Shopping for a Mountain Bike

I am currently in the market for a new mountain bike and am finding the decision significantly more difficult than buying a car. I have been riding a fully rigid 2003 Giant Boulder for 6 years. It is not really a mountain bike and is better suited for dirt roads than single track. I have replaced a bent rear derailleur, replaced a broken rear axle, added a 2.35 inch front tire, added a 2.10 inch back tire, and switched from platform pedals to Shimano clipless pedals; all of which have only slightly delayed the inevitability that I need a real mountain bike. Without a doubt, I am ready to switch from cantilever brakes to disc brakes.

I would like to be able to ride all kinds of trails and participate in about six races a year. I plan on buying from a local bike shop so that I can test ride it and be properly fitted. I got a lot of value out of a custom fitting for new clipless pedals and plan to do same for a new bike. A custom fitting should include: adjustments to the pedals and shoes, modifications for handlebar height and stem length, vertical and horizontal positioning of my seat, and identification of frame size.

Bikes I considered:

• Gary Fisher
  • Rig: 29er + front suspension + single speed
• Kona
  • Unit: 29er + rigid fork + single speed
• Niner
  • Air 9 Carbon: 29er + front suspension + single speed. I like that this bike is designed specifically to be a single-speed as opposed to other bikes that simply remove a rear derailleur.
  • S.I.R. 9 (the bike I chose!): 29er + front suspension + single speed. I like its Reynolds 853 steel tubeset.

There are four features I am debating:

• 26 inch or 29 inch wheels?
• Single-speed or multi-speed?
• Hardtail or full-suspension?
• Frame material: aluminum, steel, or carbon?

26 Inch Or 29 Inch Wheels?

Although I have never ridden one, I am sold on the idea of 29 inch wheels. Absorbing energy from bumps and rolling over rough terrain with ease sound like obvious benefits of 29ers. My remaining question is do 29 inch wheels negate the need for rear suspension or should I look at full-suspension 29ers? Also, I am leaning towards tubeless tires.

Single-Speed Or Multi-Speed?

I love the concept of a single-speed: lighter weight, less maintenance, and increased durability. They are easy to maintain because they do not have gear shifters, deraillers, or a large set of cogs that can break down and require maintanence or replacement. As as result of having less components, they are lighter weight and more durable. Specifically, they are more durable because you do not have to worry about having your chain pop off because of derailer misalignment or having your rear derailer slammed into a rock. On the other hand, the simpleness of a single speed mountain bike can make it difficult or near impossible to ride up a particularly steep slope whereas a multi-speed bike's granny chain ring can make almost any steep slope possible. I converted an old bike to single speed and have fun with it but don't know if its gear ratios are similar to those of a designed single speed. How limiting are single-speed mountain bikes or is a rider's athletic condition more likely to be a limitating factor? In other words, can a really strong rider ride hilly trails on a single speed or do even really strong riders struggle on single-speeds?

Hardtail Or Full-Suspension?

I am done riding a fully rigid bike because my back and neck can't handle the bumps and I spend too much time and energy braking over rough terrain. I understand that hardtails (i.e., front suspension only) are more economical than full suspension bikes and can provide a smooth ride on rough terrain. On the other hand, full suspension bikes require premium components and a more complex frame so it is advocated to pay considerably more for a full suspension bicycle than you would for a hardtail. Moreover, rear suspension can be installed in a various ways so maintenance and durability need to be examined. A hardtail with 29 inch wheels is a cheaper, simpler, and conserves power on climbs but does a larger wheel base of a 29er absorb energy from bumpy terrain as well as a full-suspension? In addiiton, I am not sure how to compare Cannondale's lefty fork with other forks.

Frame Material: Aluminum, Steel, Carbon?

I have been told that the primary feature to examine in selecting a mountain bike is its frame material: aluminum, steel, or carbon. Aluminum frames are most popular because they are rigid, rust-free, lightweight but, unfortunately, they are not as long lasting as steel or carbon fiber. Steel frames are durable and heavy but vulnerable to rust. Carbon fiber is usually employed for high-end, custom designed frames. At this time, I don't have a strong preference regarding aluminum, steel, or carbon.