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Shimano rules the COMPONENTS roost. From bargain to best, the range goes Altus, Alivio, Deore, LX, XT, and XTR.
1) Each frame material has merit: ALUMINUM is ubiquitous, stiff, and light; STEEL is smooth-riding and classic yet scarce; TITANIUM and CARBON FIBER are durable and light but pricey.
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2) FRONT SHOCKS are a must. The more movement, the more bumps you can gobble, but long-travel forks will feel mushy under hard pedaling.
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3) Full-suspension bikes with REAR SHOCKS devour dips, but added complexity and weight can sap pedaling power. Both use either air springs (pricey) or coil-and-rubber spring combos (simpler). Better suspension uses oil damping to adjust shock action.
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4) CLIPLESS PEDALS fit cleated cycling shoes. They increase stroke efficiency and release with a gentle twist. If you don't have them, you'll want them eventually.
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5) RIM BRAKES (also known as V brakes) are light, easy to adjust, and will stop you just fine. Pricier disc brakes are more powerful and superior in gunky mud or water.
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Good FIT is absolutely critical. Your leg should be slightly bent while resting on a pedal in the six o'clock position. Off-roaders need a minimum three inches of clearance when straddling the top tube. Your reach to the bars should be comfortable.
6) Adjust LEVERS and HANDLEBARS so your wrists aren't positioned awkwardly and the squeezing is easy. Mountain bars come wide so you can cut them to fit comfortably, which many shops neglect to do.
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7) As they do in the fat-tire market, Shimano dominates COMPONENTS. From basic to better, their road hierarchy goes Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace. Italian Campagnolo parts are equally good.
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8) Strong riders and flatlanders can choose two CHAINRINGS (offering 18 speeds), while mortals and hill-dwellers need three (27 speeds). Most stock bikes come in either doubles or triples.
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