Each year bike makers make better, lighter and cheaper off-road bikes which make them more tasty to consumers. Do you want to purchase a full suspension off-road bike? If you do below is a catalogue of items that you may want to considered before buying a new mountain bike.

One of the most significant points to ask yourself is what type of terrain will you be riding on? If you're going to be riding cross country maybe a full suspension trail bike isn't guaranteed and a hardtail will better suit your requirements. However if you're going to be riding downhill or on coarse terrain a full suspension bike might be right up your street.

Decide your financial position and stick to it. Consider buying the best bike you are able to afford inside your budget. Many riders suggest that if you have less then $700 to spend on a bike you may want to think about a hardtail because full suspension bikes are far more dear. However you could consider purchasing a second user full suspension bike at a good price on a trail bicycle classifieds site.

If you define that a full suspension mountain bike is what you want and want then consider the various frame designs. Single-pivot, sweet-spot and horst-link are a few favored designs and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to really understand the difference is to go to a few bike stores and test ride the different designs. The bike store guy will be more then happy to explain and say the advantages and drawbacks of each design.

Remember that full suspension bikes are heavier then hardtail bikes. Full suspension frames are a little heavier and they carry more parts then hardtails so be ready to pedal around a little more weight on the trail.

Read some of the net forums to figure out what other riders like and don't like about their bikes. You can learn much from other riders ' views.

Don't forget to factor in your maintenance costs into the equation. Full suspension bikes need a touch more upkeep and for the do it yourself type you will need a few additional tools.

Ultimately, test ride as many bikes as you can before buying. Also never forget to check ride a full suspension mountain bike with the front and / or rear shock locked out.

Read more about yeti bikes and santa cruz mountain bikes before making your purchase. We hope to help make the correct choice.