Maybe you are thinking about purchasing a trail bike, but you are not sure where to start. While this post will not pick a bike for you, it can help you know what to look for and narrow down your options. The fact that there seems to be an overwhelming number of options available on the market, purchasing a trail bike can seem to be a complicated process.
Frame Material
You should note that the foundation of any trail bike is based on the frame material. Therefore, this should be the first thing you ought to consider. Most manufacturers opt for carbon and aluminum. Ideally, carbon is better than aluminum because it is lighter, stiffer, and stronger. Nevertheless, it has some downsides. Other than the huge cost, it won’t dent. Repairs are possible, but depending on how they are done, they can void the warranty. Aluminum is suitable for taking impacts from the kicked-up rocks.
Geometry
Usually, trail bikes have a head tube angle that is between 66 and 67 degrees. However, you can find some with a small variation. Also, the tube length should fall between 61 cm to 63 cm. If the trail bike falls outside the average on any of the measurements, it may be a sign that bike fits another style of riding. Likewise, it may be a sign that it is an unbalanced bike that you should avoid.
Wheel Size
Wheel size is quite important when it comes to mountain biking. 26-inch wheels are quite common, and if you have not bought a bike in the recent past, there is a high chance that you have been riding it. Recent studies show that bigger wheels roll over obstacles easily. That explains why 29-inch wheels were introduced, and they have become popular among the cross-country riders. However, for some riders, wheel size is only a matter of personal preference.
Tire Size
In most cases, the trail bike width is compromised. Fortunately, you can easily change the wheels. Most riders replace tires quite earlier than they hoped. When shopping for a trail bike, you need to pay attention to the tire width. Most modern tires for trail bikes have tire width ranging from 2.7 to 3.0. That is because these bikes come with components that are designed to accommodate the increased size, such as seat stays and wider rims.…
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