| Many people these days are pursuing healthier, more | | | | bike shop might cost more but your overall experience |
| active lifestyles. These people are discovering the | | | | will be significantly better. |
| benefits of having a strong fit body. One of the ways | | | | After deciding how much you want to spend, you |
| people are choosing to exercise is bike riding. On-road | | | | need to figure out what features are important to you. |
| or off, bicycling is a great way to have some fun and | | | | This is where things can get a little confusing and |
| get into better shape. | | | | where you'll find the added value in patronizing a local |
| The fastest growing segment of the bicycle market is | | | | bike shop where all these details can be explained and |
| that of the mountain bike. Mountain bikes are | | | | elaborated upon. |
| multi-geared bicycles designed specifically for trails and | | | | Many mountain bikes today feature full suspensions. |
| any other non-paved surface. Even if you don't plan on | | | | This means that both the front and rear wheels are |
| doing much trail riding, you'll appreciate the mountain | | | | cushioned with some sort of system which will give |
| bike's design next time your speed over a pothole or | | | | you added comfort and control when negotiating tricky |
| surmount a curb. | | | | terrain. Of course, this adds to the price of the bike. |
| When shopping for a mountain bike you'll encounter a | | | | Many bikes are made with just a front suspension. |
| wealth of options. It can be a little overwhelming but | | | | This cuts down on cost and is quite suitable for most |
| we'll break it down for you to make your decision | | | | riders. You can get a mountain bike without any sort of |
| easier. First of all, you need to determine your budget. | | | | suspension. The choice is yours. |
| How much are you willing to spend? Everything starts | | | | Try out all different sorts of bikes and see which one |
| here. You should budget as much as you possibly can | | | | you like best. Again, listen to the advice you get from |
| because costlier bikes perform better than cheaper | | | | the pros at the shop, and do some research online. |
| ones. | | | | There's a wealth of helpful information on mountain |
| When it comes to mountain bikes, it's not just a name | | | | bikes available on the web. Mountain bike magazines |
| you're buying. Higher priced mountain bikes really are | | | | are also an excellent resource. Of course, there are |
| worth it in the long run. They're lighter, stronger, more | | | | many other things to consider when purchasing a |
| comfortable, more reliable, and have more features | | | | mountain bike, but for the beginner, it's best to just |
| than a cheap bike. Related to cost is where you're | | | | narrow it down to how much you want to spend and |
| going to buy the bike. We recommend purchasing your | | | | what kind of suspension you're going to want. |
| bike from a bike store as opposed to one of those | | | | Remember to test-ride any bike you're thinking about |
| "big box" retailers. The employees at your local bike | | | | buying because the feel of the bike is all-important. |
| shop will be far more knowledgeable about their | | | | Read reviews and heed the advice of experts. In no |
| products than the people at those sprawling, | | | | time you'll be cruising through the woods and getting |
| impersonal cathedrals of capitalism. A bike from a local | | | | into great shape. |