Over the past couple of decades, mountain biking really crossed the line of being just a family and friend’s recreational activity to now a big and popular and competitive sporting event. The rise to the popularity of the sport lead to the development of advanced, sophisticated and rider-friendly mountain bikes built for optimum on and off-road performance.

Today’s technology helped developers and manufacturers to make the best mountain bike for every riders, from beginners, advanced to professional bike riders.

Bikes can be very costly, that is the main reason why most starting or beginner bikers always get intimidated, or confused in choosing the bike to start to. This is clearly understandable, for most people think twice in spending big amount of money to something new like buying and riding bikes.

One of the important things to consider in buying mountain bikes is of course, the tire of the bike. Tires are the parts of the bike that make contact with the road, thus it should be selected meticulously not just for easy riding, but most especially for the rider’s safety.

For bike tires you have to think of two things – broad and knobby, these are the two qualities of a standard mountain bike tire. Tires are designed this way for better shock absorption and harder grip in hard terrains.

There are now a variety of tread patterns of tires available for various biking needs. Fully knobbly, front-specific, Slick street, street tires with a centre ridge and an outer tread, and snow studded, etc., these are some of tire patterns available in biking stores nowadays.

There are types of bikes that are perfect specific type of terrain and riding, tires that are designed to aid the rider in whatever weather and terrain there is.

Bikes like this always have suspension. Modern mountain bikes nowadays even have suspension on its front wheels, however most bikers really put full suspensions on their bikes for better riding in steep up and down terrains.

By Daniel Hansen

Share and Enjoy :

There is nothing more exhilarating than riding a dirt bike on a sunny afternoon! If you are interested in buying one of these bikes, especially if it is your first, you will need some information to help you choose the right one for you. Hopefully this short guide will prove useful.

Dirt bikes come in a wide variety of brands, sizes, colours and styles.They have gained in popularity enormously over the last few years so manufacturers have begun to produce them with a great many options.

A two stroke or four stroke dirt bike?
The first thing to consider is the engine. They usually come in two choices, two stroke or four stroke engines. While two stroke engines tend to be easier to handle and are lighter and more powerful they do have some disadvantages. Two stroke engines are less efficient than four stroke engines as far as fuel is concerned and tend to have a shorter life. However for a beginner a two stroke engine is a good choice and you will find it easier to ride and get used to. If you find you love dirt bike riding (as we are sure you will!) then you could progress to a four stroke when you feel more comfortable.

What about engine size?
A modest level of power is a good idea when you are starting out as a beginner will find more power harder to handle. You don’t want to end your bike riding the first day by crashing your new bike! For a beginner an engine capacity of between 200 and 300 cc is the best choice. You can progress to a more powerful bike when you are more experienced.

Shocks and suspension
Once you’ve decided on the type and size of the engine for your new bike you will need to make sure the shocks and suspension are high quality. After all, these bikes are not ridden on nice smooth highways but over bumpier ground and shocks and suspension will take a hammering. You will want to make sure they can stand up to this level of abuse.

Test driving the bike that you intend to purchase is a good idea. You can get a feel for how it handles and how it fits with your body weight and shape.

The last consideration, although many people will mistakenly put this first, is the look of the bike. This comes down to individual preference of course, but, provided you have taken into consideration all the above points feel free to choose the bike that takes your fancy.

Conclusion
There are many things to consider when buying your new bike so don’t rush into it. Take your time, do your homework and make sure you buy the perfect bike for your level of expertise. Dirt bike riding is great fun so selecting the right bike is important in your quest for a safe, exhilarating riding experience.

By Janet Ashby

Share and Enjoy :