There are many things to consider when purchasing a mountain bike, and your riding style will be one of the most critical factors to evaluate during the process. In this blog, we will cover a few tips to show you how to size a mountain bike frame that fits you perfectly and avoid potential headaches down the road.
If you plan to ride more technical trails including rocks, roots, tight corners, and drops, you want a durable front suspension or dual suspension bike with beefier, more aggressive tires. And for riding dirt roads, bike paths, or around town, a hardtail or fully rigid bike with less knobby tires will do great. Other factors to remember while figuring out how to buy a mountain bike include wheel size, frame material, and components. You also want to ensure you get a bike that fits you well and meets your specific body measurements.
Here’s what to look for when buying a mountain bike online.
Type of Mountain Bike
Remember that not all mountain bikes are created equal! There are different types and styles of mountain bikes, each designed for different types of riding and for different types of people riding them. So it’s essential to figure out what kind of riding you’ll be doing and find a mountain bike suited for that.
Mountain bikes are available in different styles, colors, and sizes. The three most common types of mountain bikes are hardtail bikes, full-suspension bikes, and fat bikes. Hardtail bikes have a rigid frame, meaning there is no rear suspension, only front suspension. Full-suspension bikes have a front suspension fork and a rear shock, which allows the bike to absorb bumps and shocks from the terrain. Fat bikes have extra wide tires designed for riding on soft surfaces, like snow or sand.
If you plan to ride mainly on technical trails, a bike with front and rear suspension is a good choice. Full-suspension systems help absorb bumps and make for a more comfortable ride. A good hardtail can also handle technical trails very well, and is a more efficient bike to pedal up hills. To get the best results, choose a bike with enough suspension travel to endure the terrain you plan to ride. Plan on doing a lot of jumping and more aggressive riding? Then you’ll need more suspension than someone who sticks to relatively flat trails.
Wheel Size
Wheel size is another key factor when deciding how to buy a mountain bike. Depending on the type of mountain bike, you will have the option of 26-inch, 27.5-inch, 29-inch, or 29-plus wheels. 26-inch wheels are the standard size, but 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels are becoming more popular. These larger wheels roll over obstacles easily and provide a smoother ride. If this is your first time purchasing a mountain bike, 26-inch wheels may be a good choice. If you’ve been riding for a while and want a bike that can handle rougher terrain, 27.5-inch, 29-inch, or 29plus wheels may be a better option.
Choosing the right wheel size for your height is necessary for safety and performance. Big and tall riders need a wheel size that provides stability and good handling. Larger wheels are typically better for taller or heavier riders, but smaller wheels can be lighter and easier to maneuver. Ultimately, the best wheel size for a big and tall rider depends on their individual needs and preferences.
High-Quality Components
Comparison-shopping online can be expensive, so do your best to find a mountain bike that has high-quality parts while providing the best value for your money. The most critical components you’ll need to consider when buying a mountain bike online are the cranks, brakes, suspension, and wheels. Higher-end bikes will have higher-quality mountain bike components designed to last longer and provide a better ride.
If this is your first bike, choose components that can handle your anticipated rides. You can always upgrade to higher-quality parts later on. And if you’re a big and tall rider searching for the perfect mountain bike, high-quality components will be must-haves because heavier riders put more stress on the bike frame.
You will experience a much safer ride and save money in the long run if you purchase bike components that can handle the extra weight.
Frame Material
We also help our customers pay attention to the frame material when shopping for their bike online. If you choose material built for your riding style, you can prevent cracked frames and unnecessary expenses. Mountain bikes come with steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium frames. Aluminum is the most common material known for being lightweight and durable. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum and provides a smoother ride. And titanium is the most premium material of the three and can handle extreme terrain. Titanium is very compliant, which makes it buttery smooth on bumpy trails.
The frame size is also critical to the ride and feel of your mountain bike. The frame should be big enough to accommodate the rider’s height but not so large that it’s difficult to control. Many mountain bike brands offer custom sizing charts to help you choose the correct frame in case you don’t know how to size a mountain bike frame. Once you’ve found a few bike frames that seem like they might be a good fit, it’s time to get measured for a custom fit.
Get Fitted & Submit Your Measurements
When buying a mountain bike online, getting fitted for a mountain bike is the best way to ensure you get the perfect frame for your needs. So far, we’ve discussed how to buy a mountain bike by choosing the right parts and components. But the most impactful factor by far is your measurements. With these, a custom frame can be sized specifically for you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when getting fitted:
- Your inseam is the most critical measurement. It will determine the stand over clearance needed, the crank length, and the seat height.
- The next thing to consider is your torso length. This measurement helps to determine the length of the top tube or reach of the bike.
- Finally, you’ll need to take into account your arm length. This distance will help to determine the reach of the handlebars.
Once you have your measurements, you can submit them to a mountain bike retailer or manufacturer. They will then be able to help you choose the correct frame size for you.
If you plan to ride aggressively, you’ll want to follow the RideLogic fit system developed by Lee McCormack. We offer in-person and remote RideLogic fit consultations.
Finding Your Perfect Bike with Zinn Cycles
Well, there you have it. We hope we’ve answered any questions you may have regarding how to buy a mountain bike. Just remember, buying a mountain bike online isn’t that hard if you follow what we’ve covered.
What you’re after is the perfect fit, and a custom-built mountain bike will ensure that the frame and other components fit your body and riding style. It’s an investment that will pay off in terms of performance and comfort. If you have any further questions, call us at 303-499-4349 or contact us for a consultation or a professional bike fitting.
We’ve served the cycling community for over 40 years and specialize in helping riders of all sizes and walks of life find their perfect bicycle. Happy riding!
