How To Buy Your First Mountain Bike | The GMBN Guide

Summary

This video serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to buy their first mountain bike. It covers essential aspects such as budget, bike types (hardtail vs. full suspension), frame materials (aluminum vs. carbon), and key components like brakes, gears, and suspension. The guide also discusses different riding styles, geometry, and wheel sizes. Collaborating with Decathlon, the video emphasizes affordable, entry-level bikes and explains the importance of upgrading certain parts. Additionally, it touches on e-bikes, second-hand purchases, and maintenance tips to help new riders make informed decisions.

Takeaways

• 🚵‍♂️ Welcome to the mountain bike community! Buying your first mountain bike can be overwhelming with so many options.
• 💰 Budget is key! For around £250, you can get a decent entry-level bike, and for about £600, you'll find bikes capable of handling technical trails.
• 🛠️ Hardtail bikes are lighter, simpler, and easier to maintain, while full suspension bikes offer more comfort and control but are more expensive.
• ⛰️ Determine your riding style! Cross-country bikes are built for fitness and efficiency, while trail bikes handle technical terrain like jumps and drop-offs.
• 🚲 Frame materials matter! Aluminum frames are common in entry-level bikes, offering great value, while carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive.
• ⚙️ Gears and brakes are important! Entry-level bikes might have fewer gears and basic rim brakes, but upgrading to disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, improves control.
• 🔧 Suspension matters! Entry-level bikes often have a suspension fork, but spending more offers better, adjustable suspension, increasing comfort and control.
• 🔄 Wheel sizes vary! 27.5-inch wheels offer agility, while 29-inch wheels roll over bumps more smoothly, offering more grip and control.
• 👟 Don't forget pedals! Bikes often come without quality pedals, so consider investing in flat or clipless pedals based on your riding needs.
• ♻️ Second-hand bikes can offer savings, but inspect carefully for damage. Decathlon's ‘Second Life’ scheme offers refurbished bikes at discounts, with peace of mind.

Q & A

What is the first thing to consider when buying a mountain bike?

The first thing to consider is how much you'd like to spend. There's no right amount, but entry-level bikes start at around £250, and for £600, you can get a bike capable of riding technical single-track terrain.

What are the main differences between hardtail and full suspension bikes?

Hardtail bikes have no rear suspension, making them lighter, less complex, easier to maintain, and more affordable. Full suspension bikes add comfort and control but are generally more expensive and complex due to the rear shock system.

What type of mountain biking should you consider when choosing a bike?

Mountain biking can be divided into cross-country (fitness-focused) and trail riding (more technical and capable of handling obstacles like jumps and drop-offs). The bike's geometry and components should match the type of riding you plan to do.

What frame materials are common for entry-level to mid-level mountain bikes?

Most entry-level to mid-level mountain bikes have aluminium frames, which are durable and affordable. Carbon fiber frames are found in higher-end bikes, offering lighter and stiffer builds but at a higher cost.

Why is bike weight important, and how can manufacturers reduce it?

A lighter bike is easier to pedal and control. Manufacturers reduce weight by using higher-grade materials, clever tube profiling, and lighter components like air forks instead of coil springs.

What are the advantages of disc brakes over rim brakes on a mountain bike?

Disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, provide more consistent and powerful braking with better control. They're particularly useful in off-road conditions and require less effort to operate compared to rim brakes.

What is the difference between a 1x, 2x, and 3x drivetrain system?

A 1x system has one chainring at the front and fewer gears, making it simpler and lighter. A 2x or 3x system has two or three chainrings, offering more gears and a wider range, but it's heavier and more complex.

What wheel sizes are common on modern mountain bikes, and what are the pros and cons of each?

Most modern mountain bikes come with 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. Larger 29-inch wheels roll over obstacles more easily and provide more control, while 27.5-inch wheels are more maneuverable and quicker to accelerate.

What should you look for in a suspension fork for an entry-level bike?

For an entry-level bike, look for an air suspension fork, which is lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring fork. The amount of travel (80mm to 130mm) depends on the type of terrain you plan to ride.

What are some important factors to consider when buying a second-hand mountain bike?

When buying second-hand, check for frame damage, the condition of the suspension, and consumables like tires and grips. Make sure the bike is from a reputable brand, and verify that it hasn't been stolen.