Mountain biking is a fantastic hobby and a great way to get fit and see the natural environment around you. When it comes to the more extreme trails, however, you are going to need a bike that is up to the challenge. This means that making the right selection is paramount. The bike you choose should be well suited to the type of riding you most enjoy. To help you make the best choice, the experts at Hoffy Cycles have compiled a list of seven tips for choosing a mountain bike.

What sort of riding do you want to do?

The first thing you need to do is think about the type of riding your want to do. Try to be realistic when you are considering this. Remember that if you are mostly riding hard-packed tracks or bike paths, a purpose built downhill model might not be well suited to you. Conversely, if you do a lot of extreme off road downhill, then a hardtail mountain bike might offer the features you need.

Make a budget that you can stick to

Mountain bikes range in price, depending on the model. You can get rigid mountain bikes, hard tail mountain bikes and full suspension mountain bikes. The models that are engineered entirely for off-road riding are often quite expensive, so that is something you have to account for. If you make a clear budget, then your decision will be much easier and you can turn your focus to other important features.

Don’t be afraid to ask the team at your local bike shop

There is simply no substitute for expert knowledge and there is sure to plenty of it at your local bike store i.e. Hoffy Cycles. Chances are, the experts at Hoffy Cycles have ridden the tracks you want to explore and they know exactly which bike is up to the challenge. They can work with you to find one that is both within your budget and well suited to your needs.

Try to avoid buying online

There is always the temptation to buy online, whether it is to save money or gain access to a wider range of products. When it comes to choosing a mountain bike, however, online stores are not always a good idea. You don’t have a chance to test ride your bike or inspect the quality of its various components. In addition, online bikes are often delivered disassembled. This means you have come up with the tools and time to assemble it or go to your local bike shop for help.

Pay attention to specifics such as wheel size and suspension travel

Choosing a mountain bike also means paying attention to the finer points. When it comes to riding off road, every feature of your bike will affect your riding experience. Wheel size and suspension travel are among the most important features to look for. Smaller wheels are more manoeuvrable, but larger wheels can roll over obstacles with ease. Likewise, a lot of suspension travel makes for better comfort and less strain on your bike, but it also makes peddling more difficult on flat terrain.

Make sure you test ride a bike before buying

The most important stage of choosing a mountain bike is the test ride. It might seem perfect on paper, but if you don’t like the way it rides, then it simply isn’t a good choice. Take the time to test ride a few different mountain bikes and always ask the experts for advice.

Remember that mountain bikes are not always well suited to road riding

Finally, you should keep in mind what mountain bikes are made for. Mountain bikes are not always well suited to cycling on the road or commuting. Some certainly perform better than others in this respect, but if you buy a dedicated off road mountain bike, there will probably be a trade-off on road.

For the best advice on choosing a mountain bike, contact the experts at Hoffy Cycles on (07) 3269 1213.