Tips for Buying a Beginner Mountain Bike

Published on: 24 September 2018 Last Updated on: 09 June 2023
Mountain Bike

Planning to hit the dirt trail for the first time? Plus, are you in a dilemma as to which mountain bike suits you best? Well, I have some good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you’re not alone. The bad news is that the whole process might turn out to be trickier than you thought.

I have some tips for you; tips that will help you make an educated decision. After all, you want the best performance, comfort, and quality for the price, don’t you? Read more and find out how to achieve that the easy way.

1. Get the Right Size:

It’s not uncommon to hear one say “a medium-sized mountain bike works best for me.”But let’s be honest, a medium frame size for one brand might not have the same measurement as that of another brand. There’s a huge chance you might get the wrong fit.

Consider a more practical approach. And for this, you need to take some measurements, which in most cases, are given by the manufacturers. Consider the reach, I mean the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. Additionally, consider the stack height, which is the distance between the center of the crank to the mid-section of the head tube.

Remember, along front triangle is better for maximized grip and stability. So, you should consider going longer than the standard road bike measurements. In doing so, ensure there’s enough standover clearance. However, don’t go too low in order to maintain a full pedaling height.

2. Choose A Wheel Size:

Unlike the frame, wheel size is more of a personal preference. But in most cases, the primary determining factors are the nature of the terrain and the riding conditions. There are two options for a mountain bike: 27.5-inch and 29-inch.

27.5-inch tires make the best choice for aggressive trail and downhill riding. The 29-inch plus size provides a better alternative to rolling over obstacles. It makes the best choice for cross-country and trail riding.

Settle for 29-inch tires if you want to eat up more miles. Plus, consider it if you want to settle for a hardtail. For smashing trails, settle for 27.5-inch.

3. Full Suspension Or Hardtail?

A majority of riders consider a hardtail as the best starting point. But in my opinion, the “bigger” full-suspension is better. Its advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. But depending on the terrain and how much you’re willing to spend, both should be given some consideration.

For instance, consider a hardtail if you plan to ride smoother trails. Also, it makes a better option for a tighter budget. Consider a full suspension mountain bike if you need more comfort and speed for the technical trails. But in doing so, be ready to spend a bit more. Or, you can go for an old fashioned worm gearbox which has relatively low maintenance.

4. Choose Strength Overweight:

For a road bike, going lighter is better. But for a mountain bike, strength is what matters a lot. You want something that can take a beating, maintain steering accuracy and speed, and keep up your confidence. So, a few extra pounds on your mountain bike won’t do harm.

Conclusion:

I hope this article has given useful practical skills and tips on how to choose your first mountain bike. As you do so, keep in mind that the best entry-level mountain bike isn’t complete without the right set of gear. So, consider keeping some budget for glasses, a backpack, and a dedicated trail helmet.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

HGCC_Wiper_Blades_Thumbnail_690x345

Why You Should Use Quality Wiper Blades

When it comes to almost every product, especially wiper blades, expensive doesn’t always mean better quality. Even though we all like to buy products that our friends or family recommend to us, the best way to find out if a product is what you are looking for, is to try it out yourself. We often forget about wiper blades, even when we clean the car. Only when we end up with dirty windshields, heavy rain or snow blinding our sight that is the time when we wish we changed our wiper blades for better ones. They are a safety feature of the car after all, and we should pay more attention to what kind of product we are buying. Many accidents are the result of poor visibility, caused by low performance of the wiper blades or because we forgot to maintain them and clean them every once in a while. This is the main reason why you should always use quality wiper blades. Read also: Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error? What kind of wiper blades you should be looking for? If you have already tried a lot of products and you are not satisfied with any of them, you must be dealing with wiper blades that lose their performance in a short time. This way you are not only losing your money by changing the product too often, but it can also damage your windshield in the long run. However, the most important - having blades that are not performing well can be very dangerous. Life of Windshield Blades Whatever blades you buy for the windshield of your car, they will all work great at the beginning. Many expensive wiper blades will provide excellent performance, but after only a few months of regular use, there is a possibility that they will degrade, almost fast as cheaper ones. Wiper blades that lose their performance quick enough will first start leaving lines of water behind, then comes the smearing of the water or missed areas of wiping. This is a sign that you are not dealing with a quality product. However, if you leave the blades dirty or you don’t clean them good every once in a while, it will cause the wiper blades to wear out quickly. Also make sure you keep your windshield clean, preventing the blades from having to run over a rough surface and wear out soon enough. When it comes to wiper blades, the goal is to find ones that will perform with quality but for a long period of time. However, it doesn’t mean that you should overuse them. It is recommended to change your wiper blades at least once a year, preferably twice – maybe at the beginning of the winter and then again for the summer. Value worth it If you can’t decide between a few wiper blades, take the one that you think you can rely on. Wiper blades that can perform perfectly in harsh conditions are worth every dollar. Dirt and road grime abrades wipers over time and sunlight because the rubber edges to break down faster. You must remember that if the blades scratch your windshield, your insurance will not cover the damage as it is your fault. Therefore, in the end, you will appreciate having the blades that can resist all the harsh weather, especially if they don’t trust easily and give you a safe driving experience. Read also: How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver Image source: Featured image: dupont.com

READ MOREDetails
Carpool Service

How to Choose the Best and Most Reliable Carpool Service?

Carpooling, also known as shared mobility, involves two or more users sharing transportation services. The idea has long been promoted in many countries, since it reduces both individual costs and road traffic, among other benefits. If you want to carpool, you should take your time to consider all the options available to you. Your type of shared mobility should suit your daily schedule and lifestyle. At the same time, since you are sharing a car with other people, you want to be sure that you feel comfortable. While there is no perfect carpool service, you can find the most convenient one out of all the alternatives. All you need is the right criteria to evaluate your choices. For instance, you can start with an Uber and Lyft comparison and see which of the two would be the best option. You can also compare them further with other available options. Here are some factors you can consider when choosing a reliable carpool service: 1. Punctuality : Carpooling is supposed to make life easier for you. So, when choosing a carpool service, you would want one that gets you to your destination on time. You would not want to find yourself running late for meetings just because you are saving money. 2. Efficiency : If you are carpooling with the aim of commuting from your home to your work location, you should always ensure that the destinations of your fellow carpoolers are not very much out of the way. This is how you could best avoid being in a car that makes unexpected stops or randomly changes routes. 3. Customer Reviews : Customer reviews are another great way to gauge the quality of services offered by the different carpool services. Most of the time, users share their honest opinions about the services that they have used. If you find too many complaints about a particular service, then you should probably avoid that one. 4. Responsibility : A carpool network that is almost always providing poor service can be very frustrating. Although sometimes mistakes are inevitable, you should only choose a service that is willing to absorb costs arising from their mistakes. Good customer service is a must. 5. Peer Recommendations : Asking people who have used carpool services for their opinion is a great way to find the best and most reliable service. If you can get a recommendation from a close acquaintance, then you will be almost certain that that opinion is an honest one. 6. Experience : Although different carpool services out there provide similar services, you can’t trust just about any service. You should choose a service that has sufficient experience providing carpooling services in your area. This way, you will not expose yourself to inconveniences from a new competitor. As new carpool services are established these days, ensure that you choose one that best suits your needs. Using the checklist above will help your elimination process and put you in a great position to find the best service out there. Read Also : Choosing The Right Anti-Theft Devices For Your Car In Houston TX

READ MOREDetails
Navigating Terrain With RC Trucks

Off-Road Adventures Await: Navigating Terrain With RC Trucks

Remote Control (RC) trucks have carved a niche in the world of off-road adventure enthusiasts. These miniature vehicles offer a gateway to thrilling experiences, combining technology and outdoor exploration. This article talks about the excitement and challenges of navigating various terrains with an RC truck. Unveiling The Thrills Of RC Off-Roading RC trucks have evolved far beyond simple toys. They're now sophisticated machines built to tackle diverse landscapes. Enthusiasts find joy in mastering intricate maneuvers and conquering challenging terrains, mimicking the sensations of full-scale off-road driving. The Range Of Truck Models From rock crawlers to desert racers, the market boasts an array of truck types. Rock crawlers excel in climbing over rugged obstacles with precision, while desert trucks, designed for speed, zip through open expanses. Each model offers a distinct experience tailored to different off-road preferences. Choosing The Right Terrain Diverse terrains await RC off-roaders, each presenting unique challenges. Rocky landscapes demand careful wheel placement and steady throttle control. Sandy dunes necessitate powerful engines to handle resistance. Mud and water enthusiasts should opt for waterproof trucks with sealed electronics. Adapting to the terrain is vital. Customization For Peak Performance Enthusiasts can customize their RC trucks extensively. Upgrades such as high-grip tires, advanced suspension systems, and LED lighting enhance performance and aesthetics. This personalization allows enthusiasts to fine-tune their trucks for specific terrains and preferences. Mastering Control And Technique Precision control is essential. Gradual acceleration and deceleration prevent wheel spin on loose ground. Smooth steering and gradual throttle modulation prevent flipping on uneven surfaces. Practice refines technique, leading to smoother navigation and increased confidence. Safety And Environmental Considerations While chasing thrills, environmental responsibility is crucial. Off-roaders must respect local regulations and avoid protected areas. Choosing designated areas or RC tracks prevents ecological damage and conflicts with other outdoor enthusiasts. The Role Of Technology Advanced technology plays a vital role in modern RC trucks. High-torque servos enhance steering control. Brushless motors offer power efficiency. 2.4GHz radio systems reduce interference, ensuring reliable communication between the transmitter and the truck. These innovations optimize the off-roading experience. Community And Camaraderie RC off-roading fosters a strong community of enthusiasts. Clubs and online forums provide spaces to share experiences, tips, and tricks. Social gatherings and competitions offer a chance to showcase skills and learn from others. Challenges And Triumphs Off-road adventures aren't without challenges. Navigating challenging terrain demands patience and skill. Overcoming obstacles, be it a steep incline or a deep puddle, brings a sense of accomplishment. Every triumph adds to the allure of RC off-roading. The Learning Curve Novices may initially find RC off-roading daunting. Learning the intricacies of throttle control, steering finesse, and terrain adaptation takes time. Embracing the learning curve leads to a rewarding and addictive hobby. Beyond The Hobby RC off-roading extends beyond personal enjoyment. Some enthusiasts engage in charity events, using their trucks to raise funds and awareness. This demonstrates the positive impact of the hobby on both individuals and communities. A Gateway To Exploration RC trucks introduce enthusiasts to outdoor exploration on a smaller scale. They instill a sense of adventure, promoting appreciation for nature and diverse landscapes. The hobby can serve as a stepping stone to full-scale off-roading and outdoor activities. An RC truck is a captivating blend of technology, skill, and outdoor adventure. Navigating diverse terrains challenges enthusiasts while fostering camaraderie within the community. With customization, technique refinement, and a responsible approach, the world of RC off-roading becomes a gateway to exhilarating exploration. Read Also: What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment How Crane Trucks Can Drastically Improve Project Efficiency 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes

READ MOREDetails