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Mountain Bikes Buying Guide
Way back in the 1970s, road bikes
Full vs. Hardtail
Looking at a series of different mountain bikes, you'll notice two basic structural types. Some of the bikes (the affordable ones) will have frames with a traditional look; a triangle of bars clearly joins the saddle, rear wheel and front gears. These are commonly known as hybrids (combination road and mountain bike) or hardtails and have mass appeal for casual riding, both on-and off-road.
The other bikes, the ones with a funky design--the saddle is seemingly disconnected from the rear wheel--are full-suspension bikes. These models have increased shock absorption and are designed specifically to make riding on rough terrains more enjoyable. But while these high-end models are great for the back country, their performance on city streets and uphill climbs is severely lacking--they provide neither comfort nor agility.
Here are a few more distinctions between full and hardtail bikes that may make your decision a little easier:
| The Differences | |
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Full-Suspension Bikes
Definition: Have both suspension forks and rear shocks. Uses: Trail riding on rough terrains over short distances; downhill riding.
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Front-Suspension Hardtails
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Other Factors
- Frame Materials -- As with road bikes, stiffness, lightness and strength are favourable in frames. You might not expect anyone to want a stiff bike on rough terrains, but the shocks take care of comfort on full-suspension bikes, leaving the frame to deal with performance instead of wasting energy on flex (the amount the bike gives).
- Size -- Standing over the crossbar, you should have several centimetres of clearance between your crotch and the bar. For city riding, you don't need as much room.
- Brakes: It's not feasible to change from one brake system to another once it's installed, so know what type of brake
- Disc: A metal disc is attached to the wheel hub, rotates with it and, when applied, presses against the wheel to slow it.
- Pro: Reliable, effective in all conditions (even in muddy or wet terrain), easy to apply.
- Con: Heavier, expensive.
- Rim: Friction pads, when applied, slow the bike by slamming against the rim of the wheel.
- Pro: Light, inexpensive.
- Con: Performance varies by terrain and type of riding (not good in mud or water); wears down quickly.
Major Brands
Related Products
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External Links
- CyclingPlus.co.uk: The magazine's on-line guide to buying the perfect bike.
- MTBBritain.co.uk: Tips, route guides, and more.
- Wikipedia.org: An article on the history of mountain bikes, the various types and how they are used.
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Mountain Bikes Shopgids
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