{"id":20191,"date":"2021-08-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/tips-on-buying-your-first-mountain-bike\/"},"modified":"2021-09-15T13:05:55","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T11:05:55","slug":"tips-on-buying-your-first-mountain-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/tips-on-buying-your-first-mountain-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips on buying your first mountain bike"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s review the key parts every MTB rookie should take into account when choosing a mountain bike. But before we begin, do you know what size bike you need? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blogs\/en\/how-to-choose-the-right-bike-size-faq\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BIKE SIZE? - FAQ\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look at our FAQ to make sure you choose the right one<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blogs\/es\/como-elegir-la-talla-de-bici-correcta-preguntas-y-respuestas\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Carbon vs Aluminum Bike Frames<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned in our previous post:<\/span><b> it is always better to buy an aluminum MTB with better components than a carbon bike with poor-quality parts. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An aluminum frame weighs more than a carbon one, but better components are usually lighter and make up for the heavier frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another approach is to take a long-term view focusing on the idea of improving the bike over time. In such a case, buy a carbon MTB with worse components and change them gradually until you get your perfect bike. You can also do this with an aluminum bike, but let&#8217;s not get into too many details right at the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hardtail vs Full Suspension<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The comparison is done within the same price range and always referring to cross-country bikes, the ideal mountain bikes for beginners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Hardtail\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Front suspension fork only (between 100 and 120 mm fork travel).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better components (you get more for the same money).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier maintenance than full-suspension models.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More technical riding is required. It forces you to improve your skills and move your body on the bike, but can be limiting on certain types of terrain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/hardtail.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>A hardtail MTB is sufficient if you ride on less technically demanding terrains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, smooth trails, tracks or paths without too many bumps, potholes or large stones. Otherwise, it will be more physically and technically demanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Full Suspension<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Front suspension fork (same fork travel as hardtail) and rear shock (up to 110 mm travel).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More expensive. Worse components for the same money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More complicated maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It does not require as much technique and can even be helpful on certain types of terrain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/full-suspension.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Full suspension models are more versatile. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They do everything a hardtail does, but they are heavier and include poorer-quality components. On the other hand, they provide more comfort and allow you to ride in more challenging conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>It is always useful to have remote lockout levers on the handlebar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a front and rear suspension control system. They are not essential, but they let you engage the lock without taking your hands off the handlebar.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Wheels<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Size:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29&#8243; is the industry standard today.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also 27.5&#8243; bikes available.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a lot of 26&#8243; bikes on the second-hand market as they used to be the standard a few years ago but are barely being produced nowadays.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatbikes. Recommended only for sand and snow. They have oversized, 4&#8243;- or 5&#8243;-tires, much bigger than regular MTBs. &#8220;Fat&#8221; tires make the wheel size noticeably bigger even on a regular 29&#8243;-rim width.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27.5&#8243;+ and 29&#8243;+. Wheels with wider tires, between 2.8&#8243; and 3&#8243;. Thus a 27.5&#8243;+ wheel becomes a 29&#8243; and a 29&#8243;+ is larger than your regular 29&#8243;.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/wheels.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make things clear:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The wheel size you will find in most stores is 29&#8243; and it is the recommended size for most adults unless you are rather short or petite.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In such a case, a 27.5&#8243; would be a more suitable and comfortable choice, but it is also a matter of taste, experience, technique and riding style. Many Cross-country Olympic racers are no taller than 170 cm and all ride 29&#8243; bikes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Clincher Tires vs Tubeless Tires<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vast majority of bicycles (mountain, road, gravel, touring bikes) have an inner tube inside the tire which must be repaired or replaced when punctured. Together with tubular tires (dedicated mainly to competitive cycling), clincher tires were the only existing systems until the appearance of a tubeless tire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/tubeless.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tubeless system was developed for mountain biking by getting rid of the inner tube and using specific rims and tires with a liquid sealant inside that fixes punctures on the go. The <\/span><b>advantages of tubeless system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Riding with lower tire pressure = more comfort and better traction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding \u201csnakebite\u201d flats when the inner tube gets pinched on the rim.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No more of those tiny, annoying punctures forcing you to change the inner tube.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less weight (depending on the tire you use).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>disadvantages of tubeless system <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It requires special rims and tires. Most manufacturers now offer Tubeless Ready tires and rims as standard in case the customer wants to switch to this new system, getting rid of the inner tube and adding liquid tire sealant.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Price. The tires and rims are more expensive, plus you&#8217;ll need liquid tire sealant that must be replaced from time to time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It does not protect you from all kinds of punctures. If there is a very large hole or a cut, the liquid will not be able to seal it and you will have to resort to a tubeless plug.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Either way, <\/span><b>it is best to use tubeless tires and carry a right size spare inner tube just in case.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Drivetrain and Brakes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>The gears and brakes on an MTB significantly affect its price.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As a general rule:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-end bikes: Shimano XT and XTR or Sram XX1, X01 and GX.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mid-range bikes: Shimano XT, SLX and Deore or Sram X01, GX, NX and SX.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-cost bikes: Shimano Deore, Alivio, Acera\u2026 or Sram SX, X9, X7&#8230;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>MTBs use disc brakes; hydraulic brakes are a better choice than mechanical ones.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/disk-brake.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>The single chainring has become popular within medium and high range bikes with 10, 11 or 12 speeds on the cassette.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>The advantages of the single chainring:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rear derailleur is your only concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less weight.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/single-chainring.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within the low-cost and low-mid range there is a huge number of options:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double chainring. A new MTB with a triple chainring is hard to find.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bikes with 10, 9 or 8 sprockets.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Electronic shifters are also available for MTBs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Shimano offers electronic shifters with wires on its XT and XTR groupsets. Wireless Sram shifters are available on XX1, X01 and GX groupsets.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Clipless, flat or single-sided clipless pedals?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store-bought bikes usually come without pedals or with flat pedals. <\/span><b>We recommend using clipless pedals and MTB shoes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because the advantages of being clipped-in outweigh the disadvantages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/clipless.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Advantages:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More control and safety. Prevents your foot from slipping off the pedal on a downhill or a bump.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved power transfer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rounder pedal stroke.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can pull up the bike to avoid obstacles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Disadvantages:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have to buy special shoes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to practice clipping in and out to be able to get your foot out quickly and timely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the cleat or pedal gets muddy, it is difficult to clip in.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They require prior adjustment and some minor maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>You lose the above advantages when you decide on flat pedals, but you gain freedom for your feet and you save money <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">because no maintenance is necessary and you don&#8217;t need special shoes. However, if you are going to use your mountain bike a lot, get some good-quality metal flat pedals and stiff-soled cycling shoes to be as comfortable and safe as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pedals.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>If in doubt, you can opt for single-sided clipless pedals, flat on one side and clipless on the other.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So much for the basics. We could go on talking about the saddle, handlebars, dropper seatpost and other components, but all the information above is more than enough to buy your first MTB and we promised to keep the guide simple.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let&#8217;s review the key parts every MTB rookie should take into account when choosing a mountain bike. But before we begin, do you know what size bike you need? Take a look at our FAQ to make sure you choose the right one. \u00a0 Carbon vs Aluminum Bike Frames As mentioned in our previous post:&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/tips-on-buying-your-first-mountain-bike\/\" class=\"button button-secondary\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Tips on buying your first mountain bike<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[166],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mtb"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20191"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20191\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}