Buying A New Bike

For all the hard cores out there we have all been down this road...buying a new bike..it can be a little intimidating to someone who is just getting into the sport..for others they know what they want and they know what they want to spend..they either go into a shop and get their new bike...have the sjop order it or order it themselves after some research..the best advise I bet anyone can give a new rider is buy the best bike you can from the start...if you do get into the sport and decide you want to keep at it you are going to get the upgrade bug...if you can bring yourself to spend the cash now you can prevent that need or the feeling that you need to improve your bike after a few months of riding..

Usually the more you spend you get a lighter bike with slightly better wheels and better drive train(shifters,brakes, and derailleurs)...though I would concentrate more on the frame and fork if you are getting a mountain bike..you can always replace other stuff as it breaks or as budget allows...

Knowing what to look for usually helps also..like the hierarchy of components..for instance Sram stuff is usually ranked from X4(entry level) X5,X7,X9,X0 and XX(highest). For Shimano it goes Acera(low),Deore,Deore LX,XT, and XTR(high) for mountain bikes...as you can imagine the higher you go the more expensive the bike is that is sporting these goods...so what do you get with the more you spend..better shifting, durability, weight savings if you are into that sort of stuff...I always try and get Sram x7 or X9 stuff as it performs very well..is dependable and if you do break something in a crash it is not gonna cost you a arm and leg to replace stuff...but if you are the type that is hung up on having the best of the best then spring for the XO and XTR stuff...but keep your wallet open..

Of course on a mountain bike there will be a suspension system...at least a front fork if you do not get a full suspension bike...these days the entry level forks seem to do a fair job compared to days of old..they are still limited on their travel and adjust-ability..I have seen some with lock out features which is nice...do not look for a Fox fork on an entry level bike..usually it will be a RockShox or Suntour type fork...they will work but just keep in mind they are made for light trail use and over time on technical trails they will wear out and need to be replaced...however by this time most people who have decided to keep riding have by now stepped up to another bike...

Usually the first thing people upgrade are wheels...and this is a a worthy upgrade..better hubs..usually lighter than stock and you will notice a definite improvement the moment you ride with your new wheels..plane on spending around 250 or above for some quality wheels..

Other things like lock on grips...saddles..handle bars and seat post are usually done to either aid in the bike fit or we just like to customize our bikes by throwing on some carbon stuff..not really necessary but sure is fun to do...

Whatever route you decide to go with in the bike purchase do a little research on the bike you plan on buying and read reviews of the product..there is a wealth of information out there and being an informed consumer will allow you to get the bike you want...not the one that the bike shop needs to get rid of...