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.

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.
• 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.

Size and gender

The choice of size when buying a mountain bike is very important as this will mark your comfort on the bike. Specifically, you should choose according to your height:

• 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.

Obviously, if you're looking for a cheap mountain bike for kids, those measurements won't work for you. On the other hand, although it may seem like a no-brainer, a women's mountain bike is not the same as a men's bike.

For example, the saddle of a men's mountain bike has a small hole. This serves to reduce pressure in the area of the prostate and PC muscle. Without it, after several hours on the bike, you may notice that the area becomes numb and have problems urinating. On the other hand, the saddle of a women's MTB is wider due to the specific position of the hips. The frames also have different designs.

Stiff, semi-rigid or full suspension?

Nowadays, all mountain bikes are equipped with at least one shock absorber on the front fork. In fact, these models are called rigid MTBs, although it wasn't always like this. A few years ago, there were those that did not incorporate this element.

The best MTB bikes in quality and price only incorporate damping under the handlebars. Its purpose is to reduce vibration and reduce arm fatigue. However, if you look at the best MTB for 2000 euros or similar price, you will surely notice that it has another shock absorber under the seat post. The goal? That those vibrations don't reach the rider's back through the seat either.

Buying a full-suspension mountain bike will make you feel on cloud nine as it will keep you protected from vibrations and uneven terrain. So, if you find a mountain bike on sale that fits your budget, don't think twice. Although a semi-rigid is enough to get you started.

Brakes and drivetrain

A cheap mountain bike is probably going to be fitted with V-brakes. However, if you decide to spend a little more, you'll find a much better alternative that will bring you more safety. Nowadays, almost any MTB for less than 1000 euros already has disc brakes. And, frankly, their performance is very similar.

The current trend is to look for a mountain bike on sale with a single chainring drivetrain. This reduces the weight ostensibly with respect to those equipped with two or three chainrings, although it is true that they need a greater number of sprockets to tackle the slopes safely. In any case, according to the opinions of the most experienced cyclists, the choice depends mainly on your tastes when it comes to riding a bike as the increase in performance is practically imperceptible.

In short, do you want to know what is the best MTB for 600 euros? Or, even, what is the best mountain bike for 300 euros? In the catalogs of MTB Bikestar and MTB DTB you will surely find it.