It’s important to know the key features to look out for when looking for the perfect mountain bike. These are our top tips for getting trail-ready.
1. Find the perfect size mountain bike
Everything else is secondary to the correct frame size. Don’t be influenced by the size stated – many companies are shifting to smaller, medium, and larger sizes (seat tubes have been shrinking as frames get longer), but there is no standardized definition of large. A brand’s large size can be matched by another’s medium.
You’ll need to make sure your bike is the perfect fit for you. Compare the reach (distance between the saddle and the bars) and stack measurements. Don’t be afraid of going longer than you would with a road bike. The long front triangle allows you to weigh the axle (for grip) further forward, without having to risk going over the bars on the first impact. It helps you climb by keeping your front wheels planted.
Don’t be afraid to stop short of the standover clearance. Only a few centimeters are needed. You only need a few centimeters to give you good standover and maximum maneuverability. However, it is important that your pedaling height can be maintained without extending the Seatpost. You will notice that 29ers have higher fronts. This means that your riding position can be adjusted with stems or bars as well as seatposts.
2. Select the right size wheel for a mountain bike
The dials now have a binary option of 27.5in (650b) or 29in, which is the same as before. The current trend towards 29-inch downhill wheels and wide-rimmed Plus sizes is making things more difficult.
Although strong, stiff, and light-ish 29ers will undoubtedly be more common over the next few years, along with appropriate tires and frames, for now, the choice is largely unchanged: choose bigger hoops for long distances, or smaller, more powerful ones for ripping trails. Although hardtails can be great for larger riders, they are sensitive to pressure and it is not clear if they will ever disappear
3. You can choose between full-suspension or hardtail mountain bike.
Full suspension costs money for the rear shock, bearings, and linkage, as well as any extra manufacturing costs. A hardtail is likely to have a better parts specification than a full-suss model at the same cost you can buy a good full suspension mountain bikes under $1000. It will require less maintenance and be more reliable.
Full-suss bikes, on the other hand, are more sophisticated than ever so their benefits can still outweigh any disadvantages. Both are valid and worthy of consideration. However, it is a myth that you need to learn on a hardtail before learning to ride a full-suss bike. This one is more personal preference
4. Do not obsess over weight
While weight is important, strength off-road is marginally more so. Flimsy is not a good idea when you have to deal with random rocks, roots, and ruts from every angle. Your steering accuracy, cornering ability, and confidence will all be affected, and your speed will drop. It is better to have a few extra pounds on your bike and keep it out of the hedge. You should also keep your bike out of the workshop.
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5. Beware of flashy trinkets
Do not be deceived by a fancy rear mech (derailleur). It is common for them to be upgraded to sell the bike. Quality mechs are important. Shifters and cranksets are also essential. Chainrings are not too far behind. You should consider the cost of future upgrades when considering lower-spec components. They are heavier, less reliable, and therefore, not worth the premium. FSA offers a wide range of MTB Components
6. Choose suspension quality, not quantity
You can check the reviews for the shocks and forks (on full suspension) on the bike that you are looking at and go to the manufacturer’s website to see the exact models. In the market, you can easily find the best full suspension mountain bikes under $2000 that have good-quality suspensions. You should note that OE units (original equipment) can have a different spec (often lower) than similar-looking aftermarket units. A decent air spring and quality damping will do more than any additional travel.
7. Look for a futureproof design
You can check the current/popular axle spacing and diameters, as well as the bottom bracket, headset, and Seatpost dimensions. It’s difficult to find the popular dropper post (which allows you to adjust the saddle height on the fly) in the smallest diameter. Although internal routing is desirable for stealth droppers, it’s not as attractive as external gear cabling/brake-hosing. However, what internal gear cabling/brake hosting gains in looks and ease of maintenance it loses in noise.
8. Keep some budget back
A dedicated trail helmet will provide greater protection, better construction, and a higher peak. A backpack and glasses to protect against flying crud may be necessary. There are also sticky shoes for flat pedals or specific shoes for mountain bikes, such as cleats or clipless pedals.
You might also need new tires to match your terrain. OE tires can use cheaper compounds and/or more heavy steel beads than their aftermarket counterparts. You might also wish to tune your gearing and customize the size and shape of your cockpit.
This is still considered an upgrade of your bike, which is a plus!
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