How to choose a mountain bike – expert opinions

When choosing their first bike, many people deliberately give their choice in favor of the so-called 'mountaineers', even when it comes to urban use. Buyers are tempted by the prospect of being able to misbehave off-road, as well as try all kinds of bumps, slides and jumps for availability. And given the fact that in urban conditions such bikes are distinguished by quite tolerable comfort, the choice in their favor becomes clear, logical and appropriate. All that remains for the buyer is to determine the specific characteristics and choose the most optimal model.

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1. Brands are everything. Top Rough Terrain Bike Manufacturers
2. Key features of mountain bikes
3. What are mountain bikes?
4. Main selection criteria
5. Mountain Bike Selection Video

Brands are everything. Top Rough Terrain Bike Manufacturers

Powerful, massive, equipped with thoughtful mechanisms and controls, equipped with powerful wheels with a developed tread – these are the associations imagination draws when the phrase 'mountain bike' is mentioned. Considering the enormous popularity of such models, a great many manufacturers have mastered the production of 'miners', but not all of them can boast of proper workmanship and ultimatum capabilities. For this reason, when choosing a mountain bike, preference should be given to products of the following brands:

1. Giant;

2. Trek;

3. Scott;

4. Author;

5. Specialized;

There are a great variety of models presented in the assortment of catalogs of each of these brands. And in order for the choice to turn out to be really logical and deliberate, attention should be paid not only to technical characteristics and catalog descriptions, but also to reviews of specific users. You can find them on the Internet at specialized forums and public social networks related to the operation and maintenance of such equipment.

Key features of mountain bikes

Studying the range of models on sale, even an inexperienced buyer can distinguish a mountain bike from its urban or road counterpart. No, the technical units and their general design are similar for all bicycles, but the performance and strength criteria laid down in them at the factory are radically different:

1. The main structural element – the frame – has maximum reinforcement and increased rigidity, has a fairly high-positioned pedal assembly and high-strength welded seams. An optional rear independent suspension can be installed (as a rule, the privilege of the most expensive models);

2. The front fork is equipped with spring or gas-oil shock absorbers with travel up to 170-220 millimeters;

3. Outboard powerful steering wheel, which is an additional point of support while driving;

4. Powerful and large wheels (at least 25 inches), equipped with wide tires and pronounced tread;

5. Disc brakes for maximum efficiency in any operating mode;

6. The presence of an advanced transmission system that allows you to change gears depending on operating conditions and driving mode. All components used in the transmission are designed to withstand the harshest conditions and are designed for maximum durability. The mechanism manufacturer is almost always Shimano.

What are mountain bikes?

As is the case with all other models, mountain bikes have many subspecies, designed for use in certain conditions.

Cross Country Bikes (XC)

For many buyers, they are considered the most optimal option, since they allow you to actively and dynamically move both over rough terrain and along ordinary city roads. The developed tread allows use on complete off-road conditions, and thanks to the transmission system, which includes at least 20-23 speeds, a decent travel speed is provided, regardless of the type of coverage.

Advantages

• Powerful and reliable;

• Low cost;

• High-quality and developed front suspension, leveling bumps;

• Developed tread that allows you to drive on complete off-road and on the highway with the same efficiency;

• Universal;

disadvantages

• Do not allow truly extreme driving, jumping and maneuvers;

Downhill mountain bikes

A special subspecies of mountain bicycles, designed for high-speed maneuvering and descending on bumpy mountain slopes and complete off-road. The main structural elements are a double suspension, which provides maximum shock absorption, as well as a front fork, which has a huge travel value – under 250-300 millimeters.

Advantages

• Powerful and reliable;

• Disc brake system;

• Developed protector;

• Long front fork travel;

• Double suspension system;

disadvantages

• Expensive enough;

• Unsuitable for use on ordinary roads;

• Large weight;

Universal MTB

Bicycles, which are a kind of analogy for crossovers in the auto world. Designed for active urban pokatushki with the ability to travel to light or medium off-road. Their characteristics are similar to their older 'brothers', however, there is some simplification in the suspension and transmission systems, as well as a slightly different frame form factor, which provides a comfortable fit in urban use.

Advantages

• High versatility;

• Low price

• Solid yet lightweight frame;

• Disc brake system;

• Sophisticated suspension design;

disadvantages

• Are not fully mountain bikes;

• The braking system is almost always of the v-brake type;

• Almost always equipped with a budget transmission;

The main selection criteria. What to look for when choosing a mountain bike?

Having decided on a specific type, it's time to pay attention to the key characteristics that directly affect functionality and comfort.

Frame size

A parameter that directly affects the comfort of the fit while riding. Unlike the rest of the models, all mountain bikes have a well-defined frame classification. It includes six different classes, from XS (extra-small, height up to 14 inches) – bicycles designed for use by riders from 135 to 150 centimeters in height, and ending with XXL class models (frame height 24 inches), designed for people height of 2 meters or more. Between them are the S, M, L, XL grades, the frame of which is 16, 18, 20 and 22 inches, respectively;

The material from which the frame is made

The situation here is quite similar to that characteristic of all other bicycles, but the difference lies in the rather serious requirements for mechanical strength associated with the specifics of operation on rough terrain. This is the reason why buyers often sacrifice overall bike weight in favor of durability in favor of heavier models.

1. Steel is a fairly strong material, but it has a maximum weight and tendency to corrosion;

2. Aluminum is a light and very durable material, however, with poor-quality processing of welded seams, it can quickly fail;

3. Chromium-molybdenum alloy. The 'strong middle peasant', intermediate between steel and aluminum. Strong enough and hardy, and at the same time much lighter than steel;

4. Titanium and high modulus carbon fiber. Despite the fundamentally different nature and origin of the above materials, they have very similar performance characteristics. Both are ultra-lightweight and incredibly durable. The disadvantage is the extremely high price, these materials are used exclusively in models of the upper price range.

Mountain bike wheel form factor and design

By default, all models of this class are equipped with wheels with a diameter of 26 inches (only teenage models can have wheels of a smaller diameter). The increase in diameter is done by replacing tires on models equipped with a 'fleshy' tread. The material from which the rims are made also plays an important role – it is better to abandon steel models in favor of aluminum rims or their titanium analogs.

Damping system design

1. The hardtail is the most popular type of construction. The front wheel is attached with a shock-absorbing fork, the rear wheel is rigidly fixed to the 'tail';

2. Rigid is a type of suspension in which the wheels are attached directly to the frame without any shock absorbing elements. The most rigid and highly specialized design;

3. The double-suspended structure is the most advanced and at the same time complex and expensive. The front wheel is fixed with a fork, the rear wheel is fixed on a special suspension equipped with shock absorbers.

Front fork travel

A parameter that directly affects the damping characteristics. Without exception, all MTBs are equipped with a fork with a travel length of 13-150 millimeters and up to 250-300 millimeters. The latter are typical for professional downhill models.

Brake type and characteristics

1. Rim brakes are the most affordable option. The so-called V- and U-brakes are popular, the essence of which is the presence of a special mechanism with brake pads located on it and having a cable drive. When braking, the pads are pressed against the rim, and the stronger the downforce, the more effective the braking.

2. Disc brakes are preferred for MTB bikes. Braking here is carried out by contacting the pads not with the rim, but with the brake disc located in the hub area, which ensures maximum braking performance in all conditions. Depending on the type of drive, these brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic. The former are driven by a classic cable, the latter require a special brake fluid and are hydraulically actuated.

Transmission

A mechanical structural element responsible for changing the gear ratios of the main pair and the efficiency of movement as a result. In order for the transmission to perform the functions assigned to it as efficiently as possible, mechanisms from well-known concerns (Shimano, SRAM) should be preferred, equipped with at least 20-22 gears. However, this characteristic is mandatory for all-purpose bikes and models that involve not only off-road use, but also in urban conditions. Professional trial – and downhill models very often can be completely devoid of transmission and have a single speed. In disciplines that use these bikes, there is little to no gear shifting required.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose wheels for a bike, the secrets of choosing a chain for a bicycle and the peculiarities of choosing a road bike.

Mountain Bike Selection Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.