1. the right bike shop/dealer
If possible, beginners should buy from a specialist dealer. In addition to expert advice, novices can compare different bikes there. The differences in seating position and equipment can be "experienced" directly during a test ride. There is no substitute for this riding experience! The on-site technical service, such as suspension tuning or adjustment of individual components, is also a big plus. Alternatives to the shop: Reputable Internet mail order companies now offer sophisticated online and telephone consultations. Anyone who has already researched the subject of mountain bikes in depth can also find their dream bike at the click of a mouse. In any case, technical skills are an advantage, as you usually have to lend a hand with the final assembly. Buying second-hand as a third option is only recommended for experts who can judge the condition of a bike very accurately.
2. good timing
An important point! Make sure you avoid the typical peak times, such as the days around Easter or the first warm days in spring. Because competent advice takes longer than a few minutes! After all, that's what characterises a good shop. Even if you come to the shop well prepared, the quality of a sales talk suffers if the retailer is under stress. Perhaps you can take a morning off during the week for shopping, or make an appointment in advance for a detailed consultation including measurements. If you're not in a hurry, you can also wait until the autumn to buy and then secure a bargain or two with reduced discontinued models.
3. what type of biker are you?
A competent salesperson will ask two questions at the beginning: the area of application and the budget (see next tip).
the budget (see next tip). You should therefore give this some thought beforehand. For example, do you, like the majority of bikers, mainly want to go touring? Is a crossing of the Alps perhaps even on the programme? Or are you rather travelling in hilly low mountain ranges? Do you want to take a comfortable or sporty approach? Maybe even to the bike park? Clarify!
4. invest money wisely
The cheapest bikes can be found in the 26-inch hardtail class. Our Test in BIKE issue 02/2013 has shown that beginners can get a well-equipped bike with an aluminium frame for around 1000 euros. The rear derailleur is less important than a good suspension fork! Because even with inexpensive components, the gears shift perfectly. However, good 29-inch hardtails are still rare in this class, and when they are, they are usually too heavy and sluggish. It's worth investing more here. For fullys, the fun starts at around 1500 euros.
5. fully or hardtail?
A full-suspension chassis has measurable and noticeable advantages over a hardtail off-road. This applies to comfort (you ride more relaxed) as well as traction. The tyres virtually glide over obstacles and maintain constant contact with the ground. Not forgetting the influence on the rider's psyche: You ride downhill in a more controlled and safer manner. The main arguments in favour of a hardtail are price and weight. Example: In the fully entry-level class (1500 euros), you can already get race-ready 26-inch hardtails weighing around ten to eleven kilos. Hardtails are also a good choice for moderate terrain.
6. three wheel sizes? Don't get confused!
Twentyniners, i.e. bikes with 29-inch wheels, are currently conquering the market. They show their advantages - better traction and comfort - especially on hardtails. Some manufacturers no longer offer 26-inch hardtails at all. Bikes with the new 27.5-inch wheel size are still a marginalised group. However, long-travel all-mountain and enduro bikes benefit from the rolling characteristics of the medium-sized wheels. Brakes and gears Even entry-level bikes are now generally equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. And your new bike should be too. If in doubt, ask. However, make sure that the disc diameter at the front is 180 millimetres. Only 160 millimetres are okay at the rear, or if the rider is very light. If you mainly want to ride tours, you should look for a wide range of gear ratios. A triple crank is definitely a good choice for beginners. Cranks with only two chainrings shift more easily, but are more suitable for more experienced riders who are better able to assess their condition and needs.
7. which brakes and which gears?
Today, even entry-level bikes are usually equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. And your new bike should be too. If in doubt, ask. However, make sure that the disc diameter at the front is 180 millimetres. Only 160 millimetres are okay at the rear, or if the rider is very light. If you mainly want to ride tours, you should look for a wide range of gear ratios. A triple crank is definitely a good choice for beginners. Cranks with only two chainrings shift more easily, but are more suitable for more experienced riders who are better able to assess their condition and needs.
8. the right frame size for a mountain bike
To get an indication of the frame size that suits you, the specialist retailer will determine your inseam or inside leg length. You can do this in advance: Without shoes, stand with your back against a wall and slide a book horizontally upwards into your crotch. Then measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the book. The result in centimetres multiplied by 0.226 is the frame height in inches. Theoretically. A test ride remains mandatory!
9. factor in bike accessories
You don't have to look like a pro right from the start. But we also recommend the following minimum equipment for your first tours: helmet, bike trousers, functional vest, jersey and gloves. Trainers in combination with platform pedals are okay to start with. But after just a few tours, you will realise that investing in clipless pedals and bike shoes is also worthwhile. Tip: Ask the dealer for a discount on accessories such as a spare inner tube, saddle bag, pump or mini-tool.
10. do women need special mountain bikes?
All well-known manufacturers offer women's models whose geometry and parts are tailored to the anatomy of women. The frames are mainly available in particularly small sizes and usually with a short top tube. However, this is not because girls generally have shorter arms or upper bodies, but because they prefer to sit more upright. A test is particularly worthwhile for riders under 170 centimetres tall. Pay attention to the weight and suspension set-up when buying. 29-inch bikes are not the first choice for small frame sizes.
are not the first choice.
5 money-saving tips for buying a bike
- RESTPOST
You can almost always find individual bikes from the previous season in the shops. There is often a 20 to 30 per cent discount.
- DEMO BIKES
Good dealers have demonstration bikes that are sold after a certain period of time. Usually at a favourable price - all-round check included.
- TUNING
In good specialist shops, it is common to customise small parts such as handlebar grips and saddles at the customer's request. Usually at no extra charge.
- COMPARE
Does it really have to be carbon fibre? Check whether the expensive model variant is really worth the money. You can save around 500 euros with an aluminium frame.
- SECOND-HAND PURCHASE
Second-hand bikes can be bargains, but only experts can distinguish top offers from fakes!
