| 1. Material: | | | | between the top tube of the frame and your crotch |
| Mountain bikes are available in a variety of materials, | | | | area. Then when seated, prop yourself against a wall |
| ranging from aluminium to titanium, steel to carbon fibre. | | | | and set the saddle at a height that leaves your leg |
| And as you might guess, the properties of the material | | | | locked out when resting the heel of your foot on the |
| dictate the price tag. Ideally, you'll want the material to | | | | pedal when it is set at the lowest point on the pedal |
| be lightweight yet durable. This will provide the best | | | | revolution (six o'clock on a clock face). When your leg |
| biking performance while protecting your bike's frame | | | | is straight in this position, move your foot back on the |
| from the rigours of off-road riding. However, most of | | | | pedal to the correct pedal position (the ball of your |
| us don't have deep enough pockets to afford | | | | foot). You will then have the optimum amount of knee |
| top-of-the-range materials such as carbon fibre and | | | | bend. Your seatpost should not have reached the |
| titanium. However, you can still find some quality bikes | | | | maximum extension mark. As a rough guide, someone |
| which won't break the bank. | | | | who is 5ft 10" would look to ride a 17"-18" frame |
| 2. Comfort: | | | | depending on leg length and manufacturer. |
| This aspect of mountain bikes is one which you cannot | | | | 5. Price: |
| truly know about unless you test ride the bike. Some | | | | The price tag of bicycles can vary hugely and this is |
| online retailers offer 30-day test rides which allow you | | | | due to various factors including the brand, materials |
| to take the bike for a spin and return it with a full | | | | and components used. Before you start shopping for |
| refund if you decide it's not the bike for you. Different | | | | your bike, it's crucial that you set a budget. Determine |
| bikes provide different feels and different forms of | | | | how much you can realistically afford to spend. Taking |
| comfort, so you'll need to determine if a certain model | | | | these steps will help you to be disciplined when |
| is right for you by trying before buying. | | | | searching for a good bike at a low price. |
| 3. Components: | | | | 6. Brand: |
| These include any part of the bike which can be | | | | Every brand is different and what one rider loves |
| detached from the frame such as the brakes, pedals | | | | about one brand, the next rider might not. Bike |
| and wheels. Learn some basic information about the | | | | manufacturers differ in their approach to design, |
| different types of components on different bikes and | | | | craftsmanship, materials and components so take time |
| it'll help you to determine which bike is right for you and | | | | to do your homework before you start shopping for a |
| your budget. | | | | bike. You might discover that you generally prefer the |
| 4. Size: | | | | models of one mountain bike manufacturer over |
| When choosing a bike, it is vital to get the right size | | | | another and this will help refine your search. |
| frame. Mountain bike frames are usually measured in | | | | Before choosing a mountain bike, consider these tips |
| inches. To help gauge an appropriate size, stand flat | | | | to help you buy the mountain bike which is perfect for |
| footed over a mountain bike, forward of the saddle. | | | | your riding needs. |
| You should have at least two inches clearance | | | | |