Choosing the Right Downhill Mountain Bike

1. Choosing the Right
Downhill Mountain Bike
Eytan Baer

2. Choosing the Right Downhill Mountain
Bike
 A member of high school sports teams ranging from track and field to ski
racing, Eytan Baer has also participated in international Brazilian jiu-jitsu
competitions. He has been admitted to Johnson & Wales University in North
Miami, Florida, where he plans to study event management. In addition to
his school sports, Eytan Baer has participated in horse riding events for over
10 years and recently began downhill biking.

3. Choosing the Right Downhill Mountain
Bike
 For the beginner, choosing a downhill mountain bike is essential to ensuring
a safe, positive experience. The first and most basic step is knowing what
kind of downhill biking you will be doing: the rougher the terrain, the more
difficult and demanding the ride will be. Suspension is an important
element to consider, as bikes have either hardtail or full suspension. The full
suspension is more expensive but gives a smoother ride over rough terrain
and reduces rider fatigue with its front- and back-end shock absorbers.
Hardtail suspension systems have a shock absorber on the front wheel only,
which is sufficient for those who ride occasionally or for people who want to
improve their skills.

4. Choosing the Right Downhill Mountain
Bike
 Tire size and the related frame size are additional elements to consider
when choosing a bike. The two most common tire sizes are 26 and 28
inches in diameter; bikes are made to handle a specific tire size, so take
that into account when comparing bikes. Also, 26-inch tires are the more
common, but-28 inch tires are heavier, with a wider tread for additional
cushioning and more grip on the trail.