Beginner rider profile
You are returning to the sport after a long gap or may have never ridden a mountain bike before. Your aim is to complete at least one 2-3 hour ride a week at your local woods or beginner graded trail at a trail centre.
Hardtail or full suspension?
Hardtail mountain bikes
Hardtails offer you simplicity and affordability. They have fewer moving parts than a full suspension bike and this makes them ideal for the winter months and easier to maintain.
Full suspension mountain bikes
Full suspension bikes offer you increased comfort and control on the trail. The suspension cushions you from impacts on the trail and this can provide you with a feeling of safety and reassurance.
Suspension forks:
Suspension forks are hugely beneficial if you are a beginner. They absorb technical features on a trail and improve traction. Air suspension is now the most widely used suspension platform. By using a shock pump you can adjust the air pressure on your shock to find the most suitable suspension sag in relation to your body weight.
Transmission:
Most mountain bikes come equipped with 9 or 10 speed rear cassettes coupled with a double or triple chainset. This provides you with a wide range of gears to tackle climbs, descents and flat terrain.
Wheels:
CNC machined aluminium mountain bike wheels are standard at this level. They will provide you with a strong and stiff set of wheels. Wheels come in a variety of sizes depending on the design of the mountain bike frame. There are currently three main wheel sizes to choose from:
- 26 inch wheels for 26 inch specific frames.
- 29 inch wheels for 29 inch specific frames.
- 27.5 wheels (650b) for 650b specific and 650b compatible frames.