| Many people these days are pursuing | | | | will be significantly better. |
| healthier, more active lifestyles. These | | | | |
| people are discovering the benefits of having | | | | After deciding how much you want to spend, |
| a strong fit body. One of the ways people are | | | | you need to figure out what features are |
| choosing to exercise is bike riding. On-road | | | | important to you. This is where things can |
| or off, bicycling is a great way to have some | | | | get a little confusing and where you'll find |
| fun and get into better shape. | | | | the added value in patronizing a local bike |
| | | | shop where all these details can be explained |
| The fastest growing segment of the bicycle | | | | and elaborated upon. |
| market is that of the mountain bike. Mountain | | | | |
| bikes are multi-geared bicycles designed | | | | Many mountain bikes today feature full |
| specifically for trails and any other | | | | suspensions. This means that both the front |
| non-paved surface. Even if you don't plan on | | | | and rear wheels are cushioned with some sort |
| doing much trail riding, you'll appreciate | | | | of system which will give you added comfort |
| the mountain bike's design next time your | | | | and control when negotiating tricky terrain. |
| speed over a pothole or surmount a curb. | | | | Of course, this adds to the price of the |
| | | | bike. Many bikes are made with just a front |
| When shopping for a mountain bike you'll | | | | suspension. This cuts down on cost and is |
| encounter a wealth of options. It can be a | | | | quite suitable for most riders. You can get a |
| little overwhelming but we'll break it down | | | | mountain bike without any sort of suspension. |
| for you to make your decision easier. First | | | | The choice is yours. |
| of all, you need to determine your budget. | | | | |
| How much are you willing to spend? Everything | | | | Try out all different sorts of bikes and see |
| starts here. You should budget as much as you | | | | which one you like best. Again, listen to the |
| possibly can because costlier bikes perform | | | | advice you get from the pros at the shop, and |
| better than cheaper ones. | | | | do some research online. There's a wealth of |
| | | | helpful information on mountain bikes |
| When it comes to mountain bikes, it's not | | | | available on the web. Mountain bike magazines |
| just a name you're buying. Higher priced | | | | are also an excellent resource. Of course, |
| mountain bikes really are worth it in the | | | | there are many other things to consider when |
| long run. They're lighter, stronger, more | | | | purchasing a mountain bike, but for the |
| comfortable, more reliable, and have more | | | | beginner, it's best to just narrow it down to |
| features than a cheap bike. Related to cost | | | | how much you want to spend and what kind of |
| is where you're going to buy the bike. We | | | | suspension you're going to want. |
| recommend purchasing your bike from a bike | | | | |
| store as opposed to one of those "big box" | | | | Remember to test-ride any bike you're |
| retailers. The employees at your local bike | | | | thinking about buying because the feel of the |
| shop will be far more knowledgeable about | | | | bike is all-important. Read reviews and heed |
| their products than the people at those | | | | the advice of experts. In no time you'll be |
| sprawling, impersonal cathedrals of | | | | cruising through the woods and getting into |
| capitalism. A bike from a local bike shop | | | | great shape. |
| might cost more but your overall experience | | | | |