At first glance, mountain biking can look like a forbiddingly expensive sport. Video clips show riders on carbon fiber, full-suspension dream machines slaloming through trees and hucking over gap jumps. A top-level bike with bleeding edge technology can run you $10,000 or more. But you can have a surprising amount of fun on a bike that won't break the bank. The same technology powering the most expensive bikes is steadily improving the quality of the bikes you can actually afford. And if you're spending about $1,000, you're looking at high-quality bikes built to excel on serious trails, says James Winchester, a veteran product manager at Haro Bikes. Here's what you need to know to find a quality ride that will still leave you with some cash for post-ride beers. Know Where You Want to RideAre you planning to ride in the dirt paths, or do you want sinewy singletrack and obstacles? If you want a sturdy bike for getting around town and rail trails, a mountain bike may not be the right bike.

Instead, Winchester suggests a dual sport bike like the Trek 8.4 DS or the Haro Astoria. Similar to hybrids, these bikes are adept at cruising pavement as well as dirt roads and hard-packed paths. If singletrack is your goal, look at aluminum bikes with a front suspension fork. There's a significant improvement in quality between $1,000 and a bike in the $500 range, says Bruce Davis, owner of Hazards Cyclesport in Santa Barbara, California. The brakes, gearing, and suspension, in particular, will be higher quality and last longer. Look for hydraulic brakes, they offer better control on the trail. Winchester also recommends paying close attention to the suspension and gearing, because they are hard to upgrade later. The Jamis Durango 29 Comp, $750 Visit Your Local ShopBuying online or from a big-box store might seem cheaper, but going to a shop that specializes in selling bikes will spare you headaches and save you money in the long-run. They'll explain how to adjust your suspension fork and they'll be there to help you pick out your next pair of tires.

If you're riding on dirt regularly, you'll eventually need replacement parts. "At a bike shop, you're dealing with people who actually ride and will help you because they want you to have that same great experience," says Davis. "They're not also selling you 50 pounds of Tide."red wing boots fayetteville nc Pick Your WheelsizeMost new bikes are going to have either 29- or 27.5-inch wheels, instead of the older 26-inch standard. motorcycle dealerships in the bronx“If fast is the goal, then a 29er is usually the best bike," Winchester says of the wheelsize difference. abercrombie motorcycle jacket"The larger wheel is better for rolling over obstacles." motorcycle trailer rental rochester mn

A 27.5 bike is ideal for harder trails where traction and cornering are more important than speed. Do you have plans to compete in a cross-country race or an XTerra? You might want to take a closer look at the 29er. Are you planning to tear around your local trails? The 27.5 bike might be the way to go. Also, shorter riders tend to be more comfortable on the smaller wheel. But like any rule, there are exceptions and this is where the value of a good shop comes in. They'll be able to point you toward bikes that will fit the trails you're planning to ride and the adventures you have in mind. At the end the end of the day, the bike needs to feel right to you. Davis suggests keeping it simple. "Ride both sizes and decide which you like. If you ride it and it feels right, it's the right bike." Save Money for AccessoriesIf you're buying your first mountain bike, make sure you have enough cash on hand to pick up essentials. "It's not just the bike, it's the helmet, shoes, and shorts," Winchester says.

Padded shorts and gloves will keep you more comfortable in rough terrain. You may also want the increased efficiency of Shimano SPD-style pedals. A basic pair of pedals and shoes will cost around $100. Finally, pick up a seatbag with a key tool to fix flat tires and minor mechanicals. A spare tube, tire levers, mini-pump, and multi-tool will make sure your bike ride doesn't turn into a hike. Ask Nicely for DiscountsThe margins on mountain bikes are pretty thin for shops, so Davis says not to expect much wiggle room on the bike's price. You can ask, but don't be surprised if the answer is no. The shop may be more willing to help you with accessories. "When a customer asks about discounts, we usually point out the extras that come with buying from a shop, like the professional build," Davis says. "But sometimes we'll offer discounts on accessories or throw in a free thing or two." The Cannondale Trail 4, $980 Click and drag the map to choose a new location Will ship within country

Will ship within continentBMX Legend Ryan Nyquist joins Haro’s mountain bike team Long time Haro BMX superstar expands team role to dirt jump duties By Gregg Kato   February 04, 2016 That cycling legend Ryan Nyquist is a long time rider for Haro’s BMX team is something that you probably already know. And you may also know that Nyquist dabbed in some mountain bike events last year, just for fun. Announced today, Nyquist has committed to a full competitive schedule for 2016 in MTB along with BMX as a dual-sport athlete. Nyquist explains this exciting change himself, “I’ve been riding and competing in BMX for over 20 years and I still love it just as much today and I did when I started. But for me, riding has always been about pushing myself to achieve new goals, and MTB is another way to challenge myself and progress my riding.” Check out this highlight reel of Ryan as he talks about “flipping the switch” between his BMX and his DJ. And yeah, he goes huge on both:

Nyquist’s participation in select 2015 dirt jump events piqued his interest because of both the similarities and differences between the two disciplines. And he is in no form or fashion giving up on the BMX scene. Haro’s COO Joe Hawks says, “When you think BMX you think Ryan Nyquist, and that’s never going to change. But if he’s looking for an extra challenge, we’re thrilled to have him involved in just another branch of the family with Haro MTB. We know he’ll bring the same excitement to the MTB world that he still does today on the BMX side.” If you are somehow unfamiliar with the name Ryan Nyquist, he started riding at the age of three and competed in his first BMX freestyle competition when he was 16. When he was 18, Nyquist competed in his first X Games and by 2003 Nyquist had won every major dirt competition – X Games, Gravity Games, Vans Triple Crown, and the King of Dirt. This year marks his 20th year with Haro BMX and his legend continues to grow today.