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Guide 2 Cycling   >   Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes


When mountain bikes first began to become popular it was quite common to hear both non-cyclists and people who had been riding road bikes for years asking why. After all, except for the most expensive models, mountain bikes are often quite heavy and clunky, and besides, (with a few exceptions), most cities are not known for containing mountains!

However, mountain bikes turn out to be ideal for many commuters. Although heavy, they are also robust and sturdy, and therefore stand up well to city riding. Additionally, many people find mountain bikes easier to ride than road bikes, because mountain bikes have gears and brakes that can be accessed without taking your hands off the grips.

Of course, there are things about mountain bikes which aren't ideal for urban use. Big chunky tyres designed for muddy tracks are not the best for city streets, a gear range designed for steep mountain slopes may not ideal for urban areas, and although city cycling can be tough on a bike, it's not nearly as tough as riding on a mountain - and hence frames can be overly strong (and hence heavy). If you feel strongly about these things, perhaps you ought to consider a hybrid bike, which has many of advantages of a mountain bike, but is more adapted to the urban environment.

On the other hand of course there are advantages to mountain bikes, and their extra strength is a positive boon if you find yourself carrying a lot of weight on your bike. Furthermore, after you have started riding a mountain during your regular commute to work, you may eventually be tempted to try the off-road experience at weekends.

Here are some mountain bikes:

Related Web Sites:
  • Bike Buying
    A guide to help people buy bikes

  • How To Master Mountain Biking
    Comprehensive Guide Packed With Tips, Tools And Tactics To Help Beginner And Intermediate Mountain Bikers Quickly Advance Their Mountain Biking Skills And Knowledge To An Advanced Level
See Also:

GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

GMC
Black Sports

GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
List Price: $299.99
Lowest New Price: $249.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • 21-speed mountain bike features a full-suspension, strong aluminum frame
  • Microshift push shifters and Shimano TZ-30GS derailleur
  • Front and rear Promax disk brakes work great, even in adverse conditions
Product Description:
Mens GMC Topkick 26" Dual suspension Bike with Shimano 21 speed index gearing~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368) EST., for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information (or) www.services@kentbicycles.com

Pacific Evolution Men's Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

Pacific
Released: 2008-10-15
Blue Sports

Pacific Evolution Men s Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
List Price: $129.99
Lowest New Price: $89.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • MTB Steel Frame
  • 18-speed twist shifters
  • 1-piece crank

Kent Trail Machine Men's Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

Kent International
Gold/Black Sports

Kent Trail Machine Men s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike
List Price: $179.99
Lowest New Price: $179.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • Mountain bike with all aluminum slingshot frame
  • Features 21-speed Shimano gearing
  • All alloy V brakes, rims, and A stem head
Product Description:
Mens Trail Machine 26" 21 speed Shimano bike ~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368) EST., for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information, (or) www.services@kentbicycles.com

Pacific Evolution Women's Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

Pacific
Released: 2008-10-15
Purple Sports

Pacific Evolution Women s Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
List Price: $129.99
Lowest New Price: $103.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • MTB Steel Frame w/ Low Stand Over
  • 18-speed twist shifters
  • 1-piece crank
Product Description:
The Pacific Evolution women's 26-in front-suspension mountain bike is built around an MTB steel frame with a Vortex suspension fork to smooth out your ride. It's equipped with twist shifters and 18 speeds.

Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Mongoose
Released: 2008-01-01
Silver Sports

Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
List Price: $399.99
Lowest New Price: $309.62
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • 26-inch mountain bike with dual-suspension aluminum frame
  • 26-inch fat tires and arrow black anodized alloy rims
  • Powder coated for rust-resistance; 1-year warranty
Product Description:
Mongoose 26 Inch Men's Status BikeWith it's down hill aluminum suspension frame, the Status Bike is sure to please the adventure seeker in your family. This bike features from and rear promax disc brakes, MTB 31.8 rise bars with ahead stem, 24-speed shimano with EZ Fire Shifters, integrated shimano levers, SR Suntour alloy forged 3-piece crankset, ARROW black anodized alloy rims and hbs, and QR seat post.

Huffy Alpine Women's 26-Inch Mountain Bike

Huffy
Released: 2008-04-01
Blue/Chocolate Sports

Huffy Alpine Women s 26-Inch Mountain Bike
List Price: $149.99
Lowest New Price: $119.99
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • 24-inch women's mountain bike with ATB steel frame
  • Twist shifters with 18 speeds; steel linear pull brakes
  • Sturdy steel rims; lifetime frame warranty
Product Description:
Alpine 26" Ladies 18 Speed ATB

Pacific Tuscon Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

Pacific
Released: 2008-10-15
Silver/Blk Sports

Pacific Tuscon Men s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
List Price: $149.99
Lowest New Price: $140.30
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • Steel Dual Suspension Frame
  • 18-speed Index Torque Drive Twist Shifters
  • 3-piece crank

Mongoose Domain Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

Mongoose
Sports

Mongoose Domain Men s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
 
Amazon.com Product Description:
The 21-speed Mongoose Domain all-terrain bike is built to handle the toughest trails in the mountains, across the desert flats, and throughout the urban jungle. Ideal for the intermediate rider for everyday use--either men or women, 5 feet or taller--it offers a full (or dual) suspension, which adds a heavy-duty shock absorber to the back wheel, in addition to the front fork suspension. Full suspension provides more comfort and greater control as you attack the trails. Other features include a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame, nimble racing suspension fork, SRAM ESP 3.0 grip shifters and rear derailleur, and large, chunky tires for rough trails and other rugged surfaces.

Key Features:

  • Alloy front triangle dual-suspension frame is more lightweight than a standard steel frame and provides good shock absorption on bumps, rocks, and rougher terrain
  • Racing suspension fork allows for a smoother and faster ride than a traditional bike fork
  • Flat ATB handlebar with stem and bar ends offers multiple riding position options
  • SRAM ESP 3.0 rear derailleur works much better than an entry-level shifting derailleur
  • Alloy handbrake levers are more durable and have a more stylish finish
  • Forged-steel three-piece crank offers better pedaling performance and is much more lightweight
  • 26- by 1.95-inch arrow tires are ideal for use on the road, bike trails, and offroad use
  • 21-Speed SRAM ESP 3.0 shifting system offers efficient and precise shifting
  • Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes provide sure stopping power
  • 36-spoke alloy rims are lightweight and rustproof
  • ATB saddle is anatomical and comfortable

Specifications:

  • Frame: Alloy front triangle dual-suspension frame
  • Fork: Racing suspension fork
  • Handlebar Stem: Flat ATB handlebar with stem
  • Shifters: SRAM ESP 3.0
  • Derailleur: SRAM ESP 3.0 rear
  • Brakes: Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes
  • Levers: Adjustable alloy/resin brake levers
  • Crank: Forged steel 3-piece
  • Freewheel: DNP 13-28T
  • Rims: Lightweight aluminum alloy, 26 by 1.5 inches
  • Hubs: ATB steel hubs
  • Tires: 26 x 1.95 inches arrow tires with Mongoose logos

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

About Mongoose
In 1974, BMX Products, Inc., later to be known as Mongoose Bicycles, launched from a humble garage. The first of its kind, the BMX bicycle was named after bicycle motocross and was designed to fit the needs of the rough-and-tumble dirt-racing pastime that took its toll on wheels and bicycles. The heavy-duty, one-piece cast-aluminum Mongoose Motomag wheel was soon born, and it was the first competition-ready BMX bicycle available. Skip Hess, while in Australia pursuing his motor sports passion, came into contact with a strange and unusual cat-size animal--the mongoose. Known for its passive nature while unprovoked, yet vicious and aggressive enough to kill a threatening Cobra twice its size, the Mongoose impressed Hess, who quickly registered the Mongoose trademark for his new bicycle racing frame.

The Expert BMX bicycle model, which is still a cornerstone of the Mongoose BMX line today, was introduced in 1980. Shortly after, Mongoose captured the first ever ABA National #1 Cruiser Title. Previously known for the 20-inch bicycle, this title signaled the re-direction of Mongoose bicycles to larger-wheeled, adult-sized models. Several years later, Mongoose continues to dominate the cruiser racing circuit with six National No. 1 Cruiser titles, leading to the introduction of adult-sized Mongoose all-terrain bicycles (ATBs).

In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension market with the introduction of the Amplifier. This design is still the most-copied suspension design in the market. Several year later, Mongoose launched the Newman adult bicycle frame, which is proven to be 15% stronger than any other bike frame in the market. The design, while functionally sound, also raised eyebrows because of its distinctive look.

In the next few years, Mongoose increased its marketing focus to dominate the bicycle industry, and more important, extend beyond it. The Mongoose brand marketing initiative makes more than 100 million impressions. Mongoose’s brand awareness increased by over 130% in 1999 and solidifies the No. 2 market share position in units and dollars. Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycle, LLC, and continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, mountain, trail, freestyle, jumping, comfort, road, and cyclocross bikes.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

Huffy Blackwater Men's 26-Inch Mountain Bike

Huffy
Released: 2008-04-01
Cobalt Blue Sports

Huffy Blackwater Men s 26-Inch Mountain Bike
List Price: $129.99
Lowest New Price: $99.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
(As of 21:38 Pacific 2 Jul 2009 More Info)


Click Here
  • 26-inch men's mountain bike with sturdy steel frame
  • FIS thumb shifters with 15 speeds; steel side-pull brakes
  • Steel rims for added durability; lifetime frame warranty
Product Description:
Blackwater 26" Mens 15 Speed ATB

Mongoose Maneuver Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)

Mongoose
Sports

Mongoose Maneuver Men s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
 
  • Mountain bike with alloy dual-suspension frame
  • Responsive and smooth design absorbs harsh bumps
  • Alloy forged 3-piece crank set; comfortable saddle
Amazon.com Product Description:
Hit the trail in confidence with the Mongoose Maneuver dual-suspension mountain bike. The Maneuver is equipped with a lightweight, responsive alloy dual- suspension frame that works to give you a smoother overall ride by absorbing harsh bumps. Riders will also dig the 21-speed Shimano shifters and SRAM drive train, which seamlessly switch gears on straightaways or hills. Other details include front and rear alloy linear pull brakes and levers for powerful and reliable braking and an alloy forged three-piece crank set.

About Mongoose
In 1974, BMX Products, Inc., later to be known as Mongoose Bicycles, launched from a humble garage. The first of its kind, the BMX bicycle was named after bicycle motocross and was designed to fit the needs of the rough-and-tumble dirt-racing pastime that took its toll on wheels and bicycles. The heavy-duty, one-piece cast-aluminum Mongoose Motomag wheel was soon born, and it was the first competition-ready BMX bicycle available. Skip Hess, while in Australia pursuing his motor sports passion, came into contact with a strange and unusual cat-size animal--the mongoose. Known for its passive nature while unprovoked, yet vicious and aggressive enough to kill a threatening Cobra twice its size, the Mongoose impressed Hess, who quickly registered the Mongoose trademark for his new bicycle racing frame.

The Expert BMX bicycle model, which is still a cornerstone of the Mongoose BMX line today, was introduced in 1980. Shortly after, Mongoose captured the first ever ABA National #1 Cruiser Title. Previously known for the 20-inch bicycle, this title signaled the re-direction of Mongoose bicycles to larger-wheeled, adult-sized models. Several years later, Mongoose continues to dominate the cruiser racing circuit with six National No. 1 Cruiser titles, leading to the introduction of adult-sized Mongoose all-terrain bicycles (ATBs).

In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension market with the introduction of the Amplifier. This design is still the most-copied suspension design in the market. Several year later, Mongoose launched the Newman adult bicycle frame, which is proven to be 15% stronger than any other bike frame in the market. The design, while functionally sound, also raised eyebrows because of its distinctive look.

In the next few years, Mongoose increased its marketing focus to dominate the bicycle industry, and more important, extend beyond it. The Mongoose brand marketing initiative makes more than 100 million impressions. Mongoose’s brand awareness increased by over 130% in 1999 and solidifies the No. 2 market share position in units and dollars. Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycle, LLC, and continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, mountain, trail, freestyle, jumping, comfort, road, and cyclocross bikes.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves


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