I am looking to buy a mountain bike, I dont know much about them. Any tips on what I should look out for?

Question

Prob up to about 300 pounds.

Answer 1

i just bought a claude butler alpina 2008 for £300 good all round bike its a hard tail (front suspension only) 24 gears and nice and lite good bike for the money i got mine from www.onyourbike.co.uk was £380 down to £300

Answer 2

In your case, I would consider a Hybrid bike or a commuter bike, often also called City bikes. You wanted to get around and ride on the road, this options will offer more advantages and comfort that a mountain bike. Look at Evans cycles, good deals and prices www.evanscycles.com if possible visit one of the stores they might have one close to you. Another option is going to a good bike shop and ask for advice.

The best bike will be one that is properly fitted too, so get sound advice for it will cost the same to have a good fitting bike or one of the same make and brand but in the wrong size.

Answer 3

If you are a beginner or new to mountain bike, i suggest you start with a bike that's not too good but not bad (terrible), buy one that's ok, the level is in the middle. When you've been riding for a while (1 to 2 years maybe more) you'll know what kind of wheels you want or need ETC.

Answer 4

this day and age one with a frame number that has not been removed

regards x kitti x

ps you never said what you wanted to pay for one , it would help x*x

Answer 5

2 x wheels c/w tyres.

Answer 6

It will depend on where you will mostly ride your mountain bike. If it's mainly a flat surface (beach, sidewalk) or hilly or mountain terrain. Normally the price of the mountain bike will vary. Heavier, higher geared biked are less expensive. The more expensive the bike, the lighter and lower gears will be available. If you choose mostly flat terrain then pretty much any mountain bike will work. However the lighter bikes cause less fatigue on long rides. If you choose mountain terrain then you would probably want to invest in a light weight, lower geared bike. I would recommend visiting a bike shop and lift the various types of mountain bikes. You will notice a huge difference in weight. The lower the gears, the easier and less effort is required to peddle uphill.

Also, I would recommend a gel seat. Normally you buy that as an extra.

I hope this helps. Have fun, and ride safe.

Answer 7

I would go to your local bike shop, preferably one who sells different makes not just an agent for someone like Giant.

You need to work out what you want to do on your bike, how much you want to spend and then find a bike that has what you need and is a good fit.  Using a local shop means your bike gets a free service check after you have been riding for a couple of weeks and you have someone to ask if things are not quite right for you.  Most bike shop owners are cycling enthusiasts and love to help people new to the sport to get the best bike for them.

Answer 8

Try getting a mountain bike with front and back suspension to soften your ride. If you want to get a good bike brand try GIANT.

:)

Answer 9

Well it all depends on how much you want to spend and what youl be using it for. Theres two types, hardtail and full suspension. The difference is hard tail has no back shocks and full suspension does. Hardtail is for people who want to go fast down the trail and go for speed, full suspension if for people that are climbing things on the trail or going slower and going down bigger drop offs. Generally full suspension mountain bikes will cost a lot more than hard tails and will take more maintenance due to the fact that you have to upkeep two suspensions rather than 1

Answer 10

Wheels

Answer 11

if you are using it for off road then you need to look for frond and rear suspension because it will absorb bumps, also you need chunky tires for maximum grip. also good makes are as follows: Fuji, giant, gt, ironhorse (if you have alot of money), kona, mongoose

they are just some, hope this helps

Answer 12

Register on one of the mountain bike forums and ask for advice there; that's the best place to get expert advice.

These days you can buy a respectable full-suspension MTB for under £500 brand new but prices can go way up into the thousands.

Pre-owned and last-season bikes are cheapest but if you buy a used bike you must inspect it carefully for cracks and other damage.

Don't bother with any of the sub-£100 bikes you might see in supermarkets, they don't last long - they'd make them out of cardboard if they thought they could get away with it.