March 13th, 2009 
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A Look At Some Of The More Common Mountain Bike Designs
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. Whether made for racing or the more leisurely rider, there are four basic frame designs for mountain bikes: rigid, hard-tail, soft-tail, and full suspension.
The rigid (also commonly known as fully rigid) mountain bikes resemble a conventional sort of bike as you would imagine it. A rigid mountain bike has neither a rear suspension nor a front suspension. These used to be the most common kind of mountain bike but they are rapidly being replaced by the more comfortable models which feature some sort of suspension system. Fully rigid bikes tend to be lower-priced than models with a suspension. Many riders still prefer rigid bikes because it's what they're accustomed to, and the feel that the rigid design allows them greater control.
Another common mountain bike design is the hard-tail. Hard-tail mountain bikes are so named because they have a conventional rear end without a suspension. Hard-tails differ from fully rigid bikes in that they have a front suspension. The hard-tail is perhaps the most popular mountain bike design. Many professional riders prefer the feel of a hard-tail and the comfort of a front suspension.
The next kind of mountain bike design is the soft-tail. As you probably guessed, soft-tails employ a rear suspension. Rear suspensions are a more recent innovation than front suspension due to the complexities of the design. Soft-tails are often more expensive than hard-tails, but they also tend to be more forgiving.
Finally there's the full suspension mountain bike. Bikes with this design feature both front and rear suspensions. These bikes are the latest mountain bike design. For a long time riders avoided full suspension bikes because they were heavy and they tended to sag in the middle like an old swayback horse. It took years for engineers and riders to perfect a viable, functional full suspension mountain bike. It was in the 1990's when these bikes finally reached a point where they were marketable.
In addition to the frame and suspension, there are other differences in mountain bike designs. One key area where bikes differ is the brakes. Mountain bikes either have some form of caliper brakes, which are the kind of brakes typically associated with bikes. This kind of brake squeezes the rims to slow and stop the bike. The other type of brake is the drum brake. Drum brakes on bikes are similar to the braking system on automobiles. Drum brakes are more expensive than caliper brakes but they're also easier to maintain. Mountain bike braking systems have even been made which utilize hydraulic power.
Another area where you have some choice in mountain bike design is tire size. Mountain bike tires typically range in size from 24" to 29". Smaller tires are used when greater maneuverability is required as in stunt-riding and jumping. Larger tires are used when speed is the key.
As with any other important purchase, do your homework before buying a new mountain bike. Think about your needs and your budget. Mountain biking is a terrific past-time. It's a fun way to get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors, and improve your health.
About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as
cycling fitness
at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com
MT Bike Parts @ Amazon
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Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $11.98 Used From: $5.81  |
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Improve your workout efficiency when cycling with this Schwinn 20-function bike computer. Designed to attach securely to your handlebar, the computer tracks such info as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, helping you develop an effective workout routine with each ride... |
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Topeak Pocket Rocket Master Blaster Bike Pump List Price: $21.95 Sale Price: $14.00 |
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The Pocket Rocket Master Blaster from Topeak is a lightweight mini pump designed for road use, with an efficient design that pumps to 160 psi. Weighing in at just 4.05 ounces, the Pocket Rocket features alloy barrel construction with a soft Kraton head and plastic handle for a secure grip as you pump... |
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Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats List Price: $54.99 Sale Price: $30.00 |
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Part of Shimano's line of lightweight XC bicycle pedals, this pair of sport pedals with cleats is suitable for either road biking or mountain biking. Distinctive features including an open binding mechanism that's better designed to shed mud, along with a low-maintenance, sealed-bearing cartridge axle... |
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Mongoose Status 3.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels) List Price: $369.99 Sale Price: $335.74 |
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The Mongoose Status 3.0 26-inch dual-suspension mountain bike is equipped with everything you need for trail riding. The bike features a full suspension frame that maximizes comfort and performance, along with an SR suspension fork designed to smooth bumps and increase control... |
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Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror List Price: $18.00 Sale Price: $9.70 Used From: $10.92 |
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The Mountain Bicycle Mirror from Mirrycle provides a wide view of the cars behind you, so that you don't have to turn your head as you bike. Designed to fit mountain bike style handlebars, the three-inch round mirror mounts on your handlebar's bar end in minutes with the included wrench... |
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Colorful LED Automatic change color Flash Tyre Wheel Valve Cap Light for Car Bike bicycle Motorbicycle Wheel Light Tire Light Sale Price: $0.98 |
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Description: "Hot Wheels" is the latest development of the "bicycle" wheel dynamic flash accessories, by the light sensing resistor, the dynamic sense resistor, light emitting diode (LED lights), with an independent circuit design, without changes to the body itself or the connection circuit valve installed on the car wheel lips, with flashing lights... |
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SRAM Attack Mountain Bike Shifter Set (8-Speed, Shimano) List Price: $62.00 Sale Price: $42.70 |
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SRAM Attack trigger shifter set, compatible with Shimano rear derailleursRear shifter is compatible with Shimano rear derailleursAll sets include cables; housing sold separatelyAll SRAM front shifters work with all major brands of front derailleursItem Specifications- Left ShifterFD/Shifter CompatibilityMountain TripleItem Specifications- Right ShifterCassette SpacingShimano/SRAM 8Shifter/Derailleur CompatibilityShimanoEnd TypeShimano/Sram |
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Bell Mountain Bike Inner Tube Protector Sale Price: $7.17 |
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Prevents flats caused by thorns, glass, debris and other sharp objects! |
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Park Tool Home Mechanic Repair Stand - PCS-10 |
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Park Tool knows you don't want to spend a frustrating fifteen minutes attaching and adjusting your bike stand to your bike, which is why PT made the PCS-10 Home Mechanic Repair Stand with a cam-type, single-action clamp and a quick-release height adjuster... |
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Shimano PD-M770 Deore XT SPD Mountain Bike Pedals List Price: $139.99 Sale Price: $139.95 Used From: $70.40 |
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Shimano Deore XT M770 Clipless SPD Mountain Pedals. Predictable step engagement and releaseCleat tension adjusterInstalls with 8mm hex wrenchIncludes SM-SH51 (black) cleats offering 4 degrees of floatItem SpecificationsColorBlackWeight352gIntended UseMountainMaterialAluminumPedal Spindle9/16"Material (Spindle)ChromolyPedal TypeClipless |
Mountain Bike Suspension Parts & Maintenance : Mountain Bike Rear Suspension Tips
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