Mountain biking is a fun and accessible sport suitable for all ages and abilities.
In these price sensitive times it is more important than ever to get as much bang for your buck as possible.
But is buying a cheap mountain bike really a good idea? The tips detailed below will ensure you buy the right bike at the right price.
Tip 1 Big-box stores will stack cheap mountain bikes to the ceiling and sell them at rock bottom prices.
Avoid these bikes like the plague.
You'll get perceived value for money but more than likely you'll buy a poorly made bike that is in no way suited to the way that you ride and will fall apart at the first inopportune moment off road.
Tip 2 Get down to you local dealer and check out potential mountain bikes and take them out for a test ride.
Venture up hills to ensure that the gears go low enough, check the suspension is being kind to you derriere, the brakes and shifters should be easy to use.
Bargain with the dealer to swap out those components you don't like.
By doing this you will get a bike to suite to you and probably save money getting the components now instead of later.
Tip 3 For the very price conscious only consider mountain bikes that are sub $200 for extreme casual use.
Any bikes are bought in this range will not last very long when ridden over rough terrain.
If you can afford it check out bikes above $300, experience shows that you will get much more bike for your buck than at the $200 level.
Cheap mountain bikes are a great way for beginners to get into the sport of mountain biking and for seasoned pros to continue participating in the sport they love.
Remember that perceived value is just that so go for as much bike as you can afford and the investment will surely payoff in the long run.