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When you were a kid, the eagerness of showing off on your shiny new bike was almost too much to bear. Then, on shopping day, you were on top of the world as you sped down the sidewalk in a blur of chrome, red enamel and handlebar tassels. Now that you’re all grown up, can buying a new bike be that exciting ? Yes, it can be, if you know what to look for.
Shopping for a mountain bike can be time consuming, and a bit exasperating. But if you follow a few guidelines and make sensible options, you’ll make it the exciting experience it should be.
Set Your Price
There is an enormous price range for mountain bikes. You can spend less than $100 for a bargain bike at a department store, or lay down thousands for a professional model. Decide on your budget and try to stick with it. There are good bikes available at reasonable costs, and there are some overpriced stinkers. Know how much you can manage to pay for, and keep your spending under control. Remember that in addition to the bike, you’re also paying for service and quality. With this in mind, you should consider buying from a local bike shop, rather than a mass merchant store that can’t provide follow up repairs or service.
Sales and seasons
Like any product, amounts will fluctuate based on the market demand. The price will naturally be higher during prime riding seasons in summer and spring. In fact, if you can wait until winter, you’ll likely cash in with a lower tag price or even find a few good off-season sales. Waiting until the market settles down can save you hundreds of dollars. To save more money, check to see if your bike shop provides discounts on additional parts and accessories purchased with your bike.
Find Your Style
Mountain bikes are built to accommodate different terrains and riding styles. Before you can shop for a mountain bike, you need to know what kind of riding you will be doing. Mountain cruising, smooth riding, cross-country racing or lift access downhill are all riding styles available to you. Determine how and where you want to ride, then choose a mountain bike that fits your personal style, rather than that of the sales staff.
Suspension or Hard Tail
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If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is certainly worth the price. Lightweight hard tail bikes without rear suspension may pedal more efficiently, but full suspension models provide more comfort and better control. Your riding style, price range and choice of terrain will help you decide between hard tail and suspension bikes.
Get a Few Favorites
If you were to compare mountain component to component, you’d spend the whole biking season going over notes instead of taking on the trails. There are far too many combinations on hand. The best way to narrow down your choices is to determine the components that are most important to you such as the rear derailleur, forks and wheels. When you’ve created your wish list, find a few models that meet your requirements and fall within your price range. Now, do your comparison-shopping based on 5 or 6 available bikes.
Look for a Good Dealer
More often than not, dealing with a reliable bike shop is more essential than saving a few bikes. Try to find a dealer that cares about helping you get the right bike for you, rather than just trying to sell you an expensive bike. Great bike dealers have friendly salespeople and an organized, clean repair shop. Sooner or later you will need a repair or tune-ups, so be sure to deal with someone you trust to provide dependable follow-up service.
Try it before you purchase it
Test-ride as many different bikes as possible to know your comfort zone. Even if you’re not crazy about the way one model appears, it might be a dream to ride. If a bike is in your price range, get it for a spin. The more bikes you test drive, the better you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t. Again, select a reputable dealer that will allow you to try the bikes before you buy. Mega department and hardware stores will not give you this choice.
Do your Own Research
There are many great resources to assist you compare and choose a mountain bike. Research online, read product reviews and cycling magazines and ask for advice at your local bike shop. Find out as much as you can about the performance and reliability of each model. Take a look at what other riders appreciate about their bikes. Learn your options and understand the differences before you make your final purchase.
Take your time to think before you shop for a mountain bike. Making the proper choice may take longer, but will pay off when you have a bike that suits you perfectly and will perform season after season. You’ll be on top of the world as you speed down a mountainside in a blur of chrome, red enamel and toe clips.
Tagged with: mountain bike • road bike
Filed under: Bikes