What to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Your First Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is a fun sport that requires a bit of investment and gear to get started safely. If you're a newcomer to the world of mountain biking and are ready to invest in your very first mountain bike, you're embarking on an exciting adventure. However, with the multitude of options available, choosing the right bike can be a daunting task. To simplify the process, we've put together a guide on the key elements to consider when buying your first ride.

• 1. Set Your Budget
  

  Before you dive into mountain bike shopping, it's vital to establish a budget. Mountain bikes span a wide range of price points, from budget-friendly models to high-end options. Having a budget in mind will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you find a bike that aligns with your financial boundaries.

  While it can be tempting to splurge on a top-of-the-line bike, rest assured that you can still find a quality beginner's mountain bike without breaking the bank too much. A general guideline, if you're buying new, is to allocate at least $800 to $1,500 for a hardtail bike and up to $3,500 for your first full-suspension mountain bike. This range will provide you with reliable options while respecting your budget. Alternatively, you can explore the second-hand market, where you might uncover hidden gems at more affordable prices.

  

• 2. Determine Your Riding Style
  

  Mountain biking offers various disciplines, each demanding a specific type of bike. The primary categories include:

  • Cross Country (XC): Focused on endurance and covering long distances over diverse terrains, XC bikes are typically lightweight and adept at climbing. They can be either hardtails or short-travel full-suspension bikes.
  • Trail: Trail bikes are versatile and suitable for a broad range of terrains, making them ideal for beginners. They strike a balance between climbing and descending capabilities and often feature medium-travel suspension (up to around 160mm for the forks). This is the type of bikes you'll see your coaches ride.
  • Enduro: Tailored for challenging terrain and larger features, enduro bikes are more specialized. They boast long-travel suspension and are designed for aggressive descents. While they can handle uphill sections, the geometry and suspension setup may make climbing more demanding.
  • Downhill (DH): Geared towards extreme descents and demanding terrain, downhill bikes are heavier and highly specialized. They are not intended for uphill riding and are best suited for gravity-based riding at dedicated bike parks with lifts or shuttle services.

  Choosing the right riding style will help you select the most suitable bike for your intended riding.

  

• 3. Look into Bike Sizes
  

  Ensuring that your mountain bike fits you correctly is essential for your comfort and safety. While most manufacturers provide size charts based on height, it's important to remember that individual proportions can vary. Factors like inseam length and reach (the distance between the bottom bracket and handlebars) play a significant role in determining bike fit.

  Visiting a local bike shop and seeking professional fitting assistance is highly recommended. Minor adjustments can be made to fine-tune the fit and ensure that the bike suits you perfectly. Also, keep in mind your personal riding preferences; some riders may prefer a more upright position, while others lean towards a more stretched-out, aggressive stance. Your coach for example prefers longer bikes as they are more stable on steeper techy terrain even though they can be slightly harder to go around corners.
  We offer bike fitting if you need help with getting the bike dialled for you. A well-adjusted setup will make a huge difference in confidence and comfort when riding, get in touch!

  

• 4. Hardtail or full-suspension?
  

  Mountain bikes come with two primary suspension options:

  • Hardtail: These bikes feature front suspension forks but lack rear suspension. Hardtails are typically more affordable and easier to maintain. Keep in mind that the quality of the front suspension fork can vary, with higher-end models offering superior performance.
  • Full-suspension: Equipped with both front and rear suspension, full-suspension bikes provide a smoother ride on rough terrain. They are more versatile but often come with a higher price tag.

  The choice between hardtail and full-suspension will depend on your preferred trails and budget. Beginners often find hardtails a good starting point, but if your budget allows, a well-priced full-suspension bike can enhance your riding experience and progression without making you want to buy another bike within months.

  

• 5. Frame Material Matters
  

  Mountain bike frames are typically constructed from materials like aluminium, carbon fibre, steel, or titanium. Each material has its own set of advantages and drawbacks:

  • Aluminium: Lightweight and cost-effective, aluminium frames are a common choice for entry-level bikes.
  • Carbon Fibre: Known for its lightweight properties, carbon fibre is even lighter than aluminium but comes at a higher price point.
  • Steel: Durable and resilient, steel frames are heavier but offer longevity. Not as common as aluminium frames.
  • Titanium: Combining lightweight and durability, titanium frames are a premium option.

  Your choice of frame material should align with your budget and priorities. For most beginners, an aluminium frame provides a good balance of affordability and performance.

  

• 6. Component Quality
  

  Pay close attention to the quality of components on the mountain bike, including the drivetrain, brakes, and wheels. High-quality components can significantly impact your riding experience. Reputable brands like Shimano and SRAM are known for their reliable drivetrain and brake components.

  It's worth conducting some online research to understand the differences in component quality within these brands. Component quality can vary significantly, even within the same brand, leading to differences in price. You can also consider upgrading components over time if your budget is limited initially.

  Most bikes come equipped with 12-speed drivetrains, but it's worth noting that a higher number of gears can make uphill riding easier.

  A valuable component to have on your new bike is a dropper seat post. These posts allow you to adjust the saddle height at the press of a button, a crucial feature for downhill riding and changing your riding position on the fly. Come for a lesson and we will teach you why these are so good to have.

  

• 7. Wheel Size
  

  Mountain bike wheels come in various sizes:

  • 26” Wheels: These were standard in the early 2000s but are now mostly used on kids' bikes or older models.
  • 27.5” / 650b Wheels: Common after the era of 26” wheels, these are often used on smaller frame sizes to reduce stand over height and enhance cornering.
  • 29” Wheels: Becoming the standard in recent years, 29-inch wheels offer better rollover capability and are suitable for riding over larger obstacles. They are slightly less manoeuvrable around corners for smaller riders but not impossible. Some bikes also offer the option to mix wheel sizes (29” front and 27.5” rear and are called mullet bikes).

  Selecting the right wheel size depends on your height and personal preference. If possible, test a 29-inch wheeled bike, as you can often switch to 27.5-inch wheels later if needed.

  

• 9. Accessories and Safety Gear
  

  Don't forget to budget for essential accessories and safety gear, including:

  • A high-quality helmet for head protection (you've only got one brain!).
  • Riding gloves for hand comfort and grip.
  • Padded shorts for added comfort during long rides.
  • Knee and elbow pads if you plan on tackling semi-challenging terrain.
  • Basic tools (you might encounter fellow riders who can help you with repairs even if you don't know how to use them).
  • A water bottle and a hydration pack for staying hydrated on the trails and carry your tools.

  Safety should be a top priority in mountain biking, so invest in quality safety gear to safeguard yourself during your adventures.

  

• 10. Consider Buying Second-hand
  

  If you're open to the idea, purchasing a second-hand mountain bike can be a budget-friendly option. However, buying used bikes requires more diligence:

  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially when searching on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
  • Exercise patience when looking for the perfect bike, as finding the right size and model can take time.
  • Pay attention to the age of the bike; older bikes may have outdated geometry and more wear and tear. We recommend looking at bikes that are less than 4 years old.
  • Inquire about servicing history, particularly regarding the drivetrain and suspension. These can be expensive to replace if damaged.
  • Check for dented wheels, functional brakes, and tire wear. These can also cost a pretty penny if they need replacing.
  • If buying an e-bike, check how many kilometers it's done and what the battery health look like. If taken care off, they can go for quite a few thousnad Kms!
  • Consider having a local mechanic inspect the bike before purchase or at minimum after purchase to make sure all is safe.

  In conclusion, buying your first mountain bike is an exciting step towards your future you as a rider! By considering your budget and all the other elements in the list above, you'll be as well-prepared as you can be to choose a mountain bike that suits your needs. Remember that the best bike is the one that makes you feel confident and inspired to hit the trails, so take your time and enjoy the process of finding the right ride for your mountain biking journey. We’re happy to you an opinion on a bike you’re looking at if you need help, just flick us an email or a message on socials. Happy trails!