More about Mountain Bikes
· I often get asked to explain the difference between a $600 and a $2000 mountain bike. It's a good question, especially since the bikes bear resemblances in some fundamental ways: both bikes have aluminum frames, both have 27-speed drivetrains. As is the case with fine guitars, guns and bottles of wine, though, the difference is in the details. For example, the weight disparity between the aluminum frame found on a Raleigh M-80 and the one found on a Cannondale F2000SL is quickly apparent. The M-80 frame weighs in at 4.5 lbs. The F5000 frame is a hair over 2.0 lbs. And if you think that a mere 1.5 lbs in difference doesn't mean much...well, you just have to ride the difference to understand it. I was a non-believer. But trying one out showed me the very first time how MUCH easier those uphill climbs were! The M-80 is built with one goal in mind: to withstand a lifetime of wear and tear. The F2000SL frame, too, is bombproof. But its engineering is goes beyond concerns for durability. Its unique design enables it to be tremendously resistant to energy-sapping lateral flex, but compliant to the vertical forces between the rider and the ground to absorb shock.
· Situated between the stout M-80 and the featherlight F2000SL are other frames of varying degrees of refinement. As you spend more money, you'll get a frame that will be lighter and stronger, one that will deliver a more finely tuned ride quality.
· The moving parts on the bike follow the same theme: as you spend more money, the componentry gets lighter and more durable. But be aware that sometimes some of the really "high end" components, that are scrapping tooth and nail to be the lightest gear on the market, sometimes do sacrifice durability. Only time tested reviews tell us that. Brakes allow for a better degree of modulation, shifting gets crisper, bearings improve in quality and roll on smoother surfaces, drivetrains run more quietly, suspension forks feel plusher.
· Which bike is the best for you? That's a tough question to answer. Do you want to squeeze out the most value for your money without having to pay for the very latest technological advances? The only thing I can tell you is to ride several bikes...and try your best to get an idea of your level and frequency of riding beforehand. I started out with one bike. I now have four. So, I'm not much a believer in one bike meets all needs. But it's possible, if your needs are somewhat narrow.
· Are you tempted by the durability, the wet-weather stopping power and superior speed control of hydraulic disc brakes? Disc brakes are nice. They do require a higher level of maintenance than V-brakes. Don't expect to find them in bikes under $1400.
· Are you intrigued by the comfort and the rear wheel traction you get from a full-suspension frame design? You can find some full suspensions for under $800, but just barely. The internet is a great place to shop. But keep in mind, that it is really nice to have a local bike dealer to take your bike to when it is in need of repair and simple checkups. And if you do any trail riding, you WILL need repair. But take a look at the mechanic shop of the bike store. Are they kids? Do they know what they are doing? Are you just a number? Do you always have to leave the bike with them even for simple things? Personally I favor local bike shops. Though there are some franchise stores I would consider.
· Do you want the most revolutionary front suspension system ever manufactured? Try on Cannondale's F1000 with its eye-popping Headshok Lefty fork . With 100mm of travel and unmatched tracking precision, you'll be hard pressed to find finer suspension this side of a Porsche. (You can get more detailed information about Headshok's Lefty Fork on my link below.) Or if you really want to go for it...Cannondale Raven 4000SX. I bought two. If you want to see a picture of them, you can go to my links page to go to Cannondale or go to my page that tells a little about me.
· Your choices are vast. My best advice? Test ride lots of bikes before you buy.
OK...so what's a Mountain Bike anyhow?
Well, let's first deal with the question you're inevitably going to get..."What would you do with a mountain bike in Texas? There aren't any mountains here!" No, but there ARE hills and gulleys and drops and stairs and curbs. True, mountain bike may be a misleading name because this type of bike is far more versatile than just being useful in mountainous areas. Perhaps a suspension bike would be more appropriate. But you know how names stick.
Let me explain the 2 basic types of usage of mountain bikes.
The two most popular styles of riding mountain bikes are
downhilling and cross-country. Downhilling is truly
relegated to the mountainous areas. In its ultimate form,
these daredevils will go to a ski resort, ride the lifts up with
their bikes across their laps (because these bikes are NOT
light...they can way upwards to 50 lbs!) and then come
down the mountain slope on their bikes. Now...let me
explain farther...The bikes they use are beefy and heavy.
They have the longest travel suspension of the various
suspensions offered. The reason for this is that they come
downhill with a great amount of speed. Like uh...about 40 to 80 mph! And no they don't slow down when headed for a cliff drop and I do mean cliff! They almost invariably use disc brakes because rubber brakes would burn up at these speeds. They also wear full face bike helmets, full fingered gloves, reinforced pants and long sleeve shirts; both are most likely fitted with strategically placed kevlar pads to protect vital areas. There are a few areas in Texas that have constructed short (length depends upon the hill height) downhill courses. But most likely, you won't see much or do much downhilling in Texas.
The more common type of riding is cross-country riding. This is the most versatile form of mountain biking. It involves singletrack
trails that wind through environments
that range from sandy deserts, hilly
areas, rocky terrain, wooded
forests,and creek beds (dry and wet) often having more than one terrain type on the same trail. What you can definitely expect is that
the trail is not going to be always
smooth like paved asphalt. There might
be some relatively smooth places, but
you most likely will have to cross
rocks, tree roots and uneven breaks in
the trail (drops or stair-like areas). Just
riding on the sidewalks of downtown Houston can mimick a relatively simple singletrack trail giving their sometimes less-than-perfect condition. These trails can also be wide and open or very twisty and just barely enough room to squeeze your handlebars through the trees. Obviously, these trail types are the most likely trail you'll run across in Texas.
Now having said that, I will go on to say that it is probably more likely that people will do street riding! Going to a ski resort is probably not an option unless you make a special trip and save your $. Going to a trail is most likely a car ride for most of us. Riding city streets are convenient and fun for all of us. You can stay safely on relatively flat ground but head for those curbs, stairs and assorted other obstacles found out and about town. It's also a great way to see Houston. There are numerous fountains, city parks, art sculptures and spontaneous events (yes, even with bands!) that abound throughout Houston. The bike club named Houston Bicycle Club specifically has a Houston street ride on the weekends to visit various places of interest. It's a moderately paced easy ride. They visit places like the airplane crash house, the beer can house, various notable bakeries, fountains, universities and other assorted assundries that you can't fully enjoy within the confines of an automobile. There are a few bike shops that organize downtown city street rides even at night during particular weekdays.
And why a mountain bike for the street? Well, you can hit obstacles with ease and it's just plain more comfortable for a lot of people. Most will opt for a hardtail (a mountain bike with only a front suspension fork, i.e. no rear suspension) if their rides are primarily city streets. Oh...and the best time to ride the downtown Houston city streets are the weekends, when traffic has fallen to lower levels.
Entry-Level Mountain Bikes
· The term "entry-level" has a condescending ring to it, but it shouldn't given the high quality of bike you can get nowadays in the traditional entry-level price range of $359-$499. A bike in this range will be lightweight, shift crisply, and give you plenty of braking power. In short, you'll be buying yourself enough bike to figure out whether mountain biking is something you'll really enjoy. Nothing about these bikes will keep you from experiencing the sport of mountain biking to the fullest.
· Even at $359 you'll get an aluminum frame and a shock-absorbing front suspension fork (hardtail bike). You'll get moderately knobby tires that give you low rolling resistance on pavement, but adequate traction in dirt and mud. You'll get quick-release wheels, your shift levers will be easy to operate, all of the bearings on your moving parts will be sealed. An example of a mountain bike under $400 is the Raleigh M-50. Even at $359 it's ready to handle the toughest off-road terrain you can find. Can you get away with buying a bike cheaper than $359? Not if you want to do much in the way of off-road riding. Don't believe any salesman who promises you that a sub-$350 mountain bike can endure the rigors of off-road riding! The accepted standard in the cycling industry is that 99% of the riding on a sub-$350 bike is done on pavement. As such, the bikes are built to deliver a super-cushy ride for a casual rider. If you're tempted in the least to try out mountain biking, you'll save money in the long run by investing in a durable, trail-worthy bike.
· As you spend $350+ your drivetrain will evolve from 21 to 24 speeds. The internals of your shift levers will come with beefier springs and your freewheel and chainrings will feature gates and ramps to help the chain move between gears more quickly. You'll really notice the improvement in shifting quality when you're pedaling at low RPM's uphill.
· Closer to $500 you'll get a more advanced front suspension fork for a smoother, more shock-absorbent ride. You'll gain bar ends so you can have an extra hand position on the handlebars something you'll love when you're climbing. Your pedals will come with toe clips and straps so you can put more power into your pedal stroke. An example at $469 is the Specialized Hard Rock A1 Comp FS.
All of these bikes will put your body in a comfortable upright position. You won't exacerbate any existing back or neck problems by being over-stretched. A lot of people that are first considering a hybrid go to ary-level mountain bike because they find themselves just as at ease on the mountain bike, and they like having the option of being able to tackle serious trail riding.
