When choosing a mountain bike, many cyclists will face a common problem, that is, how to find an ideal mountain bike that is suitable for them and can cope with various outdoor activities. If you are 190 cm tall, weigh 90 kg, and are between 35 and 40 years old, and you love outdoor sports such as mountaineering, cycling, and off-roading, then choosing a suitable mountain bike is particularly important for you. Today, we will take you to learn in detail how to choose a suitable mountain bike according to your height, weight, and riding needs.
- Basic components of mountain bikes
Before choosing a mountain bike, we first need to understand the basic components of a mountain bike. Knowing these components can help you make a more informed choice.
Frame: The size of the frame determines your comfort and control. The right frame size will make your riding easier and less tiring.
Suspension system: The suspension system is an important part of mountain bikes, which determines your comfort and stability on rough roads.
Tires and wheels: Large wheels usually provide better traction and stability, especially for taller riders like you.
Brake system: Today, most mountain bikes are equipped with disc brakes, which provide stronger braking performance in slippery or muddy conditions.
Shifting system: Depending on the terrain you ride, choosing the right shifting system can help you climb hills or accelerate more easily.
- The influence of height and weight: choosing the right frame size
If you are a rider who is 190 cm tall and weighs 90 kg, frame size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mountain bike. Choosing the wrong frame size will not only affect riding comfort, but may also have adverse effects on health, causing back pain or knee injuries.
Generally speaking, the frame size of a mountain bike is determined according to the height of the rider. For such a tall person, choosing an L (large) or XL (extra large) frame is usually the best choice. Specifically, the frame size is usually between 19 and 21 inches. If you are not sure about the specific frame size, you can refer to the manufacturer’s size chart or go to a professional bicycle shop for a test ride to ensure that you choose the size that suits you best.
- Material selection: balance between durability and lightness
Mountain bike frames are usually made of different materials, which directly affect the weight, durability and price of the bike. Common frame materials include aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, steel and titanium alloy.
Aluminum alloy frame: Lightweight and durable, it is the most cost-effective choice. Suitable for most mountain bikers, especially those with heavier weight. Aluminum alloy frames can provide good rigidity to help you stay stable when climbing and riding fast.
Carbon fiber frame: Carbon fiber is very light, but it is more expensive, suitable for those who focus on performance and weight reduction. Although carbon fiber frames are very strong, they are usually not suitable for riders with limited budgets due to their high price.
Steel frame: Steel frames are usually heavier than aluminum alloys, but they have very good toughness and comfort, suitable for long-term riding. Steel frame body is relatively strong and can effectively absorb vibration.
Titanium alloy frame: Titanium alloy frame has a very good balance of strength and weight, and is also very durable, but it is more expensive.
For larger riders, aluminum alloy frames or steel frames are the most ideal choices. They provide ample support, reduce the pressure caused by body weight, and are relatively affordable.
- Suspension system: full suspension or front suspension?
The suspension system of a mountain bike determines your comfort when riding off-road. There are two main types of suspension systems: hardtail (front suspension) and full suspension (both front and rear suspension).
Hard-tail mountain bike: This type of bike has suspension only on the front wheel, suitable for those who mainly ride on relatively flat off-road roads or for long rides. Its advantages are simpler structure, light weight and high riding efficiency.
Full suspension mountain bike: This type of bike has not only front suspension but also rear suspension, suitable for complex terrain and technical off-road riding. If you like to challenge rugged mountain roads or need higher comfort, then a full suspension bike will be a better choice. Especially for riders with larger height and weight, the full suspension system can better absorb road vibrations and reduce the burden on the body.
If you like high-intensity off-road riding or often challenge uneven terrain, a full suspension mountain bike is a more ideal choice.
- Tire selection: 27.5-inch or 29-inch?
For larger riders, choosing the right wheel size is also critical. There are two common mountain bike tire sizes: 27.5-inch and 29-inch.
27.5-inch tires: This tire provides a good balance between handling and stability, suitable for riders who need quick reactions. If your riding conditions are more complicated and you like to quickly cross rugged trails, 27.5-inch tires may be more suitable.
29-inch tires: 29-inch tires are larger and provide better stability and traction. Especially suitable for taller and heavier riders. Large tires can more easily cross obstacles, reduce the frequency of contact with the ground, and have better adaptability to uneven ground and rough mountain roads.
Considering height and weight, 29-inch tires will provide a more stable riding experience, especially in rugged terrain.
- Speed Shifting System: Multi-speed or Single-speed?
The speed shifting system allows you to adjust the riding difficulty according to different terrains. For your body type and riding needs, a multi-speed speed shifting system is undoubtedly the best choice.
Multi-speed speed shifting system: suitable for most mountain bikers, especially those who have to face changing terrains. Multi-speed speed shifting can help you cope with different terrains such as climbing, descending, and flat roads, ensuring that you can find the right gear in all situations.
Single-speed speed shifting system: suitable for riders riding on flat terrains, light weight, simple structure, but poor adaptability to complex terrains.
Because you like off-road riding, it is recommended that you choose a mountain bike with a multi-speed speed shifting system. At least 18 gears, preferably 24 to 30 gears, so that you can cope with more diverse terrains.
- Comfort and personalization: pay attention to details
In addition to the above main factors, comfort is also a point that cannot be ignored when choosing a mountain bike. During riding, your back, hips and arms will be under great pressure, so it is very important to choose the right seat and handlebars.
Seat: Choose a seat shape and material that fits your hips to ensure that you will not feel uncomfortable when riding for a long time.
Handlebars: Adjust the height and angle of the handlebars to make your posture more natural and reduce the pressure on your back and wrists.
- Summary: Choose a mountain bike that suits you
When choosing a suitable mountain bike, you should not only consider the size of the frame and the suspension system, but also make choices based on your riding style and common riding routes. Full suspension system, 29-inch tires and multi-speed transmission system will provide you with a better riding experience, especially in rugged mountain off-road. By adjusting the height of the seat and handlebars, you will get a more comfortable riding experience and give full play to the performance of the mountain bike.
Choosing a suitable mountain bike will open up a more free and enjoyable outdoor riding journey for you.