Buying a mountain bike demands a massive chunk of your paycheck. Yeah, we're talking upwards of $2,000. And with models becoming even more specialized—improved front and rear suspension for descents and lighter frames for ascents—investing in the right bike takes time and patience.
Brian Lopes, pro downhill racer with 26 World Cup titles and 4 UCI World Championships, says people should consider what kind of terrain they like to ride and what style of riding they prefer. “Are you concerned with how fast you’ll be going uphill, or are you more concerned with how fun the downhill will be?” says Lopes. “How aggressive do you want to get?” Answering these questions before you shop will make the selection process that much smoother.
"Basically, you’re looking for the best tool for the job," says Lopes, who also co-authored Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, a guide for improving your riding for all mountain biking styles. Sure, your local bike shop can help fit you with the appropriate bike. But before you even set foot in the store, it pays to know a few things about buying a bike.
1. What kind of suspension do I want?
In the old days, a fully rigid bike (zero suspension) was your only choice. Some old-school riders still like this style but most prefer more shock absorption on bumpy rides. “Hardtails [no rear suspension] are generally for more entry-level riding or hardcore cross-country racers,” says Lopes. They’re lighter and faster on climbs because of a more productive pedal stroke that doesn’t lose its efficiency with rear-shock absorption. Hardtails transmit more power to the ground, which also makes it ideal for racers who need speed. But that rigid rear end also makes them more jarring on rocky sections and downhills.
If you want a smooth downhill ride that eats up bumps and floats through rock fields, go for a full-suspension bike. Each full suspension bike style has different suspension travel—the distance the shocks will move to absorb bumps—the greater the travel, the greater the absorption. Get your local bike shop to fine-tune the suspension for you. You’ll add weight, but the increased control and comfort makes up for it.
2. What's my riding style?
Hardtail: Without rear suspension, this style is really only comfortable on your butt and lower back if you predominantly ride smooth terrain and focus on climbing or racing.
Cross-country trail bike: According to Lopes’ book, this is the best all-around bike if you mostly ride varied terrain. This bike tends to climb well with middle-ground travel on the shocks that absorbs bumps but maintains pedaling efficiency.
All-mountain: If you ride lifts and love to plunge downhill, this is your bike. Riding position is more rearward for control and confidence on descents, with greater travel than the others—around six inches.
Downhill: Downhill bikes, with burly construction and seven or more inches of travel, are best for flowing fast and smooth downhill and are able to take a beating on big jumps. The drawback? They’re clunky and inefficient for climbing.
3. Wheel size matters—do I want a 29er or 26er?
Though many bikers ride with 26-inch wheels, more bikers are buying a slightly wider 29-inch wheel. This year’s 29ers are already outselling 26ers—the first time the larger wheel has overtaken the market.
But trends aside, when it comes to choosing, it all depends on your riding style. The larger diameter 29-inch wheel rolls smoothly over obstacles like logs, rocks, and roots absorbing more impact. Because the wheel is larger, however, these bikes are tougher to maneuver on tight turns and technical terrain, and they don’t accelerate as well. 26-inch wheels are more agile and are generally better for faster riding with quick turns and technical lines. “Big wheels are just harder to throw around, unless you’re a big guy,” Lopes says.
4. How much am I willing to spend?
Lopes writes that you should spend as much as you can afford, without overdoing the components (bike parts, excluding wheels, frame, and fork) upgrades. Higher-end frames and components cost more because they perform better and last longer. Buying a higher quality bike will likely mean fewer long-term maintenance problems and repairs, and shouldn’t need frequent upgrades. A cheap bike will spare your bank account the hit, but regular riders will pay for it in the long run. As for components, Lopes suggests you pay closest attention to the saddle, handlebars, and tires, all of which should match your riding style and feel comfortable. Bottom line: you get what you pay for, so make it count.
Buying a mountain bike demands a massive chunk of your paycheck. Yeah, we're talking upwards of $2,000.