How to choose a mountain bike - expert opinions

When choosing their first bike, many deliberately give their choice in favor of the so-called "mountain workers", even if it comes to exploitation in urban environments. Buyers are attracted by the prospect of cheating off-road, as well as testing all kinds of bumps, slides and jumps for accessibility. And given the fact that in urban environments such bikes differ in quite tolerable comfort, the choice in their favor becomes clear, logical and appropriate. All that remains for the buyer is to determine the specific characteristics and select the most optimal model.

maintenance

Brands decide everything. The best manufacturers of bicycles for rough terrain
Key features of mountain bikes
What are mountain bikes?
Main selection criteria
Mountain bike selection videos

Brands decide everything. The best manufacturers of bicycles for rough terrain

Powerful, massive, equipped with well-thought-out mechanisms and controls, equipped with powerful wheels with a developed tread - these are the associations that the imagination draws at the mention of the phrase "mountain bike". Given the enormous popularity of such models, the release of the "miners" has been mastered by a great many manufacturers, but not all of them can boast of their high quality of workmanship and ultimatum. For this reason, choosing a mountain bike, preference should be given to products of the following brands:

Giant;
Trek;
Scott;
Author;
Specialized;

The models presented in the assortment of catalogs of each of these brands, a great many. And in order to make the choice truly logical and deliberate, attention should be paid not only to technical characteristics and catalog descriptions, but also to reviews of specific users. You can find them on the Internet in specialized forums and public social networks related to the exploitation and maintenance of such equipment.

Key features of mountain bikes

Studying the range of models on sale, even an inexperienced buyer will be able to distinguish a mountain bike from its urban or highway equivalent. No, the technical units and their general construction are similar for all the bikes, but the performance and strength criteria laid out in them at the plant are radically different:

The main strength element of the structure - the frame - has maximum reinforcement and increased rigidity, has a sufficiently high pedal assembly and high-strength welds. Optionally, the rear independent suspension can be installed (as a rule, the privilege of the most expensive models);
The front fork is equipped with spring or gas-oil shock absorbers that have a stroke of up to 170-220 millimeters;
Remote powerful steering wheel, which is an additional fulcrum while driving;
Powerful and large wheels (at least 25 inches), equipped with tires of considerable width and a pronounced tread;
Disc brakes to ensure maximum efficiency in any mode of operation;
The presence of an advanced transmission system that allows you to change gears depending on operating conditions and driving mode. All components used in the transmission, have a maximum margin of safety and are prepared for operation in the harshest conditions. The manufacturer of mechanisms - almost always Shimano.

What are mountain bikes?

As is the case with all other models, mountain bikes have many subspecies, intended for use in certain conditions.

Cross Country Bikes (XC)

For many buyers, they are considered to be the best option because they allow you to actively and dynamically move both on rough terrain and on ordinary urban roads. The developed tread allows use at complete off-road, and thanks to the transmission system, which includes at least 20-23 speeds, a decent movement speed is ensured regardless of the type of coating.

Virtues

Powerful and reliable;

Low cost;

High-quality and advanced front suspension, leveling bumps;

Developed tread, allowing you to ride on the full road and on the highway with the same efficiency;

Universal;

disadvantages

Do not allow a truly extreme ride, jumps and maneuvers;

Downhill mountain bike

Downhill mtb

A special subspecies of mountain bikes, designed for high-speed maneuvering and descents on bumpy mountain slopes and complete off-road. The main elements of the design are the dual suspension, providing maximum damping, as well as a front fork, which has a huge stroke value - under 250-300 millimeters.

Virtues

Powerful and reliable;

Disc brake system;

Developed tread;

Big stroke of the front fork;

Dual suspension system;

disadvantages

Enough expensive;

Unsuitable for use on ordinary roads;

Great weight;

Universal MTB

Bicycles, which are a kind of analogy of crossovers in the world of cars. Designed for active urban pokatushek with the possibility of going on a light or medium off-road. Their characteristics are similar to the older “brothers”, however, there is some simplification in the suspension and transmission systems, as well as a slightly different frame form factor, providing a comfortable fit for urban use.

Virtues

High versatility;

Low price

Durable, and at the same time lightweight frame;

Disc brake system;

Sophisticated suspension design;

disadvantages

Not fully mountain bikes;

The brake system is almost always of the v-brake type;

Almost always equipped with a budget transmission;

The main selection criteria. What to look for when choosing a mountain bike?

mountain bike selection criteria

Having decided on a specific type, it's time to pay attention to the key characteristics that directly affect functionality and comfort.

Frame size

Parameter that directly affects the convenience of landing while driving. Unlike other models, all mountain bikes have a clearly defined frame classification. It includes six different classes, starting with the XS (extra-small, height up to 14 inches) - bicycles designed for use by riders between 135 and 150 centimeters, and ending with models of class XXL (frame height 24 inches) designed for people an increase of 2 meters or more. Between them are the classes S, M, L, XL, the frame of which has a height of 16,18,20 and 22 inches respectively;

The material from which the frame is made

The situation here is quite similar to that typical for all other bikes, but the difference lies in the rather serious requirements for mechanical strength associated with the specifics of operation on rough terrain.It is for this reason that buyers very often sacrifice the total weight of a bicycle in favor of durability, preferring heavier models.

Steel is a fairly durable material, but it is distinguished by maximum weight and a tendency to corrosion;
Aluminum is a lightweight and very durable material, however, with poor-quality machining of welds, it can fail quite quickly;
Chrome-molybdenum alloy. "Strong middle peasant", which occupies an intermediate position between steel and aluminum. Rather strong and enduring, and at the same time much lighter;
Titanium and high modulus carbon fiber. Despite the fundamentally different nature and origin of the above materials, have very similar performance characteristics. Both are ultralight and incredibly durable. The disadvantage is extremely high price; these materials are used exclusively in models of the upper price range.

Form factor and design of mountain bike wheels

By default, all models of this class are equipped with wheels with a diameter of 26 inches (only teenage models can have wheels of smaller diameter). Increasing the diameter is made by replacing tires on models equipped with a more “fleshy” tread. An important role is played by the material from which the rim is made - it is better to abandon steel models in favor of aluminum rims or their titanium analogues.

Depreciation system design

Hardtail is the most popular type of design. The front wheel is fixed with a suspension fork, the rear wheel is rigidly fixed on the “tail”;
Rigid - type of suspension, in which the wheels are attached directly to the frame without any shock-absorbing elements. The most rigid and highly specialized design;
Dvuhpodvesny design - the most advanced and at the same time complex and expensive. The front wheel is fixed with a fork, the rear - on a special suspension, equipped with shock absorbers.

Front fork stroke length

Parameter that directly affects the damping characteristics. Without exception, MTB are equipped with a fork with a stroke length from 13-150 millimeters and up to 250-300 millimeters. The latter are characteristic of professional class models downhill.

Type and characteristics of the brake system

Rim brakes are the most affordable option. Popular are the so-called V-and U-brakes, the essence of which is the presence of a special mechanism with brake pads located on it and having a wire-operated drive. When braking, the pads are pressed against the rim, and the stronger the pressing force, the more effective the braking.
Disc brakes for MTB - bikes are much more preferable. Braking is carried out by contacting the pads not with the rim, but with the brake disc located in the area of the hub, which ensures maximum braking performance in all conditions. Depending on the type of drive, these brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic. The first ones are set in motion with the help of a classic cable, the second ones assume the presence of a special brake fluid and are driven by hydraulics.

Transmission

The mechanical element of the structure responsible for changing the gear ratios of the main pair and the efficiency of movement as a result. In order for the transmission to perform the functions assigned to it as efficiently as possible, the mechanisms of production of well-known concerns (Shimano, SRAM), equipped with at least 20-22 gears, should be preferred. However, this characteristic is mandatory for universal bikes and models that involve the use of not only off-road, but also in urban environments. Professional trial - and downhill models can very often be completely devoid of transmission and have a single speed. In those disciplines in which such bikes are used, gear shifting is practically not required.