So you're going to invest in a new Mountain bike? How do you choose? New or secondhand? What make? Shop or mail order? what size should it be? Now for some answers!
First thing is to ask yourself some Questions:
1. What am I going to use it for?
2. How much am I willing to spend?
3. Am I confident enough with sizing, mechanics etc to know a good buy secondhand when I see one?
There are lots of types of MTB & I will try to categorize them for you!
The first rule to Buying a new bike is the £250/£300 Rule anything much under this is likely to come in category 5! These bikes will be heavy, slow & sometimes downright dangerous! They also use cheap components in hidden areas such as bearings that wear quickly & thus are a false economy! When Buying new go with "Big name" Brands or custom specced Bike Shop Kit AVOID £79 Makro specials - you know what I mean!
Avoid the suspension trap; suspension like all components has to be paid for, therefore it follows that a full - suspension bike at the same price as a Rigid or Hardtail model will be downgraded in other areas & will 9.9999 times out of ten be heavier than its counterpart!
Sizing: when sizing a bike make sure youu have a minimum of 2" clearance on a rigid or hardtail bike & a minimum of 4" on a full-sus, you have been warned; it's your love life!
The most important part of a bike is it's frame, other components can be upgraded as & when they wear out but a good frame is fundamental. (look to leave your options open, for instance disc mounts are a must even if you don't think you'll use em now....)
A good Bike shop should be able to advise you on all this & make sure you get a test ride - if the shop won't let you take it out then walk away; there are plenty of others that will.
Avoid Mail order unless you know EXACTLY what you want, although remember if something does go wrong with it, it could be an inconvenience if your shop is 150 miles away!
As a general rule - pick a type of bike best suited to your uses & pay as much as you can afford! Don't for instance buy a full susser with 8" of travel to go down the shops, why carry the extra 20lb in weight & as a plus you'll look bloody silly outside Tesco's on it!
Remember to budget for other kit you'll need like shoes, lights, HELMET, camelback etc. --------------------------------------------
So you know one end of the bike from the other, you've owned one or two & now you want that dream bike but it costs a bit too much new...
Or maybe you want a cheap first model....
Who knows...!
If you don't know what you're looking at take someone who does!
Take cash - you'll get a better deal if you "drive it away"!
Look to take all their spares & accessories with it, especially if they're getting out of the sport, anything not worth using you can always junk!
So my advice on what to look for secondhand:
Try it for size
Ride it, leave your car keys or a friend with them for security if they ask.. Listen for any funny noises - grinding etc.
Carefully inspect the frame & forks for cracks, especially round any of the joints.
Check the frame alignment as best you can by eye, you'll see anything that's grossly bent!
Make sure the suspension works, isn't leaking & doesn't make any horrible noises. Find out when it was last serviced. Get them to show you how the suspension is adjust & do so to make sure that for instance a dodgy valve hasn't been sealed shut or whatever.
Make sure the headset turns smoothly.
Check the seatpost isn't stuck in the frame by moving it
Change all the gears & check nothing is bent
Check the wheel bearing by moving them side to side - they shouldn't rattle
Grab the cranks; push & pull & make sure there is no BB movement.
Wiggle the pedals & make sure there is no movement there.
Check the brakes work, if hydraulic check for leaks, see if they have the bleed kit. (make sure the discs / wheels are true & not damaged)
Any problems with bearings / components remember they can always be replaced but make sure the underlying cause isn't more expensive / serious & bargain hard if you do find anything that needs doing!
I think that's about the best I can offer! Other than Good luck & remember don't buy from a Pub car park & definitely don't buy anything Hot, if it looks too good to be true it just might be... You can check local police records for a frame number or verify with datatag if registered.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
An excellent summary. Pity my son didn't read it before he splashed out £500 on his bike. The bike is pretty reasonable, to be expected at that price, but I am sure he could have got the same specs cheaper if he had done a little research.
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