Used Mountain Bikes – My Indispensable Buying Tips

Used Mountain Bikes

Buying a second hand mountain bike is an ideal way for curious novices to get into the sport and for veteran professionals to upgrade and carry on taking part in the sport they love. There are actually countless appropriate mountain bike types in existence so how do you go about buying the right mountain bike to suit your needs?

Initially you may need to understand what type of mountain bike cyclist you plan to be. Arguably mountain bikes fit into the following categories: All Terrain (Trail Bikes), Freeride, Downhill (DH), and finally Cross Country (XC).

If you plan to cycle on hard terrain and tricks are your thing then consider a Free-ride bike. Being the heaviest of all mountain bikes you’ll discover that Free-ride bikes are not suitable for long rides on smooth terrain where comfort is going to be more of a priority. Lightweight construction bikes like the Cross Country (XC) are amazingly efficient but not recommended for rough terrain. If exciting Downhill racing appeals to you then the specialized Downhill (DH) bikes will probably be for you.

If you are beginning in mountain biking then initially I recommend an All Terrain mountain bike. Remember when you finally become a more established cyclist you could upgrade and buy a more specialized bike. A well made All Terrain bike will allow you to check out many of your local trails.

Arguably one of the most common questions asked when starting out in mountain biking is Full Suspension or Hard-tail? Hard-tail bikes have just rear suspension whereas Full Suspension has back and front suspension as the name implies. You’ll discover that Hard-tail bikes can be lighter and need a reduced amount of maintenance. Full Suspension bikes will often be more expensive than Hard Tail bike but should you be beginning I completely advocate Full Suspension bikes as they are much more comfortable plus your derrière will thank you for it in the long term.

Before you buy a used mountain bike take a look at your local area for appropriate trails as this could have a big effect on your choice. For instance if your idea of mountain biking consists of exciting downhill trails but you live in a mostly level area then DH bikes will not for you. If unsure check out the local supplier, ask around and take part on internet forums. The greater informed you become the better decision you’ll probably end up making. Finally be realistic about the type of mountain bike cyclist you intend to be and I guarantee you will buy the perfect bike to suit your needs and be cycling for many enjoyable years to come.