It’s a lot to take in, but choosing your first mountain bike will usually be a big investment. Ask yourself the following: What do I plan to do with my bike?

• Do I want to perform jumps and stunts?
• Do I plan to travel long distances cross country?
• Do I want to cycle downhill?

Answering these questions will help you to decide on the right bike for you.

More people are using mountain bikes than ever before, and these are perfect for exploring the great outdoors or keeping fit.

They say you always remember your first car, but the same can be said about your very first mountain bike. But with so many brands, makes, and models available on the market, it can all get a bit confusing. By the end of this article, you’re going to find out how to buy your first mountain bike and which components matter the most.

Let’s get started.

Which Mountain Bike Is Right For You?

If you’ve never purchased a mountain bike before, you might have heard terms like “cross country“ and “all-mountain”, but you might not know what they really mean. If you’re looking for information on how to buy your first mountain bike, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start by clearing up some of the confusion.

1. Cross Country Mountain Bikes

S-Works Epic EVO RS Cross Country Mountain Bike. Source & Copyright: Specialized Bicycle Components

 

Quite simply, cross country mountain bikes are the lightest to peddle, and will often be designed for long-distance routes outside of urban areas.

Just because they’re light, it doesn’t mean they don’t do the job. In fact, these bicycles will retain their strength – making it easier to cycle across rough terrain. If you’re thinking of cycling downhill, cross country bikes aren’t the most efficient, especially as they have a shorter suspension than other bikes.

If you’ve used other types of mountain bikes in the past, you’ll notice they have a lot less “bounce”, so when you attempt a jump and hit the ground, you’ll certainly know about it. You’ll still need to have a few technical skills in order to maneuver one of these bikes, but with suspension travel that usually stays in the 80 mm to 120 mm range, there’s nothing to fear when opting for cross country.

In fact, you might feel as if you are riding a road bike when you purchase one of these for the first time. Cross country bike geometries have a neutral head angle – usually 67 or 68 degrees – and their tires are known for providing riders with the traction and durability they need.

Suitable for: Road riders who want efficiency and strength.

2. Trail/All-Mountain Bikes

Trek Slash 9.9 XTR Gen 6 Trail All-Mountain Bike Source & Copyright: Trek Bicycle Corporation

 

These bikes offer speed and comfort when cycling on custom-built trail centers. If you want to pedal uphill without too much exertion, this is the bike for you. A weight class above cross country, all-mountain bikes are a little heavier when traveling uphill, but they still excel when it comes to peddling – making them a great choice for trail centers.

You’ll notice that these bikes have a bigger suspension and stronger frame than cross country bikes, so you’ll be able to whizz across the trail without much of an effort on your part. You’ll still be able to rail bends and attempt impressive jumps thanks to the excellent suspension that these bikes provide.

Expect suspension travel to be in the 140 mm to 170 mm range, as well as longer wheelbases. Head angles are usually in the 65-degree to 67-degree range, which can require some patience when making steep ascents. However, the tires on these mountain bikes can make cornering less of a chore.

Suitable for: New mountain bikers who want easy peddling and excellent suspension.

3. Downhill Mountain Bikes

Canyon Torque Mullet CF 7. Source & Copyright: Canyon Bicycles USA

Downhill mountain bikes are the perfect companion when riding across rocky terrain, and can survive huge drops – making them ideal for more accomplished cyclists. However, they are extremely difficult to pedal when riding uphill – definitely something to consider when purchasing your first-ever mountain bike.

Downhill bikes provide great suspension which will suck up large jumps and make it feel like you are landing on a soft mattress rather than rough terrain. With up to 200 mm of travel, these bikes absorb huge impacts at lightning speed.

Something else to bear in mind: these bikes have less than a 65-degree head angle, and come with a low center of gravity, making them great for riding on steep terrain and tackling tough corners. The tires on downhill bikes are manufactured for traction, with double thick casings and spiked tread patterns for when cycling in mud.

Suitable for: Daredevils who want speed and suspension when riding downhill.

Choosing The Right Mountain Bike Components

So, you’ve learned about the different types of mountain bikes? Great! Now it’s all about the components. These will vary depending on the manufacturer but can help to improve the speed and durability of your bike. Here are some of the components you need to consider before you part with your cash.

1. Wheels

A good pair of wheels can make all the difference between a good bike and a great one.

There are three wheel diameters to choose from (26, 27.5 and 29), with 29ers being the preferred option for most cyclists when riding cross country. 27.5s and 26s will often be used for cycling on more technical terrain and when going downhill respectively, and both of these sizes will usually cost less than 29ers.

So, how do you know what’s right for you? Take a test drive! Tackle different terrains with different-sized wheels and decide which one’s best.

2. Drivetrain

There are plenty of drivetrain options to choose from, with double set-ups being the most popular. If you prefer lower gears, you might want to opt for a triple setup, but a double set-up is usually easier to deal with.

When it comes to chainring systems, a single chainring is lighter and requires only one shifter. These are easier to operate and maintain, even though double set-ups will make it easier to climb gears.

Again, it’s all about personal preference, so try several different types to see what works for you.

3. Tires

Mountain bike tires are usually made of three main components – the bead, fabric, and rubber.

The bead will hold the tire onto the rim of the bike, providing support, while the cloth fabric is woven into the two beads on the tire.

The rubber will cover the fabric and provide the vehicle with durability, grip, and shock absorption.

When it comes to tire width, the general rule is that wider tires provide more cornering and stability when cycling fast (cross country cyclists use tires with a small width for example).

It’s important to note that width conversions can sometimes differ between brands, and might appear slightly smaller or larger depending on the manufacturer. It’s always best to check.

In addition, tubeless tires have become increasingly popular in recent years; these can be used without an inner tube sealant, and they tend to reduce air loss through the tire – making them more resistant to cuts.

4. Dropper Posts

Want to make quick height adjustments to your saddle when cycling? Dropper posts let you do that – and then some. These components make it easier to shift your weight to maintain balance and stability, but, again, you might find this feature superfluous to requirements depending on the type of bike you have.

For example, cross country vehicles probably don’t need a dropper post, to begin with, although they can come in useful when adjusting your seat at the top of a trail.

Some top-end mountain bikes already have dropper posts fitted as standard; if your bike doesn’t have one, you might want to purchase this additional component when you receive your next paycheck.

5. Pedals

The type of pedals you opt for will depend on the type of mountain bike you have. Flat pedals are popular on road bikes and provide stability for the feet on both sides. They can be used with almost any type of footwear, and are lightweight and easy to operate.

Downhill mountain bikes will usually be fitted with flat pedals, especially because they can be easy to get out of if a crash happens. They are particularly good if you are looking for a strong grip!

Pedal toe clips can be attached to the front of the platform pedals and tend to surround the entire toes. These are affordable and sometimes come with an adjustable strap that is attached to the top and bottom of the clip.

Finally, clipless bike pedals operate by mounting a small plastic or metal cleat onto the sole of the shoe, which then snaps into several clips on the pedal. These pedals can provide you with a great deal of control if you are riding fast or performing jumps.

The result? Your feet won’t bounce off the pedals. Although they can require a little bit of practice, these pedals are innovative, comfortable, and practical.

6. Brakes

Just like pedals, there are three main types of brakes that you will want to consider when buying your first mountain bike. However, most mountain bike frames have been set up to handle either rim style or disc brakes. The latter do the job well and can provide you with plenty of security and stability – perfect for when cycling on rough terrain or in a trail center.

Rim brakes come in various types, including Y-brakes and V-brakes and use two pads on either side of the bike wheel to slow you down when at high speeds. They offer limited stopping power when compared with disc brakes – especially in wet conditions.

Finally, coaster brakes have long been used on mountain bikes and lock the wheel when you back-peddle. Although much more basic than rim brakes and disc brakes, they are still fitted as standard on some models.

7. Head Tube Angle Degree

Head tube angles on a mountain bike will usually be around 66 degrees – significantly less than road bikes. A few things to remember: bikes with a steeper head angle will steer more sharply while slacker head angles (closer to 69 degrees) are more likely to travel forward in a straight line.

Understanding the geometry of your vehicle is really important; you can find out how ‘stretched out’ you will be on the bike depending on the stem length and type of handlebar.

A good measurement to ascertain the right bike fit is ‘effective top tube length’ or ETT. Basically, this is the length the tube would be if it was horizontal to the seat post. Find an ETT that makes you feel comfortable and then compare this to other makes and models.

Other Considerations

Here are a few more factors to consider when choosing your very first mountain bike…

Price

The cost of the mountain bike will be a huge factor when deciding on the right make and model for you. Despite what you might have heard, some less-known brands offer all of the features, security, and stability that you would find with more famous manufacturers, so always do your research.

If you don’t mind having a lesser-known name branded on your mountain bike, you could save a considerable amount of money.

Components

You’ll get many features fitted as standard when you purchase some mountain bikes, but for everything else, you might want to add these as you go. Remember – it’s your first mountain bike, so dropper posts and expensive tires might not be necessary if you are still trying to work out the basics.

Saddles

Cyclists sometimes forgo comfort for extra features, but a decent saddle should always be a priority – especially if you are planning to cycle for long distances.

A long, thin saddle can ensure efficient peddling and will save weight, but won’t always be the most comfortable shape to sit on. It’s probably best to find a happy medium – a saddle that saves weight and space, but one that won’t provide too much discomfort.

Design

You’ll probably want a mountain bike that not only performs well but one that looks good too. Bike frames will usually consist of the logo of the manufacturer but often come in different colors – providing you with more choice.

Choose a design that suits your personality, or opt for a relatively neutral design and then customize the bike at a later date. You’ll be able to change the color of your handlebar and wheel rim or add stickers to the bike frame.

Conclusion

It’s a lot to take in, but choosing your first mountain bike will usually be a big investment. Ask yourself the following: what do you plan to do with your bike? Do you want to perform jumps and stunts? Travel long distances cross country? Cycle downhill? Answering these questions will help you to decide on the right bike for you.

You should also think about the future, and whether you will still be happy to ride that style of bike in one or two years. Mixing two different styles might serve you better; for example, look for a bike that can handle cross country trails but will still be easy to use in trail centers.

We said it earlier, but we’ll say it again: go for a test drive to decide what’s right for you, and never buy your first mountain bike without at least trying it first.

To get your new mountain bike from your house to the trail you can rely on Enthuze for the best bike rack to transport it safely and securely.

We make a wide variety of vehicle accessories and equipment, including bike racks for eBikes and receiver hitches to support them. All Enthuze products are rigorously tested for the highest quality and durability.

 

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