| Getting the proper sized bike for your body and riding | | | | center of the bike to make sure that it is distributed |
| style can make a big difference in how much you | | | | equally between the rear and front suspension units, |
| enjoy riding and how comfortable your bike is. | | | | which will help them work more efficiently and in tune |
| Personnel at your local bike ship can help you to find | | | | with each other. |
| the correct bike for your riding style and your body. | | | | You can accomplish this quite simply by choosing to |
| Consider the hints that are below, and your bike will be | | | | use either a shorter or higher step to help raise the |
| the perfect size for you. | | | | height of your hands. This will help to move the height |
| Standover Height If you need to determine how the | | | | of the upper part of your body up and it will move the |
| bike fits yourself, then the most important thing that | | | | weight towards the rear of the bike. This increase |
| you will need to consider is your inseam clearance. | | | | should be no greater than two inches, so that the |
| Make sure that there is enough space in the area | | | | reach difference is no more than two inches. |
| between the top tube and your own body when you | | | | Take a Test Ride After you have considered each of |
| stop the bike. You want there to be clearance of | | | | these points, then it is time to take a test ride on your |
| about four to six inches from your inseam top to the | | | | bike. It is important to wear your helmet, even while |
| top tube top. | | | | testing. Make sure that your tires are inflated to the |
| Feet and Leg Position Determining the proper leg | | | | right tire pressure and that the bike has been properly |
| position for riding your mountain bike is simple to do. It is | | | | adjusted for your body. Then you are ready. |
| important that you find the right position for your legs, | | | | An employee from the bicycle shop should watch you |
| because you constantly have to shift your position on | | | | when you are riding to make sure that the position and |
| the seat, due to terrain changes. | | | | ride height is correct for you. If not, then you may need |
| Due to the changes in terrain and the constant shifting, | | | | some additional adjustments. You should start your |
| you will want to position the saddle of your bicycle a | | | | riding slowly and then gradually speed up when you |
| little lower than you normally would if you were riding a | | | | get a better feel for the bike. |
| different bike. It is important that you consider this | | | | After you have ridden the bike for a while, then you |
| lower position when you determine what size frame | | | | may find that something seems off about the bike or it |
| that you will need. | | | | is not working right. If this occurs, then you want to |
| Riding Compartment One thing that you will want to | | | | have the problem corrected before you decide not to |
| think about and look at is the compartment layout for | | | | purchase the bike. It may be a simple adjustment that |
| the rider. This is the distance that is located between | | | | can make it into the bike of your dreams. |
| the handlebars and the bicycle saddle. After you have | | | | The greater number of bikes that you try out, the |
| determined the proper extension for your legs, you will | | | | simpler that you will find it is to determine the similarities |
| want to ensure that the handlebars are one or two | | | | and differences in the types. It may take up to several |
| inches lower than the saddle height. The handlebars | | | | years or just a few weeks for you to gain a greater |
| should never be at a great height than the height of | | | | appreciation for the handling of a particular bike. Talk to |
| the seat, unless you have a problem with your upper | | | | other bike riders to get recommendations and hints. |
| body. | | | | This will help you gain more knowledge concerning |
| Dual Suspension Bicycles You want to make sure that | | | | locating the right mountain bike for your particular body |
| the weight of your body is concentrated more in the | | | | and riding style. |