Everything you need to know when shopping for your first mountain bike
Purchasing your first mountain bike can be an intimidating experience.
20/10/2020
Purchasing your first mountain bike can be intimidating.
Not only is off-road cycling different from
the “usual” road cycling, but the high-tech
parts, design and myriad of accessories can be a
lot for a new cyclist to wrap their head around.
But, this is why we’re here.
We’ll give you
an idea of what’s worth considering when
choosing a mountain bike; including how much to
spend, and how to pick your first mountain bike.
You’ll also have to consider what to look out
for, in terms of components, design and the
gears. Doing this will ensure that you are ready
to make cycling a fulfilling activity for you.
Read below to ensure that you are ready to
purchase your first trail bike.
The financial aspect of mountain biking
Before anything else, you need to know what
you can afford, and what’s currently available
on the market. Mountain bikes in South Africa
are costly, so you need to find viable finance
options for your bicycle. Luckily, lenders now
offer
leisure finance that will help you pay for
your mountain bike in manageable monthly
instalments, instead of having to pay a large
lump sum of money in one go.
Applying
for bicycle finance in South Africa may seem
like a fairly new thing, but it has been around
for a while. Lenders have seen the need to
assist bikers on buying a mountain bike and
other recreational purchases. Before going to a
lender and seeking bicycle financing in South
Africa, you need to shop around for the right
bike that fits your budget. And remember, for
your first bicycle, you don’t need to purchase a
brand new one. You can find a second-hand
bicycle that is good enough for you to learn
from. Then once you’re comfortable, you can look
into purchasing a brand new bike.
Make sure you choose the right size
To ensure that you have a good first mountain bike, it needs to be the right size for you. So, when choosing a bike, make sure that you take note the distance between the saddle and the bars, and the distance from the centre of the crank to the mid head tube. Finding one that fits your body will ensure your bike can handle your weight, and that you can manoeuvre through the rocky terrain when you're on a trail. Sales representatives will be there to help you choose the right for your body and weight.
Choose between hardtail or full suspension
It can be difficult to choose between a full
suspension or a hardtail as they both have their
advantages.
Most mountain bikes now have
a built-in suspension, which makes things easier
for you. The built-in suspension will help your
mountain bike ride over rocky terrain while
maintaining traction on ascents and descents. It
will also ensure that you are able to do jumps,
and your land drops come with ease. Now the
difference with having a complete full
suspension is that you'll have forks at the
front and a shock at the back.
Having a
fork and a shock will ensure that you are able
to cycle on uneven ground with more speed,
which, in turn, gives you more confidence. A
hardtail, on the other hand, has a rigid back as
well as forks. These bikes are ideal for
cyclists who seek a mountain bike that climbs
effectively for an adventure such as
cross-country riding. If you were also trying to
find a budget-friendly bike for your first
purchase, then this is the bike for you.
Types of mountain bikes available
Mountain biking doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. There are different types of bikes available for different needs, and you need to know what type of need your bike should fulfil. The main element that sets mountain bikes apart is the frame geometry. This includes the head angle, seat tube angle, the amount of suspension travel, design, componentry like gears, handlebars and your brakes.
The different types of bikes:
- Cross-country bikes: these bikes are all about efficiency. They are lightweight, have minimal travel and have a suspension system designed to offer the cyclist maximum forward movement at all times. It also ensures you get maximum speed throughout your trail.
- Trail bike: this is an all-round good bike for cyclists. This mountain bike has been designed to be effective at climbing as well as descending, which is known for being something cyclists struggle with. This is ideal for anyone who is looking for an all-purpose riding bike as it can handle most trails.
- Enduro and all-mountain bikes: these bikes are designed for enduro racing and for rigorous terrain. With an enduro mountain bike, you can easily manage long-distance cycling and bigger terrain. This is perfect for individuals who prefer rockier terrain and longer rides.
- Downhill bikes: this bike is designed for cycling enthusiasts who wish to fully experience mountain biking. This bike is designed to make going downhill fast possible while also allowing cyclists the ability to tackle big features like jumps, drops and rock gardens. The DH bikes effectively do this because they provide stability and have powerful brakes.
Quality apparel is a must
As a first-time mountain biker, you may be
reluctant to spend money on apparel, and it’s
understandable as quality apparel is expensive.
However, in order for you to become a
professional mountain biker, or to get the
experience of a lifetime, you need to
wear the
correct apparel, and it must be good quality.
As a beginner, you need to ensure that
you have a helmet, glasses, waterproof clothing,
mountain bike shoes, knee pads and other
protective gear to ensure you’re safe when
cycling. For now, only focus on purchasing
quality apparel. Once you are familiar with the
basics and have a clear idea of your cycling
goals, then you can venture into the different
types of accessories you need to improve
performance.
Final thoughts
Finding the right bike that fits your budget
and lifestyle won’t be easy as a first-timer.
Whether you wish to have a bike for
recreational activities, or you want to become a
professional mountain biker. These tips above
will ensure you are good to go and have covered
the basics. By knowing your financial options,
as well as what to look out for and need when
purchasing, we are certain that you will have
the experience of a lifetime. So, happy mountain
bike shopping!