Should I Get Shocks On My Mountain Bike?

 Entry Level Mountain Bike

As you shop for mountain bikes you will probably notice that entry-level mountain bikes usually don't have shocks. You will also find that more expensive mountain bikes either have front shocks only (hard-tails) or front and back shocks (soft-tails), otherwise known as full suspension mountain bikes. 

Hard-Tail Mountain Bike

Should you get shocks on your mountain bike? What are the pros and cons? Consider the following facts as you decide.

Well, having shocks definitely affects the comfort of your ride as well as performance. Earlier hard-tails use to accelerate faster and climb hills better than full suspension bikes, because they were lighter and you didn't lose any transfer of energy to the rear shocks. Today's soft-tails are nearly equal to hard-tails now in performance. 


Unfortunately, full suspension mountain bikes are more expensive than hard-tails. If you are going to be riding only on smooth trails and surfaces than you really don't need to have a full suspension mountain bike.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike 

On the other hand, when riding on bumpy terrain you'll notice the lack of rear suspension in a hard-tail bike pretty quick. You will especially feel it in your back and backside. If this is the case, full suspension is recommended.

If you can't afford a full suspension with decent and reliable components, I recommend buying a good reliable hard-tail from a specialty bike shop rather than going to a mass merchant such as Wal-Mart or Target. The cheaper components and heavy steel frame will not hold up for very long. 

Let's Go Bike Riding

Why should you ride a bike? We've posted numerous articles here about fitness and health. There's articles about ways to better your health such as quitting smoking, diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy heart. And the article about the benefits of drinking water has really improved my health personally. We've enjoyed exploring the many ways to take care of our body, but now let's focus in on the main purpose behind the scenes of the Schwinn Bicycle Company and how we can benefit our health by venturing into the exciting world of biking.

 

Schwinn has been an icon in the bicycle industry for over 100 years. Since 1895 Schwinn bicycles have successfully become a part of the American way of life. Schwinn has been the leader in innovation and quality throughout it's existence. Generations have experienced the fun and pride of owning and riding Schwinn bicycles.

Now let's apply the benefits of bike riding to your individual regimens for a fit, healthy and joyful riding experience. Bike riding is a great cardio exercise. No matter where you are in your personal quest for a healthy body, you can benefit from bike riding. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, there is always room for improvement. And you'll be having so much fun doing it that you may forget that it's good for you. 

Just about any physical activity is a step in the right direction. First of all, it is important to be comfortable on the bike when you ride. How the bike fits plays a big part in reaping the benefits of bike riding. A proper fit will result in less strain on the back and shoulders and create an incentive to ride more often.