When I went through the process of buying my first mountain bike in college, I just went to a local bike shop and said "I want a mountain bike." No research, no comparison shopping, nada. HUGE mistake! I bought a $500 womens mountain bike that was slightly too big, and not at all appropriate for my riding habits and needs.
Now, years later, and light years smarter, I have done all the research. I have read over a hundred mountain bike reviews, mountain bike ratings, scoured forums and discussion boards, and have put together this mountain bike buyers guide to help you find the best mountain bike for your particular goals and circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did!
Important questions to ask before you start looking for a mountain bike
**If you want to ride mainly on roads or to complete a triathlon, you need a road bike or a fitness bike. This guide isn't going to help you very much, if at all.
What is your budget? Do you want to spend $400 or $2000? You need to figure out how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. There will always be a great mountain bike that is only $100 more, so don't let yourself get roped into playing that game. A good sales person should ask for your ceiling and not try to persuade you to spend more than you can. Never tell someone you don't have a budget...you may not actually need the most expensive bike they carry.
What are your goals? Will you ride everyday or once a week? Do your rides last 2 hours or 8?
Consider your usual terrain. You'll need a different bike for hard hills and off road biking than for occasional steep sections of a well-ridden trail. Your goals will determine the specifics of your mountain bike, so figure them out before you go any further.
Finding a good mountain bike shop
One piece of advice that keeps popping up in forums and discussion boards is to find a good bike shop that you like. If you are new to the sport, it is essential that you find a place to shop where you feel comfortable. You should be able to ask any and all questions that pop into your head without feeling like a total dork. The sales people are usually there because they love the sport and should be very patient and thorough when explaining differences between bikes. If you feel like someone is just trying to make a commission or is pushing you to buy a bike you don't like or that is too expensive, leave. Find a store where they want to help you, not sell you. This will make a huge difference in the quality of your experience.
Any bike shop worth its salt will allow you to test ride as many bikes as you need. You may try 3 bikes or you may need to try 10 or 20. Every bike has a different feel and fit. The best way to determine what you like is trial and error. This will help you narrow down your choices and pick one that is truly right for you. Don't feel bad about spending upwards of 3 hours with one person. They will be happy if you walk away happy.
I strongly advise you to stay away from mass-merchandise shops. Wal-Mart may offer a bike for $150, but it probably won't fit you right or be appropriate for your needs and goals. The sales people at Target may be nice, but the likelihood that they can answer detailed questions about various mountain bikes is slim to nonexistent.
If you are looking at the $200-$400 range, but would still like a decent mountain bike, I advise you to buy in the fall or the winter. This is when bike prices will be lower because the peak season is spring and summer. Bike shops will be trying to get rid of the older models to make room for the new ones in the spring. There is nothing wrong with getting an older model. Another alternative is to buy online. Ebay and Amazon can help you find a great mountain bike for slightly less. The obvious drawback is that you don't know the history of a used bike. This requires more research on the seller and specific components, but can be a good resource.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes vs. Hardtrail Mountain Bikes
The two different types of available suspension are covered here. This makes a big difference in which mountain bikes you look at and test ride. Even if you think you know which type you want, it isn't a bad idea to test ride both for comparison purposes.
Full suspension Mountain Bike: These types of bikes will have both front and rear suspension. This makes them more comfortable and easier to control. They will be a little heavier, but the experts say that the extra weight is well worth the smooth ride. Because these bikes do have more parts than comparable hardtrail bikes (a rear suspension system) they tend to be more expensive. Full suspension mountain bikes are a must-have for difficult terrain. In addition, almost all of the experts and consumer reviewers recommend full suspension bikes for any form of distance riding. Unless you really know what you are doing or plan to dirt jump, this is probably the right option for you.
Hardtrail Mountain Bike: These bikes only have a front suspension system. They are more efficient than their full suspension counterparts, and are slightly lighter. Hardtrail mountain bikes will be less expensive, and will require less maintenance due to having fewer parts. If you are planning to ride on a fairly easy and consistent trail and don't plan to do anything fancy with your bike, this may be an option. Or, if you are a casual weekend rider who would rather not spend a lot on a new hobby, you should concentrate on hardtrail mountain bikes.
My Top Picks for the Best Mountain Bikes (as of February 2008)
Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
**Low-budget, full suspension mountain bikes are not highly recommended. Because these bikes involve more parts and technology, lower priced options really compromise quality.
Mid-budget: Whether you are looking for a womens mountain bike or mens mountain bike, discussion board junkies tend to recommend the Ibex Ignition 1 mountain bike for those looking in this price range. This aluminum constructed moutain bike frame is a good choice for the novice biker. It is easy to handle, and very durable. It only comes in storm gray metallic, and is available in three sizes. The MSRP is $750, but if you buy direct from Ibex, you can get it for $549 + $35 s&h. Alternately, ConsumerSearch recommends the Ibex Ignition 2 for bikes in this price range. It has all of the above features, but has more advanced components making it slightly more durable and able to take more abuse. If you are looking to be a more serious biker, you may want to start out with the Ignition 2. It is available in firecracker red and sand blue, and comes in three sizes. The MSRP is $950, but the direct price is $699 + $35 s&h.
High-budget: The catchphrase "the more you put in, the more you get back" definitely applies to mountain bikes in this price range. Two models seem to be the front runners according to consumers and experts alike. The first model, the Trek Fuel EX 5.5 mountain bike, has an aluminum mountain bike frame, known for its control and multipurpose functionality. This bike is a great all-purpose option for use on trails, hills or the road. Mountain bike reviewers appreciate its durability and style. It is available in metallic black and comes in four sizes. The MSRP is $1369.99. The second model, the Ibex Asta Comp X7 mountain bike, also features an aluminum frame. It is a more advanced option geared toward serious mountain bikers. It is incredibly durable and light-weight. This is the bike for anyone wanting exceptional handling and control. If you plan to do more off-road biking, this is your better bet. It is available in charcoal pearl/silver and comes in three sizes. The MSRP is $1750, but the direct price is $1199 + $35 s&h.
Best Hardtrail Mountain Bikes
Lower-budget: The Trek 4300 series bike is consistently one of the first mountain bikes recommended for beginners. Made from Trek's high performance aluminum, it is durable and tough enough to handle just about everything a new rider can throw its way. It is pretty lightweight and easy to control. This seems to be a favorite among consumers on discussion boards, and is frequently described as one of the best mountain bikes in its category. The MSRP is $419.99, and it comes in orange/silver or silver/black chrome.
Mid-budget: The top rated mountain bike according to ConsumerSearch is the Specialized Rockhopper. It is reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain. This bike is very lightweight making it easier to climb hills. The Rockhopper is a bike designed for trail riding, so will be comfortable if you are planning an all day adventure. This mountain bike is consistently a front runner in both expert and consumer reviews. It features an aluminum frame which is available in blue, red or black and comes in six sizes. The MSRP is $520.
High-budget: The top rated mountain bikes in this price-range according to ConsumerSearch are the GT Avalanche .05 or Expert. They get rave reviews from experts, who have nothing but good things to say about the advanced components of the bikes. These GT mountain bikes are perfect for someone who is getting back into the sport or who is slightly more advanced than your average beginner. These mountain bikes are available in five sizes and color options vary by region. The MSRP is $1099.99.
As you can see there are a few very reliable mountain bike brands from which to choose.
Before You Buy a Mountain Bike
After you have picked out the best mountain bike for your situation, you still have a few more questions to ask before you burn up the plastic.
What is the warranty? Typically, your mountain bike's frame will come with a 3- to 5-year warranty, depending on the manufacturer. Component coverage will range from 30-days to 2-years. Make sure that you do not leave the bike shop without this information. If something unexpected happens, you want to have it on-hand. If you are given the option to register your bike, DO IT! This is not all that common, but is free and can only benefit you.
Does the bike shop offer discounted repairs? Usually, a good bike shop will offer discounted repairs on bikes or components you purchased there. This is another reason it is important to like the shop where you buy your bike. You may have to go back for repairs, replacement parts, or your next bike 5-10 years down the road. This way, you establish a good working relationship with the shop. Sometimes they will also offer specials on accessories or clothing when you buy your bike or up to six months after the fact.
What is the return policy? You may love the bike in the store parking lot, but hate it when you get home or on the trail. Even if you test ride every single mountain bike in the shop, this can happen. Make sure you know the return or exchange policy. Most shops offer a 30-day return policy. They want you to be happy, so if you really don't like your bike for any reason, do not hesitate to bring it back.
Additional Mountain Bike Brands & Information
http://www.ibexbikes.com/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/
http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/
http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp
Sources
Articles from the following sources were scoured and used in conjunction with discussion boards and individual consumer reviews.
ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, February 2008
http://mountainbike.about.com/
http://www.dirtworld.com/
http://www.ibexbikes.com/
Helpful discussion board/forum
http://www.forums.mtbr.com/
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