Buying guide: Downhill machines for mountain bikers
by: Lisa Brand
Posted on: Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm by: Lisa Brand
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Are you a downhill biker looking for a hot new downhill bomber? Or maybe you are someone looking for a new way to beef up your existing bike? You know that when it comes to mountain biking, you put a lot of trust in your machine. You need a bike you can trust to meet your needs. A mountain biker without a great bike is disastrous.
If you are into biking and want to know what to look for in a great bike then your first step is to know what you will be doing with your bike. Different types of mountain biking will require different types of bikes.
One of the most important things to know is not to buy a bike that is too big for you. Not only will this be an uncomfortable ride—it can be dangerous in extreme mountain biking. Mountain bike frames are built low. This is so that if you bounce off the seat (which you will often do) you won’t hit the handlebars in an embarrassing and uncomfortable way.
Some essentials for your downhill machine are alloy rims, V brakes and a lightweight frame. Avoid narrow tires, especially if the tread around your tire middle is continuous. You should also avoid full suspension. This is not a good feature for downhill mountain bikers. Shimano gears are a great and trustworthy option for any mountain bike. Big treaded tires are your best option but you may choose from different manufacturers.
Downhill bikes are no ordinary mountain bikes
Downhill bikes are a bit different from the typical mountain machine. A downhill bike is more like a motor bike without the engine of a cross country bike. They have a low center of gravity and are often very heavy to take uphill before riding downhill. They have wide rims and very fat tires and usually a lot of travel on the suspension of the forks and the rear end. They also use disc brakes and have gears only in the back.
The most expensive doesn’t always mean the best, but don’t skimp when it comes to getting a great downhill bike—not if you want great performance and a safe ride. It’s great if you can visit a local shop to hand pick your bike so you can get exactly what you want but if this isn’t available to you, there are also many downhill mountain bikes online that let you choose your machine piece by piece and have it shipped right to your door.
Now that you know more about how to choose the perfect mountain bike for your needs, you are ready for your mean machine and your next thrill ride on the mountain.
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