| So, you want to get fit, experience the joys of the | | | | your local bike dealer and test ride both a hardtail and |
| great outdoors and have a few thrills and spills along | | | | full suspension bike. |
| the way? Sounds like you need to get out there and | | | | You've now decided that you want either a hardtail or |
| buy yourself a mountain bike. But with full suspension, | | | | full suspension bike. Now, how much are you willing to |
| hardtail and a myriad of mountain bike models from a | | | | spend? Mountain bikes are available from a wide |
| huge variety of quality manufacturers, what type of | | | | variety of manufacturers each with many different |
| mountain bike is right for you? Here we offer a few | | | | models that may range in price from a few hundred |
| simple tips that may just help you decide. | | | | dollars up to thousands of dollars. If you're a beginner, |
| Firstly, is it a mountain bike you are really after? A | | | | you may be better buying a cheaper bike to start with. |
| mountain bike is great if you want to ride off the road | | | | You can always upgrade later. However, this will |
| and get into the great outdoors. If you will mainly be | | | | depend on your intentions. If you want to get involved |
| riding along the road or pathways, then perhaps you | | | | with your local club and compete in some races, then |
| need to look elsewhere. But for now, we'll assume that | | | | you'll probably want to spend more money. Again, |
| a mountain bike is what you're after. So, the first | | | | discuss this with the local bike dealer or speak to your |
| decision you will have to make is whether you want a | | | | local mountain biking club. |
| mountain bike with, or without, suspension. | | | | If you have friends into mountain bike riding, then |
| If you want a bike that will provide a smooth ride when | | | | naturally, speak to them and ask their opinion. One |
| you're travelling up and down on rugged, rocky trails, | | | | word of warning: when you buy a bike, try to avoid |
| then you might consider a full suspension bike. A | | | | buying one from one of the larger department stores. |
| hardtail bike on the other hand has no rear suspension | | | | If you do you'll probably be disappointed because |
| and may or may not have front suspension forks. | | | | they're usually of dubious quality with cheaper |
| Hardtail bikes generally weigh less than full suspension | | | | components such as brakes and gears. And one thing |
| bikes and are usually cheaper. Hardtails are often a | | | | you don't want is a mountain bike that won't change |
| better choice for beginners. Another advantage worth | | | | gears properly. It will quickly turn you off mountain bike |
| pointing out is that you will use less energy when | | | | riding forever! And we don't want that now, do we? |
| you're pedalling on a Hardtail. This is because on a full | | | | For more information, reviews and tips on mountain |
| suspension bike, when you push down on the pedal, | | | | bikes visit James Sanford's website at |
| some of your force is lost when the rear suspension | | | | BikingHeadz.com, the complete online buyers guide on |
| compresses. If you're not sure which way to go, ask | | | | bikes and bicycles. |