Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes are usually the top of the range models and every year manufacturers make better, lighter and cheaper full suspension bikes. If you are in the market for a full suspension mountain bike, read on and find out the most important factors to consider.

Before you go out and look at some bikes it is important to consider what type of terrain will you be riding on? For normal cross country (XC) riding a full suspension mountain bike may not be justified and the extra weight may be an issue for you. In this case a hardtail might better suit your needs. However if you are going to be riding downhill or on rough terrain a full suspension bike might be a better choice.

Decide on the amount you want to spend a keep to this figure. Ideally, you should aim to buy the best bike that fits within your budget. It is often suggested that if you have less than 500 euros to spend on a bike you might want to look at a hardtail bike as full suspension models are more costly. Another option would be to look at buying a second hand full suspension bike at a reduced price.

If you decide that a full suspension mountain bike is the right choice for you, you will then need to consider the alternative frame designs. Single-pivot, multi link and cantilever are some of the popular designs and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to truly appreciate the difference is to go to a few bike shops and test ride the different choices. The bike store staff will be more then happy to explain and point out the benefits of each design.

Remember that full suspension bikes are heavier than hardtail bikes. Full suspension frames are a little heavier and they carry more parts than hardtails so be prepared to pedal around a little more weight on the trail.

Browse through some of the many online mountain bike forums, where you can learn find out what other riders are saying about their own bikes. You can learn a lot from the experiences of other people.

Remember make an allowance for maintenance costs. Full suspension bikes will require an increased level of maintenance due to the more complex system. If you are a DIY type you will need a few extra tools as well.

Finally, test ride as many bikes as you can before buying. Also do not forget to test ride a full suspension mountain bike with the front and or rear shock locked out.

For a lot more information about choosing the best mountain bike, visit Roue VTT, a really interesting site full of great articles on all aspects of mountain bikes and related equipment. Also take a look at Roue VTT which has an additional selection of useful resources.

Tags: bike riding, bike shopping, cycle touring, Cycling, fitness, leisure, Mountain Bike, mountain bike suspension, mountain bike tyres, mountain bike wheels, Sports