How to shop for a mountain bike
By Ronda Addy

You want to buy a mountain bike. There's just one problemyou don't know what kind of bike to get. Everyone has their own opinion on what you should buy, adding to your confusion. Relax. Buying a mountain bike is not that complicated. All you need to do is take your time shopping and look for a bike that meets all of your requirements.

The prices of mountain bikes can range from $300 for an entry-level bike to $5,000 for a high-end bike, so setting a budget is essential. Keep in mind that prices will fluctuate according to the season, usually running lower in the fall and winter, and some bike shops may even offer dis- counts on select products and services.

You may either buy a lowend bike and upgrade the components over time or buy the best bike you can afford and avoid having to make a lot of upgrades. As with cars, mountain bike manufacturers come out with new models every August, so if you're looking to save some money, you might want to check into buying the previous year's model. Another way to stay within your budget is to purchase a bike based on the kind of biking you intend to do. If you plan to be a casual rider, for example, you won't need a full suspension bike. A bike in the lower price range will suffice. If you plan to do some racing, a bike in the medium price range will work.

In order to get the best deal for your money, you need to do some research. Find out what has been said about the reliability and performance of several different bikes and try out bikes from both the low end and the high end of your price range. When you take a bike out for a test ride, don't just go around the parking lot a couple of times. Take it over some rougher terrain for at least 15 minutes to get a good feel for how it handles. If you can find a dealer that offers off-road test rides, that would be better.

When test-riding a mountain bike, make sure it fits you properly. Mountain bike frames are smaller than average road bike frames and frame sizes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Look for a frame than is three inches smaller than your road bike frame and pay attention to the saddle. Women should purchase a bike with a woman's saddle, which will be wider and offer more support. If you find a bike you like but dislike the seat, don't be afraid to ask the dealer if another kind of seat is available.

In addition to taking a test ride, you should test the different components of the bike as well. These include:

+ Shifting system. Run through all the gears and make sure the bike shifts without any hesitation. The shifters should not move on their own when you're peddling. The cables should be capped at the end and the limiting screws should be adjusted so you don't shift off the chainring. For more precise shifting, you may want a bike with a high-end rear derailleur as well as good shifters.

+ Brakes. Make sure you can lock the brakes with just two fingers. V-brake pads should not touch the rim as it rotates.

+ Wheels. Spin the wheels and watch the brake pads. The distance between the two should remain the same. If they don't, the bike will need an alignment. Check the tires for signs of wear. There should be very little, if any.

+ Suspension. Check out the front suspension in the fork of the mountain bike and the rear suspension in the frame, if a full-suspension bike. An adjustable suspension will allow you to adjust the suspension to the terrain you are biking on.

Shopping for a mountain bike doesn't have to be stressful. Keep in mind that you want a high-quality bike that will suit your budget and your needs and perform well for years to come. Armed with a little knowledge when you go out shopping, you can find a bike that meets all of your criteria.