You might have heard the stories, how people go broke after getting that mountain bike they’ve been fantasizing about for ages. Quite the investment right there. If you’ve been considering getting one yourself, however, don’t let the stories derail you! There are quite a few mountain bikes that are able to get the job done, without necessarily draining your pockets.
But first, let’s take a crash course about mountain bikes.
When it comes to shock absorption, there are three types of bikes:
- Rigid, or zero shocks
- Hardtails, with shocks at the front
- Full Suspension, having shocks on both front and rear ends
Wheels Size
While originally the 26” wheels were the standard, there are now 27.5” and 29”. The 26” bikes are great for beginners, while the 29” is more towards the hardcore riders, and the 27.5” goes in between.
Frames Material
You might find bikes with a lot of upgrade spare parts of different materials, but usually, most mountain bikes are made from aluminum alloy. This accounts for both lightweight and durability. Higher-end bikes are often built from lighter aluminum with more precise cutting, titanium or carbon fibers. And finally, you should decide on how you’ll be using the bike.
You’ll be able to get more into detail about different frames and any kind info you may need with a little research. If you go ahead and have a look at the winning bike, this will be a good place to start.
Generally, there are five types of MTB:
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Cross Country, or XC, mountain bikes
These are the most commonly known types. While they’re designed mainly for speed and agility, XC bikes enable the rider ascend and descent mountains, ride through trails and handle obstacles as they arise.
- Huffy Men’s Alpine Mountain Bike ($142.03)
- Schwinn High Timber ($231.36)
- Nashbar 26-inch Disc Mountain Bike ($280)
- Kingttu G6 ($289.00)
- Columbia KM One ($299.9)
- Vilano Blackjack 3.0 (~$300)
- Carrera Vendetta ($350)
- Raleigh Bikes Eva 2 ($350.58)
- Gravity FSX 1.0 ($359.95)
- The Mongoose TYAX Sport ($435)
- Cannondale Catalyst 4 27.5 ($440)
- Calibre Rake ($450)
- CALIBRE GAUNTLET ($599)
- Diamondback Overdrive 1 ($600.00)
- DIAMONDBACK HEIST 0.0 ($721.99)
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All Mountain/Enduro Bikes
While they’re close enough to XC bikes, they are kind of specialized types of XC. They have stronger frames, better shock absorption (full suspension), and overall, need more maneuver and control skills.
- Kent Thruster ($183.99)
- Mongoose Impasse ($198.36)
- The Gravity FSX 2.0 ($399)
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Downhill Bikes
They do exactly what their name indicates: get you straight ride down the mountain. As such, they’re built is designed to have better shock absorption, to be heavy and steady with wider tires. You won’t find them at the cheaper end of the spectrum however.
- Giant ATX 2 ($460)
- Vitus Dominer
- Yt Tues Cf Comp
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Dirt Jump Bikes
Sometimes known as “urban” or “street mountain bikes”, these bikes are all about aerodynamic stunts and tricks. Its built is simple, and usually only has shocks in the front.
- Saracen Amplitude CR2 ($649.99)
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Freeride Mountain Bikes
This type of bikes has less rules to follow, incorporating more than the discipline of the other bikes. Just like the XC, they ride through mountain trails, but also have heavy and steady frames for descent like downhillers. It’s built to also give the rider freedom to do stunts and tricks as need be, when the trail uncovers its secrets.
- Voodoo Aizan ($500)
Making the Best Out of Your Choice
With all of the choices in front of you, it might seem overwhelming to make the right one. However, as a beginner, you get the opportunity to try out many features at much cheaper prices, before committing to a huge investment. There is a lot to learn, and several cycling tips for beginners out there too. Whatever you choose, make sure you keep good maintenance of your bike. Get to know your bike, explore its features and slowly build your own skills. Once you’re ready to go for the next challenge, level up.