| It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming | | | | you'll be riding on the most. |
| when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find some | | | | Finding your favorites Comparing mountain bikes |
| tips and things to be aware of before you lay down | | | | component to component is nearly impossible, as there |
| the cash and buy a mountain bike. | | | | are far too many combinations available. The best |
| Determining your price There is really no limit as to | | | | way to go about doing this is finding a few |
| how much money you can spend on a new mountain | | | | components that are the most important to you and |
| bike. To help you keep your spending under control, | | | | making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your |
| you should figure out what your price range is and | | | | price range. You can start with the fork then look at |
| how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When | | | | the wheels and rear derailleur. |
| you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant | | | | Sales and seasons During the year, the prices of |
| stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support | | | | mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through |
| your local bike shop and get a much better bike and | | | | summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until |
| much better service. | | | | the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, |
| Finding your style All mountain bikes are designed with | | | | you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike |
| several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. | | | | shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if |
| You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be | | | | you buy from them. |
| doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, | | | | Finding a good dealer Finding a good bike dealer is |
| mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something | | | | more important than finding the best price. You should |
| you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you | | | | always find a dealer that cares more about selling you |
| select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's | | | | a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great |
| staff. | | | | dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the |
| Full suspension or hard tail If you can afford it, a full | | | | impression that you can really trust them. |
| suspension mountain bike is always worth the | | | | Test ride You should test ride as many bikes as you |
| purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much | | | | can within your price range and riding style. You'll find |
| lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full | | | | that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The |
| suspensions offer more comfort and overall better | | | | more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll |
| control. You'll want to make that decision based on | | | | understand what works and what doesn't. |
| your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain | | | | |