3 Best Mountain Bikes For Beginners To Overrun The Mountains
Are you in quest of the best mountain bikes for beginners? Christine Johnson, one of my neighboring home moms, was also looking for a mountain bike for her 17 years old Mick Cornell last month. She now believes that there are a lot of things to consider before buying such a bike. For instance, you should know from “how much money you should spend” to “what type of mountain bike will be the best fit for you”.
Now you’ll be happy to know that
we and
Probikeninja
have comprised all the key features you should look out for before making your purchase decision. But for the go-getters,
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
can be the best choice. Aluminum alloy 29er hardtail frame, Suntour suspension fork, butted tubing, disc brakes, 24 (3×8) speed drivetrain and some other cool features make this bike outstanding that you can get without spending too much.
Mountain biking is one of the most breathtaking outdoor sports. It’s not only a competitive sports, but, with a mountain bike, you can also go outside for
derring-do
on your nearest hilly terrain and have a lot of fun. From Sweetwater Preserve Trail to Cheeseboro Loop, from Porcupine Rim to Badger Pass Loop, I’ve ridden thousands of miles in my 19 years of biking. I don’t know why, but after reading the poem “
A Grammarian’s Funeral
” by Robert Browning, I’ve become a big fan of mountain. I might pass a year without drinking even a drop of beer, but I can’t pass a month without climbing a mountain.
Mountains are full of adventures as well as full of dangers. That’s why only the living gladiators can dominate the mountain trails either with their Rock Solid Mountain Bike or with their trekking pole. However, it’s my pleasure to get another fearless mountain freak who is ready to explore the trails and rediscover the staggering beauty of the uplands and here’s what you’ll need to get into those hard-to-access places:
The number of bike sales
is increasing
day by day in the United States. There are hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of bike models. Not all those bikes are suitable for mountain biking. Moreover, an MTB can cost you any digit between 3 to 5 figure ($$$ – $$$$$). However, don’t worry, you don’t have to inspect all the MTB brands and all the price tags
as you can expect to get
a high performing entry-level hardtail mountain bike around $500 and a full-suspension bike for around $1000. Here’s a compilation of
3
exclusive bikes anyone of which can fulfill
your dream of
ascending the mountains.
New to mountain biking? Stop worrying about safety.
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
is brilliantly designed for the entry-level mountain biking. And if you are dirt jumping, riding on smoother trails, riding to class, or just cruising around the neighborhood then you may be better off with a hardtail like this one (i.e. no rear suspension) than a full-suspension mountain bike.
If this is the case, then the
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
boasts a larger 29″ wheel and greater value in comparison with other hardtails. The Overdrive was launched by Diamondback in the mid-1990s and was responsible for starting the big-wheeled,
off road revolution
.
Their oversized off road bikes are becoming more popular day by day because these bikes let the riders to overcome the off road restraints much more effortlessly while help them maintaining higher top speeds. But, formulating a
stylish
and at the same time reliable 29er isn’t just adding some larger wheels. It needs a strategically designed frame that can help defraying such giant wheels in a proper manner and here
Diamondback
is peerless.
The Overdrive is built on the same strong and responsive aluminum frame as the more expensive Overdrive Pro and comes equipped with a SR Suntour XCT 100mm suspension fork, Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes, Shimano eight-speed drivetrain, SL-7 double-wall tires, and a WTB Speed V sport saddle.
The tires come in at an extra-large 29 inches, offering decreased rolling resistance, improved ground clearance and increased traction, making any trail ride both smoother and more exciting.
I found Amazon.com to have the best price on the Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike.
Click on the image below to check it’s surprising price on Amazon
.
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike Features at a glance:
Available in different sizes
24-speed Hardtail mountain bike with oversized 29-inch wheels
Seatpost:
Diamondback Lazer Series Micro Adjust 30.9-millimeter
Seat:
Diamondback Race saddle
Headset:
Integrated FSA Drop-in ACB upper, Zero Stack lower internal cup and cartridge bearing, 1 1/8-inch
Chain:
KMC-Z82
Hubset:
32-hole SL-7 Alloy with CNC Disc Mount (front); 32-hole SL-7 Alloy Cassette with CNC Disc mount (rear)
Coaster spokes:
Black 14g stainless steel
Grips:
DB4L 135-millimeter Kraton
Extras:
Assembly Guide, User Guide and Tool Kit
Secrets of the Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
You’ll get a number of
positive reviews online
for the
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
and most of the reviewers that we found gave this superb mountain bike extremely high marks. The riders of this bike were very happy with the
price tag
and the
high quality
of the components received for the money. They also highlighted that it performs better than many other mountain bikes that cost 2 or 3 times as much.
Many of the users also commented on the obvious feature of the larger 29 inch wheels and the difference that these wheels made on various trails with different difficulties and terrains. One of them commented specifically on
how lightweight the frame is
, and there were many positive comments on the value of the individual components that came with the Diamondback Overdrive 29er compared to how much this would be if each of these were bought separately.
As some of them had owned the bike for longer periods, they had chosen to upgrade individual components, such as the pedals and the saddle, when these wore out. And you’ll be astonished to know that this is a
ready ride bicycle
, as this is delivered pre-assembled, (i.e. needing some minor assembly to be done). Whilst the assembly itself does not appear to have caused the bikers any issues. But, it’ll be better to go to a local professional bike shop for proper tuning and adjustments to ensure the best performance.
OMG
! A few of the Diamondback Overdrive 29er customers also said that they would stay away from this brand and will never buy this bike again as they noticed that the crank wasn’t spinning smoothly only after a few rides, the front wheel was bent pretty good and even the frame was bent only because of a light crash with moringa tree.
However, from the research undertaken it is very clear that the
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29 Mountain Bike
delivers great performance and quality with a fantastic design. So, you can consider buying this bike to cruise around your city or to explore your nearest mountains. But, this bicycle also has some cons.
Cons of this Bike:
Not suitable for the aggressive mountain biking
The seat of this bike is a bit uncomfortable if you want to ride it for longer times
The rear derailleur may fail to please you
Saddle and pedals aren’t so long lasting
But, these aren’t any deal breaking flaws if you’re thinking of purchasing an entry level mountain bike. And you can easily replace the seat, saddle and pedals to get the best outcome from this
wallet-friendly mountain bike
.
Size Guide for This Entry Level Mountain Bike:
Knowing all of it’s specifications, features, pros and cons, if you now feel that this bike can fulfill all of your requirements and expectations within your budget, then I highly suggest you to select the right size. You’ve already known that this bike comes in 4 sizes and you should also know that only the right size can provide you the maximum pleasure. Depending on your physical height, the sizes of this exclusive bike are determined. So, measure your height and pick up the perfect size. To make it more clear –
16″ Small Size is best for the Riders who are between 5’4″ – 5’7″
18″ Medium Size is best for the Riders who are between 5’7″ – 5’10”
20″ Large Size is best for the Riders who are between 5’10” – 6’1″
22″ Extra Large Size is best for the Riders who are between 6’1″ – 6’4″
For the Dual Suspension freaks, the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual Suspension Men’s MTB is the best mountain bike as they never can consider buying a hardtail. So, you can easily go for it if you’re also a big fan of
Dual Suspension
.
This impressive mountain bike comes with a durable aluminum full suspension frame including a front suspension fork for comfortable riding. When you couple that with the suspension fork, the
Schwinn Protocol 1.0
offers a very smooth and reliable ride even over bumpy terrain.
This trendy bike also features front disc brake to give you ample stopping power and Shimano EF-50 trigger shifters to let you easily select one of the 24 speeds that this mountain bike offers.
And thanks God
, it also has a rear alloy V-brake to ensure all-condition stopping at anytime. You can
check out it’s incredible price on Amazon
if you’re such a mountain rider who loves to ride his/her Dual Suspension MTB everyday
but
expect minimal time wastage in pesky bike maintenance.
Blueprint of Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual Suspension Men’s MTB:
Wheel Sizes:
26-inch
Frame:
Down Hill aluminum dual-suspension frame
Fork:
Suntour suspension fork
Cranks:
Schwinn alloy crank
Derailleur System:
Shimano Altus rear derailleur
Shifter:
Shimano EF-50 trigger shifters
Front Brake:
Promax front disc brake
Rear Brake:
Rear alloy V-brake
Gear:
Shimano Altus – 24 spd
Rims:
Double walled alloy rims
Tires:
Knobby mountain tires
Pedals:
Made of metal
Handlebar:
MTB handlebar
Headset:
Schwinn 4 bolt A-head stem
Spokes:
Black bladed spokes
Warranty:
One year warranty on Schwinn proprietary bicycle components (excluding tires, tubes, and cables)
Real Life Experience on Schwinn Protocol 1.0:
In some cases, the real life experience of this bike
may fail to please you
. The seat of this bike is hard enough to perish the pleasure of long riding though the seat isn’t so long lasting. Moreover, it may seem too heavy to lift it up over the obstacles in the trails if it isn’t your first mountain bike and the suspension quality of Schwinn Protocol 1.0 isn’t so satisfactory. Actually, you can’t expect a better full suspension MTB at such a budget price point.
However, the overall user experience of the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual Suspension Men’s MTB is
pretty good
. I found approximately 30 users in our MTB community who ride this bike and the average rating these riders gave the bike is above seven out of ten. This dual suspension bike also has a huge amount of 5 star
reviews on Amazon
.
And the assembly of the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is easy because much of it is preassembled. You only need to install the handlebars, seat, pedals and front wheel. Assembly should take most people approximately 30 mins. The only tools you will need are a socket wrench with hex bits (and preferably a ratcheting handle), a Phillips head screwdriver and a pump to put air in the tires.
People also seem to be quite impressed (
including me
) with the looks of
this bike
saying that the styling, paint and decals all look really good. A few people did complain that shifting through certain gears didn’t work very well or that the disc brakes rubbed slightly against one of the tires but it is important to note that this type of thing happens with most bikes and that the bikes are not defective, they simply need a few adjustments and to reduce this type of
user-error problems
it’s better to get the bike assembled by a professional bike mechanic or an experienced Schwinn Protocol 1.0 rider.
As you know, even a bicycle that you would purchase at a bike shop also require those adjustments after they arrive on a truck and before they are put out onto the showroom floor. If you don’t feel comfortable making certain adjustments yourself or you don’t have any friend who have this bike, you then can take the bike into a local bike shop and have them give you a quick tuneup.
The most interesting fact is that a lots of users of the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 agree that this bike feels very sturdy and offers a nice, smooth ride. Many riders commented on the quality of the gears and the brakes and were impressed with the quality of the bike overall especially when taking the
affordable price
into consideration.
However, the general consensus seems to be that for anyone looking for an affordable full suspension mountain bike, the
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual Suspension Men’s MTB
would undoubtedly be a good choice.
But, I prefer a higher quality full suspension mountain bike
over Schwinn Protocol 1.0 as this bike fails to offer quality suspension while riding on the rough terrains. If you don’t have any issue in your budget to buy such a decent dual suspension bicycle, then you can consider having a look at the following bike.
3] Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike:
There are two versions of the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike – the Recoil Comp and the
Recoil
. These bikes are very popular in the serious cycling enthusiasts and come in different price points. But, I prefer the Diamondback Recoil. This is the younger brother of the Recoil Comp and has firmly established itself as a great full suspension mountain bike in its own right, and at a more affordable price tag.
The Recoil boasts a tough hand built aluminum single-pivot suspension frame with 4 inches of travel, which puts it on a par with the Retail Comp, and when the trail gets more challenging, the SR XCT 100mm Sun tour suspension fork gets you through with confidence. The Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power no matter what the conditions are and the Shimano M310 Rapidfire shifters offer an excellent blend of performance and value.
These components become more workable with the reliable Shimano 8 Speed Cassette drivetrain that delivers the perfect gears on the uphills and the flats and you’ll have a bike that has all the performance and quality which are usually seen in more expensive models. For instance, you won’t get DB Recoil 6061 T-6 Aluminum frame, Doublewall rims and Kenda Honey Badger super strong tires in such an inexpensive bike if it isn’t Diamondback Recoil.
Moreover, this full suspension bicycle is shipped 95 percent pre assembled. So that you can enjoy riding even if you don’t have any technical know-how. And I’m sure, it’s seat, grips, derailleurs, hubs and above all,
it’s extraordinary physiognomy
will make you engrossed. You can
check it’s fantastic physiognomy on Amazon
.
Specs of the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike:
It’s a common and of course salutary tendency that the MTB riders want to check out the ins and outs of their preferred mountain bike.
Don’t worry!
You don’t have to leave your seat to check the details of the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike. Here’s what you’re looking for –
Bike Size:
Small (16 inches) & medium (18 inches)
Frame:
DB Recoil 6061 T-6 Aluminum Trail w/ 4″ travel
Fork:
Preload Adjusted SR Suntour XCT 29″, 100mm Travel, w/
Handlebar:
DB SL318B, 15mm Rise, 685mm Wide, 31.8mm Bar Bore
Pedals:
DB4L Alloy Platform
Stem:
DB 3D Forged, 7° Rise, 31.8 Bar Bore
Grips:
DB4L 135mm Kraton
Seat:
DB Race Saddle
Seatpost:
DB Alloy Micro Adjust 30.9mm
Extras:
Assembly Guide, User Guide and Tool Kit
Untold Story of the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike:
No retailers will tell you the truth. They’ll just tell you that this bike is as weightless as the feather of flamingo, the seat is as soft as talc, assembling this bike is as easy as drinking a cup of cold coffee and riding this bike can take you to your utopia before twinkling your eyes.
Actually, the truth is that you’ll get exactly what you pay for. The weight of this bike is around 35 pounds.
If it’s too much
for you to ride on the uphills, then you shouldn’t buy this bike and most likely you won’t get any other bike at such a budget price range which will be more lightweight than the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike.
Moreover, you can add an extra pad on it’s seat to make it as soft as you want and to get the best from this bike, it should be assembled by an expert. So that the drivetrain, shifter, brakes, chain and all other critical components will work smoothly to keep you happy.
Amazing appearance, affordable price, reliable components and dozens of positive customer reviews can easily attract any pro mountain riders to have a ride with this full suspension bike. Wish that you also will love this 29er MTB even if you’ve rode several bikes earlier and it’s outstanding design will appease your eyes for sure.
No need to trust me
. Just check it’s dazzling beauty and
it’s surprising price on Amazon
.
How To
Choose a Mountain Bike:
For someone new to mountain biking, one of the first considerations is how to choose a mountain bike. As there are many manufacturers and models available in different price tags, the beginning cyclist may not know where to begin. However,
it’s very easy
. Simply ask some questions and the answers will show you where to begin.
Probably the first question to ask is –
How will the bike be used?
Next questions might be – Will it be used aggressively and frequently? Will the bike be used in competition? What kind of terrain will it be used on? And, most importantly, what price range should go for?
There are so many bike manufacturers and the bikes are sold at various price points, from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While it might be tempting to visit a “big box” retail store like
R&A Cycles
and purchase a $200 bike, in the end that bike might not last long. Knowing how the bike will be used and how often you’ll ride it, can help narrow down the options on how to choose your
first mountain bike
.
Bikes come with different kinds of frames; depending on how you’re going to use the bike can guide this decision, and a reputable mountain bike shop can help in determining the best kind of frame for the riding you want to do. The bike’s suspension will also be a consideration. Do you need a front suspension, or the more expensive full suspension? If you love to explore new terrains each week and ride for several hours, full suspension bikes will offer you a comfortable riding. But, if you’re going to ride only a few hours a week on a smooth trail near you, then a front suspension or less expensive
rigid suspension bike
will do for you.
The size of the bike is also a big factor. After all, you may be spending several hours a week (or day!) on the bike, and you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. You’ll want to consider the standover height, or inseam clearance; leg and foot position; and the rider compartment, or the distance between the saddle and handlebar.
Taking a bike out for a “test drive” will be very useful to find out the best one, and when you find the model you like, you can have the bike shop make any adjustments to the bike to make it as comfortable as possible for you. Test as many different types of bikes you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re going to invest several hundred dollars or more on your purchase, and it’s okay that you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right kind of bike for your needs and budget.
The type of wheel and its components will also be a consideration. Much of the stress of riding will be absorbed through the wheel and tire, and having the right kind of tire and components will be important to ensure its longevity. Again, it will depend on many factors; primarily what kind of terrain you’ll be riding on as well as the kind of riding (competitive or recreational) you’re going to do. So, here’s the cognizance of the MTB components.
Another factor to consider when choosing a mountain bike should be how much time you can spend on
bike maintenance
. The more features your mountain bike has, the more maintenance it may require. In this respect, a good mountain bike isn’t that different from owning a vehicle. Performing regular maintenance on the bike will keep it running longer and protect your investment.
Pro Tips:
It’s really time consuming to find out a single mountain bike among the hundreds and it’s also not so easy to get approval for “test drive” to test several bikes. The most common factor in MTB riding is that – if you’re going to ride on a rough terrain, a full suspension bike will be the best fit and it’ll cost you a bit more. And, if you’re going to ride on the road or in the woods which are plane and free from pebbles and expect spending less time in bike maintenance, then a hardtail mountain bike will be the best option for you.
Moreover,
a mountain bike is considered as the best because of its features, style, exclusive components, longevity, performance and above all customer satisfaction.
Diamondback Full Suspension Release 3 Mountain Bike
is undoubtedly one of the best MTBs considering all of these criterions. But, this one isn’t the best for the beginners.
Why?
Actually, a bike should come with something more to be the best for the beginners. Instead of showing off riding excellence, a beginners bike is meant for practicing MTB riding, learning the tricks to ascend the mountains, exploring new trails and falling over and over while riding downhill, which can easily damage the bike components no matter how expensive these are.
Again, nobody expects poor performance. So, an ideal beginners mountain bicycle should come with the parts which aren’t so expensive but, can offer foolproof performance. This will let you to get your hands dirty without spending much of your hard earned cash. To be more clear, a beginners bike should come with an
affordable price range
. And you’ll be glad to know that avoiding these
3
misconceptions
will help you to find out what type of MTB can be the best fit for you.
3 Misconceptions on choosing your first mountain bike
Unfortunately, a large number of cycling enthusiasts have persistent misconceptions about mountain bike as the digital world, I mean the internet is flushed with wrong informations and three of the most conventional misconceptions are disclosed here that can easily mislead you to make a worthless decision when placing an order for your first mountain bike.
The first misconception is
All MTBs work on all terrain:
As you’ve seen, mountain bikes come in a wide range of attractive designs and each is designed with a different purpose in mind. One may be designed to enjoy the dirt jump stunts while the other one’s made for cross country riding. So, the truth is that the cross country bikes won’t be a good fit for the dirt jump biking.
Free Tips:
When buying a mountain bike, be sure that your chosen bike is specially designed to expose the best performance on where you’ve planned to ride it.
The next misconception is
Full suspension is the best choice:
However, this isn’t so crucial as the first one is. Front suspension or even a rigid suspension bicycle can be a good fit if the terrains are smooth on where you’ll be navigating.
Free Tips:
You can easily go for a
Full Suspension Mountain Bike
if you’ve no issue in your budget.
The third misconception is
Frame size doesn’t matter:
It’s another serious fact. Different frame size is designed for the different body size. An MTB, which is comfortable to someone with short spine, can easily be uncomfortable to the riders with longer spine.
Free Tips:
Feel free to scroll down to the
Mountain Bike Sizing Guide
section to know which frame size is the best fit to your body
height.
Going to buy your first mountain bike? Be sure to have a look at these must-read lines before you make that big purchase
It’s always so exciting to buy a new recreational equipment and it’s even more exciting if it’s a mountain bike. But, picking up the right bike isn’t that very simple. However, from
wheel size
to bike components and from
bike types
to frame materials, here’s almost everything that you’ll need to choose your dream bike.
Evaluate Yourself:
Someone wants to keep his/her bike for decades to come and someone likes to upgrade it even after a few months of the purchase (upgrading is always easy). These different motives have made it clear that all bikes aren’t fit for everyone. However, do you like to get a bike of cutting-edge technology or are you looking for a simple bike with an affordable price tag? I would prefer upgrading the bike based on the improvement of my riding skills and it’s my sole suggestion to you that evaluate yourself properly before taking your buying decision.
Suspension System:
Suspension system is one of the most important considerations when buying an MTB. It’s so important that it even defines the price range. There are 3 types of MTB based on the suspension system. These are rigid, hardtail and dual or full suspension mountain bike.
Rigid bikes can easily blow away the comfort of your riding on the rough terrain as they come with no suspension feature and full suspension is peerless in terms of riding comfort. Full suspension bike comes with two suspension features. Forks at the front wheel and a suspension shock at the rear. These types of bikes are so expensive.
The last one is hardtail which can easily make you fall in love. It’s a middling of the rigid and full suspension MTB. Hardtail bikes come with only front suspension fork which is very effective to absorb the vibration and thus can offer comfortable riding no matter the terrain is smooth or rough. The best part of this type of bike is that it’s
less expensive
than full suspension and
much more comfortable
than rigid bicycles and the longevity is beyond your imagination.
Wheel Size:
This is another point you can take into account before taking your big decision. Wheels of the mountain bikes come in 3 sizes. 26 inch, 27.5 inch and 29 inch. Because of more traction, improved handling and better confidence, 29ers are becoming popular day by day. But, kids and shorter riders can go for small wheels.
Odd to MTB Frame:
The backbone of an MTB is its frame. Frame usually comes in four sizes. These are
small
(16 inches),
medium
(18 inches),
large
(20 inches), and
extra-large
(22 inches) sizes. Have a look at the size guide here to know which size is the best fit for your height.
Another noticeable thing is frame materials. The most common material to manufacture MTB frame is
aluminum
. Almost all the frame of the entry level mountain bikes are made of this reliable material. There are also some expensive materials which you’ll see into more expensive bikes. These are
carbon
and
titanium
. A few of the frames are also made of
steel
. This is the most cheapest material to create bike frame.
If your budget is more than ten thousand, you can expect a frame made of carbon or titanium. These are very light but excessively strong materials. Again, if your budget is less than 100 dollars, you’ll get your frame made of steel. Otherways, you’ll get aluminium frame which is the best material to design
MTB for the beginners
.
Other Components:
It’s not only a pair of wheels and a frame that can create a super hot MTB for you. Hundreds of components are needed to make such an amazing mountain bike that’ll let you to enter those hard to access terrains. Knowing about these components will help you to be an expert in bike maintenance which is crucial to be an MTB rider. So, let’s……
Gears:
It’s the function of an MTB
drivetrain
that ascertains the relation between the intonation, the ratio at which the MTB rider pedals, and the rate at which the drive wheel turns. To understand the gearing of the mountain bike is a bit confusing for the beginners.
However, I’ve tried my best to make it clear to you. You’ll see that mountain bike comes with a wide range of gears (from single to 30 speed). If the trail is full of steep hills and ascending is very challenging, you’ll need low gears to overcome this challenge. But, if the lower part of your body is very strong and your chosen terrain is almost flat, then you won’t need such low gears. To be more clear, among the dozens of the gears,
3×8 speed
(24 speed) gear system is the best choice
for the beginners
.
Groupset:
It refers to those mechanical parts of the mountain bike that are engaged in running the drivetrain, changing the gear or braking the wheels. There are shifters, crankset, brake levers, brake calipers, derailleurs, bottom bracket, chainset and cassette in a group set.
Next to the frame, the groupset is the most important thing you should look at when buying a mountain bike. Exclusive MTBs come with Shimano’s Acera, Alivio, Deore series or SRAM X7 or even with better ranges and most of the beginners MTB comes with Shimano Altus groupset. For instance, in the
Schwinn Protocol 1.0
, you’ll get the Shimano Altus and in the
Diamondback Mountain Bikes
represented here, you’ll get SRAM groupset.
Brakes:
There are 4 types of braking system in the MTB world. These are Rim Brakes, Disc Brakes, Coaster Brakes and Drum Brakes and the disc brake system is considered as the most popular option. This popular brake system has also two versions, Hydraulic and Cable-activated. Some of the mountain bikes also come with rim brakes. But, this brake system is not so effective in mud or water. That’s why, the disc brakes have become so popular which are very effective in all weather.
Seat, Pedals and Handlebars:
Flat and riser bars, these are the two most common handlebars for the mountain bike. Flat bars are a bit lighter than the riser bars and risers are a bit wider. The rests are Drop bar and Mustache bar which aren’t so common in the MTB world. However, the next thing is seat. It should offer maximum comfort. But, don’t worry. An extra pad can make any seat comfortable enough to enjoy riding for hours after hours. And the last thing is pedals. Among the dozens of designs, the platform model pedals are the most popular to the MTB riders. These pedals offer maximum confidence in
all weather.
Different types of mountain bikes:
You’ve already known about 3 types of mountain bikes.
Can you remember those bikes?
Well, these are rigid, hardtail and full suspension MTBs. These have been classified according to their suspension system. Now, how about to get to know some other types of eye catching mountain bikes which have been designed to suit distinctive types of riding…..
Cross-country bike:
Cross-country (widely known as XC) bikes are all about the efficiency of covering ground speedily. Lightweight , minimal travel, hand controlled suspension system with lockout switch, wide and large wheels, these are the key features of this type of mountain bike. Full suspension design with around 80–100mm of travel is the best fit for the pro XC riders. But, to enjoy a big day out in the mountains, a lots of recreational riders rely on the
Diamondback Hardtail Overdrive 29er
as it comes with larger wheels and fast-rolling tyres to offer amazing speed with improved balance.
Enduro bike:
Exclusively designed for the aggressive riders to let them enjoy long distance racing. Instead of 80–100mm of travel, enduro bikes come with around 160-170mm of travel at both front and rear end. Reinforced pedaling, maximum comfort, lightweight, slack head angles, wide range of gears, unique device to prevent the chain falling, these are the main features of this type of full suspension bike to ensure smooth downhill performance as well as power and traction on technical climbs. This bike is also known as the all-mountain bike as you can ride it anywhere from steep hills to plane trails. You can easily go for the
Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension 29er
MTB
to enjoy enduro racing.
Downhill bike:
Incredible braking ability, 200mm-plus travel on both forks and rear shock, unbelievably slack geometry, these
outlandish features
play the most vital role to design the Downhill bikes to place its centre of gravity far back and thus to make it stable enough to perform fast down steep going and tackling
about to impossible
challenges like big jumps, drops, rock gardens and wooden ladders. Body armor and full-face helmets are the must for the riders to avoid risks and I hope, you’ve understood that this type of bike isn’t suitable for the beginners.
Dirt jump bike:
This type of bike is exclusively designed to show off the aerial stunts. The features of this bike are almost same to downhill bikes. But, the dirt jump bike comes with only one gear to keep it simple and lightweight. I love to watch the aerial stunts by the talented MTB freaks, but
ALAS!
I can’t ride this bike.
Trail bike:
Maybe you were waiting to see this bike here. Yap, this is the most common style of mountain bike and the best example of this type of bike is the
Schwinn Protocol 1.0
. To me, it’s also the best choice for the beginners. Cheap price and you can use this bike for pretty much anything from road racing to steep hill ascending and from downhill riding to XC riding. There are also some different types of mountain bikes. These are fat bikes, singlespeed bikes and electric bikes. Most of the MTB riders start with a trail bike and then upgrade it based on their interest and
demand.
Mountain bike accessories that you’ll need:
You can ride your bike even without a pair of shoes, because it’s completely yours. But, it’s highly suggested to have some additional accessories when getting yourself busy with a mountain bike. Pump, toolbox, extra pair of pedals, seat pad, extra set of tires and tubes, water bottle, a pair of cycling shoes and a helmet, these are the must have accessories.
But, there’s always something more if you can afford and don’t mind to expend more. For instance, fitbit charger, gps tracker, power meters, cycling shorts, sunglasses, hand gloves and many more. However, as a beginner, you can get the details of the must have
cycling accessories here
to avoid carrying your bike over your shoulder instead of riding it. Here’s the more engaging representation of what you’ll be needed.
Some mountain bike
trails that you’ll love:
Today, you’re going to buy a mountain bike and not a road bike. That means, you’ve a deep passion for the natural beauty of the outdoor world. It’s true that most of the time, you’ll be riding on your nearest trail. But, who knows that the angels of the City of Angels won’t invite you to enjoy the
magnificent view
of the Hollywood Sign from the highest points in
Griffith Park
.
Cheeseboro loop in the Santa Monica National Recreation Area, Guadalasca Trail in the Point Mugu State Park and Portuguese Bend Reserve Loop in the Rancho Palos Verdes are the other amazing mountain biking trails in Los Angeles which are suitable for the beginners and intermediate riders.
Not only in the Los Angeles, you’ll get such sightly biking trails here and there all over the United States. For example, Crested Butte in Colorado, trails of the Brevard in North Carolina, Idaho’s Sun Valley biking trails, The Slickrock Trail of Moab, possibly the most famous trail in Utah and many more. To me, these are the most amazing trails that offer the most interesting MTB riding on the
planet.
Things to know before starting MTB riding
As imposing as the mountain trails might be, they’re also far away from forgiving. Mountains are full of dangers like glacier, mountain collapse, massive storms and ferocious beasts including some unseen hazards like hypothermia, altitude sickness and even getting lost. Wait, wait, I’m not disheartening you. I’m just trying to make you aware of the risks which can easily be avoided if you don’t mind to be on one’s guard. Here’s how to be so.
Never forget the Rules.
May be you know that rules can solve any complicated math. It also can help you avoid any risks
in your real life
when riding a mountain bike. These are the
primary rules
you should have a look at before going to start pedaling your dream MTB.
Use your common sense.
You know better what I mean here. Never ride too fast that you can’t stop your wheels in time and you know, uphill riders have the right of way. Always be nice and leave plenty of room for them on the trail. It’ll be very easy for you to start again. But, if an ascending cyclist has to stop, s/he might become incapable to restart climbing.
Be aware of Leaves, Mud and Potholes.
These aren’t any issue in general. But, after a rainy morning, potholes may disappear because of waterlogging on the road and leaves and muds may become slippery. However, after such an unforgettable riding, don’t forget to wash your bike properly.
Rocks.
Perhaps you didn’t know that they love to throw down the MTB riders to the ground. Yap, rocks are worse than mud and potholes. So, on the rocky terrains, you should stay relaxed and let your body imbibe the shocks and to avoid falling down, apply power to your pedals staying on your seat.
Don’t be a gear junkie.
Hmm, you need a helmet, a pair of shoes, cycling gloves, appropriate MTB clothing and protective eye wears. But, would you like to spend hundreds of dollars on a full body armor when you don’t have any plan to show off bike stunts? Yap, there’s nothing more disheartening than unexpectedly realizing that you didn’t need those ridiculously expensive safety
guards.
Frequently asked questions:
You know, the realm of knowledge is endless as well as the gladness of mountain biking is termless. So, to make your riding more pleasant you can look at the answer of the following questions which have been asked by the countless riders –
Question: How much should I spend on my first mountain bike?
Ans:
This is the most frequently asked question. I can remember that I also asked the same question to my dad. However, it depends on the riding you’ve planned for. If it’s dirt jump or downhill riding, you’ve to spend around 2000 dollars. Other ways, your bike may be broken even on your first ride if it’s cheap.
If your intention is to take part in XC or enduro racing, a good MTB will cost you around $1500. And if you’re just thinking of exploring the trails near you, then you can get a decent trail bike within five hundred dollars. But, if you expect a full suspension trail bike with SRAM components, then I don’t know the maximum price points.
Question: Where am I going to ride my MTB?
Ans:
It’s really nice to have grand plans of riding on those wonderful MTB trails but it’s wise to start from your nearest one. Feel free to tell me your location and I’ll show you the map of your nearest trail and nobody will warn you if you ride your mountain bike on your neighbouring road.
Question: What kind of mountain bike to buy?
Ans:
You’re asking this question because you know that the size of your bike, and whether it properly fits, can make all the difference between a comfortable ride that you expect to enjoy… and one that makes you miserable. It’s not only the size, but the seat and the handlebars are also responsible to destroy your riding comfort.
Let’s see
how do they can affect your comfort.
If a mountain bike is too large for you, it can be extremely difficult to handle. Going up hills, making sharp turns, virtually every aspect of mountain biking will be significantly more challenging than with a properly sized bike. The more unwieldy the bike is, in turn, the more likely you are to fall and sustain injuries. This makes proper mountain bike sizing an extremely important aspect when you are selecting a bike.
So, the main point to know is how can you be sure to have a correctly sized mountain bike? While not exhaustive, the following tips should help you get started. For best results, be sure to consult with your friends who ride MTB regularly.
The first, and arguably most important factor to consider is the
frame height
. If the frame of a bike is too high, it can be very difficult to mount or dismount the bike, not to mention the risk of injury should you slip off of the seat and land on the top bar.
One very common method of ensuring that the frame is the correct size, is to stand straddling the bicycle. Be sure that there is at least two inches clearance above the top bar of the bike and you. This will help ensure that you can properly handle the bike, and reduce the risk of injury.
A second factor to consider is the height of the seat. Generally speaking, you should have a slight bend in your leg when the pedal is in the bottom position, and your leg is fully extended. If your leg is completely straight when fully extended, this can be very uncomfortable, as your hips will have to tilt back and forth while pedaling. As a rough rule of thumb, when your leg is fully extended downward, your knee and ball of the foot should be in a straight line. This is roughly the appropriate degree of bend that your leg should have.
A third factor, that is commonly overlooked, is the comfort of the
seat itself
. Many bikes come with seats that, by default, are not very comfortable. This can cause some people to tilt the seat forward to alleviate the discomfort, which then results in the hips having an undesirable tilt. For the highest degree of comfort, a person’s hips should be perfectly level. To ensure this, the seat needs to be comfortable enough to use at the proper angle.
A fourth factor is
the handlebars
. Although handlebars that are tilted forward will result in greater control at high speeds, over a long ride they will be far more uncomfortable than handlebars that are more upright. Therefore, you will need to adjust the handlebars according to your preference and style of riding. Don’t worry, I know
what you’re still looking for
. The one stop sizing guide is given just above the review of the
Schwinn Protocol 1.0
and the residue is here into this picture.
Question: Can mountain bikes be ridden on the road?
Ans:
Maybe you’ve missed the second question. The answer is given
there.
Least but not Last word
The world is getting more social. There’s no shame to share your passion with your friends. You’re thinking of buying an MTB today. That’s because you’ve seen your friends riding it. So, go to your friends, enjoy test drive on their bike and then come back to buy your first dream MTB. Trust me, this simple social activity can help anyone to find out the best mountain bikes for beginners. Enjoy your riding and don’t forget to share your feelings.
