How to choose your MTB

Choisir son VTT ?

Thinking about buying your bike second hand? Take a look at our tips on what to look for when choosing a second-hand MTB.

The first choice of everyone

Moutain bikes, or MTB for short, are usually the default choice when it comes to buying a bike, usually it is your child's first bicycle as well. It is ideal to discover cycling and a very versatile bike, it allows you to ride in nature as well as on the road even though its performance are limited on tarmac. A moutain bike is a very good choice if you live in the countryside and will allow you to go on fun, but sometimes challenging, rides alone or with your friends. Mountain biking is indeed a very accessible sport where progression can be very fast if one is regular.
But do we really know how to choose a mountain bike?

However, if you are looking for a bike for a very occasional practice with no intention to exercise or for commuting, we advise you to turn to a hybrid bike that will be more comfortable and convenient to use. Furthermore, if you want to start cycling in a sporty way but you are not attracted by the all-terrain MTB practice, then a road bike is made for you.

Made for off-road riding

A MTB will never be as fast as a road bike on tarmac and the position will be less pleasant than a city bike. However, the MTB is made for an all-terrain sports practice. It enables you to drive on single tracks, between pebbles, and downhill in total control. To go on an adventure, a MTB has some specificities:

A fork with a travel length of at least 80 mm which makes it possible to absorb all the asperities and shocks of the ground. Moreover, it provides the stability and grip required for MTB practice.
Larger pinions and smaller cranksets allow you to climb the steepest slopes.
A straight handlebar and a short stem (usually less than 90 mm) to keep a manoeuvrable bike that will face the forests' challenges.
Large tyres with a fairly low pressure (2-3 bars/29-43psi).

How to choose your first MTB?

Mountain biking has developed well since its creation in the 1990s. We now find a multitude of offers for different budgets. To choose your MTB, you first have to determine the frequency at which you'll be riding. Your budget must be in line with your practice: An entry level bike will not be able to endure everyday outings under extreme conditions or bad weather for a long period of time. So do not hesitate to invest a little more when buying your MTB if you plan to practice regularly, so as to avoid future mechanical worries.

Some tips for choosing your mountain bike:

The type of suspensions: semi-rigid frame or full-suspension?

The semi-rigid frame has only one suspension at the front: it is an essential element to the MTB practice. The suspended fork makes it easy to absorb shocks and vibrations and to keep the wheel on the ground. The more travel it has, the more it will absorb shocks. The semi-rigid frame is easier to clean and more accessible in terms of price since it is less complex to manufacture. We advise you to go for this type of bike if it's your first mountain bike.
The full-suspension frame has a front and a rear suspension and provides more comfort and shock absorption. Its price is usually a little more expensive than a semi-rigid bike (starting at €1,000). It is aimed especially at cyclists who already have an MTB practice or who have some reliefs in their regions. For a sporting practice, adopt a shock absorber block to avoid the pumping effects.

The type of brakes: rim brakes, mechanical or hydraulic?

rim brakes are the brake pads used on most bikes. They are lightweight, reliable with a simple mechanism and easy to maintain, though less efficient when it comes to driving in humid weather.
Mechanical disc brakes ensure powerful braking in all weather conditions.
Hydraulic disc brakes ensure optimal braking for sporty practice by providing excellent bike control. The disadvantages: they require more maintenance, are heavier and more expensive than the rim brakes.

The type of transmission: which handles? How many gears?

The rotating handles are ergonomic and easy to use, the knobs allow faster and more precise gear shifting. First and foremost, you must choose a handle, also called grip, that is comfortable, cushions the shocks, is adapted to your hand size, and brings you a good piloting sensation. You can choose between foam, rubber or synthetic material.
A great number of gears offers a great versatility and allows a pedaling frequency adapted to the terrain. The reference in mountain biking is the double crankset, lighter and simpler in the choice of gears. Today, the mono crankset is becoming increasingly common for even more ease in gear shifting.

Don't forget to save a small part of your budget to buy the equipment needed to practice mountain biking: helmet, shoes, gloves, hydration, maintenance and repair.
Also, if you consider doing moutain biking at high level or downhill then you should definitely have a look at our selection of body protections

We advise you to choose wisely your MTB shoes: it is important to take into account the shape, structure and level of protection of the foot for maximum comfort and efficiency in pedaling. For the summer, there are lower and more ventilated shoes.

See our Mountain Bikes

Deciding on an Electric Mountain Bike

Electric mountain biking is no longer a marginal activity. Widely popularised by manufacturers and engine builders, e-MTB are opening up the discipline to a wider public, particularly in regions with a high terrain. As well as the criteria common to all mountain bikes, there are other factors to consider when choosing an electric mountain bike. We'll tell you all about them on our guide about e-bikes.

How to choose your e-MTB

See our e-MTB selection