7 Things To Consider in Buying The Perfect Mountain Bike

7 Things To Consider in Buying The Perfect Mountain Bike 

Mountain bikes have become the go-to solution for many people running away from the hustle and bustle of driving on busy roads daily. To escape the traffic snarl-ups, commuters are opting for the old-fashioned yet environmentally friendly bikes. The mountain bike will not only ease your commuting problems but will also boost your daily workout and enhance your overall health. 

[ photo: pexels.com by do'castillo ]

However, before you buy a mountain bike, you must ensure that it is the right fit for you. Although there are many brands that manufacture mountain bikes, there is no standardization in terms of design and size.  This means that you will be spoilt for choice when you go bike shopping. While there are plenty of mountain bikes under $1000, the elephant in the house lies in choosing the right one for yourself. This guide will help you decide which mountain bike is the most ideal for you. 

1. Consider the Size Vs Your Body

The sizes of the bikes vary from one brand to another. Since there is no standardization, what one brand considers medium may be classified as small by another. For this reason, you must have a personal look at each bike before buying. In fact, with the overcrowded market, the only way to know the right bike for you is riding it. 

The catch here is to ensure that the size of the bike does not get you worked out. Check every detail right from the saddle to the paddles. The length of the rails and the handles will also determine your comfort. Make sure you feel comfortable while you are on the bike before you cash out. 

2. Consider The Design

The design factors all the details of the bike. There are designs with larger back tire and smaller front one. Some designs use equal tires while others use long handles. Every brand tries to make a difference by adding unique features to the bike. However, each of these features has an impact on the speed and comfortability of your bike. 

For instance, a smaller front wheel might mean that you have to bend forward while cycling. This may strain your back and lead to fatigue in the long run. Another important factor to consider is the size of the axle. The axle size determines the speed; with a smaller axle, you have to keep on cycling to attain some acceleration. However, larger axles generate the required acceleration in just a few cycles.

3. Look For Strength and Durability

Most people make the mistake of going for the lightest bike, without worrying about durability. The weight of the bike does not matter when you have to ride through tough potholes on the rough road. It is the strength of the rims that standout at this time. 

Before you purchase any bike, lookout to ensure that you buy one with durable rims. Steel and aluminum alloy bikes are among the strongest. Although steel rims tend to be stronger than aluminum, they are also heavier than the aluminum ones. According to mtbspace.com/best-mountain-bikes-under-1000/, some of the best mountain bikes use alloy rims.

The beauty of alloy rims is that they are light while at the same time strong and durable.  While it is possible to have bikes that use 100% aluminium rims, you should look for a bike that offers a mix of durability and lightweight.  

4.  Customizable Features

While buying a bike that fits you to the detail sounds ideal, there are cases when the bike has to be shared. In case your child or anyone else wants to use your bike it would be able to accommodate them. Although most bikes are easy to adjust to suit the user, some do not offer such luxuries. Look for a  bike that can be customized depending on the user. 

The two key factors that should be customizable are the handles and the saddle. You should buy a bike which gives room for increasing and decreasing the height of the handles as well as the saddle. An adjustable bike gives you room to set it to the most comfortable state possible.  

5. Wheel Size and Type

The type of wheel and size are two important factors that must be considered simultaneously. First, you have to choose between inflatable tires and non-inflatable ones. Which do you find ideal? 

The beauty of inflatable tires is that they are much swift and are easily repaired in case of a puncture. On the other hand, the non inflatable ones may be a bit cumbersome, although they are more durable. With that said, non inflatable tires are much more expensive to replace in case they are damaged. 

When it comes to size, it is your call on whether you want larger tires or small ones.  The thickness of the tire and the diameter vary from bike to bike. If you are looking for a rough road bike, the most ideal option for you will be thick tires with a wide diameter. The standard diameter for such bikes ranches between 26 inches and 29 inches.

6. Acceleration and speed

At the end of the day, everybody wants a bike that will rule the road. The speed must be at its maximum and the bike should be able to offer a desirable acceleration. Speed and acceleration depend on many other factors, such as the weight,  types of tires, size of tires, and most importantly the axle. The size of the axle determines how much energy you have to put into cycling. Before you cash out on any bike, make sure it can deliver your desired acceleration. 

7. Affordability

The fact that you are looking for a bike under $1000 does not mean that any bike will do. You should consider other factors and compare prices. For instance, you might need to buy a helmet, headphones, riding gear and other accessories after purchasing the bike. For such reasons, you should look for a bike that gives you some balance. You can reserve a little money for such accessories and unforeseen costs. 

Buying a cheap mountain bike under $1000 should not be a big problem. There are many brands that produce affordable bikes that are stylish and optimized.  When choosing your bike, have your focus on the quality of the bike, its durability, and performance. 

Features such as the tires and the axle determine the speed. On the other hand, the suspensions and the type of material used on the rims determine the durability. You need to settle for a bike that gives you a mix of all the good features with durability while at the same time being affordable.