How to choose a New Mountainbike
Step 1: Determine Your Intended Use
Ensuring you have the optimal mountain bike that suits your riding style is essential for maximizing your enjoyment on the trails.
Ask yourself what are you trying to get out of your ride? do you want to be the fastest round your local loop? or do you live for the downs and feel climbs are a neccessary evil?
XC and Hardtail
These bikes are specifically designed to excel in cross-country racing, where riders cover long distances with a mix of climbing, technical sections, and fast descents. XC bikes typically feature shorter suspension travel, usually ranging from 80mm to 120mm, making them efficient climbers and ideal for smoother trails.
All Mountain and Trail
These bikes strike a balance between the nimble handling of cross-country bikes and the rugged capabilities of enduro bikes, making them popular choices for all-around mountain biking adventures. With typically around 120mm to 140mm of suspension travel, trail bikes offer a comfortable and controlled ride on both smooth trails and technical descents.
Enduro
These bikes are the perfect blend of downhill prowess and climbing efficiency, making them versatile and capable on a wide range of terrains. Enduro bikes typically feature long-travel suspension with around 160mm to 180mm of travel, allowing riders to confidently tackle rough and technical descents.
Electric Bike
The Largest growing segment in the Mtb World and its easy to see why, if You've only got a few hours a week to ride an ebike is your best bet, with up to 400% power boost of your legs get those weekly rides in has never been easier.
Step 2: Find the right Groupset
Entry Level: Shimano Deore and Sram SX or NX are good choices for beginners and budget-conscious riders. These groupsets offer a reliable and functional range of components without the complexity and cost of higher-tier options. At this level, manufacturers often trade-off heavy or weaker materials to achive a more affordable pricepoint.
Mid-Range: Shimano Deore XT or SLX and Sram GX are all viable options. These groupsets offer a noticeable upgrade in terms of materials and shifting precision. Mid-range groupsets are also more customizable, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup to suit their specific preferences and riding style. In terms of value for money, these options are hard to beat.
High-End: High-end mountain bike groupsets represent the pinnacle of performance and technology in the off-road cycling world. Shimano's XTR and Sram's XX1 or X01 are meticulously engineered to deliver unparalleled precision, efficiency, and reliability.
Step 3: Bike fit and Suspension Setup
Bike fit and Suspension is a critical aspect of cycling that directly impacts comfort, performance, and overall riding experience. A proper set up ensures optimal performance on the bike, reducing the risk of discomfort, pain, and injury. It also enhances power transfer and efficiency, allowing riders to generate more power and maintain a smooth, consistent pedal stroke. Whether it's a full-suspension or a hardtail MTB, finding the right suspension settings is essential for achieving a smooth and controlled ride on various terrains. Visit our store in Auckland for a tailored fit which comes free with any new bike purchase.
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