The mountain bike became popular in the 1970s in the United States. Since then they have evolved to adapt to the different profiles of use by unhappy lands. For this reason, today it is sometimes confusing to choose the appropriate mountain bike.
There are two elements that generate doubts among those who seek their first mountain bike or do not have a deep knowledge of the market. The first is the type of suspension. Is one better
Mountain Bike rigid or double suspension? The second is the size of the wheels. Is it always preferable to choose the biggest?
If you are one of those who are not still clear when you should choose a 26 "bicycle or when to bet on a double suspension, keep reading.
Tell me where you are and I will tell you what suspension you need
In the market you can find bicycles with different damping degrees. You have them with front suspension, with total suspension or without any mechanical suspension. The latter are indicated for very specific uses of high competition, as with the Orbea Alma M-Ltd. They usually have front suspension or total suspension.
The former are called rigid or semi -rigid. The second are known as double suspension bicycles.
Rigid and semi -rigid mountain bicycles
They are a bicycle that either lack suspension or have a front cushioning system in the fork. Normally the route of this suspension is less than 120mm, since they are designed to roll at full speed by clues and sections without asphalting without large slopes or pronounced obstacles.
They stand out for their lightness, dynamism and agility. It is not an urban legend that in this type of bicycles the force is more directly transmitted to the pedalier, but it is simple physics; With nothing more than an iron bar between the armchair and he, the force does not dissipate as it occurs when there are damping in between. That's why they are faster.
To this we must add that they are cheaper than the others because their manufacture is simpler, since the picture is a single mold, or the rest of the tubes has soldiers. By dispensing with the rear or central suspension, they have fewer elements and pieces, which also translates into less breakdowns and less expense and maintenance work.
Of course, if we have the bad fortune that our back or our joints complain often, it is more advisable to bet on another more comfortable model.
In summary, rigid or semi -rigid mountain bicycles are indicated for those who seek a conduction of living reactions and quickly roll due to stretches of forest tracks. To make technical paths, alternate large ups and down by very stony sections and roll along long routes, they are less advisable.
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Double suspension bicycles
The more damping, the greater the ability to absorb the irregularities of the terrain and the more comfortable it is rolls. That is why double suspension bicycles are more comfortable.
They weigh more than rigid and their price is also greater, but in return they are much more comfortable. If you are a regular of the mountain, we do not have to tell you that, when you have been activity for several hours, you are able to recognize and feel even the smallest vibration that occurs under the wheels.
With a double suspension you may need an extra dose of effort, especially in the climbs, because you are loading with more pieces than in the case of a rigid bicycle, but your body will thank how comfortable they are.
The wheel dilemma
The two main forks of forks on mountain bicycles are those that allow mounting 26 ”and 29” wheels. The first measure was the most common until a few years ago, when all mountain bicycles set up wheels of this measure.
But little by little it has been giving way to size 29 ”, especially in the middle and high ranges. In recent times an intermediate solution has emerged, the wheels of 27.5 ”. Given this panorama, 26 "bicycles have been relegated to very low ranges or bicycles with descent geometry.
What to choose from all of them? Smaller wheels will facilitate greater acceleration because they are lighter, and will also give you greater rigidity. In other words: you need less effort to give a complete turn. This shows especially when the terrain rises.
Large wheels, such as those of 29 ”, will be more stable, something that is very appreciated on irregular land. To this we must add that bigger wheels will facilitate a greater use of inertia and will offer you greater traction. That is, they allow you to travel more meters in each pedal blow.
If you are going to roll by sections mostly plains or with few level jumps, the wheels of 29 "will make it easier for you 27.5 ".
Let yourself be advised by experts
There are great professionals who can help you make the best purchase according to the type of bicycle you are looking for, the budget you have set and the bicycle size you need.
Do not hesitate to consult everything you consider appropriate, because the purchase of a bicycle is an investment that you are going to enjoy for a long time.
Finally, before acquiring it, also take into account the time you have to dedicate it to the periodic maintenance care and the space you have to keep it, either at home, in a storage room or in any other stay.
