Understand The Functions and Parts of Mountain Bike

Mountain biking or MTB (mountain biking) was first introduced in 1970. They were considered unpopular, but over time, 80% of Americans preferred this type of bicycle. So far, bike makers have begun to compete for the best mountain bikes, including well-known brands such as United, Polygon and Element.

When planning your purchase of a mountain bike, first determine the terrain in which it will be used. Also pay attention to the frame material, braking system, tire diameter and bike weight. Ten high quality mountain bikes are waiting for you on the recommendation list, but first you need to think about the selection points to consider. Happy reading!

Mountain Bike Selection (MTB / Mountain Bike)

Here are some tips for choosing a MTB that you can use as a guide before you buy your dream mountain bike. Check the following points! Check the materials used for the
frame The frame is where other bicycle components are mounted, so the frame is the most important part of the bike. There are many variations of bicycle frame materials on the market.

• High-strength steel.

High-strength steel frames, also known as high-strength steel, are often used in the low to medium-priced range. This is because it is heavy because it is steel, but the material is very durable and reasonably priced.

• Chromoly.

Manufactured from steel mixed with chromium and molybdenum. The quality is slightly better than lightweight high-strength steel. This frame is suitable for crossing extreme distances.

• Aluminum alloy.

It is the most popular material in almost all price ranges. The advantages of alloys are that they are much lighter than steel and have higher corrosion resistance and strength. However, if the frame is dented, it will be difficult to repair.

• Carbon fiber (carbon fiber).

Due to its light weight, it is very comfortable to use. The easily malleable material gives most carbon fiber frames a unique and cool design. The material does not rust either. However, the price is relatively high and the heat resistance is low, and it is difficult to repair if it is damaged.

• Titanium.

For those who are preparing more budget for mountain biking, a titanium frame is the best choice. This frame is extremely stiff, stiff, lightweight and durable. This material is also commonly used by professional bikers as the mainstay of competition.

The product recommendations below include a description of the bike frame materials to facilitate the selection process.

Get to know Bike Performance based on its Suspension System

For those of you who are beginners, choosing the right mountain bike should be adjusted to the type of suspension or spring installed. Full suspension will be more suitable for more extreme tracks, while the hard trail can be used for everyday use. Let’s dissect the differences one by one..

Full Suspension (Soft Tail): Capable of Damaging Impact when Jumping

This type of bicycle has a suspension in the frame so that it is more capable and strong to absorb impacts when the bicycle jumps. However, the compensation of the full suspension system makes the weight heavier due to the addition of suspension on the frame. Full suspension bikes are not recommended for those of you who want to go down smooth tracks.

The suspension also causes the bicycle to move slower because some of the pedaling is not channeled into forward motion, but up and down motion. For those of you who like cycling activities on extreme terrain, a full suspension system will be more suitable to choose from, such as perforated and rocky tracks, or the like.

Hard Trail: Lighter Weight for Non-Extreme Roads

For those of you who like flat terrain, the hard trail type will be more comfortable to use. Hard trail bike frames are made rigid without suspension to make the bike run smoothly and lightly. On this bike, the maximum suspension is only found on the fork or front suspension, while the other connections will be permanently connected.

These types of hard trail bikes are designed for less extreme tracks, such as rocky but pothole-free trails, or on terrain where jumping is not required. This type of mountain bike is also the most widely found on the market, the price is also more affordable than soft tail bicycles.

Choose the Bike Type based on the Track You Want to Pass

An aspect that is no less important for your consideration is determining the track to be skipped. The need for the right bike may vary depending on the terrain. Here we present several types of bicycles that are suitable for certain terrains.

Trail: Perfect for Beginners Who Want to Go on Light Trails

On a trail type mountain bike, the suspension component is embedded in the center of the frame to provide the ability to pass through slightly rough terrain. The track that can be passed by a mountain bike trail is more varied when compared to the XC or cross country type.

There are also many trail types that are designed in full suspension, but some still prioritize the hard trail model. The suspension system on this bike has a travel between 120 to 140 millimeters. For novice cyclists who want to try out a slightly challenging terrain, the trail type is ideal to choose from.

Cross Country (XC): Ideal for Uphill, Sharp Bends, to Semi-Extreme Terrain

This type of cross country bicycle (XC) has a very light weight and is designed for those of you who need more speed when cycling. This type of mountain bike is further divided into 2, namely XC Race Bikes and XC Trail Bikes. What’s the difference between the two?

XC Race bikes are designed to be simple and lightweight. The weight will be directed heavier forward to accelerate the bike’s speed. This type is not designed for jumps and landings, but rather for steep climbs and turns. While XC Trail Bikes have a heavier weight, but are able to traverse muddy terrain to hard ground.

All Mountain (Enduro): More Suspension for Challenging Trails

The all mountain MTB type is designed almost similarly to the XC Trail Bikes, but has a more robust design and has more suspension. Complete suspension makes it capable of going through tougher terrain than the XC Trail Bikes, such as steep and complex tracks.

Another advantage of an all mountain enduro mountain bike is the wider tire size and better grip feel. For those of you who like to go down more challenging paths, this type of all mountain bike is ready to fulfill your satisfaction every time you ride.

Downhill (Park Mountain): Descend the Hills and Mountains Very Fast

As the name implies, this type of bicycle is intended to bulldoze derivative roads such as hills or mountains. The derivative in question is a derivative that requires high speed and is tortuous, so it will be less comfortable when used for cycling on urban streets with minimal rocks.

Hilly descents require intense plunging and jumping, so this bike is equipped with shock absorbers. The suspension travel of 200 millimeters allows it to land easily from a height of 2 meters or more. The frame itself is deliberately designed to be large in order to increase durability.

Adjust Frame Size to Your Height

Adjusting the size of the frame with height is often considered a trivial thing so it is rarely a concern. In fact, this adjustment will add to your comfort when cycling. The right frame size for a person can be determined from his height.

For those of you whose height is less than 170 cm, the choice of frame will be more appropriate in size S or 16″. 171-175 cm tall ideal with an M or 18” frame. Whereas height above that will require size L or 20″. Psst.. in fact, a smaller frame size will be more comfortable to use, you know!

Check Wheel Diameter and Other Components such as Brakes

The wheel diameter on a mountain bike is usually 26 inches. However, recently the 29-inch wheel diameter has become popular among cyclists. Wheels with a size of 29 inches have advantages in speed and the ability to move through various terrains, you are also more comfortable using them on urban streets.

In addition, also pay attention to the braking system. You can choose between 2 types of disc brakes, hydraulic and mechanical. Hydraulic brakes use oil, while mechanical brakes use cables. Bikes with more affordable prices usually still rely on cables for the brakes (mechanics). If your hobby is cycling, then we recommend the hydraulic type with stronger braking.