Go Backpacking

  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
×
Home » Gear

6 Tips for Choosing a Mountain Bike

Modified: May 20, 2025 · Published: Sep 20, 2022 by Eliza Jeffrey |

Choosing a sturdy mountain bike could benefit you if you're a sports enthusiast or crave outdoor adventures. Who doesn't want to take a bike anywhere you want without the risk of breaking it in two?

Learn how to choose a mountain bike to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. (photo: Irene Lasus)
Mountain biking (photo: Irene Lasus)

With today's tech advances, enhanced designs, safety features, and durable rims, you'll find plenty of options. However, you must consider your needs and requirements.

There are some essential factors to consider before spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Think about why you need a mountain bike. Perhaps, you reside in a rugged region or want to kick-start your career as a professional cyclist.

Apart from your interest, you'll want to consider your budget, comfort level, and the best fit for your body. Research different models and features before deciding. This article will provide tips to consider before choosing a mountain bike, so without further ado, let's get started. 

Table of Contents

  • Mountain Bike Buying Tips
    • 1. Select the Right Frame Size
    • 2. Assess the Wheel Size and Sturdiness
    • 3. Choose a Hardtail or a Full-Suss
    • 4. Know What "Added Features" to Avoid
    • 5. Look for Future-proof Designs
    • 6. Consider Maintenance
  • Conclusion

Mountain Bike Buying Tips

1. Select the Right Frame Size

You can learn how to buy a mountain bike with this guide without hassle. The first thing to do is select the correct frame size according to your BMI (Body Mass Index). Everything else is secondary because the size can vary from one brand to another.

Depending on specs and features, one company's medium size could be another's large. Therefore, do not rely on the stated size number alone.

Selecting the right size also depends on your body size and weight. A better way to check the size is to sit on it to get the right feel of the bike.

Are your toes touching the ground with your heels slightly lifted? Can you sit straight with your hands on the handle, or does it force you to bend too much? You must look at these things and feel comfortable with the bike. 

Additionally, the bike's longer front triangle places the axle further ahead, allowing for enhanced grip. This triangle acts as a cushion when climbing up to high altitudes by aligning your body weight. 

The type of seat you decide on will affect how you maneuver the bike on hilly terrain without causing too much strain. Your seat adjustment will allow you to place one foot on the ground when tilting or stopping.

Man holding a full suspension bike (photo: Clayton Cardinalli)
Man holding a full suspension mountain bike (photo: Clayton Cardinalli)

2. Assess the Wheel Size and Sturdiness

Riding a mountain bike means riding over rough or rocky terrain. Therefore, do not compromise on the quality and size of the wheels. The average size of a mountain bike wheel ranges from 27.5 inches to 29 inches in diameter. 

A 27.5-inch wide wheel is for riding on aggressive terrain and going downhill, while a 29-inch wheel is better for riding faster and stronger for smashing trails.

Ensure the bike's wheel is sturdy and robust enough to withstand harsh terrain. Although the wheel has its limits, and you must be careful when riding over boulders and rocks, assessing its sturdiness is equally essential. 

3. Choose a Hardtail or a Full-Suss

Get better parts specs on a hardtail for better value for money, easy repair, and maintenance. Moreover, nowadays, you can get a full-suspension (aka "full-suss") bike at the same price without spending too much on specs and unique features.

Moreover, full-suss bikes have more pros than cons and more advanced features than ever. Choosing a full-suss is a good idea even if you are buying to upgrade from an old bike.

With a hardtail, you don't even need to learn to ride a bike first. Even as a newbie, you can get a hardtail to learn to ride on harsh terrain and higher elevations.

Full suspension mountain bike (photo: Jeremy Chen)
Full suspension mountain bike (photo: Jeremy Chen)

4. Know What "Added Features" to Avoid

Many sellers will try to impress you with a nice rear derailleur and other functions. No matter your bike's rear derailleur, all models have the same design and functionality and are not worth paying a premium. 

In addition, what makes your bike heavier does not reflect added quality features. Good riding skills, sturdy rims, and tires should be enough to balance the bike's and rider's weight. 

Its brand and premium quality do not matter as much as its functionality. Just make sure that the shifters, cranksets, and chainrings perform well.

Try holding the bike to a neutral position and spinning the wheels to test it. If it runs smoothly, you're good to go. 

5. Look for Future-proof Designs

It would be best if you stayed updated with the trends and designs in the market and had relevant knowledge of mountain bikes to select a suitable design.

Ensure you buy a design that will work well in the future and do not have to switch to a new one to fit in constantly.

Ideally, look for popular and in-demand axle diameters and spacing with seat post diameter, bottom bracket, and headset.

Also, check the smoothness of the brakes and the noise level, which should be minimal for a seamless ride. 

Related: Amazing Cycling Routes in Europe

A female biker takes a break (photo: Simon)
A female biker takes a break (photo: Simon)

6. Consider Maintenance

Although mountain bikes require minimal maintenance, they can be surprisingly breakable, and tire changes may be needed due to the high impact.

The mountain bike's rear shock stanchions are easy to maintain, but the bushings and wiper seals can tear apart, destroying the internals. Therefore, you must consider its maintenance cost. 

Therefore, you must check for axle maneuverability, chain smoothness, tire sturdiness, and brakes before every ride, and wipe down the fork and shock stanchion after every ride. You must also clean the pivots and check shock pressure at least twice a week. 

Check and tighten the bolts after every rough ride and wipe down the mud before parking, or it will leave a lot of dust. Moreover, take it for a full service at least once a year and get it thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mountain bike can be stressful because you must consider the safety features, cost, specs, and maneuverability before purchasing. However, some tips and expert advice can help you shortlist your choices.

You must first consider the bike's size, wheel size, and sturdiness. Moreover, you should know what features could add unnecessary costs to your purchase and focus more on functionality.

For a full-spec bike within your budget, go for a hardtail or a full-suspension. Look for a future-proof design for a long-lasting bike and consider the regular maintenance required and its cost. Considering such things will help you choose a mountain bike that suits your needs.

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with Jenson USA.

Related Stories

  • Travel supplies (photo by Rachel Claire).
    7 Knife Safety Tips for Travelers and Backpackers
  • Veeniix V11PRO drone kit.
    Veeniix V11PRO Drone: The Ultimate Gift for Travel Creators
  • Ruko F11PRO 2 drone.
    The Ruko F11PRO 2: A Drone for Adventure Travelers
  • A hiker using their cell phone with Truely eSIM in the mountains.
    The Backpacker's Guide to Choosing the Right eSIM
  • Share
  • Email
Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Follow Us

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Submissions

Copyright © 2025 Go Backpacking