| As a keen mountain biker, I am always looking for the | | | | up side by side! Shortly afterwards I realised my |
| best mountain bikes available. I have bought countless | | | | mistake, but by then it was a bit late. It does vary, but |
| (well must be at least 10) mountain bikes over the | | | | some of the best brands are Kona, Specialized, Marin, |
| years, and whenever I am looking to add to my | | | | Trek, GT, Cannondale, Mongoose and Gary Fisher. |
| collection or upgrade one of my bikes nowadays, I | | | | These days you can get many different kinds of bikes |
| don't rush into it. Main reason for this is getting stung on | | | | to suit all ages/sizes/styles and preferences. I am soon |
| the past, when I choose a new mountain bike and one | | | | to start looking for a kids mountain bike for my boy. |
| for my wife, from a local specialist store. | | | | And hopefully (funds permitting) a new bike for my |
| Looking back, I regret not taking my time, as the choice | | | | wife that she will be much more comfortable on. |
| was so limited to just a few brands and my wife and I | | | | So the moral or my story, and the reason for being |
| were swayed by good salesmen, convenience and | | | | compelled to write this article, is to do your research in |
| ultimately (for my wife more so!) a decent looking | | | | advance. Do NOT whatever you do limit yourself to |
| machine. | | | | one store nearby. By all means if they stock some |
| I should have known better, as I worked in a large | | | | bikes that come up in your search, head down and |
| bicycle retailer in the UK for 5 years when I was | | | | take a test ride (another essential thing to never forget |
| younger, and got seriously into mountain biking at the | | | | before buying!) but don't feel pressured into buying until |
| same time. I know that you need to decide what kind | | | | you know exactly what will suit you best. |
| of bike you are after as the first step. Is it pure off | | | | A few of the key areas to focus on: |
| road riding you'll be doing? Is it mostly on fairly level | | | | - Style of riding you do |
| terrain, or are there lots of hills and mountains? Do you | | | | - Your size/shape - make sure the frame does fit! |
| prefer an upright stance when riding to a more racy | | | | - Your budget - set it and stick to it! |
| stretched out position? The list goes on... | | | | - Suspension - front, full or none at all? |
| There are so many brands around now, a lot of which | | | | - Extras - what accessories are you going to find |
| are quite reputable and established, but even when | | | | essential? |
| shopping within these brands, you have to be careful | | | | - Test ride... and test ride... and test ride again! |
| you are not sold something that isn't suitable. I refer | | | | - Choose a good dealer, one who you can trust and |
| back to my experience after moving to a new area... I | | | | go back to in the event of problems If you choose |
| wanted to get my wife into mountain biking, but she | | | | wisely then you will be able to maximise the value, |
| didn't have a bike, or any experience. I too had a bit of | | | | thrills, benefits and all round fun you can get out of your |
| a craving for a new bike, so we ended up buying his | | | | prized purchase. Enjoy! |
| and hers - mine was too beginner like for my level, and | | | | For further info on MTB reviews and how to identify |
| hers was a bit advanced... but they looked nice parked | | | | the best mountain bikes, check out the details below. |