follow us on twitter, facebook, pinterest, youtube, foursquare and google+

 “how to find the best cheap products” — kiplinger

Home » Fitness & Sports » Mountain Bikes » Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes, Mountain Bike Frame

Related Guides: Bicycle Helmets, Bike Locks, Kids Bikes and Scooters

A mountain bike's suspension is one of the features that set it apart from other types of bicycles. The suspension makes riding on rough terrains smoother and more comfortable by absorbing some of the shock.

Bicycles with front-only suspension, so-called hardtails, are extremely common in the mountain bike world. But dual- or full-suspension mountain bikes are becoming more popular and also more available at the cheaper end of the market. Full-suspension mountain bikes feature suspension for both the front and back wheels, but reviews warn that the low quality of the suspension on some budget models doesn't sufficiently protect the body against painful jolts and shocks.

Our research shows that you don't have to spend big bucks to buy a mountain bike with adequate suspension -- so long as you limit your riding to paved surfaces and elementary-level trails. Most of the mountain bikes on our list, including the Diamondback Sorrento 2012 and the Trek 3 Series 3500 Disc (our top picks), are front-suspension mountain bikes that users value for their smooth ride. If a full suspension mountain bike is a must-have feature, the Genesis 26" Men's V2100 fits the bill. Users posting comments at Walmart say the dual suspension gives an incredibly smooth ride. The Huffy DS-7 also comes with a full suspension but fails to wow riders due to performance and quality issues.

Mountain Bikes Frame.

The two most common materials used in the construction of mountain bike frames are steel and aluminum. Although some consumers might believe the heavier the bike, the more durable, that's not the case here: steel (comparatively heavy) and aluminum (comparatively light) are just about equally durable.

However, there are pros and cons to each material as used in a mountain bike frame. Heavier bikes move more slowly, require more effort to ride, and are generally more annoying to store and carry. Experts and users agree that aluminum, with its lighter weight, is superior on these fronts. Additionally, aluminum, unlike steel, doesn't rust, which means less maintenance. On the other hand, a steel mountain bike frame may provide the smoother ride because it's naturally more flexible, making bumps on the trail a little less jarring. All of the Cheapism mountain bike choices feature an aluminum frame, which is becoming the norm. The Huffy DS-7 is something of a hybrid, with an aluminum frame but a steel suspension fork and handlebar rise.

Mountain Bikes Assembly.

Assembling a cheap mountain bike on your own can get downright technical; multiple mountain bike reviews reveal buyers' frustration with the process. A detailed and easy-to-follow manual is certainly a big help, and this is one dimension in which the Genesis 26" Men's V2100 falls short. Buying this model online or from a big-box store that sends you home with box in hand leaves you at the mercy of the manual. Although most purchasers don't complain too much, some reviews say the manual isn't helpful and suggest turning to online tutorials instead. One review claims the Huffy DS-7 manual is intended for Huffy bikes in general and is verges on being useless.

At the other extreme, some DIY-ers find the Diamondback Sorrento a cinch to put together. The bike arrives partially assembled and reviews generally indicate that assembling the front tire, steering bar, and pedals at home doesn't pose much of a challenge. The Schwinn Ridge AL Women's model escapes censure for assembly struggles, and one post on Amazon says the process took less than 45 minutes. DIY assembly with the Trek 3 Series 3500 Disc is a non-issue. This budget mountain bike is sold exclusively in specialty bike shops that typically include assembly in the purchase package.

by Raechel Conover (Google+ Profile)

Back to top »

 

 

 

Diamondback Octane Youth Review
Huffy DS-7 Review
Schwinn Ridge AL Review
Genesis V2100 Review
Diamondback Sorrento 2012 Review
Trek 3 Series 3500 Review

 

Fitness & Sports Snowboard Bindings Bicycle Helmets Bike Locks Binoculars Ellipticals Exercise Bikes Hiking Backpacks

Hiking Boots Mountain Bikes Sleeping Bags Snowboard Boots Snowboards Tents

Treadmills Walking Shoes Workout DVDs Yoga Clothes Yoga Mats Running Shoes

blog  about us  contact us  sitemap  in the news  privacy  terms of service  jobs

Follow us on Facebook Twitter Sign up for our Free Newsletter