Mountain Bikes

What's in a frame?

It may surprise you to learn that technically, all bicycle manufacturers are simply frame companies. There is no such thing as a "Specialized derailleur" or a "Cannondale front fork;" all high-end mountain bikes today use the same components made by a few companies such as Shimano, SRAM, Rock Shox, Fox and a few others. The only component that is likely manufactured by any bicycle company is the frame that all of the components are attached to. The companies distribute and market their frames through three primary options:

1) The company chooses the components (called spec'ing) and offers the frame as a complete, ready to ride mountain bike.

2) The company includes their frame as part of a build kit (which includes all of the parts to assemble a complete bicycle).

3) The company sells the frame separately, (generally with a shock pre-installed) after which the customer is free to attach whichever combination of components they choose.

Why you may want to deal with a bike shop

You'll generally pay $300 or more at a bike shop, versus $75 and up in a discount store, but there are some specific benefits to dealing with a bike shop. The bicycles are almost always better assembled, and you can usually road test them on the spot, something Wal-Mart probably won't let you do. Bikes for sale in bike stores usually come in several sizes, so you can get the best fit. Women's frames are easier to find in bike shops (women with a longer-than-average torso may get a better fit with a man's frame).

The biggest benefit of shopping at a bike store is that the staff knows how to fit you for a frame and adjust components. Bike-shop mechanics tend to do a better job assembling bikes than department-store employees, and bike shops offer after-sale service -- sometimes for a couple of years after purchase -- which includes adjustments and diagnostics. An added bonus is that most shops can help you choose protective gear such as a helmet, and advise you on component upgrades later.

Front-suspension mountain bikes (or hardtails)

Also called hardtails, front-suspension bicycles were once the most common type of mountain bike on the market. Hardtails are lighter, more versatile and less mechanically complicated. They require less long-term maintenance, and are often less expensive than comparably equipped full-suspension mountain bikes. Hardtail bikes are suitable for all ranges of ability, from novices to expert-level racers, but those looking to conquer difficult terrain, perform big jumps or focus on downhill riding should consider a full-suspension mountain bike instead (discussed below).

Hardtail mountain bikes come in cross country (XC), trail, hybrid and freeride subdivisions. XC bikes are lighter and offer less suspension travel; they are intended for speed on a cross-country racecourse, or trail riding where you expect to pedal the entire distance. Freeride (sometimes called Black Diamond bikes due to the black diamond insignia used to mark the more technical trails on ski resorts) are generally beefier, have maximum suspension travel, and are aimed at riders who don't limit their mountain biking to dirt trails. Freeride bikes are especially popular with urban riders who commonly use objects such as street curbs and park benches as obstacles. Also within the Freeride camp are the BMX-rooted "dirt jump" models, essentially BMX frames equipped with stiff front suspension. These bikes are not well suited to a long day on the trails, but great on the ramp or skate-park. Trail bikes offer the widest range of attributes; they will be the best choice for most riders. Trail bikes (either hardtail or full-suspension bicycles) aim to balance pedaling efficiency, durability and comfort for long rides. Hardtail bikes start at about $400.

Among entry-level front-suspension mountain bikes, we found some top contenders in reviews: The Specialized Rockhopper (*est. $500), Trek 4500 (*est. $420) and Gary Fisher Marlin (*est. $500). All of these models are well equipped, featuring aluminum frames, a Rock Shox or Manitou fork (which secures the front wheels to the handlebars), with 80mm to 100mm of travel (suspension), trigger or twist shifters, V-brakes and a mix of Shimano Alivio and Deore drive-train components. All are relatively light about 30 pounds. The Specialized and Trek bikes are available in women's sizes.

All three bicycles perform well on the trail, as evidenced by the many enthusiast reports from self-proclaimed beginners to intermediate riders at MTB Review.com, where owner after owner praises the value and durability of these bikes. Many of these owners are over six-feet-tall, and some weigh over 200 pounds, yet none complain of frame weakening or component failure. Some heavier riders complain about wheels going out of true (which generally has little to do with overall bicycle quality), and weak braking power.

On the other hand, some owners reveal their lack of experience when complaining about the need for frequent brake adjustments, which is a fact of life for riders subjecting their bikes to rugged off-road use. Many owners of the Gary Fisher Marlin, some of whom also claim to have experience with the Trek bike and Specialized bicycle, make a special point of praising the Marlin's proprietary "Genesis Geometry," which places the rider's weight more squarely over the rear wheel. The most frequent complaints for all three bikes were about saddle quality -- a component that's easily replaced or supplemented (perhaps with gel seat covers).

Among these three entry-level hardtails, the Specialized Rockhopper trail bike emerges from a crowded field of very closely matched competitors that includes the Trek 4500 and Gary Fisher Marlin. We included the Specialized mountain bike in Fast Answers based on its consistent reviews, for its multiple levels of equipment, and the fact that it comes in models specifically built for women (which feature a shorter distance between seat and handlebars to better fit a woman's shorter torso).

A bike that drew very strong support from MTB Review.com contributors (with over 50 reviews that earned it an XC Choice award) is the Gary Fisher Tassajara (*est. $600), an upgraded version of the less-expensive Marlin mountain bike. While both bicycles share the frame, all other components are notched up on the Tassajara, with an improved Manitou Axel Elite fork, Shimano LX and Deore mix in the drive train and a better wheel set. Rider reviewers mention the fit of the Tassajara over and over as a primary reason for choosing this bike, an important intangible related to the frame's "Genesis Geometry." If you can spend a bit more on an entry-level hardtail mountain bike, the Tassajara has better components for a slightly larger investment.

In their five-bike survey, expert reviewers at Mountain Bike Magazine pick the GT Avalanche 0.5 (*est. $1,000) as their "valedictorian for this year's class of budget hardtails." The significant price premium over the Marlin bike, Trek 4500 bicycle and Rockhopper bike (discussed above) results in notable technical upgrades.

In his test of the Avalanche for Mountain Bike Magazine, Matt Phillips writes: "Even at just a grand, the 0.5 comes equipped with a solid stock of parts -- one that would be found on full suspension bikes costing hundreds more. The slick shifting SRAM X.9 shifters and rear derailleur, lightweight and all-weather-capable Crank Brothers Egg Beater pedals and smooth Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes are all staff favorites." He goes on to praise the bike's trail manners, and makes the case for hardtails as opposed to full-suspension models. "On the trail, the GT demonstrated the enduring appeal of a simple hardtail. Nothing accelerates as quickly or feels as efficient as a hardtail. Every bit of the rider's energy finds its way to the ground, "adds Phillips.

Joe Lindsey covers the GT Avalanche 0.5 mountain bike in an older Mountain Bike Magazine roundup, awarding it top honors in their "Casual Rides" category. He characterizes the appeal of this bike, and other mid-to-low priced hardtails: "These are bikes for the rider whose tried mountain biking and likes it but isn't ready to drop large cash on a new rig. This is where cutting-edge technology has trickled down to the $500-$1,000 price level."

At MTB Review.com, however, the GT Avalanche bicycle doesn't attract many comments from owners. Much more popular in this price range is the similarly equipped Norco Sasquatch (*est. $1,100). It earned a "Freeride Choice Award" after gathering a 4.82/5 rating from 44 owners. Another strong favorite that seems to attract owner praise year after year is the venerable Specialized Stumpjumper (*est. $1,200), a model that has been in production longer than many mountain bike companies have been in existence. Its current version was given the "XC Choice Award" from 40 owners who give it near-perfect scores.

Although seemingly similar in price and specification, the Norco Sasquatch and Specialized Stumpjumper mountain bikes are designed to perform well for specific types of riding, an indication of how categories begin to subdivide once past a certain price point. The distinction between "Freeride" for more casual riding, and the stripped-down race-oriented "XC" designation make themselves clear in the equipment specs and weights of these two bikes. The Stumpjumper lacks the powerful disk brakes found on the Sasquatch, but has higher quality Shimano Deore XT drive train components and clip in pedals. At around 25 pounds, the Stumpjumper bicycle is also considerably lighter than the positively beefy 40-pound Sasquatch bike, whose riders enjoy its superior jumping and downhill capabilities.

We found a couple of write-ups and a lot of popular praise for the Schwinn Mesa mountain bike (*est. $300) . This hardtail bike is a good choice for new riders who don't want to spend much at the onset. Mountain Bike Magazine says that the Schwinn bicycle has a tough frame, but that other components won't take as much abuse as higher-priced bikes. Still, you can always upgrade components as you go, which makes the Schwinn Mesa bike a good entry-level pick. You get a Suntour XC60 fork with 75mm of travel, a Shimano Altus derailleur (a lower-end line than the Shimano Deore components above), along with other entry-level parts. The Mesa bicycle comes in four sizes. Upgraded bikes are also available, taking the form of the Mesa GS (*est. $400) , GSD and LTD (*est. $550).

Full-suspension mountain bikes

Full-suspension mountain bikes are offered in three main flavors: XC (trail, cross country or distance riding), freeride (designated to tricks, stunts, jumps and urban obstacles) and downhill (which are the generally the heaviest, but toughest built of all mountain bikes). More sophisticated than hardtails, fully suspended bikes offer maximum ride quality for each style of riding, but at a higher price. Cross country (XC) riders looking to match the weight of a competitive hardtail can do it, but probably not for less than $4,000. Hardtails still share the podium with full-suspension bikes in international competition where cost is not a factor. You can be sure of a superior ride with a full-suspension rig, but it's not necessarily going to be the fastest or the lightest bike on the course.

As a general rule, XC mountain bikes (even full-suspension models) are designed with weight-saving efforts in the forefront. The basis of the cross-country approach is selection of the lightest components. Since the goal and usage of this setup is centered on endurance racing, attributes such as durability and long-term reliability are bartered for shaving weight. Suspension travel is generally very soft and kept to a minimum, existing only to smooth out trail conditions rather than absorbing big hits. The cross-country bike is the proper choice for the rider looking to race endurance or trail ride and sprint on the lightest possible bike (at the cost of frequent maintenance and a generally disposable attitude). Weights tend to vary between 20 and 25 pounds.

Freeriders will benefit greatly from the extra travel these mountain bikes have as compared to XC bikes, on both jumps and rough trails. Expect a more rugged build but with it a slight increase in weight. These bikes provide the most versatile full-suspension rides, but they are offered in focused varieties, so best read up on the manufacturers' intentions for each model. Freeride full-suspension bikes generally weigh between 25 and 40 pounds.

Downhill bike enthusiasts require a full-suspension setup, and these specialized machines offer the most travel, overbuilt frame specs and powerful brakes. This is a much more focused segment of the mountain-bike market. The downhill bike is, in essence, the exact opposite of the XC setup in that suspension travel is at an absolute maximum (often hovering around 9 inches of ultra beefy, extra stiff travel) and overall bike weight approaches the 50-pound mark. However, with gravity working with the rider, downhill bikes are capable of pounding through seemingly impossible rock gardens, swallowing up massive rain washouts, and hucking (jumping) off dirt doubles, tabletops and cliff drops. However as with any specific setup, there are cons to counter the pros. In this case, it is the option of trail riding that suffers here and with such incredible weight under the rider, pedaling uphill is nearly impossible.

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC series (*est. $900 to $2,170, depending on model) are top contenders in the full-suspension bicycle class; experts still rate this mature bike highly. The entry-level model in the Specialized FSR XC series (*est. $900) rates a spot in Mountain Bike Magazine's 2004 picks for "Casual Riders", where author Joe Lindsey writes: "The venerable four-bar Horst link is still one of the best, most-proven suspension designs around." The less expensive Specialized FSR XC mountain bike shares this feature with its higher priced stable mates in the FSR lineup.

Successfully making a splash is Iron Horse with their MKIII Comp , Yakuza (*est. $850) , and Warrior Pro (*est. $700) series of bikes, which provide exceptional performance and spec at value pricing. The Yakuza Kumicho has expanded to include both a "race" spec, as well as a more economical version. The Warrior bicycle series includes the addition of a new 6" all-mountain bike named the W-Six. Even their entry-level Maverick bike series now offers a 4" suspension frame.

Coming in first place in Mountain Bike Magazine's "Bargain Beauties" article is the Iron Horse MKIII Comp with the following comments: "No longer content to be known as a quiet, value-oriented brand that licenses Specialized's FSR technology, Iron Horse is ready to play hardball with its new line of DW-Link, full-suspension bikes." The article goes on to praise the MKIII by saying that the frame is well-built, with clean welds, evenly applied paint and sharp graphics. Additionally, editors claim that the DW-Link suspension feels efficient, with minimal pedal-induced movement. In high-torque, granny-ring situations the suspension firms up a bit, giving it a harsher feel, but otherwise it takes hits impressively. Sensitive riders perceived a bit of brake-induced suspension stiffening, but most riders found the DW-Link an able performer in a range of conditions.

Giant's competition-oriented NRS line and now-discontinued 2004 VT line of bicycles (*est. $1,400 to $3,000, depending on models and components) get plenty of popular support as well. For these two product lines, professional testers come into alignment with owner-reviewers. There are over 100 owner-written reviews for these Giant bikes at MTB Review.com, and both attain "Freeride Choice Award" status. The Giant NRS 2 (*est. $1,450) makes experts' lists as well. At 28.4 pounds, it is relatively light for a full-suspension bike, weighing a bit less than most competing mountain bikes in its class.

Giant's now-defunct VT bicycle line seems to have given way to the Trance line of bikes (*est. $1,100 to $3,000); a comparison of specs shows the discontinued VT2 and Trance 2 share the same trim level. What's new is what Giant calls its "Maestro" rear suspension, an advanced rear-suspension linkage that was only released in late 2004. These bikes are fairly new to the market, so there are very few reviews on the MTB Review.com site, where eleven owners have rated it. Reviews for the high-end Trance 3 are almost ecstatic, but one reviewer complains about its excessive weight.

All of the bikes mentioned above sport aluminum frames, Rock Shox or Manitou forks offering more travel or less travel depending on which discipline it targets; higher-end models get the Shimano Deore XT drive train and disk brakes.

The Ibex Ignition 2 mountain bike (*est. $450) is scored favorably by owners at MTBR.com, earning a 4.32 score out of a possible 5 after 25 posted reviews). Likewise, the Ibex Apogee LX mountain bike (*est. $1,100) gets perfect scores, but from only three reviewers. The Ibex Apogee Sport (*est. $800) earns a 4.38 score after eight reviews.

Weighing 31.8 pounds, the Ignition 2 bicycle could be a bit chunky for cross-country race use, but it more than makes up for its bulk with solid component selection.Its rugged frame construction (6061 Aluminum 4-Bar Full Suspension design) is geared to perform as an all-mountain bicycle with a slant toward technical or aggressive trail riding. The downtube and quadrilateral mainframe resist flex while the 4-bar swingarm design allows 4" of rear travel by way of a Vector 300 rear shock. Up front, the Ignition 2 offers a Marzocchi MZ Comp fork, which features one-piece Mono-Lite magnesium lowers, 100mm travel, H/D coil springs, preload adjustment and 30mm stanchion tubes.

Owners say the Ibex bicycle is a great value, with better components for the money. The big difference between Ibex and other bike companies is that you can buy these bikes only online. That makes Ibex a better choice for those who know what they're looking for. Beginners will have a tougher time figuring out what to order. We read excellent comments for Ibex customer service (particularly from a guy named Jack).

The Ibex Apogee Sport (*est. $800) also benefits from Triple-Butted 6061 Aluminum frame design. This full-suspension mountain bike features a 4-bar design with slightly over 4-inches of rear suspension travel designed to eliminate unwanted "pedal bob." Over the years, the Apogee frame has been refined with tweaks to the pivot positions and the addition of an extremely rigid bi-oval downtube. Pivots all use sealed cartridge bearings, and finer touches include CNC's swingarm yoke as well as an FSA integrated headset. V-shaped top-tube affords extra clearance for added security in rough terrain. Up front, the Apogee is outfitted with Marzocchi’s impressive EXR Race fork with 120mm of adjustable travel. The overall weight of the Apogee Sport is 30.9 pounds. On the downside, almost every review we found knocks the Apogee bicycle's standard Kenda tires; reviews say they aren't great in mud, and are worth upgrading.

The Cannondale Jekyll 400 (*est. $1,100) earns some high scores from professional publications, and a respectable 4.75/5 rating from the eight owners who reviewed the bike for MTB Review.com, perhaps indicating that it's a solid choice, but not one generating much excitement within the MTB community. The better equipped Jekyll 1000 (*est. $2,600), Jekyll 800 (*est. $1,900), and Jekyll 600 Disc (*est. $1,500), fare much better, each earning "Freeride Choice Awards" with about 70 owners responding.

Downhill bikes represent the extreme end of the full-suspension spectrum, and one model, the Kona Stinky (*est. $1,700 to $1,900), earns a spot among Mountain Bike Magazine's top five for 2005. Expert editor Ron Koch says this mountain bike benefits from years of ongoing refinements, including a top-notch set of components and mature suspension. The Kona is meant for slower, technical rides; Koch says these mountain bikes "could also be pedaled back up the hill." Koch adds, "The Stinky is exhilarating to ride, never leaving us questioning the bike's nose for danger but only our personal limits." In addition, for a serious downhill full-suspension bike, the Kona is a good value for beginners, but it's also worthwhile for those who thought they'd have to spend more for a technical bike. Koch writes: "For those thinking about spending more money, take a hard look at the Stinky -- then book a trip to Whistler with the money you'll save."

At nearly 42 pounds, the Stinky isn't a climber's bike, instead offering a frame sprung with a Fox Vanilla DHX 3.0 shock with seven inches of travel. A Marzocchi Drop-Off Triple fork with 6.7-inches of travel handles front-end duty. This bike is extremely popular with MTB Review.com posters. Over 75 people sound off on it, joined by another 26 who own the upgraded Kona Stinky Dee-Lux (*est. $2,700). It's interesting to note that not all of the reviews are positive; this is a special-purpose bike that looks sexy to a certain slice of the community, where many love it, but some seem to have been seduced by its image, and found it to be the wrong bike for them.

The divergence between individual reviewers reinforces experts' assertions that choosing a bike is a hands-on experience. Most experts recommend avoiding buying a bike online unless you're already very familiar with it. But cutting the middle-man out of the equation (in this case the bicycle shop) results in lower prices. Shoppers unfamiliar with exactly what they intend to purchase should certainly visit a bicycle store for a fitting and test ride before making a decision. Often times it is here that information such as frame sizing, component selection, and hardware options (in relation to the type of riding intended) can be made before making a purchase. Bike shops are also the best choice for novices, since they offer lots of after-sale service and advice.

However, if you're into your second or third bike, and you're comfortable doing your own maintenance and adjustments, buying online is an option. Ibex Bicycles, for example, offers a 30-day trial period, so testing the bicycle out would only cost the price of shipping ($35 in the U.S.). It is wise to contact the bicycle manufacturer before purchase in regard to return procedures and conditions.

Full-Suspension Women's Bikes

Most mountain bike reviews are geared toward a male audience, with sizing and component advice for men, not women. We found only a couple of reviews that focus exclusively on women's bikes; Mountain Bike Magazine's 2004 Buyer's Guide covers four models, all offering full-suspension and similar equipment levels. Most women probably don't need female-specific bikes. However, women's specific sizing takes a woman's generally shorter torso into account, with a shorter distance between the seat and handlebars. Women who don't find unisex bikes comfortable should try out a women's bike.

For women, the Trek Fuel 90 (*est. $1,550) and its less expensive sibling, the Trek Fuel 80 (*est. $1,150) appear in reviews. Both Trek bikes are XC oriented bikes, but the Fuel 90 bicycle was dropped by Trek for 2005, replaced by the newer Trek Fuel 80 bike that receives across the board component upgrades to bring it up to the same level. Trek also recommends the similar Trek Fuel 70 for women (*est. $1,100).

Mountain Bike Magazine's 2004 Buyer's Guide recommends the Trek Fuel bicycle along with three other women's bikes. Their top pick is the Titus Racer-X (*est. $1,600); as its name suggests, it's a lightweight performance bike that draws this statement from expert tester Mike Cushionbury: "Once in awhile, you climb onto a bike and discover that it actually makes you a better rider. The Titus Racer-X is one of those bikes." Titus re-proportions the geometry according to fork travel and frame size, making these more likely to be good fit for women's shorter torsos. Although not identified as a woman, another unidentified Mountain Bike Magazine tester who rode the bike on faster trails, says: "I thought this bike rode better than the previous-gen Racer-X I tried; it's torsionally stiffer and plusher; it felt fast and efficient and was quick-handling due to the short-travel fork, narrow bar and light wheels." This is a bike that also draws strong praise at MTB Review.com, where about 20 owners give it a nearly perfect 4.95/5.

Reviewers like the Gary Fisher Cake 2 GS (*est. $1,760) for women. Owner Paula Sammons, a self-described XC rider from Michigan, writes a thoughtful review on MTB Review.com, and her "Bottom Line" is worth quoting in full, partly because it's the only feedback from a female rider we were able to find, and it addresses some of the difficult fit issues encountered by typically smaller female riders: "I originally purchased a Gary Fisher Sugar +3 men's model; however, the frame did not fit me well. The local dealer would not let me return the bike, but did allow me to exchange the Sugar for another bike, and recommended the Cake +2 GS for women. I was a little worried about the 5" travel, thinking it would be too much on the trails; however, because the front and rear shock are adjustable based on weight, my experience so far has been that there is very little feel of travel at all. It's an excellent bike. It climbs well (without much bob at all), and handles downhills fabulously. It's a smooth and fun ride. In fact, I think I now want to adjust the shock so that I feel more travel and can jump off bigger hills." This reviewer also admonishes readers to make sure the frame fits your body before buying.

Mountain Bike Action magazine lists the Cannondale Rush Feminine (*est. $1,750), the Santa Cruz Juliana Superlight D (*est. $1,500), the Specialized Stumpjumper HT (*est. $1,400), and the Kona Lisa DS (*est. $1,300) in their 2006 Buyer's Guide (March 2006 Issue) as an idea of where women riders should start. All of the above picks are full-suspension bikes except for the Specialized Stumpjumper, where the HT is logically the abbreviation for hardtail.

Hybrid bikes

A cross between a dedicated road bike and a mountain bike, a hybrid bike is good for all-round leisure use. A majority of these bikes lack suspension components, however, as technology progresses (and prices begin to dip) it is becoming more and more common for hybrid bikes to come equipped with front suspension. Hybrid bikes are generally less expensive than dedicated mountain bikes or road bikes, and compromises are made with components to keep the price low. However, you usually get a more comfortable seat, and extra convenience features like fenders and a suspension seat.

The hybrid is a relatively new style. Also referred to as a "Trekking" bike, they are suited to mostly leisure riders and commuters. Hybrids were first seen in the late eighties and early nineties, but have taken a while to catch on. They originated at a time when most people buying a bike were buying a mountain bike, but often a mountain bike was simply too cumbersome, heavy and slow for the casual rider. Most hybrids come fitted with the same gear systems as mountain bikes, with between 21 and 27 gears, flat handlebars and cantilever or linear pull brakes. Better hybrid bikes come fully equipped, factory fitted with fenders, suspension seat pillars and adjustable rise stems.

Hybrid bikes are best suited to road riding, or very well groomed smooth trails, such as those found on Rail-to-Trail projects. Bikes of this kind are not featured in the mountain bike reviews that we surveyed for this report. However, if your riding needs do not include off-road use, consider a hybrid. Bikes like this are often fitted with fenders, lights, and racks and occasionally, suspension. A good example of a comfort bike is the Jamis Explorer 2.0 (*est. $300), or the fender equipped Kona Smoke (*est. $350).

Important Features: Mountain bikes

Reviews say you should look for the following features when choosing a mountain bike. Please also consider some of the pointers about the need for proper maintenance.

• Experts agree that a durable, lightweight frame is the basis of a good mountain bike. All of the bikes listed in Fast Answers have aluminum frames. Aluminum is, for the most part, the standard in frame material at present. More expensive alternatives include Titanium and the ultra-rare Scandium. In addition, research is turning toward non-metal frame development such as carbon-fiber. Very inexpensive bikes may use heavier steel frames.

• For rough terrain, experts recommend mountain bikes with at least front-suspension to help maintain control of the bike. Full-suspension bikes are generally more expensive and mechanically complex, and they can be more difficult to pedal up-hill because of the bouncing motion produced by pedaling (which is known as "bobbing"). This seems to be less of an issue than it once was, when rear-suspension designs were being sorted out due to the fact that early rear shock designs were initially softer than today's specs. If "pedal bob" is a concern when selecting your bike, a common feature to consider on today's bikes is what is referred to as a "suspension lock-out;" the bike comes equipped with a remote switch (handlebar mounted or sometimes located on the actual shock body) that when flipped, bypasses the rear-suspension system -- in essence instantly converting the bike to a hardtail. We found no complaints from experts or owners about suspension "bob" on any of the bikes we found in reviews. Expect a much smoother ride on rough trails from a fully-suspended bike.

• Current handlebar-mounted shifter designs allow you to change gears easily and without sacrificing control of the bike. Twist-type and trigger-style shifters both perform well, but neither seems to be inherently better than the other.

• A good mountain bike should have long-arm, cantilever brakes (or V-brakes) that allow a controlled, smooth stop without requiring much effort from the squeezing hand. Bikes with disc-brake compatibility are more expensive and slightly heavier, but allow riders more stopping power and fewer adjustments. Disc brakes come in essentially two forms: Manual and hydraulic. Manual discs are cable activated while hydraulics depend on pressurized fluid-filled lines not unlike the brakes on a motorcycle or car. Disc brakes also eliminate rim wear caused by braking in muddy conditions. Riders who do a lot of heavy braking in rough wet conditions can expect to wear through a rim in about a year.

• Experts say hubs made of anything other than aluminum are insufficient when stopping in wet or extremely dusty conditions. Tires must be wide (preferably two or more inches) and have deep, pronounced rubber knobs for traction.

• Drive train necessities like derailleurs and pedals can differ greatly in terms of durability and weight, and prices vary accordingly. This is why comparing similar component specs is so critical in finding like models. Keep in mind though that these components can be upgraded at any time.

• Expect to spend time and money maintaining your bike. Mountain biking is heavy on wear-and-tear issues that affect all the moving parts of the bike. Simply hosing off a dirty bike does not address the need to renew lubrication of the many components that need it. Ignoring this necessity will greatly shorten the life of the bike. The following are generally good practices to consider before each ride and especially after the bike has been stored for any length of time:

1) Check your tires. Due to rapid temperature changes, it is likely they will be low on air. Besides the obvious, be sure to check each sidewall for abrasions or dry-rot cracking. While checking the tread surface, remove any thorns, nails or soil from last year's ride. Recheck tire pressure before each ride. Standard practice is to start with 50 psi and fine-tune up or down in 5-psi increments.

2) Clean built-up dirt and dust on the shock and fork. Clean and inspect the fork seals and around the stanchions. Bad nicks can be cleaned with a jeweler's file and 600-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper. Use fork oil to lubricate the seal top after cleaning and inspecting.

3) Check the brakes, and especially check pads for wear. Wipe discs with a damp rag. Remove any caked-on dirt from the caliper. Do not use a cleaner or solvent that will lubricate the disc -- just use a damp rag.

4) Lube. Lift the bike and spin each wheel. Listen for bearing noise as dragging or grinding means it's time for a drop of oil (if the problem still persists, it may be time to replace the bearings). Drop a little lubricating oil on steel brake lines near the levers (just inside the rubber housing) and caliper mounts where exposed. Again, avoid getting lubricants on disc or pads. Lube the chain up and while you're down there, check your cogs for wear or caked dirt. You may also wish to lube the pedal assembly pivots for smoother, less resisted revolution and rotation.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Specialized FSR (*est. $900 to $2,170, depending on model)	-
2	GT Avalanche (*est. $1,000)	details
2	Ibex Ignition 2 (*est. $450)	-
2	Gary Fisher Cake 3	-
2	Iron Horse MKIII Comp (*est. $1,900)	-
1 each	Cannondale Prophet 600, Cannondale Jekyll 400, Ellsworth Truth, Trek Liquid 55, Marin Northside Trail , Gary Fisher Sugar +4, Gary Fisher Marlin, Giant Iguana, Giant Reign 2, Giant Yukon, Iron Horse MKIII Comp , Kona Stinky, Kona Lisa, Mongoose Ritual, Mongoose Rockadile ALD, Mongoose Wing Elite, Raleigh M60, Raleigh Phase 1, Schwinn Mesa GSD , Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Epic Women's, Titus Racer-X, Trek Fuel 80, Trek Fuel 90 WSD, Trek 4500--

We found almost no consensus among professional reviewers, due in no small part to the huge number of mountain bikes and variants on the market. However, we were able to cross reference experts' picks with those of insightful owner-written reviews that we read at MTB Review.com and other opinion Web sites to produce the models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers.

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