Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are bicycles designed for riding off paved surfaces - on dirt, over rocks, down steep hills and other unpaved surfaces. Mountain bikes are built with strong reinforced frames, wide tyres and some include suspension over the rear and/or front wheels.
Mountain bikes can be classified under four categories:
Cross Country (XC) - the most common type of mountain bike, XC bikes are for all terrain riding, ascents and descents and tackling mild to moderate obstacles. They are made from lightweight materials (weighing 9kg to 15kg), with a rigid frame and either front or dual suspension. XC bikes can be distinguished by two types of suspension:
- Hardtail Mountain Bikes - as the name suggests the suspension is the front and the tail is "hard"; there is no suspension integrated into the rear frame. Hardtail bikes are often a good choice for beginner to intermediate riders. They are 1 to 2 kilos lighter than Dual Suspension bikes and riders don't suffer from the "bouncy" feeling that comes with pedaling a Dual Suspension.
- Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes - looking a bit like a motorcycle, Dual Suspension bikes have suspension in the front forks and integrated into the rear frame. Suitable for more experienced riders tackling tougher, rougher terrain.
Downhill Mountain Bikes (DH) - made for going fast down hills, and not much else. You will see DH bikes at ski resorts like Thredbo during the summer months. Riders get to the top of the hill by other means (for example, ski lift) and then tear down the hill at great pace. Advanced riders seek out big jumps and rop offs. DH bikes are heavier than XC bikes (15kg to 20kg) and come with disc brakes and dual suspension. Great for adrenalin junkies.
Freeride Mountain Bikes - a cross between XC and DH designs. They are built strong for steep descents and jumps but retain some climbing capability. Weighting 13kg to 18kg Freeride bikes can be a good comprise for the XC rider who wants to go a bit harder on some days.
Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes (DJ) - designed like a BMX, DJ bikes for a getting airborne over jumps. They are built strong for heavy impacts with a hardtail and front suspension. For dirt demons and stunt men.
Mountain Bikes For Sale
You can find a mountain bike from many different sources:
- Sports stores carry cheaper, basic models while quality bikes can be found in your local bike store
- Individuals and retailers sell bikes online.
Mountain Bikes For Sale - Online
Here at BicyclesForSale.com.au we have organised mountain bikes for sale on Ebay by location. Most sellers of bikes on Ebay select the "Local Pick Up Only" option, which means they will not deliver the bike to you. By searching for bikes by location on this website you can be assured of finding the bike you want in a place where you can easily pick it up.
Find mountain bikes for sale in:
Apart from Ebay, another great source of bikes for sale online is Gumtree.
Mountain Bikes For Sale - Shops
Find bike shops in your area using the True Local directory.