Mountain bikes are perfect for off-road riding in all sorts of terrain. Not only are they fun to ride, but they are also easy to maintain.
Pushbikes mountain bikes NZ come in various shapes, sizes and frame materials. When shopping for one, ensure you get the one best suited to your needs.
Frame Material
When shopping for a mountain bike frame, you may have noticed the vast array of materials available. Steel, aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre are just some materials to choose from – each offering advantages and drawbacks that could influence your choice.
The stiffness of a bike frame can affect how much power is transferred through pedalling. It benefits those who enjoy climbing hard or aim to increase their endurance.
It’s essential to consider that frame material has an enormous influence on the weight of a bike, which can vary significantly depending on what’s chosen. For instance, carbon frames weigh more than steel or aluminium ones.
Aluminium is a good choice for riders new to the sport or wanting a lightweight frame that can withstand rough riding conditions. On the other hand, carbon can be an ideal option for experienced riders seeking a light yet high-performance frame that will last a long time.
Frame Geometry
The frame geometry used on a mountain bike determines its primary handling characteristics and how well it handles different terrain. It also impacts the rider’s position and comfort while riding.
Head angle is an important measurement, as it determines how well the front end of a bike climbs and descends. Generally speaking, lower head angles (slacker numbers) place the front wheel further away from the rider, giving them more weight bias in their rearward direction that can give them extra confidence when descending steep trails.
Slacker head angles also reduce the tendency for bikes’ front ends to wander, wobble or lift during steep or technical climbs. It is an essential factor when shopping for a new mountain bike.
A bike’s slack seat tube angle is another critical measurement determining its ability to handle the terrain. Generally, this angle ranges from 69 to 72 degrees, although it may differ slightly between models.
Stack height is essential when comparing bikes, as it indicates how high the handlebars will be when riding. Generally, more extended stack heights are found on bikes with more upright riding positions, like downhill racing or enduro bikes.
Reach is a relatively recent addition to the frame geometry chart, yet it plays an integral role when selecting your new bike. It measures how spacious it will feel in the saddle when properly adjusted for your body type and shape.
Frame Design
Frames form the main structural element of a mountain bike, on which wheels and other components can be attached. Frames are designed for strength, stiffness and weight efficiency while compatible with various wheel sizes, suspension types and riding styles.
Steel has a long-standing frame-making tradition, with many top-tier road bikes constructed using it. Chromoly steel – composed of chromium and molybdenum alloys – is often employed for this purpose.
Traditional steel frames were constructed with lugs. Lugged frames involve tubes slotting into cast steel lugs at their joints and then brazing together. Nowadays, frame builders are developing butted pipes and alloy blends that enable lighter frames with equal strength.
Aluminium has become an increasingly popular frame material over time due to its strength, stiffness and weight balance. It makes for an excellent option for most mountain bike frames.
Aluminium frames rust faster than steel but can last longer when properly maintained. So a higher-grade aluminium frame may be reliable and provide years of trouble-free riding, although it isn’t as long-lasting as carbon fibre or titanium frames.
Suspension
Suspension on mountain bikes is essential in helping riders feel secure and comfortable while riding. It absorbs impacts from trails and gives riders control when moving up or down on their bike, enabling them to go faster with greater control.
Pushbikes mountain bikes NZ use various suspension systems, from traditional front suspension forks to air or coil springs. Each comes with plenty of adjustabilities so riders can find the best setup.
Shocks work similarly, using a telescopic tube and piston to compress under load. They may also be air or coil sprung and come in various shaft diameters.
Modern shocks offer a range of flexible options to cater for specific riding situations, like boosting and jumping. Some models even provide a lockout function that disables the suspension, making it more rigid during climbing or sprinting.
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