How To Buy Your First Mountain Bike | Your SAMTB Guide
One of the most exciting days in the life of a mountain biker is “New Bike Day”. The day you pick up or receive your brand-new Mountain Bike. So, your very first new bike day is by far the most exciting of them all. The day that launches you into this fun and exciting sport.
The path that leads you to that extremely exciting day is often not so exciting and fun. As I’ve experienced on my own adventure to find the right mountain bike, I’ve also watched as friends have struggled and questioned endlessly. What is a “Good” bike for me? What bike should I buy? How much is this going to cost? Where can I try out a bike before I buy it? ALL really good questions!!
I have put together some information here that should help you in your buying decision. This article is geared towards the brand new to the sport enthusiast. Meaning you’ve been bit hard by the mountain biking bug but you're not yet in tune to all the endless nuances of the sport and you don’t know the difference between “Tubeless and Clipless”.
I’m going to go over a plethora of information, there is also a video to go along with this article to clarify some terms and concepts. Hopefully, this is helpful and can better explain some of the info I share with you here.
Buying the right bike will depend on several factors including but not limited to your local Topography, Skill Level, Budget and your reason for wanting to ride.
The first place to start is to understand that there are several types of mountain bike categories. This will help you zone in on what type of riding and what type of trails are most common.
There are 5 categories of mountain biking:
(there are endless subcategories and super special niches we will not mention here)
XC- Cross Country refers to lightweight bikes with low knob tires. They focus on speed and nimbleness as well as a firmer ride due to a shorter fork travel. In general, 80mm - 130mm (about 5.12 in) front fork travel is common for a XC bike. The terrain they ride is usually flatter and not in a very mountainous area. XC Bikes are tuned for racing but also make great bikes if you live someplace without a great deal of elevation. (Generally Speaking)
Trail – An extremely broad category in the sport, general trail riding is just as the name implies. This can take place in any terrain, from mountains to seaside trails. Generally, not a very extreme focused exercise but more of a leisurely experience. “Trail” bikes can be either Full Suspension or a “hard tail” (Hardtail refers to a bike without a rear suspension shock absorber.) The Front fork suspension can range from 120mm-140mm for the common trail bike.
All Mountain - Is a newish designation of mountain bikes. This is a category of bikes that blur a lot of lines. Many bikes consisting of a wide range of travel and specifications can fall into this category. I kind of feel like this was a category invented my Bike Manufacturers marketing departments to sell the “One Bike” concept. “All mountain” bikes look to satisfy a broad spectrum of riders’ needs. Bike weights can range from just a little heavier than an XC bike to just as heavy as an Enduro Bike. Fork Travels also range anywhere from 120mm (about 4.72 in) – 150mm (about 5.91 in). This is where most people end up frustrated when searching for mountain bikes. Trails that are described as All Mountain can range from a smooth, flowy green trail to a fast and technical Blue Trail.
Enduro – This is a challenging and fun category involving a hilly to mountainous terrain. Mountain Bikes in this category are robust and capable. Full suspension bikes with greater travel, ranging from 150mm – 180mm (about 7.09 in) is common. These bikes are heavier and are often made of carbon fiber or aluminum. The trails are more challenging, usually involving rugged steep terrain, technical features, jumps, drops, wood features called walls or skinnies.
Downhill – Just as the name implies, this involves fast, steep, challenging trails. The bikes used on these trails usually have 200mm (about 7.87 in) or greater travel, they are full suspension bikes that are specifically designed for going down hill. These bikes are heavy and not made for peddling uphill. If you’d like to demo a downhill bike, the best place to find them is at a Mountain Bike Park.
One unique feature of downhill specific bikes is their rear cassette (the gears attached to the rear wheel hub) has fewer gears, usually limited to a 9-10 speed with smaller gear rings. This would be great for a bike park with a shuttle up lift service.
(Side note, mountain bike trails are designated by color to indicate their level of difficulty;
Green is a beginner Trail; it is easy flowing and lacks challenging features. Blue is more technical or challenging, You can expect more of a grade to the trail as well as small features with an optional line to avoid the feature all together. Black trails are difficult and possibly dangerous, often involving challenging features such as large jumps, big drops, and other technical challenges. Double Black, is an Advanced or Pro line.)
Now that you have some understanding of the bike categories you can begin to form a clearer picture of what your bike might look like or at least what category of bike you should be looking for.
Sizing – The question of sizing of a bike has been a point of great debate. As bike geometries have morphed into longer and lower bike designs, sizing has become more complicated. Companies like Santa Cruz and Specialized have moved away from Sizing bikes by the traditional Small, Medium, Large method. These companies have adopted an individualized sizing chart to better fit their bikes to their customers.
For example, Specialized sizing ranges from S1 – S6, hoping to better fit a rider’s body build.
In terms of sizing, you need to take terrain and the type of riding into account. As an example, if you intend on riding down big mountains really fast, you want a longer slacker bike. On the other hand, if you like tight, technical trails, you would be better off with a shorter wheelbase and possible sizing down. This all leads us into the next topic, Demoing Bikes before you buy.
Demos - As you continue on your endless search for your dream bike, you will undoubtedly notice that some bikes look very different than others. Try not to be distracted by look. If you really want to find the right bike, you need to ride a variety of bikes in the category that fits your local trails. Get out and ride some demo bikes. Check with your friends and your local bike shop. See who offers demos and if there is a mountain bike festival in your area. Events like the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival and OuterBike are designed for you to get some time on a bike and compare several bikes in a single day or over an entire weekend.
Budget - Now that you have some understanding of terrain and you’ve ridden and compared several bikes, you are ready to get down to the tough part, BUDGET! I can’t tell you how much to spend or how much is too much. I can suggest that you avoid any department store bikes. If a hardtail is what you’re looking for, then you could get away with spending just under $1,000. Don’t go for the absolute top of the line model for your first bike. Pick somewhere in the mid range of whatever bike brand and model you’re looking to buy. It is safe to assume you could spend somewhere between $2000 - $6000.
(Sorry, I don’t set the prices, I’m just the messenger)
You now have the magical trifecta of elements needed to make an informed and educated purchase. Terrain, Trial (Demos) and Budget, these three pieces of the puzzle should guide you to your first New Bike Day!
Here are some helpful terms you will hear as you begin your bike buying journey:
Geometry: Mountain bike geometry refers to the specific measurements and angles of a bike frame that affect its handling characteristics, such as the length of the top tube, seat tube angle, and chain stay length. These characteristics are what make a bikes “ride” unique and often why riders become committed to one brand of bike over another.
Slack: In mountain biking, "slack" commonly refers to a relaxed or laid-back head tube angle. A slack geometry contributes to stability on descents and provides a more planted feeling when tackling steep and technical terrain.
Fork: The fork on a mountain bike is like the bike's front suspension system, typically featuring telescoping legs with air or coil springs to absorb bumps and impacts on the trail, allowing for a smoother and more controlled ride.
Shock: The shock, often located at the rear of a mountain bike, complements the front fork by providing rear suspension. It absorbs impacts, enhances traction, and helps maintain contact with the ground, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride over rough terrain.
Cassette: The cassette is the cluster of sprockets mounted on the rear wheel hub, and it contains multiple gears that a rider can shift through. Mountain bikers rely on a wide-range cassette to tackle various terrains, allowing them to effortlessly switch between easy climbing gears and high-speed descending gears.
Headtube Angle: The headtube angle refers to the angle at which the front fork is positioned in relation to the bike's frame. A steep headtube angle results in a more nimble and responsive bike suitable for technical climbs and tight corners, while a slacker angle provides stability for high-speed descents and aggressive downhill riding.
Dropper: A dropper seat post is an adjustable seat post that allows riders to lower or raise their saddle height with the push of a button, enhancing maneuverability and control during descents and technical sections.
Tubeless: Tubeless tires are a popular choice and highly preferred among Mountain Bikers, as they eliminate the need for inner tubes and allow riders to run lower tire pressures, reducing the risk of pinch flats and improving traction.
Clipless: Clipless pedals are a type of pedal system used in mountain biking where riders attach specialized cleats on their shoes to the pedal, offering a secure connection and improved pedaling efficiency.
Flats: Flat pedals are pedals without any form of retention system, allowing riders to place their feet freely on them. They are preferred by some mountain bikers for their simplicity and ease of use, particularly in technical terrain or when perfecting skills like bunny hops.
Group Sets - Mountain bike group sets, such as those offered by SRAM and Shimano, are critical components that encompass the drivetrain, brakes, and associated parts, ensuring a bike's performance and functionality. SRAM and Shimano are two major players in the mountain biking world, each with its own distinct characteristics.
SRAM: SRAM's group sets are known for their innovative designs and lighter weight. Their flagship XX1 and X01 Eagle series are popular among enthusiasts and professionals, featuring 1x12 drivetrains with wide gear ranges, precise shifting, and a focus on simplicity. SRAM also offers the GX and NX series, which bring 1x drivetrains to a wider audience.
Shimano: Shimano group sets are celebrated for their durability and precise engineering. The XT and XTR series are Shimano's high-end offerings, providing reliable 1x12 drivetrains and powerful brakes. Shimano's brakes, such as the XT and XTR, offer dependable performance and easy maintenance.
Ultimately, the choice between SRAM, Shimano, or alternative brands often comes down to personal preferences, riding style, and budget. Riders should consider factors like gear range, weight, and ergonomics to find the group set that suits their needs best.
Bike Shops - Your local bike shop can be a vital resource in your search for your new bike. Additionally, you should develop a relationship with your local bike shop and bike mechanic to ensure your new bike gets the proper care it needs. Check with the bike and components manufacturers for maintenance requirements.
Because I know you still have endless questions, I’m leaving you with a list of bikes I would suggest for you to look at based on the 5 categories I previously mentioned. Feel free to send any questions you have my way and I’ll answer the best I can as quickly as possible.
Below are some examples of the top bikes in each category discussed above.
XC – Scott Spark RC - www.scott-sports.com
Ibis Exie - www.ibiscycles.com
Trail - Jamis Portal - Jamis Bikes
Reeb SST - www.reebcycles.com
All Mountain – Trek Fuel EX 8 - Trek.com
Ibis Ripley – www.ibiscycles.com
Enduro - Devinci Spartan - Devinci
Ibis Ripmo - Ripmo
Commencal Meta - Meta SX V5
Downhill - Santa Cruz V10 - Santa Cruz
Commencal Supreme DH V5 - Commencal
**You may have noticed that I did not mention E-Bikes in this article. The recent introduction and availability to E-Bikes has created a whole new world for mountain bikers and they deserve their very own article. Check back soon for a new article on E-Bikes.
Written by Stephen Alexander – 09/23