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