Which mountain bike to buy?

You may want to increase the amount of time you spend outdoors and in contact with nature, so you've decided to buy a mountain bike. Do you know what to look for when choosing the right one? Without a doubt, there are many aspects. But don't worry: pricehunter.co.uk helps you to find the perfect bike for you!

Which type of mountain bike are you going to ride?

This is the first thing you should think about before deciding which mountain bike to buy. There are the following:

• MTB trail bike. The most common. In fact, if you want to find a cheap mountain bike, you should probably look at this type.
• MTB XC or cross country. Very similar to the previous one, but more professional in nature and with a design more suited to climbing hills and over obstacle-packed trails.
• MTB downhill or downhill. It is a competition model designed to descend tracks, hills or mountain trails previously delimited at the highest possible speed.
• MTB enduro. It combines elements typical of XC bikes and downhill bikes. It's the ideal type for complex trails full of vertiginous climbs and descents.

Electric mountain bikes deserve a special mention. Why? You can find electric motor variants of any of these types of mountain bikes, with the exception of those designed for downhill. They are fitted with pedal assist systems that make it easier to climb steep hills and trails.

The diameter of the wheels

Another key aspect when looking for a mountain bike on offer. Bear in mind that this element also determines the dimensions of the frame, so you won't be able to change it for a bigger or smaller one once you buy it. There are three measurements.

• 26-inch MTB. Until a few years ago, it was the most commonly used standard. However, nowadays it has lost a lot of popularity. The reason? Its rolling capacity is much lower than the larger types due to the smaller diameter of its wheels.

It does, however, offer excellent manoeuvrability on complex trails.

• 27.5-inch MTB. It is the intermediate size. A solution designed especially for those who were used to using 26" bikes and don't want to move up to the standard 29". They offer intermediate handling and rolling ability.
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• 29-inch MTB bikes. The most popular today and the ones that offer the greatest rolling ability. That is to say, the ones that reach the highest speeds and require the least effort to move on the flat and uphill. Nowadays, there are cheap 29-inch mountain bikes, but at first they were exotic and quite expensive.
• MTB XS. Between 160 and 165 cm tall.
• MTB S. Between 165 and 170 cm tall.
• MTB M. Between 170 and 179 cm tall.
• MTB L. Between 179 and 186 cm tall.
• MTB XL. Between 186 and 195 cm tall.