Before driving to the local mountain bike shop with your wallet in hand, it may be a good idea to ask yourself what your goals are for mountain biking. Are you interested in riding the local fire roads near your house, or jumping off the steepest mountains at the state championship? Are you a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, or a new mountain bike rider purchasing his first MTB.

A new MTB is an investment so determining your riding goals is the first step to choosing the right wheels for you. With many riding styles out there, there are a multitude of bikes to match your MTB goals.

Buy the best MTB bike you can afford. If you see yourself as a long-term mountain biker, spending as much as you can is usually best. For example, buying a bike with a mid-level component group like Shimano’s XT will outperform its lower LX class.

If you buy a MTB with a lower level component group now and decide to upgrade later, it will cost you more in the future. MTB manufactures receive volume discounts on components and pass those savings onto consumers. Plus, the components are already installed so there is no installation cost or you having to do it yourself.

Go online or buy from your local MTB shop? The primary advantages of purchasing online are a lower price tag and greater selection. However, bike fit is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an MTB. With different size torsos and legs, buying a mountain bike that is fitted to your body will improved your comfort level and power distribution to the pedals.

Purchasing from your local mountain bike shop may cost you a bit more, but they are usually the local experts when fitting a bike to your physical frame. Trying to fit yourself with a bike fit expert over the phone or with online guides can only take you so far. A disadvantage with purchasing at your local MTB shop is selection. Bike stores typically are dealers that sale certain MTB brands so visiting a few bike shops in your area may be best to find that mountain bike that is right for you.

Paying your local mountain bike shop for a good bike fit then ordering the MTB you want online with your physical measurements is another idea. Once you receive your MTB, you can have you local mountain bike shop perfect your bike fit. However, most MTB shops will include a bike fit if you purchase from them. Weigh the best option based on total price, the MTB you want, bike fit and your time constraints.

Check out the forums and ask your fellow MTB riders. There is nothing like getting real world reviews of the MTB you’re thinking about from mountain bikers who are riding the MTB model you’re considering. With knowledge on the strengths and weakness of the MTB model, they are a great source of help.

Below are five universal MTB styles to consider:

1. All-Mountain Bikes – If trails and climbing mountains is your thing, but also steep declines, you may want to consider an all-mountain bike. The geometry provides excellent stability in rough, steep situations as compared with the typical trail bike.

With four to six inches of suspension, the all-mountain MTB provides good trail riding, plus allows you to take-on light stunt work too. If the trails, freeriding and downhill riding interest you, an all-mountain bike may be the best MTB for you.

2. Cross-Country Race Bikes – If off-road speed is in your dreams, then a XC MTB may be for you. With a steep angle geometry, and a suspension that ranges between three to four inches of travel, a XC MTB handles well, and are fast on moderate trails.

3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes – these MTB bikes are it if you are looking for an all around mountain bike. With three to five inches of suspension travel, these MTB bikes provide good comfort, and climb with maximum efficiency. If you’re a mountain bike rider who likes challenging terrain, this MTB may be for you.

4. Downhill Race Bikes – if you’re a downhiller looking for speed, this may be the mountain bike for you. With six inches plus suspension travel and a strong, well built frame, these MTB bikes can take it down the mountain. However, if you love to climb trails, the added weight may make your climb a bit tougher.

5. Hardtail Bikes – If you like light trails or a fast MTB, a hardtail may be a good choice for you if maximum comfort is not at the top of your list. As hardtails have front-only suspension, they have less pedal bob and increased pedal stroke efficiency when compared to dual suspension MTB bikes.

When choosing a MTB, consider that each type has its strengths and weaknesses on the trail. Remember, when you have more suspension and a sturdier frame, you have more weight and tougher hill climbs ahead of you, but easier downhill’s.

Figuring out which MTB riding style is your favorite then working back from there to other styles may be a good approach to take when choosing your new mountain bike.

Keith Rejino is a sports photographer for Dreamscape Images, a personal trainer, and mountain biker. His MTB Bike website provides MTB race coverage, and training and nutrition tips for the mountain biker. For more information on how to Buy Mountain Bike, check out Dreamscape Images MTB site.

Visiting a new city or destination can be soothing for the soul. A great way to take in the local atmosphere is by biking. For this reason, biking vacations have become increasingly popular. The United States offers so many beautiful places to ride; it can be hard to choose where to start. Here is a list of some places on the west coast to bring your bike and get the most of your vacation.

Washington State, Black Diamond Coal Mines. Black Diamond is one of the coolest places in the American West and my favorite place in the Northwest. The Pacific Northwest is an incredible ecosystem in its own and riding the trails through Ravensdale Creek and Lake Sawyer is an incredible way to experience it. Outdoor vacations rule in the Northwest and if you are looking to take your bike you have to go to the coal mines.

Hagg Lake, OR. This particular 15 mile trek consists of all the components of a Hollywood setting; a variety of twists and turns, smooth trails and creek crossing, blackberry picking and swimming holes. The ride is not so tough that you won’t be able to take in the local sites afterwards, but I think twice about bringing young children.

Napa, CA. An argument toward bias could be made against me because I love wine. However, even those who never imbibe will truly enjoy the rolling hills and lush vineyards at every turn in this region of Northern California. For me, the Mount Saint Helena North Peak is an easy ride and doesn’t require a map. Clearly well traveled, this trail will give you that lost in the foothills feeling.

Monterey, California. Just a few hours south down the California Coast from the Napa Valley, Monterey California is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. And one of the most beautiful rides in the country is Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive. Moving between sea level up to one hundred feet, this ride can test the will of beginning cyclists but should be considered an entry level trail. I suggest starting down the road a bit at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove especially in the autumn when the monarch butterflies are in town. It is a sight everyone should see at least once in their life and is a majestic way to start a bike ride.

Hawaii, Kona. I don’t care if its not technically the west coast because Kona is a place that simply can not be missed. The juxtaposition of black lava rock and lush greenery makes you feel like you are riding your bike on some other beautiful planet. The bike trails are a great way to experience the landscape, up close and personal. If you do make it, I recommend saving at least one day to enjoy a message or go snorkeling. Kona is a place that even if you dont ride your bike, you will have an amazing time.

I am sure you can tell by now that I love the Western US. There are so many incredible places to visit and to ride your bike. It was hard to narrow it down to just five places to visit. While there are many other places I could recommend, these five are an incredible way to start your discovery of the west. Pack your bag, bring your bike and have an awesome adventure.

PJ is a busy wife and mother of two. In addition, she fields questions from women about biking fitness and searches for the best deals on cruiser bikes. PJ’s bike shop offers great deals on comfort bikes as well.

When cycling long distance, you should always bring your repair kit and enough water and energy replenishments. It is also very important that you change your body posture and position when cycling long rides. Doing so can avoid ache and pains the next day. The key is to ride smoothly and not rigidly.

A word on hand positions
If you have constant aches at your hands, neck or shoulders, then the problem is clear. You keep  the same hand position all the time during your entire ride. This might be great discipline. But, you should change the orientation of your hands now and then.

How to do this? You can change your hand positions on the handle bars. This is because different hand positions utilize different muscle groups of your body. Therefore, if you maintain a certain hand position for a very long time, that very same muscle group would tire and eventually give you problems later on.

Another tip on your hands
Generally, you would never want to grip the bicycle handle bars too tightly. The same applies when trying to steer your bike. Apply enough pressure so that it your hands rest and grip the handle bars at the same time. No need for crazy, strong grips here.

How to change hand positions
You have already known the benefits of changing hand positions. But how to do so? All racing bikes come with handle bars with hooks. There are 3 handle bar positions for your hands.

The first is placing your hands on the tops. This is similar to riding a mountain bike where your palms will be facing the ground. Of course, you can try putting both your hands further or closer, creating variations. This is by far the most comfortable position. But there is a downside to this. It will make your body go upright immediately. This increases wind resistance.

The second hand position is by putting your palms over the brake lever hoods. You will want to use this hand position for climbing purposes. Like the tops position, this will take off pressure from your back and shoulders.

Thirdly, there is the hand position for achieving the best cycling speed. During sprints, this is the favorite hand position that is used by professional riders. Grip the curved hooks when you cycle. This will allow your body to bend further into a more aerodynamic shape. But this will create more tension on your back and lead to fatigue faster.

How to save your neck
Other than hand positions, you can also change your neck positions. This is done by alternating your head direction towards the left, middle or right. Note that for sideways, you should not overdo it. Just a little turn to the side will utilize a different set of neck muscles, giving the other parts time to relax.

How to manage your elbows
The rule is to always keep them relaxed. If done properly, your upper body will be more relaxed. This is the key to a better riding experience. You never want to make your elbows too rigid or fixed. It will also cause other body parts like the shoulders and neck to become stiff as well.