Top 10 Entry Level Mountain Bikes

There is nothing worse than spending your hard earned money on a mountain bike, and then a month later wishing you had spent $50 more, and got the next model up or even a different brand! Or being sold by a bike shop and realizing the cheaper model would have done you perfectly.

These 3 critical questions will allow you to make an informed and confident decision:

Question 1 - What Is Your Mountain Bike Budget?
With mountain bikes you certainly get what you pay for! However it is easy to overspend and buy equipment that is designed for the hard off road rider when you are going to be commuting to work, predominately on road.

Mountain bike prices are mostly set by their components - the shifters, dérailleur, brakes, set, etc. The higher the price, the more durable the bikes are, the gear changing is smoother and faster and the comfort levels change. Some buyers buy a low-end bike and upgrade the components later, as they think it is necessary. However it is much cheaper to buy a bike with all the components already fitted, than it is to buy components later and upgrade a cheaper mountain bike.

Question 2 - How Will You Use Your Mountain Bike?
Are you intending to commute to work or school, go out for an occasional family ride, or as a method of daily exercise?

When you ride will it be predominantly on road or off road? If you are going to ride off road, how hard will you ride - flat terrain or rough terrain? What sort of distance do you intend covering every month?

Off-road riding is a very different experience than road riding and a different frame size will increase the handling of the mountain bike but decrease the comfort on road because of the different riding position.

Question 3 - Who Will Service And Repair Your Mountain Bike?
Mountain bikes like cars need servicing. Chains and brakes need maintaining, cables stretch and gear changes will become clunky. Most mountain bike enthusiasts will service their own bikes but if you are not a technical person, you may prefer to take it to a bike shop.

Bike shops are generally dealers for certain mountain bike makes and models. If you buy your mountain bike online make sure there is a bike shop near you that carries that brand of bike, or you may have a problem with them servicing it later on. Make sure you are happy with the quality of the bike shop as this usually dictates how well they service and repair your mountain bike.

So Which Is The Right Mountain Bike For You?
I've always found that by researching online I have come up with 2 or 3 different mountain bikes that would be ideal for me and then I've gone to test ride them and 1 has always felt a lot better than the others.

Buying a mountain bike is like buying a pair of running shoes. It must feel good from the time you get on! I remember researching the Trek 3700 online. It suited my needs perfectly until I rode it. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the bike but for my body shape it just felt uncomfortable. My 2nd choice was Giant Boulder which felt great as soon as I jumped on it.

Most mountain bike shops will allow a 15 minute test ride and won't mind you riding over kerbs, gravel, grass and other rough terrain, rather than the car park. The rougher terrain is where you will get the better feel for the bike. If the bike shop refuses a test ride then walk away!

Test different frame sizes. I prefer a smaller frame with more extension on the seat pillar. It gives me lots of distance between my crotch and the cross bar. The bike shop sales assistant will help with the correct seat height and handle bar adjustment.

The lighter weight frames always feel better but obviously add to the price. Check that the tires are suitable for what you will use the bike for - off road work will require large knobbly tires, while on road you will need a low street resistance tire. Dual use tires are available. They have a ridge in the middle of the tire for low street resistance and mid sized knobblies on the sides.

There are 2 types of shifters. Shifters are a matter of personal preference. Test both the Rapidfire and Gripshift on your test ride. Rapidfire shifters use levers placed near your brake lever. With your index finger, or thumb, you can move up and down your gears. Left levers are for the front dérailleur while the right are for the rear dérailleur. Gripshift works like a motorcycle throttle, you change gears by turning the control on the handle bar grip itself.

For long road rides seat comfort is important. Seat pads and padded bicycle shorts are available, but it is best to get a seat that is comfortable in the beginning. Most mountain bike shops will replace the seat if it means a sale.

Brakes are even more important. The high end mountain bikes come with hydraulic disc brakes which are very efficient while the "entry level" mountain bikes come with the older type V brakes or cable operated disc brakes. At the "entry level" the V brakes will be high end brakes while the disc brakes will be at the low end. I've always believed the V brake at this level to be more efficient but this is something else you can test on your test ride. Just bear in mind that the V brake is at the top of the wheel where as the disc brake is at the center of the wheel, so it could be susceptible to damage when riding off road.

Have fun and enjoy your mountain bike :)