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Step 1: Select Frame Material

ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKE FRAMES

The bicycle frame is the largest and most expensive component of a bicycle. How a frame is designed and the material it's made of determines how a bike will ride and feel. All bicycle manufacturer's frame material choices are essentially based upon consideration of a cost-to-weight-to-strength ratio. In general, less expensive bikes weigh more than more expensive bicycles.

Steel: Strong and reliable, but heavier
Chro-moly: Strong, lighter than steel, absorbs vibrations well
Aluminum: 1 to 2 pounds lighter than steel, a little stiffer riding
Carbon Fiber: Very strong, light and costly, made for the serious rider

FRAME TYPES
Carbon
Chro-Moly
Aluminum
Steel

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Review and Compare Mountain Bikes

The most common style of bicycle, the Mountain bike makes up about 1/3 of the total bicycle market. Invented in the 1970's, the Mountain bike has quickly supplanted the Road bike in general popularity.

Mountain bikes are built for off-road riding and are known for their upright riding style, cleated tires and suspension systems. The popularity of Mountain bikes has given rise to several sub-categories of Mountain bikes including:

Downhill
Hardtail
Cross Country
Aggressive
Adventure
Trials

While Mountain bikes are very popular, many of the models are designed for the hard core racer or bike enthusiast, though the less-expensive models are designed for the casual bike enthusiast.