Buying a mountain bike is an expensive venture, so choosing the right mountain bike will be high on your list or priorities. When it comes to buying a new (or used!) bike, there is no one particular brand that can be recommended far above the others as there are not very any differences between bikes in the same price range, no matter the make. Rather than looking for a brand name, it is best to look at individual bikes and choose the bike that is best for your budget and your purposes.
New or improve?
Instead of choosing a new mountain bike, you can also choose to upgrade your old bike with new parts. Making this decision depends on whether your bike has “V” brakes, the most significant technological improvement in mountain bikes. If your bike doesn’t already have linear pull cantilevers, you may as well get a new bike since you will have to replace the brakes as well as the brake levers. Suspension is also cheaper when bought in a complete package rather than added on later. Depending on which new parts you need, buying new parts and installing them on your old bike (including the labour) could actually cost you as much as buying you a new bike.
New wheels
If you decide to buy a new bike choosing the right mountain bike is your next consideration. As mentioned before, most bikes are built with similar frame materials and components with very little difference form one bike manufacturer to another. This makes choosing your new mountain bike a whole lot easier as there are fewer factors to consider. Essentially, there are two important points to consider: the amount of money you are willing to spend; and what colour bike to would like to buy. Simple, right?
Which price is nice?
The first point to consider is how much you are willing to spend on your new bike, as each manufacturer usually has a range of bikes with very different prices according to their quality and function. To determine how much you should spend on your bike you must consider how much money you have to spend and what kind of riding you will be doing on your bike. Obviously, the more you can afford to spend the better, so consider saving up, selling another asset, or getting some form of financing for your new ride. Once you have established a maximum spending limit you can begin to look at the bikes within your price range.
If possible, lower-end mountain bikes should be avoided. Even if you think you won’t be doing any intense off-road biking, your priorities may change and you could find yourself more involved in the sport and then ill-equipped for the development of your hobby. You may also be asked on a more intense outing by friends and you don’t want to have to buy another bike to accommodate the trip. Even spending a few hundred Rand more can make all the difference in the quality of the bike you are buying. Rather spend money now to save you spending more money in the long run.
The bike’s cost is based on its durability and weight. Lighter bikes are more expensive because the components and frame have been lightened, although the bike is still as durable as a heavier bike. At the same time, you don’t want a bike that is too light as this may compromise on your safety behind the handlebars.
When you visit the mountain bike shops to look for new wheels, make use of the knowledgeable sales assistants. Inform them of your budget and they can help you to find the best bike for you within this range. Let them know about your riding habits, and be sure to check that the size of the bike fits your body type. Don’t only visit one outlet; look at a number of places and even look online so that you can compare prices and be sure you are getting a good deal.