| When you were a kid, the anticipation of showing off | | | | terrain will help you decide between suspension and |
| on your shiny new bike was almost too much to bear. | | | | hard tail bikes. |
| Then, on shopping day, you were on top of the world | | | | Pick a Few Favorites |
| as you sped down the sidewalk in a blur of red | | | | If you were to compare mountain component to |
| enamel, chrome and handlebar tassels. Can buying a | | | | component, you'd spend the entire biking season going |
| new bike be that exciting now that you're all grown | | | | over notes instead of taking on the trails. There are far |
| up? It can be, if you know what to look for. | | | | too many combinations available. The best way to |
| Shopping for a mountain bike can be time consuming, | | | | narrow down your options is to determine the |
| and a bit frustrating. But if you follow a few guidelines | | | | components that are most important to you, such as |
| and make sensible choices, you'll make it the exciting | | | | the forks, rear derailleur and wheels. When you've |
| experience it should be. | | | | created your wish list, find a few models that meet |
| Set Your Price | | | | your needs and fall within your price range. Now do |
| There is a vast price range for mountain bikes. You | | | | your comparison-shopping based on five or six |
| can spend under $100 for a bargain bike at a | | | | available bikes. |
| department store, or lay down thousands for a | | | | Find a Good Dealer |
| professional model. Set your budget and try to stick | | | | More often than not, dealing with a reliable bike shop is |
| with it. There are good bikes available at reasonable | | | | more important than saving a few bikes. Try to find a |
| prices, and there are some overpriced stinkers. Know | | | | dealer that cares about helping you find the right bike |
| how much you can afford, and keep your spending | | | | for you, rather than just trying to sell you an expensive |
| under control. Remember that in addition to the bike, | | | | bike. Great bike dealers have friendly salespeople and |
| you're also paying for quality and service. With this in | | | | a clean, organized repair shop. Sooner or later you will |
| mind, you should consider buying from a local bike | | | | need a tune-up or repairs, so be sure to deal with |
| shop, rather than a mass merchant store that can't | | | | someone you trust to provide dependable follow-up |
| provide follow up service or repairs. | | | | service. |
| Sales and seasons | | | | Try it before you buy it |
| Like any product, prices will fluctuate based on the | | | | Test-ride as many different bikes as possible to find |
| market demand. The price will naturally be higher during | | | | your comfort zone. Even if you're not crazy about the |
| prime riding seasons in spring and summer. If you can | | | | way one model looks, it might be a dream to ride. If a |
| wait until winter, you'll likely cash in with a lower tag | | | | bike is in your price range, take it for a spin. The more |
| price or even find a few good off-season sales. | | | | bikes you test, the better you'll understand what works |
| Waiting until the market quiets down can save you | | | | and what doesn't. Again, choose a reputable dealer |
| hundreds of dollars. To save more money, check to | | | | that will allow you to try the bikes before you buy. |
| see if your bike shop offers discounts on additional | | | | Mega department and hardware stores will not give |
| parts and accessories purchased with your bike. | | | | you this option. |
| Find Your Style | | | | Do your Research |
| Mountain bikes are built to accommodate different | | | | There are many great resources to help you compare |
| riding styles and terrains. Before you can shop for a | | | | and choose a mountain bike. Read product reviews |
| mountain bike, you need to know what type of riding | | | | and cycling magazines, research online, and ask for |
| you will be doing. Mountain cruising, cross-country | | | | advice at your local bike shop. Find out as much as |
| racing, smooth riding or lift access downhill are all riding | | | | you can about the reliability and performance of each |
| styles available to you. Decide how and where you | | | | model. Look at what other riders appreciate about their |
| want to ride, then choose a mountain bike that fits | | | | bikes. Know your options and understand the |
| your personal style, rather than that of the sales staff. | | | | differences before you make your final purchase. |
| Hard Tail or Suspension | | | | Take the time to think before you shop for a mountain |
| If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is | | | | bike. Making the right choice may take longer, but will |
| definitely worth the price. Lightweight hard tail bikes | | | | pay off when you have a bike that suits your perfectly |
| without rear suspension may pedal more efficiently, but | | | | and will perform season after season. You'll be on top |
| full suspension models provide better control and more | | | | of the world as you speed down a mountainside in a |
| comfort. Your riding style, price range and choice of | | | | blur of red enamel, chrome and toe clips. |