The biking industry is a multibillion industry, with the American market alone standing at around $6.2 billion. Mountain biking as a sport has seen massive evolution and is seen more than just a leisure activity. However, it is one thing having a passion for mountain biking, and a different matter altogether enjoying the sport.

For maximum fun at it, you need to have the right mountain bike. Trying to figure out which mountain bike is right for you? Then read on to learn how to choose a mountain bike for the perfect biking experience.

Types of Mountain Bikes

The mountain bikes market will spoil you for choice. Although different manufacturers might use different terms to describe their mountain bikes, bikes can be grouped in these four basic types.

Cross Country

The cross country bikes are inclined more towards the pedaling performance, with high endurance and efficiency. They are ideal for riders whose primary focus is ascending, rather than descending.

Trail

This is the picture of a mountain bike many people have in mind. Unlike cross country bikes, they tend to strike the right balance between ascending and descending.

All Mountain

They are also referred to as Enduro bikes. Its geometry favor descending more than climbing. It is, however, ideal if you want to bike in an area with quite a technical terrain.

Downhill

As the name suggests, this type of bike will do exemplary well when descending. You got nothing to worry about when descending a steep road since its tires have been made to withstand such.

How to Choose a Mountain Bike

Having analyzed the various types of mountain bikes, here is a buying guide.

1. Get the Right Bike Size

Every other consideration about getting the best mountain bikes should come after you have identified the right size. As much as many brands will only state if it is small, medium, or large, insist on looking at the specifics. For instance, check out for the distance between the saddle and the bar.

2. Choose Strength Over Weight

Both weight and strength are critical factors to consider when buying a bike. However, the weight mainly matters off-road, leaving strength to dominate the list. A bike with more strength has higher steering accuracy, hence considerably safer.

3. Suspension Quality

Before settling on any suspensions, get the facts right. Dig into the manufacturer’s website to know the exact model.

You can as well look for some of the reviews online before making a decision. Notably, new equipment, in some cases, have lower quality than aftermarket ones.

4. Consider the Wheel Size

For big miles, you would rather get bigger hoops. However, if you want high performance on the trails, you can go for the smaller ones. The challenge with plus sizes is their pressure sensitivity.

5. Budget

Biking takes more than a good mountain bike. You will need equipment such as a helmet, backpack, and a pair of glasses. Do some research on the winning bike to get the best bargain and quality in favor of your bank account.

One of the most excellent tips on how to choose a mountain bike is remaining within your budget.

Is it Worth the Effort?

Spending time to choose the best bike is totally worthwhile since it will be your all-time companion in your sport. With these tips on how to choose a mountain bike, you will definitely settle for the right fit for you.