i'm thinking to buy a mountainbike, which model do u suggest ?

Question

I'm a guy with 5.9 feet tall.
I'm thinking to buy a mountain bike, just for fun / do regular exercise. Which model that i should choose ?
i mean diameter of the wheels.
What are the advantages a bike without suspension ? (except lighter & cheaper).
Why in bike sport they dont use rear suspension ?

Thanks

Answer 1

Well.... it's more important the frame size than precisely wheel size. Most good mountain bikes come with a 26" wheels, but some are 29". If you see a bike that only mentions the wheel size, it means that the brand only has one size frame, and if you're not the 'standard size male adult', it's going to be probably too small or too large for you.

Different brands measure their bikes different, so a M of brand A might be similar to a Large of brand B. I suggest going out and testing the bikes before choosing your correct size.

I don't think there are any advantages in no suspension. Only that some prefer having a lighter bike and easier to mantain. Suspension helps keeping the wheels on the ground most of the time (not just to make it more plush, but for better control).

Depending on the riding you want to do, a hardtail (a bike with only front suspension) might be better than a full suspension (bike with both front suspension and rear suspension). Especially when you're budget minded. Unless you have more than 1,500 bucks (or find a good deal, which is possible) don't look at a full suspension.

A hardtail will provide enought suspension for most of the riding, and will be lighter, and when on a budget, you will likely have better wheels and fork (a fork is the part that holds the front wheel and provide the suspension) than a similarily prices full suspension. Oh, and probably better on the other components, but in my humble opinion, the fork and wheels are likely the most important components to look at.

If you mean in a bike sport as a bike shop, the reason they might not suggest a rear suspension is because probably at your budget they don't have a full suspension that is worthwhile.

For a starter bike, I think it's better a hardtail that's not too expensive (but you should look at 300 or higher, even) to learn stuff, something that you don't worry if you break (I hope you don't break it, but it's a posibility), to see if you really like the sport, and the other reason is, that when you start you likely don't know much about the sport and don't know where to head riding-wise. So if you spend like 3,000 in a XC bike when you start, but then decide that jumping and hucking is your thing, then you just wasted 3,000 in a bike that won't really work for what you want.

But if you start with a 300 hardtail bike, and then you see that you need another bike, you really didn't spend that much money. And you can keep the original bike as a beater, a bike for epic rides, or for a friend.

Answer 2

Firstly, for a mountian bike, 18" or 19" frame should do it.

Most adult wheel diameters will be 26". Larger wheels take more power to get rolling, but enable you to reach greater speeds once you are going. This is why some mountain bikes use 29". The smaller wheel, however, gives sharper handling on single track.

Suspension is better for XC use. It means that you get a smoother ride and better traction over bumpy bits. You can have just front forks - Hard Tail, or full Sus, with both front and back. The downside is that some of your peddling energy is absorbed by the suspension, which will make you slower compared to a rigid bike when climbing on a reasonable surface (Road or track). Its a trade off. While most sports riders will ride a hard tail, many view the added weight of the rear suspension as too much. That said, the growth of carbon fibre frames has negated this. For £4,500 Scott do a machine called the Spark, which is a full sus race machine that weighs in at 21lb. The Marrida rider, at this years world championships was on a factory custome that came in at 9KG dead (About 19lb). This is similar weight to many of the full sussers and promises better XC climbing ability and general traction, I.E. speed and grip.

As for the model, just for fun? Get an entry level machine. Don't fork out too much until you know if you like it. Choose a hard tail, with branded components for about £350 - £400. Giant Rock SE, Specialized rockhopper, etc.

Luck

Answer 3

wheel size depends on a lot of things, 29er's can be good if you're not too small (weird geometry on smaller frame sizes), and you live somewhere where the trails aren't super tight and twisty...the good old fashioned 26" wheel still works great though.

i always recommend that people new to mountainbiking start with a hardtail...and if you're up for it, no suspension at all. they do tend to be lighter and a bit cheaper (or you get a much nicer frame/parts for the same money)...but the reason i suggest it, is because bikes like that teach you how to ride. picking a line, shifting your weight, and learning to conserve your momentum all become a little more important on a bike without suspension.

starting off with a full suspension bike will be fun too, but it will allow you to form bad riding habits, cost a bit more in terms of maintanence, and prevent you from later on--really and truly appreciating what suspension can do for an experienced rider.

Answer 4

There are some very good answers above but i'll do it as simple as it could be.

For a 5"9" I'll recommend a bike frame which is between 17.5 " to 18.5" from the center of the bottom bracket to the seat tube clamp.

As for models bicycles have no limits. But for plain exercise you wont be needing Tons of Gears, Disk Brakes or suspension. The more things a bike have the more maintenance it requires.

Good brand to look for are Trek, Giant or Specialized. These are the most renowned brands which typically pre select their dealers and offer very good waranties (ususlly lifetime waranties).

As for Wheels most MTB are 26". THere are some 29" outhere but they are ussually more expensive.

Suspension is a personal preference. As mentioned the more specs the bike has the more maintenace is required. I personally ride hard tails (non rear suspension). They are more responsive and light weight. If you are on a budget skip the rear suspesion and get a front suspension only.

My choice for plain exercice: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22089

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Start in bike shop , they have bicycle for you if you have idea about terrain you will riding . Suspension bike is OK for technical and difficult trails . Hardtail is good bicycle for endurace and cross country ride . MTB have 26 wheels . But check Garry Fisher models just in case , you may find perfect bike and wheel size just for your need .

Answer 6

Buy your self a gt I drive or a trek fuel or even a specialized fsr xc mountain bike. Go full suspension and you will be happy. Stay away from hardtails ,there only good for on road. If you do alot on roading I would buy a road bike. If you like offroading like I do buy a full suspension. Your gonna have to spend $600.00 or more to get a descent bike. If you want something light weight your going to have to spend a thousand or more for something light weight.

Answer 7

Hey check out this bike store - http://bumsonthesaddle.com/

Answer 8

You should buy a Hercules Ryders or a Hero Octane or you can buy a Hercules Olpran also .