. Petersburg Scott-Racing team.
"Gary Fisher" (Gary Fisher). The brand belongs to one well-known brand, under the auspices of which many collections are produced. The same company produces bicycles of various levels of professionalism. The brand is well-known, it also has powerful advertising, which is why the pricing policy is significantly overpriced.
Output
Buying the best mountain bikes presented by the modern market is quite simple. For this, it is necessary to clearly determine your goals and driving style, as well as budgetary funds. But before you buy a particular model, you need to know how to choose a mountain bike for continuous use.