MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOCKS
How Important is Mountain Bike Suspension? Mountain bike shocks are one of those things that mountain bikers normally never think about it, unless it comes to making repairs to the bike. Shocks are something that you take for granted, just like the shocks in your car and it must be said that they have a very important role in the mechanics of your bike. Sometimes rough terrain can be rather difficult to keep control of the bike. With the bouncing and jostling and the twisting turns of mountain trails, shocks help keep you comfortable on your bike. The suspension of the bike is designed to prop everything in such a way as to absorb the impact of the rough terrain and make it easier on your body. At the same time, better mountain bike shocks and a better suspension system always equal better control in the end.
Mountain Bike Suspension Full or Hard Tail
Not every mountain bike has good stock mountain bike shocks. Professional quality mountain bikes do. When competition gets tough mountain brake suspension systems and other upgrades of that nature can be the difference in a comfortable race and a painful race. When it comes to steep slopes, sandy areas, and really bumpy areas you may be surprised as to how handy mountain break suspension system can be. Obviously, you are going to pay more for a mountain bike with some good shocks and a good suspension. But in the end it can be worth it depending on your goals. If you are a recreational rider your stock shocks are fine. If you do multi-day adventure racing or mountain bike racing you are going to need a beefier pair of shocks. A lot of people are going to full-suspension bikes. These means there is suspension in the front and back. Some deem this necessary on long bike rides. The comfort is undeniable. For better control and speed however, a hard-tail is the way to go. I ride a hard-tail due to the weight of the bike. A hard-tail is much lighter, though full-suspension bikes are starting to bridge the gap. For instance my bike is a 21 pound hard-tail. In the same price range $3600, a full suspension would be about 25 pounds. It really will come down to personal preference and of course cost. Full suspension are more expensive.
Do Shocks Make Bikes Last Longer?
A good pair of shocks can certainly lead to a much longer lasting bike. This is because all of the impact on the trail will not be absorbed by the frame of the bike and its parts. Instead, it will be absorbed by the shocks as that is their purpose—to be able to take just what it is they are named after. This is one reason why many people have suspension systems built onto their mountain bikes; it can make for a better ride yes but it also makes for a better lasting bike. Bike shocks are one of those things that you probably don't think about. They may be able to make you a better rider and give you an overall better experience. Well at least they will give you a more comfortable experience!
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