Hybrid/Fitness – These bikes were built for one purpose in mind; comfort. These are perfect bikes for casual pathway and city riding. They are built with all the standard sizes but are micro adjustable to fit any rider even better. They usually come with a front shock and a shock on the seat post in order to increase the comfort level. Also, these bikes have a wide selection of tires, from thin to flat, depending on the different terrain they will be ridden on. If you are the casual cyclist who likes a comfortable ride, these bikes are for you.
Rigid - These bikes get this name due to the fact that they have no suspension. These are bare-boned, classic style mountain bikes. They have many advantages in that they are lightweight and efficient. Since these bikes are so efficient (low energy loss due to absorption of a shock), they make for a great commuter bike.
Front Suspension (Hardtail) - The introduction of the front shock revolutionized the mountain bike industry. This introduction gave rise to the hardtail. These are known to be the most popular style of mountain bike. They are designed with a suspension fork that is attached to the front wheel. Hardtails are nice because they take all of the features of a Rigid and add the luxury of suspension. This suspension increases the comfort and control of a mountain bike while riding over rough terrain.
Dual Suspension (Dualie) - As indicated from the name, these mountain bikes have two suspension sections. One is in the front, like the Hardtail. But the other is located in the rear of the bike. This allows for maximum suspension and control when riding over advanced terrain. Advances in suspension technology is making these dual suspension bikes as efficient as the Hardtail and Rigid. These bikes are the cream of the crop of mountain bike cross country racing.
29er - These mountain bikes are called 29ers due to the fact that the wheels diameter is approximately 29inches. These special bikes come in all the traditional styles of mountain bikes from rigid to full suspension, including single speeds. The larger wheels increase traction on the ground and make it easier to roll over most obstacles. On the down side 29er wheels are heavier and take more effort to accelerate.
Cyclo-cross - These bikes are a mix in between a road bike and a mountain bike with knobby tires, a slight change in bike geometry which usually runs a size smaller then you standard road bike due to the higher bottom bracket, and different brakes for added tire clearance against mud buildup. Cross bikes are usually raced in the autumn and winter on mixed terrain which varies from grass fields, mud pits, pavement, etc. They make a great commuter bike or off season training bike which is stronger then your standard road bike and faster then you mountain bike. Perfect for dirt roads.
Freeride/Downhill - These bikes have one purpose and one purpose only; to take a beating. If you desire to scream down the side of a mountain, drop a ten foot cliff, and be able to survive to tell your friends about it then these bikes are right for you. Freeride bikes are typically built with a reinforced frame and wheels to survive the toughest terrain available. Also, they have suspension with longer travel for maximum shock absorption. Due to their durable construction these bikes tend to be heavier that their alternatives, making them best for going downhill.
Frame Materials
- Aluminum is the most common frame material. It is the best bang for the buck because it produces a lightweight, extremely strong frame for a respectable price.
- Carbon Fiber is unique because it is not a metal, but a combination of graphite and resin. It is extremely lightweight, very stiff, and incredibly reliable. Due to the high cost of production, this material is only found in higher-end bikes.
- Titanium is a metal that is expensive and difficult to work with. Since it is expensive, this material is also only found in higher end bicycles. But the advantages outweigh the costs, since this metal makes an extremely strong, very comfortable, and long lasting ride.
Suspension
There is nothing wrong with riding a Rigid mountain bike, however, most people would elect to go with a bike that has some sort of suspension system. There are a multitude of advantages with suspension bicycles, including:
- You can go over advanced terrain and still remain in control. This is because the wheel remains in contact with the ground yet absorbs the impact.
- With dual suspension you have more control. It is easier if your bikes suspension system absorbs the impact of the terrain while you control the bike, versus you having to do both at the same time.
- Having shocks helps absorb the impact that your body would otherwise have to endure. Not only does your body feel better after you ride, but you can actually ride harder and longer since your body does not have to work to absorb the shock.
The next question you have to ask yourself is do I need front suspension or dual suspension? Each configuration has its advantages, so it comes down to what kind of rider you are and what kind of riding you will be doing. Hardtails, up until recently were considered more efficient, giving riders advantages in long distance cross-country races. However given today’s technological advances in suspension design, rear suspension efficiency has greatly increased. One prime example is the DW-Link patented by Dave Weagle and used on many of the high-end Iron Horse bicycles. The DW-Link increases pedaling efficiency by reducing pedal bob and braking dive. For more information on the DW-link suspension design go to http://www.dw-link.com/home.html. Dual suspensions are better at riding over rough terrain and higher impacts. On the down side suspention adds weight to the bike and takes away from your efficiency when ridding. These bikes are not the best adapted for commuting or excessive road ridding. But today’s technologies allow you to choose any type of bike and it will still be able to perform for whatever riding you will be doing.
Components
The mountain biking industry has a variety of companies that produce quality components for every level of rider. The main companies that produce components are Shimano and SRAM. They both have their own hierarchy of components, each level going up in price. A link to their hierarchy is shown below, with a description of each level.
SRAM Mountain Bike Components
SRAM’s 2007 mountain groupsets, listed in approximately descending order of price and quality are:
X.O -- SRAM X.0 is setting the benchmark: Mountain Bike shifting at a Formula 1 level. Never before has a shifting system been faster, lighter and this precise. The available Trigger and Twist shifter offer a choice for any competitive, or performance loving cyclist. SRAM X.0 - the fastest option for shifting!
X-9 -- You've got plenty to worry about flying down the trail. Use SRAM® X-9, and that list gets a lot shorter. Durability is assured thanks to high-quality materials and a perfect finish, keeping your mind on the ride.
X-7 -- SRAM X.7 Top performance, day in and day out. SRAM® X-7 is the perfect complement to your riding style, with high-quality materials and precise engineering that deliver long-lasting strength and smooth performance.
X-5 -- For trail enthusiasts the world over. You start the day MTB, but you might end the day pedaling up and down city streets. SRAM® X-5™ is equally adept at handling both.
SX4 -- SX4 is a recreational rider's dream. SRAM® SX4™ gives you strength, consistent shifting and durability - all the things you need for a good ride.
3.0 -- SRAM 3.0 is a great value for beginners or light adventurers. SRAM® 3.0™ components have the type of superior technology and materials you'd see in our competitors' higher price segments.
Shimano Mountain Bike Components
Shimano’s 2007 mountain groupsets, listed in approximately descending order of price and quality are:
- XTR (9 speed) - This is the top of the range for cross-country mountain bikes.
- Saint (9 speed) - This is the top of the range for downhill and freeride bikes, and many components are based on the XT groupset.
- Deore XT (9 speed)
- Deore LX (9 speed)
- Deore (9 speed)
- Hone, a cheaper downhill/freeride specific groupset, similar to the LX groupset (9 speed)
- Alivio (8 speed)
- Acera (8 speed)
- Altus (8 speed)
- Tourney (7 speed) - this includes several different levels of quality, and can be found on department-store bicycles.
A component group consists of a chain, chainring, cogs, rear derailleur, front derailleur, front and back brakes, bottom bracket, front and read hub, brake levers, and shifters. Each company offers their very own hierarchy with competitive quality and prices.
Brakes
There are two different styles of brakes that come on today’s mountain bikes: rim or disc brakes.
- The rim brake is the standard brake that you would see on your old bike. These brakes are attached to the frame and when activated, close down on the rim of the bike causing friction and slowing the bike down. They are nice because they are lightweight and do not add any extra rotational weight on the wheels.
- The other type of brake is the disc brake. These brakes function by gripping a disc attached to the center of the wheel. They function similarly to the disc brakes you see on a car or motorcycle. These brakes can have tremendous stopping power. Another advantage these brakes have over rim brakes is that they are unaffected my mud and water, which you frequently encounter during mountain biking. Disc brakes are divided into two categories which are mechanical and hydraulic:
- Mechanical brakes function similarly to rim brakes, except when the cable is pulled by the brake lever the calipers slow down the rotor instead of the rim.
- Hydraulic brakes use hydraulic fluid instead of cables to generate stopping power. Hydraulic brakes are known to be the most powerful brakes on the market, producing unrivaled stopping power.
Wheels
There is a goal in designing mountain bike wheels as there is in the design of most bike components; lighter and stronger. Fortunately, today’s technologies allow for this goal to be achieved. Mountain bike wheels are designed to take a beating. With only a few maintenance requirements, a new set of mountain bike wheels will last you a long time and still remain safe and functional.
Just as important as the wheel is the tire. This is obviously important since it is the only contact point between the bike and the ground. Tires come in a variety of styles, from hybrid road/off road tires to big knobbed extreme traction tires. Each rider has his/her individual choice of tire that fits their riding needs.
A new development in tire technology is the tubeless tire. This is a revolutionary innovation in that it gets rid of the risk of a pinch flat (a flat in which the tube is “pinched” to the rim due to a large impact). This technology allows the rider to decrease the tire pressure giving more control and a more comfortable ride.
Other Important Equipment
When it comes down to it, the rest of the bike is customizable to the rider’s individual needs. The goal is making you as comfortable and as safe as possible. From seat height to handlebar type, these little adjustments could make a huge difference in the way that you ride. Another important option is if you want to go with clipless pedals or not. If you are planning on doing long, endurance-style cross-country riding, then take a look at clipless. But if you are going to be doing freeride or downhill, then the importance of being able to get off the bike is more important than the efficiency of clipless. It all depends on you and your riding style.
Women’s Specific Bikes
Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus. Everyone knows it, and recently bicycle manufactures have begun producing bikes specifically designed for Women. These bikes are designed to accommodate for the longer legs and shorter reach of a woman’s body. Also, these bikes come with special colors and componentry that appeal to women’s riding style. It is a much safer bet for a woman to ride a women’s specific bike than to ride a man’s bike that is small enough to fit you. Check out some Hot Women’s Bike Specials from K2 and Litespeed at www.rscycle.com.
Time to Make Your Decision
Hopefully this overview helped you narrow down your mountain bike decision. Getting the right bike is an important decision, so don’t make it without knowing all the information first. If you have any questions, feel free to call our customer service representatives with any questions at 1800-546-9091 or send us an email at service@rscycle.com. Good luck and enjoy the Mountain.
Suggested Bikes:
Below are some suggested mountain bikes produced by Iron Horse, carried by Randall Scott Cycle Company. They are broken down by price and features as well as their respective category. They can be found at http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.108/.f
Full Suspension:
 Iron Horse Warrior Series ($599) (Intermediate All Mountain/Trail)
We know that many of the places that you ride feature a broad range of terrain, from technical descents to steep, rooted climbs. If you don’t fall into any one slot, and are looking for great all mountain bikes at a great value price, then the Warrior Dual Suspension platform is designed for you. The Warrior dual suspension models feature a single pivot 5” travel frame design. The strategic placement of the pivot offers better pedaling efficiency and performance on the trails than other single pivot designs. We’ve also added a 6” travel single pivot model, the W-Six, for those rides when 5” just isn’t enough.
 Iron Horse Azure Series ($699-$2,799) (Cross Country Race)
The Azure is our premier XC ride, representing the pinnacle of lightweight, short travel suspension design. The key word that defines the Azure is efficiency. Whether the bike is on a long sustained climb, traveling over uneven terrain or being pinned on weaving single track; the Azure offers maximum performance and speed. The heart of the Azure is the 90mm travel dw-link suspension system, which allows the rider a perfect blend of suspension that will keep them glued to the trail without sacrificing any pedaling efficiency. This makes the bike an ideal XC ride.
 Iron Horse MKIII Series ($1,199-$1,799) (All Mountain/Cross Country Race)
Long technical climbs, technical descents, trail rides covering a wide variety of terrain; the MKIII is designed in the true spirit of the sport. The MKIII is built for the rider who regularly rides a variety of terrain, but doesn’t want to invest in a fleet of terrain specific bikes. As with all of our premier bikes, the MKIII features the dw-link suspension system which allows for 5” of travel while providing the most efficient ride in the industry
 Mongoose Otero Series ($599-$949) (Cross Country Race)
The Mongoose Otero frame is a value driven animal. While affordable to most the bike still gives the performance a seasoned mountain bike expects. The Otero has Mongoose's QR adjustable travel system which allows you to change the travel on the real wheel from 112mm to 62mm; whatever works best for you. e coolest feature on the Otero is the adjustable shock link. You can slide the rear shock mount up and down the suspension link to modify the leverage rate. In other words you can adjust how stiff the rear suspension is from plush to firm in seconds.
 Mongoose Teocali Series ($1,349-$1,849) (All Mountain Race)
The Teocali line of bikes are for those riders who like to conquer the entire mountain from that killer climb to the flowing singletrack descents this smooth pedaling all mountain bike can help you ride the entire mountain. The Teocali Comp features a newly refined all-mountain frame design resulting in a sleeker look and a reduction in weight.
Freeride/Downhill bikes
 Iron Horse 6 Point Series ($699-$1,999) (Freeride)
The 2008 6POINT series models are designed for situations where a typical trail or marathon bike is not enough but where a freeride bike is overkill. The trails will require climbing but also have technical sections that may include jumps, stunts, and steep chutes or descents. This aspect of riding is categorized as All Mountain - the 6 POINT is aimed at the more aggressive side of the all mountain category, combining some features of heavier duty freeride bikes with a lighter weight frame and air spring suspension. Aggressive all mountain bikes feature durable - but light weight - frames, large diameter disc brake rotors, dual front chain rings, and 6.3 inches of suspension.
- Iron Horse 7 Point Series ($699) (Freeride)
When you make a 7” travel bike with the versatility of the 7POINT, people are bound to notice. With 7” of plush and efficient dw-link travel and a burly overbuilt frame, this bike can handle sketchy descents, big drops, jumps, and whatever else you can throw at it. This bike is perfect for a day-long freeride session at your local trail or a day of lift at your favorite bike park. Whether you need to pedal up before bombing down, or you decide to let the lift do all the work, the 7POINT feels at home in the nastiest of terrain.
- Iron Horse Sunday Series ($1,599) (Downhill)
The Sunday series models are purpose built models for gravity fed trails. They are designed for riding aggressively on fast and technical trails that generally have a continuous elevation drop. Downhill bikes are typically used in competition on race courses, in lift serviced bike parks, or on other uplift or hike-a-bike trails. Downhill trails will often be technical in nature and feature drops, jumps, steep pitches and chutes, and other difficult terrain features. Some common features of downhill models are strong frames with slack and low geometry, large diameter disc brake rotors, single front chainrings, wide tires with a soft rubber compound, and 8 inches of suspension travel.
 Mongoose Pinn'R ($1,999) (Freeride)
The Pinn’r is a true freeride bike that will definately make an impact in the industry. The head tube features a low-stack headset that minimizes unwanted front-end loft. The tube set features remarkably angular, styley, monocoque profiles with a bent top tube to maximize standover. The Pinn'r also has an interrupted seat tube that makes way for the shock and mounts and a remarkably high down tube. The design is brutally strong, stiff and uniquely Mongoose. For those of us that believe weld beads are art, you are going to be able to stand back and drink in the beauty of long, exquisite lines.
 Mongoose Boot'R ($2,449) (Downhill)
The Boot'r frame is impressive, with a lot of little bits and touches that I was not expecting to see. The black 'goose sports a 1.5" head tube up front, filled with a low-stack internal headset to keep things low and strong. Both the top and down tubes feature multi profiled shapes in the name of stiffness and stand over height. Cable routing simply disappears into the frame, with the built in guides under the forward shock mount being one of those "little bits" that all add up to a quality build. It's also good to see that the Boot'r uses as short as possible hardware for its Vivid's shock mounting reducers and bolts, a load stronger than running long bolts that bend easy. Those same bolts are also countersunk into the frame, for aerodynamics obviously!
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