| Buying a mountain bike online is a big step, but it | | | | suspension costs a bit more, but it also gives you a |
| doesn't have to be a mistake as long as you know | | | | gentler ride. Begin collecting brands that you'd like to |
| what you're getting into. However, it's important not to | | | | buy from. Brand name may not be the only |
| buy the first thing you see that looks appealing. It can | | | | consideration, but those with proven reliability such as |
| be hard to tell what you're really buying over the | | | | Cannondale, Trek and Specialized have stood the test |
| Internet. What you're looking for is the fight fit. Learning | | | | of time. |
| about bikes before you start shopping, and knowing | | | | Online you'll find a number of bike retailers, as well as a |
| just what you want are the keys to successfully | | | | wide variety of mountain bikes being offered both by |
| buying a mountain bike online. | | | | retailers and individuals on eBay. Buying bikes on eBay |
| First, get a good professional fitting, to tell you what | | | | requires a bit of caution. If you choose to go with |
| type and size of bike is best for you. These may be | | | | eBay, be very careful to make certain that the bike |
| free, or they may cost you up to seventy-five dollars. | | | | you're buying is the one you want. Return policies can |
| However, in the end, they're worth it. Any good bike | | | | be tricky, and individual sellers can misrepresent their |
| shop that you get a fitting from won't pressure you to | | | | bikes, intentionally or not. All that said, you can really |
| buy there. | | | | save money buying through eBay, but look for good |
| Once you know what your size and ideal frame type | | | | shipping and handling costs and an excellent record of |
| is, start looking at mountain bike brands and features | | | | seller feedback. |
| you like. These days there are a great deal of options | | | | On the other hand, buying from an online bike retailer |
| available, and learning about these is essential. Make a | | | | may prove to be a little safer. It's always important to |
| decision about the frame material you want (titanium, | | | | check up on the online store and make sure that |
| carbon fiber, aluminum or steel). The latter are the | | | | they're reliable, too. Know your biker retailer's return |
| most prevalent, but steel and aluminum cost less. | | | | policies, too, and see if there's a warranty. A warranty, |
| Ask yourself about suspension - mountain bikes are | | | | if available, may be a sensible purchase to give you a |
| available with no suspension, front suspension, and a | | | | little extra safety on your mountain bike purchase. |
| combination of front and back suspensions. More | | | | |