Making physical activity a part of your daily life has become more essential today than it was decades ago. Technology and automation have taken over so much of our tasks that we barely do manual labor now. Living a sedentary lifestyle has proven to cause several problems including health conditions that would have been avoided if we exercise daily.

Why not engage in an activity that will let you work out while having fun too such as mountain biking? The best beginner mountain bike awaits. You will enjoy a relaxing or adrenaline-filled time exploring the great outdoors while burning some calories.

Why Go Mountain Biking?

The benefits of this sport to health are the ultimate reasons for everyone to get into it. However, there are other advantages as well that can be enjoyed when you go cycling on the mountainside.

• Mountain biking does wonder to the heart, lungs, joints, and muscles. Cycling most days of the week is known to prevent the chances of acquiring certain diseases including type 2 diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and cancer by up to fifty percent. It is also known to lower a person’s risk for early death by up to thirty percent.
• You can connect with nature and grow a deeper appreciation for it when you visit the countryside for some cycling. Mountain biking is environment-friendly too since it has no carbon footprint.
• Biking, especially in the mountainside, is a great way to release and relieve stress. The nature sounds and the calming greenery are all proven to suit one’s stress and anxiety.
• You get to bond and have a good time with your family and friends. Biking is something that anyone can learn and do together, whether they be young or old.
• You can meet new people and make new friends when you go biking, especially if you join a cycling club or ride with groups. Biking can help you socialize with others, whether they are bikers, passersby, or locals.
• Buying the best beginner bike, accessories, and gears may entail spending money yet in the long run, this kind of hobby will let you save a lot. This pastime does not involve expenses each time you go out to cycle. If you pick a good bike and take good care of it, you will minimize costs on upkeeps, repairs, and part replacements. As you become healthier, you prevent diseases that you would have spent money on for treatments.

It would be safe to say that biking, especially if you do it in the mountains, is good for the body, mind, and soul. You do not have to go far and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars just to relax or get physical.

Biking Tips For Newbies

You may have learned biking when you were just a small kid but this sport is on another level.

• Knowing how to do it properly is an utmost priority since your roads will no longer be flat, straight, and concrete.
• Finding the right bicycle and familiarizing yourself with it is vital as your safety and enjoyment rely on them. Do not take more than what you can handle. It would be advantageous to pick the best beginner mountain bike available instead of buying an advanced one as it is designed specifically for your level of biking expertise. Anyways, you can upgrade to another bike later when you have learned new skills and gained more biking experience.
• Wearing proper and reliable protective gear whenever you are biking is a must. The great outdoors can get a little rough. Do not compromise their quality by spending cheaply on them.
• It would be best to join a group when you go biking while you are still a beginner. You will learn tips from advanced bikers. This will be a safer option too.
• Study the trails you plan to ride on. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and weather conditions that you will likely encounter when you go biking there. Take note if the spot you are going to visit has no network signal. It would also be wise to make certain what to watch out for.

Selection Guide For Mountain Bike

Any biker would want to do it right the first time he buys his mountain bike. After all, the rider’s experience and safety rely on the performance of this 2-wheeler vehicle.

Listed below are tips to remember when spotting the best beginner mountain bike.

• Find out which bike size is perfect for you. See to it that the reach and stack measurements are just right. If you do not want to go straight above the bars on the immediate impact, choose a front angle that is long enough to let you grip them tightly. This will also keep the front wheel fixed when you climb.
• The wheels of your bike should be suitable for the type of trail that you plan to cycle on. If you plan to ride long distances, choose big hoops. For difficult trails, pick the smaller yet stronger tires. Plus-size wheels are suitable for muddy waters and downhill rides.
• The ride can get bumpy and extreme so see to it that the bike’s shocks and forks can deliver a sufficient air spring and quality damping.
• There is quite a fuss about getting the most lightweight mountain bike. This is not as important as most people may think. Your bicycle has to be firm enough to handle roots, rocks, ruts, and mud. A flimsy bike will likely not survive rolling on rough terrains.
• More specifications and accessories do not always offer advantages. Most bike companies will of course put many specs to be able to sell them but extra parts can render the bike heavier. You can always do some upgrades later when you think that adding something to your bike has indeed become essential.
• Check out the latest bike designs. It is practical to go with one that can keep up with future designs and can be quickly updated to adjust to the current bike trend.
• Be reasonable with the budget. Although spending over a thousand dollars for you’re mountain bike is not necessary, you would not want to buy a super cheap one too. You also need to include in your budget other stuff like a trail helmet, backpack, and mountain biking shoes.

Beginner Mountain Bikes―Expert Recommendations

If expert recommendations are what you are searching for, you came to the right page. Continue reading to find out the most reliable suggestions for your first bike. In no particular order, below are the best beginner mountain bikes out in the market right now.

#1: Ragley Marley 1.0

Ragley Marley 1.0 is the best choice if you want a great mountain bike without spending beyond $1700. It offers 130 mm of travel. This mountain bike comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes so you will surely find which size fits your height and weight.

Any biker will fall in love with Ragley Marley 1.0 for these reasons:

• Its smooth Marzocchi fork performs well that it will make you confident to ride on rugged trails and learn new bike skills.
• It comes with an 11-speed Shimano Deore cassette that is durable and dependable.

Although it is an affordable yet impressive mountain bike, Ragley Marley 1.0 has its flaws.

• Its 27.5-inch wheel size limits its maneuverability when rolling on roots and large rocks.
• Although its bars seem alright, many bikers have replaced them for more rise.

Other concerns to note:

• The color in the display photo appears as yellow but several buyers said in the reviews that it is hunter orange in person.
• It is light and made of aluminum so see to it that the mountain bike is properly packed when shipped to avoid dents and chips on its paint.

#2 Commencal Meta HT AM Origin

The Commencal Meta HT AM Origin is the perfect ride for a newbie who already wants to get rowdy. With all its impressive specifications, this mountain bike can be yours at $1,399 and can only be bought from its official website. Its wheel size is 27.5 inches and provides a 150 mm travel.

Other brands have a hard time beating this bicycle for the reasons below:

• It comes in small to extra-large sizes. You have plenty to choose from.
• Commencal Meta HT AM Origin is almost like an enduro bike with its 65-degree headtube angle and a 160 mm fork.
• This bike is awesome for downhill and descending rides due to its geometry and reliable front suspension.
• It comes with an SRAM 12-speed groupset.
• Its rims are wide.
• With its 30 pounds and 3 ounces weight, it is still not heavy.

But just like other options, choosing Commencal Meta HT AM Origin may have some drawbacks.

• The bike does not come with a dropper post.
• Expert reviews say that although it is nice compared to other major brands, the essential build can still be improved. It is not as perfect as it should be but will still do.
• You can only purchase the bike directly from its manufacturer.

#3: Cannondale Trail 5

Among the beginner bikes for male cyclers, Cannondale Trail 5 is said to be the best pick. With its price tag coming only at $875, this is for cyclers who would like to get off the usual track and explore new terrains. Its travel is 100 mm with its SR Suntour fork.

Below are reasons why you should choose Trail 5:

• Its SAVE micro-suspension gives you a suave ride by absorbing any vibration despite Cannondale Trail 5 not having a rear suspension.
• It is fitted with WTB rims and tires and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
• Its drivetrain is a 10-speed microSHIFT Advent X.
• This mountain bike is lightweight because its frame is made of aluminum.

The drawback of opting for this is that…

• It only comes in XS and small sizes.
• The wheel size, coming at 27.5 inches for both bike sizes, may not take rolling on rugged surfaces, large rocks, and roots so well.

For those that have purchased the bike, they suggest that you upgrade the fork since it cannot keep up when ridden on rugged and hardcore trails.

#4: Trek Marlin 4

The Trek Marlin 4 is the right choice for those who are searching for affordable mountain bikes for entry-level riders.

It is great for newbies because…

• Instead of being fitted with hydraulic brakes, this bike comes with Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
• The components are beginner-level which is why it is matched for needy newbies.

Other things to love about Trek Marlin 4 aside from being suited for novice riders are cited here.

• You can own it at not more than $600.
• It comes in 2 beautiful colors, Voodoo Aloha Green and Matte Trek Black.
• It can handle rough trails and mellow descents and gives 100 mm of travel, compliments of its SR Suntour coil-sprung fork.
• It comes with a 7-speed Shimano Tourney and offers 21 options for gearing.
• The bike has a durable aluminum frame that has cable routing on the inside.

Bikers find it a disadvantage that…

• The bike’s suspension is not dual.
• This is designed for newbies. Period. Trek Marlin 4 may not handle serious and hardcore trails.
• The mountain bike can only be purchased from its store or Trek’s official website.

Some users complained that it started to show issues just after a short period of use. You have to manage your expectations, of course, as this is an inexpensive option made for entry-level bikers.

#5: Vitus Sentier 29 VR

The Vitus Sentier 29 VR is for entry-level riders who want some motivation to push their skills past their limits. If you are going to hit the trails for the first time, this will be a great pick since the mountain bike can still hang on even after the speed has increased and you began to get loose.

Without spending over $1,500, this bike is lovable for several reasons.

• There are 3 sizes to choose from: medium, large, and extra-large. The bike is suitable for both male and female riders too.
• Its trail-orientated geometry is neutral, ideal for those who will explore new trails for the first time.
• Its Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork that offers 140 mm of travel is dependable.
• The hydraulic disc brakes and 11-speed groupset are all made by Shimano.
• The wheel size is decent at 29 inches. They are tubeless-ready as well.

But with positive remarks also comes negative comments. Below are things that bikers do not like about this specific mountain bike:

• This is not for those who prefer the extra small and small size mountain bikes.
• The discs are only made with resin.
• The Vitus Sentier 29 VR mountain bike is not suitable for very small and tight trails.

Other Helpful Tips

Aside from pinpointing the best beginner mountain bike, these buying tips should also be kept in mind:

• Do not purchase a mountain bike until you have read expert reviews and audits from bikers who have indeed used it. If you can ask someone in your area who already has it, that would be better too.
• When reading or watching reviews, check out if they were authored by reliable and expert bikers, and were published on trusted websites.
• Look at the comments about the mountain bike’s status upon arrival to its owner. Order your unit from a website or company that will carefully pack the item, ensuring that the paint is not chipped and all parts are not in any way scratched or dented when they are delivered to you.
• If your budget is tight, you will also benefit from ordering the bicycle from a website that also offers financing such as PayPal Credit that lets you pay in installments for 12-24 months with 0% interest.
• Find a seller that will offer a full refund if the mountain bike is returned within a certain period due to valid reasons. Providing free shipping and delivery are pluses too.

Whatever your preferences and budget should always be the main criteria for which the best beginner mountain bike would be. Jot down what you want from your 2-wheeler ride and compare your list with the pros and cons of dependable mountain bike reviews and buying guides on the world wide web.