Basket
Do you want to discover the joys of mountain biking or progress in the discipline? Need some advice on finding the right frame? As the centerpiece of the mountain bike equipment, your bike must be carefully selected and adapted to your practice. Ekoï offers a review of the key criteria that will help guide your mountain bike choice.
Which bike to start mountain biking?
The mountain bike is a great adventure companion to set out on from the great forest roads to the roughest mountain trails. Nevertheless, not all ATV models are intended for the same use.
They are not all the same
So you'll need to start by determining the type of riding you plan to do: recreational or competitive, short distance or long distance, rolling or broken terrain, uphill or downhill profiles, etc. All of these elements influence the choice of mountain bike and its components.
While we mostly come across mixed mountain bikes on the market, there are ranges of men's and women's mountain bikes. On women's bikes, the stem and brake levers are generally closer together and the ergonomic seat is tailored to the female body shape.
General characteristics of a mountain bike
A recreational mountain bike has certain unavoidable features to ensure 100% fun and comfortable outings in the great outdoors:
- a suspended fork to compensate for uneven terrain;
- a large, knobby tires with fairly low pressure for better grip and shock softening;
- a versatile transmission with a dual chainring and a large number of gears to overcome steep climbs;
- a flat handlebar and a small stem to better maneuver his mountain bike.
Classical mountain bikes basically have an aluminum frame, both strong and light, cheaper than the carbon version. 27.5-inch wheels and V brakes or mechanical disc brakes round out the design of entry-level or mid-range machines.
The mountain bike suspension
The main element of the mountain bike is its suspension. While now the majority of models are equipped with a front suspension, not all have a rear suspension.
Bikes with a dual damping system are called full-suspension mountain bikes. With a tenfold increase in impact absorption capacity, they improve rider comfort, optimize riding and provide access to the most uneven surfaces for a healthy dose of adrenaline. However, they are heavier and more expensive to purchase and require meticulous maintenance.
Suspended frames are suitable for DH, enduro and all-mountain riders. They take the pressure off riders by absorbing the jolts caused when the wheels go over roots, bumps, boulders and other obstacles that need to be cleared. On the other hand, they are not essential for touring, where a semi-rigid mountain bike is sufficient. If you're doing cross-country XC marathons, a full-suspension mountain bike may have its uses.
Tires and cleats
In cycling, tires play a crucial role. This is even more the case in mountain biking where the variety of terrain encountered requires specific characteristics.
To choose your mountain bike tires, you need to consider several criteria:
- the natural environment you plan to pedal on: dry, greasy, soft, mixed or rocky terrain;
- the width of the tire section;
- the thickness and density of the lugs;
- the flexibility of the tire casing;
- the type of beads, rigid or flexible;
- the hardness of the rubber;
- the tire mounting technology: tubetype with inner tube, tubeless or tubeless ready.
Do you ride mountain bikes occasionally? Choose versatile tires with a medium close tread, pronounced on the ends and lighter on the tread. This will give you good cornering grip while maintaining powerful performance on dry pavement.
A little tip for the road: always carry a repair kit with you in case of a flat.
The size of the mountain bike
To get the most out of your bike rides, make sure to choose the right size mountain bike. These elements will help you select the right frame:
- your height in centimeters;
- the height of your inseam;
- the range of your arms (ape index).
Take the time to try the mountain bike to see if you feel comfortable. A bike that is the right size will avoid pain and injury due to poor posture. Also consider adjusting mountain bike peripherals such as the saddle and stem. They greatly affect comfort!
Note that a postural study is interesting to find the ideal position to adopt in the saddle.
Finally, don't forget to save some of your budget for additional equipment: Mountain Bike Helmet, Mountain Bike Clothing, Mountain Bike Gloves, Mountain Bike Glasses and Mountain Bike Shoes.
