We all know people who have spent more on their road bikes or mountain bikes than on their cars. It’s not uncommon for people to name their bikes, and to treat them like cherished family members. But for those of us new to trudging up mountains for hours only to speed down them, unable to check out the scenery because it’s zooming by so fast, for those of us, in other words, who would like a taste of the sport without shelling out thousands of dollars…well, we’re looking for something a bit cheaper. Some find their first mountain bike for fifty bucks at a garage sale, while others shop around for weeks on craigslist and other sites until the perfect bike pops up, then meet up and exchange cash with a stranger on a bike we know next to nothing about (unless you bring a mountain biker friend along with you who knows her stuff). For most of us, though, we prefer to do a little research online to make sure we end up with the best budge mountain bike out there. In 2017, there were a lot of great (and some not-so-great) bikes.

Mountain biker culture is incredible, and buying your first bike can be a great way to enter into a community of great people. Often bike shops will run a weekly or bimonthly group ride that anyone can join, or will be a great source of maps and information on where to ride, simpler trails that are great if you are just starting out. You can also check facebook for mountain biking groups if you’re knew or if you simply want more folks to ride with.

Bad bikes are as common as sandflies in the Milford Sound. The internet is just crawling with them. Here are a few ideas to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to finding a bike, whether you’re dipping your toe into mountain biking, coming back after an injury, or upgrading from an outdated and outridden model.

A few considerations that you may want to consider before you invest in a mountain bike:

1. As always, you’ll want to keep your budget in mind. It can be easy to overspend when purchasing such a fun toy, but if you know your budget before you start looking, you’re more likely to invest in something that you can afford. It can be a lot of pressure riding something you broke the bank for; it’s much more relaxing going into a sport knowing what you’re riding is a good fit for both your needs and your wallet.

That said, if you could technically spend whatever you want on a mountain bike, the pricier models will help out your riding, in terms of comfort, and will have all the fun bells and whistles.

2. What size is best for you? Goes without saying; buy the right size for your height. Don’t know your size? Head to a bike shop, or do some research by plugging your weight and height into a handy site like this one. First, measure (you will want to take both shoes off, of course), the height from the ground to the crotch. This will give you an idea of how high you want your saddle to be. You’ll want a nice, comfy bend to your leg; not too much, however. If you do purchase a bike that’s the wrong size, there are some adjustments you can make, or you could buy a shorter or longer post for your seat.

3. What kind of suspension do you want? Will you be doing a lot of off-roading, or mostly on trails? Do you want full, or just hardtail, with suspension forks? Most often you’ll find mountain bikes that have full suspension, so that they absorb the ground as you ride over it with minimal jolting. Full-suspension mountain bikes also allow you to go off jumps and land smoothly, or to navigate more easily up bumpy uphill sections. Dual suspension and rear suspension are also things to talk to the expert at the bike shop about. A suspension bike is important for your ride.

4. How heavy do you want your bicycle? They’re coming out with lighter and lighter frames, which can be awesome for when you have to carry your bike through a muddy section, or when you’re hauling it on and off your car rack. An aluminum frame is a great option, but it can increase your price. Carbon fiber is the ultimate.

5. What kind of tires do you want on your bicycle? Some are more forgiving, with less traction, which are great for those just getting started as mountain bikers. Others with a lot more experience will want tires that react more precisely to their movements, for those technical, steep sections or for jumps, where you need a greater degree of control.

6. What wheel size will you need? Mountain bike wheels come in three sizes: 29 inch (these are biggest, allowing for easier rolling in rocky terrain, though they can be quite heavy), 27.5 inch (if you want to do a bunch of endurance riding or will be on trails a lot and want something a little bit lighter than the bulky 29ers, these are the choice for you) and 26 inch (though this is now less commonly used). Some people also used bigger wheels, for when they ride in mud and snow. Another note about the 29 inch tires: smaller riders may find they provide less control than they need.

7. Price. What’s your budget? Are you willing to invest a little more in something more suited to your needs, or are you looking for a way to explore the outdoors but don’t quite need all the bells and whistles? Safe equipment is important in this sport, so investing in suspension and brakes will improve your ride. Many of us got our first bikes for cheap at garage sales. Craigslist or similar sites can also be great ways to find bikes, or to sell our old ones once we’re ready to move on. If you're just starting out, maybe a hybrid bike is an option to look for, instead of the highest end hardtail mountain bike with full suspension.

In the end, the best mountain bike out there is of course the one that brings you the most happiness, and the one that inspires him or her to get outside. Some of our favorite brands are:

Kent

Takara

Orkan

Urban bikes, or city bikes, are marked by many distinct features that distinguish them from their mountain bike and road bike counterparts. Specifically designed for short-distance commuting, urban riding, and performing tasks, urban bikes are typically outfitted with storage racks and feature an upright position for riding as well as a smaller range in gears.

Built strong enough to handle the various elements associated with urban-style environments, urban bikes typically are free of superfluous accessories, with a concentrated focus on functionality, durability, and simplicity over performance-oriented attributes.

Typically available in solid colors and often in retro framed bodies, urban bikes usually feature large tires that are optimal for city riding. Heavier than their road bike counterparts, urban bikes are made to maneuver the city terrain safely, efficiently, and reliably.

If you are interested in purchasing a new urban bike and would like to find out the top models available in 2017, read on below for comprehensive, information-packed reviews that will help you make the best choice for your highly individual needs.

1. Raleigh Bikes Back Alley Urban Road Bike

Designed specifically for the single-speed bike rider, the Raleigh Bikes Back Alley Urban Road Bike is all about functionality.

Featuring a rear-hub with flip-flop style mechanism, flat handlebars to keep you in an upright position and provide you optimal levels of visibility, and comfortable elements such as a Raleigh Classic road saddle and microsuede lock-on-style gripping for a classic aesthetic, this bike has everything a city dweller needs for their on-the-go tasks and daily commute.

PROS:​

CONS:

2. Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike

The Harper Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike from Critical Cycles features a hand-built diamond frame that is tig-welded and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The high-tensile composition features industrial-grade steel for unparalleled long-lasting durability and reliability.

Touted by consumers as encompassing beauty, function, and affordability, this bike is packed with high-end components from internationally recognized brand names.

Comfortable is paramount in the Harper Urban Commuter Bike. With its riser-style handlebars, riders comfortably maintain an upright position that fosters good posture and back health.

Equipped with front and rear brakes, riders are given complete control over their ride quality, and provided the utmost in safety and security in their speed control, stopping time, and more.

PROS:​

CONS:

3. Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Firmstrong endeavors to create bikes that encompass functionality, style, and affordability, while creating a product that provides an experience for riders, rather than just a method of transportation.​

Inspired by classic-style cruiser bikes, the Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle is a retro beauty that is made to smoothly and leisurely roll along on boardwalks, trails, paths, streets and more.

​Ideal for casual riding endeavors, this single-speed bike is a great choice for many beaches, city, and paved environments.

In keeping with the casual and effortless vibe, no extraneous cables are hanging off the bike nor are there any complicated gear-shifting control systems to contend with.

With this product coming 80% preassembled, consumers can be ready to leisurely ride about the city in no time at all.​

PROS:​

CONS:

4. 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike

​The 6KU Urban Track Bike is made for consumers ready to navigate the concrete jungles within the city. With its all-black facade and overall monochromatic look, this urban bike is sleek, modern, and in line with the contemporary feel of big cities.

Featuring riser-styled bars, a lightweight alloy frame and fork, dropouts made from stainless steel, and industrial-grade aluminum construction elements throughout, this bike is packed with all the features that an urban dweller could wish for in a bike.

PROS:​

CONS:

5. Critical Cycles Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady's Urban City Commuter Bike

This retro cruiser-style bike from Beaumont is a wonderful way to commute across the city in style. With a range of 7 speeds, this bike is in stark contrast with the usual single speed urban bikes found on the market.

Regarded by many consumers as the ultimate urban bike for the city, the Beaumont’s timeless aesthetic is complemented by its artfully constructed spokes and storage carrier.

Despite its classic old-time looks, this bike is outfitted with cutting-edge design elements such as a rear derailleur from Shimano and a Shimano Revo grip-style shift control to provide riders with a precision riding experience and offering complete command of the bike.

Perfect for leisurely riding, performing chores, and commuting to work, the Beaumont will have you traveling in enviable style.

The Lightweight hand-built step-thru steel frame design with an upright riding position designed for urban commuting, leisurely riding, and exercise.

Equipped with Shimano 7-Speed drivetrain and RevoShift grip shifters for ultimate precision, speed, and control.

Front and rear alloy brakes to keep you safe and in control of your ride at all times​

Wanda 700x35C tires grip the ground for a dependable ride every time

Arrives 85% built and comes with assembly tools and instructions, so you can easily finish putting together your bike!

PROS:​

Cons:

For more valuable information on the different kinds of urban bikes available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.

While very similar to their road race bike counterparts with a few elements of the mountain bike thrown in for good measure, endurance bikes are distinct with their integrated specifications, altered geometry, and frames composed of build materials serving to ensure optimal comfort during the long ride times associated with endurance cycling.

Commonly featuring wheelbases with longer dimensions to accommodate spade for the wider, more robust endurance biking-style tires in addition to ensuring a stable ride over a wide variety of terrains, endurance bikes also feature head tubes taller in height and corresponding top tubes that are shorter than typically found on other bike models.

It should be noted that endurance bike accessories and capabilities differ vastly between manufacturers. Without a universal model to compare endurance bikes against, as a result, there is an immense variety of models, integrated performance elements, and differing capabilities, with many bikes, for example, featuring frames and tubes that are taller or shorter.

Despite the wide range of endurance bikes with differing specs available for purchase on the market, they are all unequivocally ideal for long endurance-style rides, leisurely cycling, daily commutes, or group riding event.

If you are interested in purchasing a new downhill bike and would like to find out the top models for purchase in 2017, read on below for comprehensive, information-packed reviews on the most awesome downhill bike models available on the market.

1. Raleigh Bikes Merit 1 Endurance Road Bike

Price: around $600

The Raleigh 100 Series Road bike features short-drop style handlebars with quick handling and top-of-the-line Shimano shift controls featuring a range of 16 speeds to easily contend with a variety of terrains and inclines.

Extra-large Weinmann-brand rims and Kenda Sports tires feature a double-walled construction and are built to roll fast while ensuring optimal levels of comfort, safety, and security.

With its heavy-duty aluminum frame, customized alloy tapered fork, and Tektro pivoting caliper-style brakes, the Raleigh 100 Series Road Bike is a superb choice for consumers looking for a bike that offers additional levels of capability in comparison to their standard road bicycle counterparts.

PROS:​

Cons:

2. Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike

Price: less than $800

Wheels and tires are at center focus in this endurance bike model. With its expansively-sized Weinmann double-walled rims and premium Strada tires from Clement, the Raleigh Merit 2 Endurance bike features unparalleled stability and versatility with its ability to easily contend with a wide range of terrains and environments.

Dually-actuated disc brakes offer unrivaled stopping power in inclement weather, and Shimano-brand Claris shift controls provide riders with the ability to easily take on hills with the steepest of inclines.

PROS:​

CONS:

3. Raleigh Bikes Women's Super Course Endurance Road Bike

Price: less than $1000

With geometry designed specifically for women, the Super Course from Raleigh Bikes features an industrial-grade steel frame for unparalleled strength and durability while also providing unwavering comfort to riders through a variety of terrains.

Shimano shift controls offer a range of sixteen speeds with wide-gear ratio compact composition enabling riders to effectively take on the steepest of inclines.

A premium Brooks-brand saddle specially designed for a woman’s unique physique offers premium levels of comfort throughout all points of endurance-style rides.

PROS:​

CONS:

4. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo Tero All-Road Bike

Price: around $700

An eye-catching lime-green frame constructed from alloy and aluminum materials make this endurance bike stand out from the rest. With its striking aesthetic, riders will be quite the figure on their long endurance-style bike runs.

A fully-formed top tube serves to provide a lightweight overall construction with ensuring optimal strength and durability while endurance-oriented geometry allows riders to remain comfortable at all times during their long endurance rides.

Perfect for riders looking for opportunities to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of city life, the Haanjo Tero provides riders with the opportunity to comfortably take on the longest of endurance rides and explore the world beyond.

PROS:​

CONS:

5. Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike

Price: less than $1600

The Merit 3 from Raleigh Bikes cuts a striking figure wherever it goes. With its mix of gradient blues highlighted by red accents, this classic-looking bike is stylish, performance-oriented, and packed full of desirable elements such as premium Weinmann double-walled tires, actuated Spyre “C” mechanical brakes and high-end Shimano shift controls that offer a range of 22 speeds.

Enabling rides to take on mountains, hills, and rugged terrain in a wide variety of weather conditions, the Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike is noted by consumers for its exceptional stopping ability and exceptional ride quality.

PROS:​

Cons:

For more valuable information on the different kinds of endurance bikes available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.

With our crew of highly-trained specialists, we are among the leading sites online for information pertaining to bicycles, security, performance, and more.​

Balance bikes are a critically important step in teaching young children how to make the transition to “big kid” style bikes. Known as pre-bikes and running bikes, balance bikes are bicycles that are free of pedals and require children to use balance with the ultimate goal of fostering bike-riding skills.

Offering children confidence through the sense of autonomy they gain from maneuvering their bicycles independently; balance bikes are an essential tool in teaching kids how to achieve physical goals through the mastery of movement.

While there are myriad balance bike product offerings available on the market today, Radio Flyer has long been a consumer favorite for its top-quality construction, unparalleled levels of safety and security, and overall affordability.

Radio Flyer’s esteemed reputation is resultant from its status as a household name since 1917. Building quality bikes, wagons, and scooters for children of all ages, Radio Flyer is an internationally-recognized brand that continues to sell best-selling classic-themed products in a market saturated with high-tech, newfangled inventions.

With their best-selling balance bike offerings, Radio Flyer is a perfect choice for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years old. Offering plenty of customization options, your child’s new Radio Flyer Balance Bike can be outfitted with adorable ringing bells, streamers that fly in the wind, custom nameplates, and a steel or wood construction frame in classic red or delicate pink. As an added bonus, Radio Flyer also installs seats on all of their balance bikes that are able to accommodate growing children.

Consumers will appreciate an option to opt for robust all-terrain air tires that enable children a smooth ride on sidewalks and pavement despite rougher terrain with the tire's ability engage in traction control and to hug the road securely.

A perennial favorite of families with children, Radio Flyer continues to be the go-to choice for balance bikes, scooters, wagons, and more.

If you are interested in purchasing a new Radio Flyer balance bike for your child and would like to find out the top models available in 2017, read on below for comprehensive, information-packed reviews that will help you make the best choice for your child’s highly individual needs.

1. Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike Red

The Radio Flyer Glide & Go Bike is a popular option amongst parents and children for balance bikes. Fashioned in a classic candy-apple red color, the familiar Radio Flyer aesthetic features white-walled rims, thick black tires with plenty of traction and wide handlebars featuring comfortable rubber ribs for little one’s hands.

The sturdy steel frame features a strong and robust construction and will give parents the utmost peace of mind. Both parents and children will appreciate the fully adjustable seat that can easily accommodate growing children.

With its ringing bell and available options for coordinating streamers and a customized nameplate, children ages from 2 ½ to 5 will be delighted with a wide range of new experiences in addition to achieving critically important boosts in confidence as they ride and glide their way into familiarity with the biking experience.

An ideal way to teach your child balance, the Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike is a quintessentially perfect way to further bond with your child.

PROS:

2. Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike with All Terrain Air Tires

Nearly identical to the original Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike, this model features twelve inch all terrain air tires that function to not only provide an overall smoother ride across varied forms of terrain but also to assist children in overcoming their fear of falling. The air tires grip the road with their increased traction control and offer children additional security while they engage in their first cycling experiences.

A great option for parents with children who are especially afraid of falling, the Radio Flyer Glide and Go with Air Tires enables children as young as 2 ½ to use the bike with additional security provided by its the tire’s tight grip on sidewalks and pavement.

Like the original Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike, the air tire equipped model comes standard with a fun ringing bell, fully adjustable seat cushion that easily accommodates growing children, a lightweight, high-quality, durable steel frame, and pedal-free functionality that allows children to independently learn balance and movement.

PROS:

3. Radio Flyer Classic Glide & Go Wooden Balance Bike

The Glide and Go Balance Bike from Radio Flyer is a classic that is beloved by parents and children. Commonly available in a durable steel frame, the Glide & Go is now available for purchase in an ultra-retro wooden frame that is absolutely adorable and will remind children of their favorite wooden toys, blocks, and figurines.

The wooden frame is made from premium-grade wood for exceptional durability. 12-inch air tires accent the bicycle and provide accessibility for kids to hop on and balance and glide without fear of falling.

Additional benefits include a cushioned seat that is fully adjustable and can accommodate growing children up to age 5.​

PROS:

For more valuable information on the different kinds of Radio Flyer Balance Bikes available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.