Buying your
first mountain-bike can be a
daunting task, given the
enormous amount of
options on the
market. Here's some
quick tips that
(I
hope) will provide some
help in this
task:
- Never buy a bike in a supermarket or department store. Avoid Wal-Mart,
K-Mart, Costco, etc. These places normally have an immense power to
bargain low-prices when they buy their bikes from the manufacturers. Of
course, there's no miracle here: The bike manufacturers just toss a bunch of
cheap parts to reach the price the big store is willing to pay. Also, these
places don't have bike mechanics at their service. The bikes are normally
assembled by underpaid and untrained people, normally with bad results.
Always buy your bike in a Bike Shop!
- Try to find a Bike Shop near your house! It really helps!
- One of the most important aspects of a mountain bike is
the fitting. If the bike doesn't fit you well, you'll be
uncomfortable. Riding a bike that is not fit for you can be
dangerous. The single, most important test to do is to hold the bike
between your legs and watch if the top tube touches your "soft
parts". Jump vigorously and try your best to make it touch. If you
succeed, Get a Smaller Frame Size. Ideally, there should be one to
two inches between the "family jewels" and the top tube under the worst
conditions.
- Some bike shops will try to push anything they have on you. If they only
have one frame size, that size will coincidentally be the "best for you" (according
to the sales person). Be alert to that.
- Whatever you do, try the bike before you buy it! If the vendor refuses
to let you try the bike, choose another bike shop.
- If you have moderate amounts of money, try not to be fooled
by hi-tech innovations on the bike. Pay special attention to
the quality of the important components, like brake handles
and derailleurs. Shopping for brand names may not be a bad idea
here. Companies like Shimano normally make fair components at acceptable
prices. Forget about full suspension and things like
that in medium priced bikes. If they add those features for the same
price, they're obviously saving money on important parts like
frame, brakes and derailleur.
- Raised handlebars tend to be more comfortable than flat handlebars. Most
Bike Shops can replace the handlebar for you at the moment of the purchase, with
little or no additional cost.
- Factory seats are normally very uncomfortable. Most bike shops can replace
them for you and give at least $15 back on the factory model. Always try the new
seats before you decide on them.
- Knobby Tires look cool, but they are real bitches when you're
riding on the asphalt. If you're not going to be 100% of your time
offroad, ask if you can pay a little bit more and have them replaced
by semi-slick tires.
- Always try to squeeze something out of your deal by asking for a
free first-tuneup. It works most of the time.
- Buy a helmet: Don't worry about looking ridiculous. You're not!
Whatever the bike you buy, just make sure you ride it! I
have neighbors with very expensive bikes stored on their garages,
taking dust. In the meantime, my cheap GT accumulates an average of a
thousand miles per year. It's better to buy a cheap bike and use it
than an expensive one that only serves as a piece of decoration.