If you’re just getting into mountain biking, it can be tough to know where to start. There are so many different bikes on the market, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the eight best mountain bikes for beginners. We’ll talk about what to look for when purchasing a bike, and we’ll recommend some of our favorite models. So if you’re just starting out, read on!
Why Mountain Bikers Need to Have the Best Bike:
If you’re a beginner mountain biker, it’s important that you have the best bike possible. A good mountain bike will help you navigate any terrain, and it will make your rides much more enjoyable and comfortable. But with so many different bikes on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
The first thing to think about when purchasing a new mountain bike is what kind of riding you want to do. If you’re looking for something that’s great for all-purpose riding, then you’ll probably want to look for a model with full suspension. These bikes have shock absorbers in both the front and the back, which help absorb the impact on rough trails and uneven terrain. For cross-country riding, hardtails are an excellent choice, as they have fewer moving parts and tend to be lighter weight than their full-suspension counterparts.
Once you’ve decided on a style of bike, it’s time to start shopping around! When checking out different models in person or online, here are some features that you should definitely consider:
Frame type:
The frame is one of the most important factors in determining how your bike will ride and feel, so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re buying from a reputable brand. Most mountain bikes have either aluminum or carbon frames; while aluminum tends to be more affordable, it’s also slightly heavier than carbon. Carbon is generally lighter and sturdier but can be quite expensive. If you’re on a budget and want the best bang for your buck, look for an aluminum frame with quality components (like disc brakes) that will hold up over time.
Size:
Finding the right size bike is absolutely essential when shopping around for mountain bikes – after all, if it doesn’t fit right, you’re not going to be comfortable on it, much less have an enjoyable ride! Most mountain bikes fall within the standard 26-inch and 29-inch wheel size range. The larger wheels are typically more expensive than their smaller counterparts, though they’re often easier to control and will give you a smoother ride over rough terrain.
Brakes:
The brakes on most good quality mountain bikes are either cable disc or hydraulic disc brakes – in other words, rim brakes just won’t cut it for serious off-roading! If your budget allows, go with hydraulic brakes as they offer better stopping power; if you’re trying to save money (and aren’t going to be doing too much riding off-road), a bike with cable disc brakes is a good alternative.
Geometry:
Mountain bike geometry is measured in angles – the head tube angle, seat tube angle, and wheelbase all play a role in how easy (or hard!) it is to ride your bike. A 70-degree head tube angle with a short wheelbase will make for sharper turning and more responsive steering; conversely, bikes that have a slacker head tube angle of around 67 degrees or even 65 degrees will be easier to control but may feel less agile when you’re riding over rough ground. As far as seat tube angles go, those that are closer to 75 degrees will put the rider in an upright position and make it easier to climb up hills; while steeper seat tubes, like at 74° or 73° will position you forward over the pedals, which can be a little more efficient on flat terrain and when going downhill.
Wheels and Tires:
When it comes to mountain bike wheels, most bikes will have either 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels; however, some may also have 29-inch wheels as well (known as “29ers”). Bigger wheels are great for rolling over obstacles quickly and easily and offer better stability on technical trails; however, they’re heavier than smaller wheels which means that they require more effort to get moving, but once you do, the momentum is easier to maintain! The width of your tire’s tread is another important factor for riding off-road – wider tires provide more traction without sacrificing speed, allowing you to go faster with more control. Tires can also be thinner, lighter, and faster-rolling if you don’t plan on riding off-road very often.
Three Types of Patterns:
When it comes to mountain bike tires, there are three types of tread patterns (knobby, semi-slick, slick), but which is right for your beginner bike will depend largely on where and how you ride. Knobby tires allow a rider to grip slippery surfaces better than the other two tread options; however, they’re slower-rolling and less versatile in terms of speed and surface conditions – they work best in loose dirt or mud but tend to struggle on pavement or roads. Read further details on Friday Rack!
Slick tires provide the fastest roll rate because there are no knobs or treads to slow you down but less grip in off-road terrain; they’re ideal for pavement or smooth roads. And semi-slick tires strike a balance between the two extremes by providing moderate knob size and tread height for traction on bumpy surfaces yet enough rubber surface area to give you good speed.
If you plan on mostly riding your mountain bike on paved or well-maintained dirt roads, then a set of semi-slick tires would be your best bet as far as versatility is concerned. But if it’s loose dirt or mud that you’re likely to encounter more often than not, knobby tires are probably what you want.
