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How to choose your mountain bike for a good practice ?

Are you just missing your mountain bike to complete your cycling gear? Wondering which mountain bike to choose? Aluminum or carbon frame, type of brakes, suspension, wheel size... we sift through the essential criteria to know how to choose your mountain bike. Let's saddle up!

Which mountain bike to choose according to your practice?

To each discipline its mountain bike! So start by defining the type of practice you will engage in. Your desires, your favorite exploration terrains and your level of commitment are all elements that condition the choice of your future adventure companion.

Which mountain bike to choose for hiking?
A hiking-type mountain bike is ideal for enjoying the joys of off-roading for leisure or in a more sporting way. Semi-rigid and without rear suspension, it is a versatile bike that allows you to ride both on forest roads and on steeper trails. Perfect for having a few hours of fun with friends, it will satisfy mountain bike touring enthusiasts.

Which mountain bike to choose for all-mountain riding?
Tailored for steep hills, all-mountain mountain bikes feature a rear shock absorber for more comfort on mountain trails and hilly routes.

Which mountain bike to choose for cross-country riding?
Thought of for speed and performance, the XC mountain bike is an aerodynamic bike that is as light as it is strong. Marrying stiffness and responsiveness, it has front (and rear for marathon cross-country) suspension, short travel and disc brakes.

Which mountain bike to choose for enduro?
Enduro mountain bikes are all-suspension, or semi-rigid for neophytes, with 160 to 180 mm disc brakes. Halfway between XC and DH bikes, they offer versatility despite a heavier weight.

They're a great way to get around the world

Which mountain bike to choose for downhill riding?
The downhill mountain bike (DH mountain bike) is heavy and beefy with a reinforced, often aluminum frame. All-suspension, it usually weighs between 16 and 18 kg. A real machine designed to overcome steep descents!

Now, more and more mountain bikers are choosing to invest in an electric mountain bike for various reasons: no longer restricted by physical abilities, ride longer, multiplied pleasure, etc.

What mountain bike frame?

To know how to choose your mountain bike, you need to look at the materials used in the design of the bike frame. Most often, mountain bike frames are made of aluminum, carbon or steel:

  • The aluminum frame: very common, it represents an interesting compromise between strength and lightness.
  • The carbon frame: extremely light, this type of high-end frame is favored by competitors because of its rigidity.
  • The steel frame: reputedly heavier and less rigid, it is particularly flexible and resistant.

What suspension for his mountain bike?

The suspension system is inseparable from the ATV. It is a primary component of mountain bikes that primarily provides comfort when riding.

The suspension plays a key role: it dampens shocks and vibrations as the wheels pass over the many roots, rocks, bumps and holes that dot the rough terrain. The roughness is virtually erased!

There are two categories of suspensions:

  • The semi-rigid (hardtail) mountain bike has a rigid frame and a single suspension located at the front, called the suspension fork. It is called travel, expressed in millimeters, to indicate the amount of vertical movement of the fork.
  • The full-suspension mountain bike (fully) is equipped with a front and rear suspension, the shock absorber, for maximum shock absorption. A suspended frame proves to be essential for doing pure downhill and riding on brittle tracks.

What size wheels?

The fourth criterion of choice concerns the diameter of the wheels. In mountain biking, wheel sizes are listed in inches.

26"wheels: this historical standard of mountain bikes is becoming increasingly rare. It's found more on smaller frames and kids' mountain bikes.

The 29"wheels: this secure format brings more stability to the rider, but also more speed and ease of overcoming obstacles.

The 27.5"wheels: this is the ideal compromise between the 26-inch and 29-inch. This configuration proves interesting for all mountain and enduro practice where versatility and comfort are required.

Generally speaking, a larger diameter allows for better performance and obstacle clearance, while smaller dimensions reflect easier and more dynamic riding.

Which brakes to choose?

Answering the question "how do you choose your ATV?" requires addressing the concept of a braking system.

You have three options for outfitting your machine:

  • V-brakes: easy to maintain and reliable, these mechanical shoe brakes are, however, less effective when it rains.
  • Mechanical disc brakes: these are operated via a wired device, similar to rim brakes.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes: very efficient, they offer optimal braking capacity. Rigorous maintenance is required in return.

One final, overriding tip: don't forget to choose a mountain bike in your size, before you look at choosing mountain bike tires. Or maybe try the all-suspension ATV? Have a great ride!

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