MTBs are quickly becoming the bike of choice for many Americans. You see them every day at the mall, downtown, and especially on the trails (where they belong!!).

Kids and grown-ups alike are purchasing MTBs at a tremendous rate, but most do not what they may be getting into when they enter the bike shop. Several years ago, a hundred or so bucks could get you a nice ten-speed at Sears. Now to purchase a decent starter MTB, one must lay down at least two hundred dollars or more plus purchase several accessories to go along with it!

Below is some information that I hope is helpful in getting you and others into Mountain Biking.

If you are new to the MTB market, don't be discouraged by the prices you will more than likely find a decent bike in your price range. Also, do yourself a favor and don't go to K-mart, Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, etc. to buy a Mountain Bike. Some of those bikes may be pretty to look at, but should not be allowed on the trail. Look in the phone book and find a local bike shop (most neighborhoods have at least one). Let the staff at the bike shop help you find the bike you are looking for in your price range. They are usually very knowledgeable.

Things to look for in your first MTB:

1. Frame type- Frames come in many different materials including aluminum, hi tensile steel, Cro-Moly, titatnium, carbon fiber composite, and other composites . The most popular all around material is Cro-Moly steel. It is lighter and stronger than hi tensile steel and not much more expensive. It is generally cheaper than the other listed materials and is what I would recommend for a starter bike.

2. Frame size - MTB frames are smaller than the comparable road bike. You should pick a frame that gives you at least two inches of crotch clearance when straddling the top tube.

3. Brakes - Any new MTB will have either cantilever brakes, v-brakes, hydraulic brakes or even more exotic disc brakes. Cantilever brakes work by pulling on the center of a short cable which is attached at both ends to the brake arms. The brake arms are attached at a pivot point to the front fork. The cantilevers are the most popular and the least expensive. They have been around for a long time, but are being replaced by the new Shimano brand V- brakes. The new V-brakes use what is called a parallel push mechanism. I can't really explain how they work, but I've heard that they will stop a bike on a dime.

4. Gears, shifters and deraileurs - These three items work together and as such are usually sold as a "grouppo" on bike. This means that the gears, shifters, and derailleurs on a new bike will generally be the same make and model ie. Shimano xt, xtr, lx, alivio, acera…. The guy at the shop will help you determine which one you need.

5. Accessories - Number one GET A GOOD FITTING HELMET. Try several on and buy one that fits snugly and you are not embarrassed to wear. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET. Next you should buy a spare tube, a mini pump for when you do get a flat, a small multi-tool, a patch kit, a seat bag to carry all of this stuff in, a water bottle and bottle cage or a camel back hydration system. Remember on rides more than a half hour long to always carry water and drink it.

I hope that this information helps you to enjoy the sport of Mountain Biking as much as I do. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to send me some E-Mail, there is a form on the first page of this site. Also MTB Review is a GREAT site for bike and component reviews and tons of links for anything about MTBs.

See you on the trails!