A Beginner's Guide on Buying a (Real) Mountain Bike

It may be difficult, if not confusing, buying your first “real” mountain bike. When I say “real”, I am referring to that kind of mountain bike that is tough enough to at least survive the trails of the La Mesa Nature Reserve or that trail behind the College of Human Kinetics in UP Diliman. It is that type of bike priced not lower than 10k and beyond those bikes sold or displayed along the kid’s bikes in gigantic malls.

With different types, sizes and brands of Mountain Bikes on the market, it is confusing which one is best for you.

Simply, a real mountain bike refers to – that bike that gives you the appearance of a serious mountain biker; it is that bike that gives you a fighting chance to overcome the fear of being left behind by the pack; it is that bike beyond your alloyed BMX; or it is the type of bike that breaths fire, enthusiasm and motivation to try mountain biking… at least for a while.

If you are not an heir to such elegance, where and how do you buy such bike? Here are some tips culled from the complex realm of the Internet, from experienced riders and from theBAT’s own experience.

Do not hesitate to ask the mechanic questions regarding your bike. Before leaving the bike shop, ride  and test your bike and immediately request for any adjustments.

Check your Budget

Foremost, it is about the budget - the amount or how much you are willing to spend - if for whatever reason, you and only yourself can comprehend, you woke up with the sudden realization that mountain biking is one great activity; thus transforming a “mountain bike” into an essential purchase and something that has to be bought and squeezed into that already tight budget.

Budget for a Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes below 10k can be seen displayed in shopping malls and bike shops. Actually, it is not bad. If however, you intend to take mountain biking to a higher level, it is difficult to find a real mountain bike even in Cartimar with that kind of a budget.

After scouring through various bike shops, including those in malls, I came to the debatable but realistic realization, after much haggling and canvass, that 15k is a fair and good enough budget for that real mountain bike. That amount can purchase, a reasonably decent and fairly competitive “hardtail” mountain bike.

A mountain bike at 15k can already ease the “biking bug”. It is a fair enough budget to determine whether “mountain biking” is just a spur of the moment run-off to a bored day, a weekend hobby or something that may elevate to something serious such as a sport.  Again, this is contentious.

After a few trails, you fathomed that mountain biking is not really your game, or your schedule does not permit you to bike at all, a 15k investment is not bad; that bike can still be used to get from one part of the subdivision to other. With the present state of the economy, seeing a mountain bike at around 40k just hanging on the wall, or left somewhere in the garage, rusting and totally ignored after a few trails, is a clear wasted investment.

Find the Best Place to Buy the Bike

Of course, this is a matter of opinion. But based on my experience, the best place to buy your first real mountain bike is at Cartimar in Pasay City. With several stores in that place competing for your attention, it is not difficult to find a bike shop with an accommodating staff or mechanic willing to answer your queries about the bike, biking or life in general.

I have tried several bike shops, including those in the malls, but the staff is not that accommodating. Some even look at you, as if you were just lost in the complex maze of the mall or just another window shopper. As a beginner trying to buy a mountain bike with a budget in mind, an accommodating staff and mechanic is most welcome.

Consider the Size of the Mountain Bike

As a general rule, consider the size of the frame of the bike in relation to your height.

Height of Rider	Size of Bike Frame
5ft to 5ft 4in	13-14in (extra small)
5ft 4in to 5ft 7in	14-16in (small )
5ft 7in to 5ft 10in	16-18in (medium)
5ft 10in to  6ft 1in	18-20in (large)
Over 6ft 1in	20-22in (extra large)

But the above are mere suggestions. What is more important is how you feel when you are riding that bike. Before buying that bike it is a good idea to ride the bike and test it before parting with your money. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, feel free to request the bike shop mechanic for adjustments.

Choose the Wheel Size

After choosing the frame size of your bike, or being able to determine which one best fits you, it is time to determine the size of the wheel. The competing sizes are the 26”, 27.5" and the 29”.

There is an ongoing debate among bikers as to which is the better wheel size.

However, if you are a beginner with a height of less that 5’5”, I think it is logical to get a 26” wheel for your first mountain bike.  A 26” inch wheel is strong yet light enough for that test run.  After a few trails and getting the hang of it, you can get a better resolve on whether to stick to the 26” inch wheel or switch to a 27.5" or 29”.

Choose the Type of Mountain Bike

Based of the number of “suspensions”, a mountain bike is categorized into; (1) rigid with no suspension at all; (2) hardtail with suspension at the fork and none at the rear; and (3) full suspension, with both front and rear suspensions. Full suspension mountain bikes, depending on the amount and purpose of the suspension are categorized into - cross country, trail, all mountain, freeride and downhill bikes.

For the beginner, a hardtail or even a rigid mountain bike is good enough. Some riders prefer a rigid mountain bike since a “suspension” definitely adds to the weight of the bike. Others, prefer a full suspension bike to cushion the impact of  riding in a rocky trail.

Choose the Brand of the Mountain Bike

After determining your budget, size of the frame and its wheel, and the type of mountain bike you intend to get, it is time to consider the brand.

There is really nothing wrong with any brand. In fact, most bikes are a conglomeration, or a combination of different parts and components of different brands on the market today – Shimano, Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Merida, Mosso, Mongoose, to name a few. In other words, you can assemble or have different brands on each component or part of your bike.

As to which brand is best, is a matter of opinion or preference.  It is like comparing a teana with the vios.  The Shimano brand however, either as a component or the bike itself, is present in most bikes.

For the beginner, a within the budget mountain bike is not far off compared to the branded ones.  When just starting to hit the trail, any brand of mountain bike is good enough. A beyond the budget, high-end, branded bike, and accessorized to the hilt, does not necessarily translate to better performance.

Consider Bike Accessories

Before leaving the Bike Shop, consider buying the necessary equipment and other accessories for your bike – helmet, gloves, biking shorts and jersey, hydration pack or water bottles, eyewear, headlight, taillight, among others. But for the beginner, the most important is the helmet. Usually, the policy is “no helmet, no ride”.

Conclusion

Again, getting that first real mountain bike is primarily dependent on no else but you. Try to read other blogs and gather much information before buying a mountain bike.  Never be afraid to ask questions when your bike is being assembled by the mechanic.

Remember, it is your bike and you should have the final say.