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Dual Suspension Mountain Bike: Dual Suspension or Rigid Mountain Bikes for Beginners
You want to start cross country mountain biking or need a downhill mountain bike and you are looking for the best deal in your price range. However, you’ve got to be careful when choosing a mountain bike if you’re just getting started. You must have a model that is easy to control and can handle shocks.
However, there are many factors that go into such bikes. Do you require an aluminum frame or steel mountain bike frame, durable wheels and tires, need a specific wheel size, rear shocks, rigid forks, a hardtail, disc brakes, looking for a specific suspension design… the list is endless. You can’t just pick one type of bike and assume that it will work perfectly for you every step of the way.
When choosing a great bicycle, however, you have to look carefully at the type of mountain bike and how it is designed. You can opt for a dual suspension or rigid mountain bike. These are divided up mainly based on the suspension features that they come with. Each option has its own advantages over the other.
Even with the great choices out there for mountain biking in your price range, you have to be cautious when choosing something for your ride. The one that is right for you will vary based on the specific demands you hold for your ride, as well as the types of trails you will take your bike out on. While neither the dual suspension nor the rigid style is truly better than the other, the application for your ride should make all the difference in your decision.
What Is a Rigid Bike?
A rigid mountain bike is also known as a hardtail bike. This is designed with a shock-absorbing suspension around the front fork.
Such a bike works with a lightweight design. It is easy to lift up and propel in many spots. It also has a smoother steering feature that responds quickly. If used carefully enough, it should not be tough to use on a gentle path. It’s also great if you’ve got a wide-open space for traveling.
Also, a rigid bike can handle some obstacles. It works better on lighter obstacles like small rocks or even some tree roots. You don’t want to take it over any extremely rugged surfaces, though.
A rigid bike uses a singular piece in its frame. This creates a slightly triangular shape. The rear wheel is in a proper set place so it remains stable. It also creates a stronger surface when used right.
What Is a Dual Suspension Bike?
As the name suggests, a dual suspension bike uses two different suspension setups. It offers separate suspensions on the front fork and back areas.
By taking in more shocks, this works better on rougher routes. It also handles obstacles like larger rocks or wet spots quite well.
This bike uses two pieces on its frame. They are connected by a series of pivots. These help to keep the ride steady and without being too bumpy. The two sections can move independently from each other. The separate suspension features on both halves make this possible.
How Intense Will Your Ride Be?
When choosing one of these bikes, you have to think about how intense or rough your mountain trail ride will be. A rigid bike is better if you have a lighter or smoother trail. A dual suspension bike works best if you have a rougher ride planned.
A dual suspension choice is also great if you have a slight downhill slope to work with but is not too intense to where you might need a separate downhill bike.
What Support Do You Require?
The amount of support you need while sitting on your bike is crucial to your riding success. You can choose a rigid bike if you don’t feel pain regularly while pedaling.
Meanwhile, a dual suspension bike is better for people with back issues. It offers a bit of extra support for those who are sensitive to the shocks they might experience while riding.
What About Drops?
Drops often occur on a trail when you go from one surface to another in a short period of time. A dual suspension bike will work best if you have a downhill ride with plenty of drops all around. This kind of bike takes in drops and shocks with ease.
What About Going Uphill?
A rigid bike is better if you want to get uphill. A rigid bike makes it easier for you to propel it as the bike often comes with a lighter weight. It also responds well to the twists and turns you might come across as you pedal uphill.
The pedals on a rigid bike typically require less pressure for them to move. This is crucial when you’re trying to get up a good incline. Considering how an uphill ride might be a little more predictable in terms of what you’d find on the trail, a rigid bike will work perfectly. You won’t be at risk of running into unexpected surfaces all that quickly.
What About Maintenance?
A rigid bike clearly requires less maintenance. It doesn’t have as many moving parts on it. Still, you should check on the gears on the bike if necessary. Different gears can create various levels of pressure but they can also support faster speeds provided that you switch from one gear to the next in enough time.
Meanwhile, a dual suspension bike needs regular maintenance of its links and pivots. The rear shock also requires new seals on occasion. You might have to replace such a seal once a year. Such a bike can be found in a multi-speed or single-speed variant but either one will have to be maintained properly. You might have to lubricate the multi-speed gear shifter once a year to keep it from locking up.
Summary
In conclusion, you should think carefully about your riding style and trails you will head out on when figuring out which bike is right for you. A rigid bike is perfect for uphill rides or ones that don’t entail many rough surfaces.
A dual suspension model works better if you are sensitive to shocks or you’re going either down on the slope or around a rugged surface. Check on your needs for a bike before heading out on the trail so you’ll have a choice that fits in perfectly with your needs.
Hardtail Mountain Bike: The Best Cross Country Hardtail Mountain Bikes
A hardtail carbon fiber mountain bike is designed with a solid frame and a suspension fork in the front part making it good for rough terrain or a cross-country race. It is an easy to maintain option and works like a full-suspension mountain bike and is ideal for mountain bikers who are starting to ride mountain bikes or just want something easy to handle in different terrain with a bike in a decent price range. However, you have to look around to see what the best choices are for your mountain bicycle requirements.
Some of these options are designed with a variety of great features in the body. Others are available only as frames where you’d have to add some extra things onto it to make the bike work. You should look carefully at what’s around so you can find a choice that fits in perfectly with your riding needs.
Canfield Brothers Nimble 9
The Nimble 9 uses a steel frame and has sliding drop outs. This allows you to run it with one speed or with gears depending on your preference. The tube set is also light in weight and isn’t too complicated to use.
Zen Trail
Some hardtail bikes only come with frames. The Zen Trail is one such instance. It a little more than 23 pounds so it should not be too hard to pedal along.
This uses a head tube at 68 degrees so you can effortlessly steer the bike when all its parts are in place. It also has a 120 mm fork and 16.9-inch chainstays. This works only for geared setups though as it does not come with any dropouts you can adjust for handling a single speed setup. You should check on how well you can adjust this based on what you might be more interested in using while out on the trail.
Transition TransAM
The wheels on the TransAM are rather large. You can get a 27.5 or 29-inch model depending on which you prefer. It offers a low frame and has a stronger body that doesn’t bend easily. This works with a flexible axle system that can work with a single speed or a geared option depending on your preference.
The fork is 120 mm on the 29-inch option and 130 mm on the 27.5-inch variant. These are good choices to have but you should check carefully on how well you can steer either option.
Kona Honzo
The Honzo is available in one of many frame styles. You can order this hardtail bike in a carbon, steel, aluminum, or titanium model. However, the steel and titanium models are frame-only so you’d have to get other parts ready if you have one of those options.
The frame is a little longer than most other options. It is about 460 mm long, thus giving you enough room for pedaling without feeling cramped. The 68-degree head tube angle gives you less effort needed for steering the bike, thus helping you get through some of the tightest spots around on the trail.
Chromag Stylus
Chromag offers the Stylus with 26 and 27.5-inch wheels depending on the model you choose. This is designed with trails in mind as it has enough shock absorption features on its frame to keep it steady and active. The 160 mm fork is small enough to give you enough control over the bike without being too hard to use.
Norco Torrent
The design of the Torrent features a 67-degree head tube and a lower bottom bracket. This creates a powerful look but the chain stays still keep the weight centered. As a result, you don’t have to adjust your weight far too much when trying to move forward. You can order chain stays from 16.5 to 16.8 inches depending on your size.
Niner ROS 9
You can order a 120 or 140 mm measurement on the Niner ROS 9 fork. This allows you to have a looser or tighter control over the bike depending on the choice you opt for.
The BioCentric II bottom bracket is a very popular feature. This helps you choose between a geared or single-speed arrangement. Meanwhile, the chain stay can be adjusted from 16.5 to 16.7 inches in length. This should provide you with a more versatile riding experience that is easier for more riders.
Commencal META HT AM CrMo
Guide brakes are a key part of what makes this bike from Commencal work. These brakes help with easing you on many paths and keep the gears from being too active while you brake. You can order this in either a standard steel design or with a lighter aluminum frame. The 160 mm fork is designed to create an effortless ride.
On-One 45650B
This is a more affordable option among hardtail mountain bikes. When all of its parts are applied, it can go for less than $1,000 depending on what you choose. This comes with 27.5-inch wheels. It can work with a 4, 5 or 6-inch fork depending on your demands. The 17-inch chainstay is good for more controls while the frame is a little shorter than most others, thus targeting those aiming for faster reaches on their bikes.
Santa Cruz Chameleon
The Chameleon gets its name from how it is easy for you to get it adjusted in a variety of ways. To start, you can work with a fork from 120 to 150 mm to go along with the main frame. You can also get 26 or 27.5-inch wheels on this model. The 16.5-inch chainstay is consistent among all styles. This is an attractive model that is easy to utilize and can especially help you get out on the trail quickly. Be advised that it can cost close to $2,000 for all the necessary parts depending on what you order for it.
These are all good options to have when it comes to getting the most out of your mountain biking needs. Hardtail mountain bikes are great for those who simply want a bike for the road without being too hard to use. You will be surprised by the extensive variety of great mountain bikes worth having and how you can get them adjusted in many forms.
Best Folding Mountain Bike 2017
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Reviews & Buying Guide
Foldable bikes, or folding bicycles, have seen a significant increase in market popularity in recent years. These highly convenient bikes are utilized by urban commuters, weekend road warriors, high-frequency travelers, and anyone who wants to bike but is short on space. However, the lesser-known counterpart to the urban folding bike is the folding mountain bike. In fact, some of the best folding bikes on the market are designed specifically for use on the trails and mountains. As well as an advanced folding mechanism, some of these bikes now boast an aluminum frame or carbon fiber frame, suspension fork, decent sized wheels, and a wide range of other great features that make riding easier than ever and outdo many regular bikes. Though they might be rarer, the best folding mountain bikes of 2017 are some of the best folding bicycles that consumers can find on the market to making riding and mountain biking more fun than ever.
From wheel size to suspension and price, foldable bikes come in a huge variety of options and models. Consumers might be put off by the niche eccentricities of these bikes; however, at the end of the day, the features and benefits that make the best bicycles overall, are some of the same that account for the best folding mountain bikes. If you are not on any kind of budget, you will not have to make many sacrifices in your folding bikes features specification quality. However, for those who do not have a money tree in their yard, sacrifices and decisions must be made in order to find the best folding mountain bike for you.
The Best Folding Mountain Bikes
Most folding bikes that are available on the market are designed to ride on a 16-inch wheel or a 20-inch wheel. This acts to increase the bicycle’s portability and to keep down on the unit’s weight. Those who find value in a folding bike must prioritize the mobility and storability of the bike over some of the features which get pushed to the engineering wayside. With folding mountain bikes, riders find that the size of the design and the lightweight specifications make for a smooth, easy trail ride. Of course, there are pros of a folding mountain bike and there are certainly cons as well. However, if you are one who prizes the freedom to take your ride everywhere you go, then a folding mountain bike will offer unparalleled advantages to your rides mobility.
1. Stowabike 26" MTB V2
With a total carrying weight that is under 40 pounds and a price tag under $150, the Stowabike 26" MTB V2 is the cheapest folding mountain bike on our list and a good folding mountain bike for those on a tight budget. However, don't let the price tag fool you. This is a worthy bike to be on our list of the best folding mountain bikes in 2017. The unit is designed with a 26-inch frame and, in addition to the trails and off-road rides, this bike will serve perfectly fine for city commuters as well.
The big Wanda tires are great for conquering rocks and puddles, while its steel frame offers maximum durability. The Stowabike 26" MTB V2, features an 18-speed gear shifter and is perfect for the beginning biker, who wants the mobility of a folding bike. Unfortunately, with the financial savings, also come some limitations. This folding mountain bike is possibly not the best option for those looking to take long-distance trail rides, as the Stowabike 26" MTB V2 is heavier than its higher priced competitors. One of the reasons that bikes are not commonly constructed out of steel anymore, concerns the likelihood of the frame rusting over time. This is especially true for the Stowabike 26" MTB V2 mountain bike since, by its very nature, the bike will be traversing the natural elements, which includes puddles, rain, and moisture of all kinds. Still, for the value, the Stowabike 26" MTB V2 is the best folding mountain bike for beginners and those who only hit the trails occasionally.
2. Camp Alloy 26" Folding Bike
Coming in under $300, the Camp Alloy 26" Folding Bike is the best folding mountain bike for the price. Unlike the previous model, the Camp Alloy 26" Folding Bike features a dual suspension frame, which makes it better for traversing the rough and rugged wilderness trails. The quick release front wheel makes storage and transportation easier than ever and is designed to remove the handlebars as well.
The dual suspension frame is assisted by a 21-speed Shimano gear set and a double-walled alloy disk brake system with CNC side rim. This bike is well made for speed and handling and comes almost totally assembled. This model is able to be completely folded down and stowed within ten seconds after dismounting and its 29”x37”x13” folded dimension makes it able to be fit perfectly into the most compact vehicles. The Camp Alloy 26" Folding Bike is the best versatile budget folding mountain bike in 2017. Great for commuters, weekend trail riders, and those who want to get into the world of folding bikes.
3. Cyrusher FR100 Men's Full Suspension 24 Speeds Folding Mountain Bike
Coming in around $700, the Cyrusher FR100 Men's Full Suspension 24-Speed Folding Mountain Bike, is the best folding mountain bike in 2017 for the serious rider. The frame is made from 100% aluminum alloy and is designed as a dual suspension model. The Cyrusher FR100 Men's Full Suspension 24-Speed Folding Mountain Bike features a gear shifter system of 24 speeds and full front and rear disc brakes for premium stopping power. The design of this folding mountain bike is specific and impeccable, featuring ergonomically designed handlebars, a fully adjustable seat, and anti-slip wear resistant tires for the harshest off-road conditions. This bike is a little bit pricier, which might not be great for the mountain biking beginners; however, the quality of design and construction which is presented in this folding mountain bike makes it great for hardcore trail riders and commuters alike.
Big Decisions to Make, and Lots of Places to Go
Whether or not you should get a folding mountain bike is up to your individual preferences, uses, and needs. The greatest benefit in getting one of the best folding mountain bikes in 2017 is the world of activity and mobility which is opened to riders. If you have never used a folding bike before, now is the time to check them out. If you like the idea of having a bike that is an asset, instead of a burden then we encourage you to invest your time and effort into deciding which of the above items is the best folding mountain bike for you. And—always remember—no matter how great your folding mountain bike is, it is always necessary to wear a helmet on your trail ride or your daily commute. Be fit, mobile, safe, and ride on, with one of the best folding mountain bikes of 2017.
Best Specialized Mountain Bike Reviews
Top 5 Picks in the Specialized 2016-2017 Lineup
Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. has emerged as a leading designer brand name in the mountain biking industry known for creating bikes with a solid structure. Known as the mountain biking brand named, Specialized, the company was founded in Morgan, Hill, California, in 1974. The brand’s recognition has been perpetuated by its use in professional North American and European bicycle race circuits. For those looking for a great mountain bike for rough terrain, we have compiled the best 5 Specialized mountain bikes of 2016-2017.
The sport of mountain biking is a high endurance adventure sport on uneven terrain or even flat terrain and requires the use of specific gears not to mention the bike itself. All bikes are designed from the same principle of design; however, mountain bikes are specialized for rough gravel, mountain paths, and even woodland. Riders are generally split into two categories: Trail riding and cross country riding. Trail riding is often more intensive and off-road, whereas cross country riding is generally a prolonged duration of riding on rough roads. However, there exist many offshoots of these two forms, including all mountain, downhill, freeride, dirt jumping, and more.
The 5 Best Specialized Mountain Bikes
Specialized, has designed some of the best mountain bikes on the market that can handle everything from steep incline climbs to high descents. Mountain bikes by Specialized are built for different requirements, which include portability, durability, and versatility. Often, mountain biking will take riders far from the lights of the city and, as such, bikers rely on their gear, their group, and themselves. And, when you're out on your own, that leaves one thing to rely on besides yourself: The best Specialized mountain bike. Specialized has taken into account the specific needs of the hardcore mountain biker. Designed with ultra-lightweight XC hardtails, FSR suspension, and many other customizations, Specialized bikes offer a setup that will make for the best ride ever.
1. Specialized Epic HT 2017
With a super light frame of about 1175 grams, the Specialized Epic HardTail 2017, is the best upgraded Specialized mountain bike of 2017. The 2017 model has been designed for mountain bike racing and to be the lightest, strongest hardtail yet released by Specialized. The angle of the bike's head tube and seat tube has been tweaked to improve the 2017 Epic HardTail for speed, strength, and aerodynamics. The Specialized Epic HT 2017 comes in as the best Specialized mountain bike for the expert off-road speed demon.
Riders will benefit from traveling uphill from the grounded geometric design of the bike. The FACT 10 m carbon fiber frame makes for an unparalleled rigidity and is more lightweight than any other mountain bike on the racing circuit. The Epic HT 2017 has been designed to include 11-speed SRAM shifting and Roval Control wheels beneath the RockShox Reba RL fork. The 2017 Epic HT by Specialized, will likely run around $3000 to $6000 if you go to a third-party seller. However, going to the manufacturer will run you up around $10,000. It is not the most frugal choice, but it could be the best choice you ever make in terms of a bike.
2. Specialized Women's Camber 2017
The Specialized Women's Chamber mountain bike will probably run you anywhere from $3000 to $6000. Specialized is a leading mountain bike manufacturer in the field of women's biking. However, the greatest benefit of this women's carbon fiber bike is the unisex frame design. The 2017 Women's Camber, by Specialized, is the best mountain bike for women and short men. The frame incorporates many adjustment variability features, which allow anyone to ride this mountain bike, that is who will fit on it. Every piece of this mountain bike, from the fork to the handlebars to the seat and the shocks, has been designed with women in mind. The Specialized Women's Camber 2017 is a fantastic mountain bike for beginners and experts alike. The only stipulation is that you have to be ready to get dirty and wild because this bike cuts through heather, mud, and brush like a locomotive.
3. 2016 Specialized Rhyme FSR Expert Carbon 650B
Priced around $6000 from the manufacturer, this Specialized women's mountain bike is made perfect for the hardcore wilderness trail and off-road lady. The 2016 Specialized Rhyme FSR Expert Carbon 650B is the best Specialized mountain bike for women on the market and has been designed and built specifically for women. Unlike the variable adjustment capabilities of the shocks on the Camber 2017, the Rhyme FSR Carbon 650B features shocks that are more specifically tuned. Not to say that men can't ride this bike but they might feel it a little bit differently when going over mud holes, divots, and rocks (if you get my meaning.) However, Specialized has made a trail bike, which is optimal for women, incorporating their custom-designed Women's Rx Tune, women tailored shocks, gifting the benefit of the best shock absorbing action for women, out of any of Specialized bikes. The Specialized Rhyme FSR Expert Carbon is the best-specialized bike for women who are experts, hardcore mountain bikers and need the finest design on the market.
4. Epic Hardtail Comp Carbon World Cup
Specialized has a long tradition of designing and building some of the best mountain bikes on the market. The Epic Hardtail Comp Carbon World Cup is so named because it won a world cup. As far as an advertisement, that's a pretty good one. This bike is the best Specialized mountain bike for anyone, beginner to the hobbyist, to hardcore trail rider. It is an affordable, quality machine coming in around $2600 so it takes the prize for the smartest mountain bike for those on a budget. Featuring an 11-speed gear shifter and the carbon fiber frame that started it all, the Hardtail Comp Carbon World Cup is one of the most reliable, tried, and true mountain bikes made by Specialized.
5. 2016 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 29
Available in many different design formats and options, the 2016 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 29 is the most versatile Specialized mountain bike on the market. In Keeping with the bikes available options, the unit’s price tag is variable as well, coming in anywhere from around $3000 to around $9000. As is true with the other bikes on the list, the 2016 Stumpjumper is available in many frame configurations and even gives the option for a unique aluminum frame. A unique feature, however, is the plus-sized wheel, for which the model was designed. Instead of carrying spare tires, tubes, or patch kits Specialized has bypassed the issue of tire trouble by incorporating a tire that can handle the terrain and then some. The 2016 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 29 is a great Specialized mountain bike for those who want a bike that they can work on and improve over the course of many years. This bike is more than a hobby—it is a lifestyle.