A couple of decades ago, one did not have too many options when selecting or buying a bicycle. Now, with the advent of different forms and the emergence of new brands, one sees a wide range of bikes being put up on display in both physical retail stores and online stores.
The demand for different types of cycles is growing as people now use cycles for different purposes. Apart from using a bike to commute from one place to another, it is also utilized for recreational purposes or engaging in adventure-based activities. From road bicycles to mountain bikes, one gets a variety of bikes to choose from.
A mountain bike, as the name suggests, is a bike that is designed to help you ride through mountains and similar terrains. If you are an adventure lover, you must have considered the thought of investing in a mountain bike at some point.
Mountain bikes are divided into different categories based on multiple factors like geometry, suspension travel, and weight. Before you start looking for a dual suspension mountain bike for sale, you should have some awareness about the different features and characteristics of mountain bikes. That will help you pick a mountain bike that will work the best for you.
Here is how you can choose the right mountain bike for your adventures:
Wheel Size
A mountain bike comprises several parts or components. However, the one component that serves as the foundation of your mountain bike is its wheels. Apart from checking the quality of the wheels in the bike, you should be considerate about their size. The wheels’ size plays an important role in determining the kind of experience you will have while riding the bike.
While 26-inch wheels were seen commonly in mountain bikes a while back, they are not the standard anymore. They are known for accelerating quickly but do not move very smoothly on rough terrains. The 29-inch wheels are known for their rollover capabilities and plus-sized wheels are appropriate for uneven roads.
Suspension System
The suspension system of a bike determines how well it can handle difficult terrains. If you are particular about experiencing smooth rides, you should make it a point to ensure that the mountain bike you are opting for has a sturdy suspension system. In today’s times, there is a lot of demand for dual suspension mountain bikes.
A mountain bike with a full suspension system features suspension both at the front and rear end. A bike of this nature assures you of extreme comfort and good control. A bike with a hardtail suspension system is the one that has a suspension system in the front fork. Such bikes are known to be less expensive, lighter, and more convenient to handle and maintain.
Disc Brakes
Back in the day, very few bikes had disc brakes. Now, they have become very common. A lot of people prefer buying a mountain bike featuring disc brakes as they believe it would offer a higher degree of safety. As disc brakes became more and more popular, one saw them going through different stages of innovation as well.
For mountain bikes, disc brakes have been largely categorized into two types, hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical disc brakes. While the former is known for offering solid modulation and power, the latter has a reputation for being more affordable. Mechanical disc brakes are not as powerful but easier to maintain.
Frame Material
It would not be wrong to describe the frame of a mountain bike as its backbone. Since the bike’s frame is so important, you should be mindful of the material it is made with. The material, which the frame has been made with, determines the bike’s weight, ride quality, and strength. Most brands use a variety of materials in their bike manufacturing processes.
Aluminium remains one of the most popular materials for manufacturing mountain bikes. A bike, made out of aluminium, is expected to be lightweight and durable. Bikes, manufactured from carbon fibre, are light and register strong performance. If resilience is your concern, you should opt for a bike whose frame is made out of titanium.
Derailleur
A derailleur can be best described as a bicycle gearing system featuring a chain, different sprockets and a mechanism that enables the movement of the chain from one sprocket to another. Contemporary derailleurs, which can be found at the front and rear end of a bike, come equipped with a moveable chain guide controlled by a Bowden cable.
While some mountain bikes come with a mechanical derailleur, some come armed with an electronic derailleur. Mechanical derailleurs are known for being easy to use and maintain. However, one is required to make adjustments to them regularly. Electronic derailleurs offer the advantage of precise shifting. They are, however, more expensive.
Conclusion
Riding a regular road bike across the mountains or difficult terrains is possible but not advisable as they are not designed for such rides. Even if they come back unharmed, you will not enjoy the experience. The joy of mountain riding is best experienced on a mountain bike.