Have you been shopping for mountain bikes NZ direct lately? With so many choices from basic beginner’s or kids’ mountain bikes to downhill and adventure bikes available today, one will surely be perfect for every rider and budget!

Finding the appropriate bike can be intimidating, but REI experts can assist in selecting an ideal mountain bike.

Frame

When shopping for a mountain bike, one of the critical aspects to consider is its frame. A sturdy yet lightweight construction is vital for providing a fantastic ride experience.

Frames can be constructed from various materials, such as aluminium alloy, steel and titanium. Each material provides different strengths-to-weight ratios as well as providing unique opportunities for design.

Many frame manufacturers incorporate particular technologies to enhance durability, such as butting to add material onto tube ends. Though costly, butting is often considered more effective than extended welds for strength.

Some frame makers also use scandium in small amounts as an additive to aluminium to help it resist corrosion. Although less popular among consumers, it makes an ideal material choice for high-end frames.

Carbon fibre is another popular material that offers strength, stiffness, low weight and increased durability but can be costly. Commonly found on bikes designed specifically for cyclocross and road racing events, carbon fibre can enhance performance significantly while saving weight on your ride.

Carbon fibre frames offer numerous advantages over other frame materials, with their resistance to the damage being the most notable benefit. Unfortunately, however, carbon fibre frames tend to be more costly and require extensive labour-intensive production processes for manufacturing purposes.

If your budget is tight, steel or titanium frames could be more cost-effective and provide a more stylish design than aluminium alloy or carbon fibre options.

Finally, selecting the appropriate frame size for you is of utmost importance. To find your ideal ride, visiting a bike store near your location and consulting with experienced staff about your riding requirements may be beneficial.

To determine the perfect frame size for you, measure the distance from the top of the head tube to a line passing through the centre of the bottom bracket shell (this measurement is known as reach) (see diagram above). Cross-country riders who prioritise pedalling power will especially find this step essential.

When purchasing a frame, consider both seat tube and top tube length when shopping. These measurements can impact how stretched out you feel on your bike.

Wheels

Wheels are an essential element of mountain bikes NZ direct ownership. Lighter wheels can help improve climbing and acceleration, while stronger wheels help conquer more challenging terrain. However, selecting new wheels should be undertaken carefully to achieve maximum value for money and suit your riding style.

Finding the appropriate wheel can be overwhelming. A great place to begin is by understanding how and why your ride and selecting wheels according to these criteria.

If you want a lighter wheel, consider purchasing one with multiple spokes; this will help distribute weight more evenly while making pedalling more responsive.

Hub is another factor when purchasing new wheels; with so many choices, the one chosen must fit your requirements.

Wheels come in various materials and technologies, such as carbon fibre and alloy. Carbon fibre rims are the most costly but offer superior durability, performance, and ride feel; other popular choices are aluminium, titanium and graphene rims.

Accessories

Proper equipment on the trail is crucial to enjoying and protecting your ride and maintaining its condition. From simple gloves to advanced cycling computers, these accessories make an invaluable companion for your mountain bike.

Safety comes first when it comes to mountain trails – and full-face bike helmets offer increased protection than traditional road helmets in case of falls or debris falling from above. They also help decrease risks related to falling branches or debris, which pose significant threats of head injuries for cyclists.

An essential piece of equipment on any mountain bike, the visor provides much-needed shade from the sun’s rays and protection from falling branches or debris on the trail. In addition, a photochromic lens may offer additional visibility benefits in changing light conditions.