Buying a mountain bike online is a big step, but it doesn't have to be a mistake as long as you know what you're getting into. Be wary, however, of buying the first bike that has that appealing look. Appearances from a picture can be deceiving, and what you really need to know is whether the bike is a good fit for you. Your first task is to learn about mountain bikes before you begin shopping, including the important factors in making an informed decision.
First, get a good professional fitting, to tell you what type and size of bike is best for you. While there may be some cost required, up to seventy-five dollars, you'll have assurance that you can make the correct choice. Any good bike shop that you get a fitting from won't pressure you to buy there.
Once you know what your size and ideal frame type is, start looking at mountain bike brands and features you like. Browse a lot, and learn as much about every kind of bike as you can. You'll want to settle on the type of material you want in the fame, (aluminum, steel, carbon fiber or titanium being the most common, although steel and aluminum are less costly).
With mountain bikes, suspension is something you should ask about - is there no suspension, front suspension or a combination of front and rear? A gentler ride comes with more suspension. Next turn your consideration to brands that appeal to you.
Determine what kind of suspension is being included - no suspension, front and rear suspension or just front? A gentler ride comes with more suspension. Think about brands that appeal to you. Brand name may not be the only consideration, but those with proven reliability such as Cannondale, Trek and Specialized have stood the test of time. One thing you can be sure of is that a proven brand like Specialized Mountain Bikes will provide you years of good service.
Online you'll find a number of bike retailers, as well as a wide variety of mountain bikes being offered both by retailers and individuals on eBay. Buying bikes on eBay requires a bit of caution. If you choose to go with eBay, be very careful to make certain that the bike you're buying is the one you want.
Return policies can be tricky, and individual sellers can misrepresent their bikes, intentionally or not. If you exercise some caution, you can save a lot of money on an otherwise expensive mountain bike purchase, by paying close attention to the bike's condition and the nature of seller feedback and shipping and handling costs.
On the other hand, buying from an online bike retailer may prove to be a little safer. It's always important to check up on the online store and make sure that they're reliable, too. Find out about return policies and warranties, if available. So long as you take the time to investigate adequately, shopping for the right mountain bike online does not have to be onerous.
About the Author:
Robert Cooksey maintains a number of websites covering sports with emphasis on cycling, including About Brand Name Bikes as well as Trek Mountain Bikes.
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