Your first mountain bike (and every one there after) may be one of the most important purchases you ever make. Finding the right bike is necessary for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your mountain biking excursions. This however, is sometimes easier said than done.

Most mountain bikes are built for men. It is therefore easier for a man to find one with the perfect fit than for a woman. Women are proportioned differently; they are usually smaller in size and have shorter torsos than men (though often with longer legs). When you ride a mountain bike that is not fit properly to your body, you run the risk of sustaining injuries. Some of these injuries include knee problems and back injuries, not to mention the possibility of having an accident.

As more women join the ranks of mountain bikers, some companies have set out to design bicycles made specifically for women and their proportions. The same problems can occur with children. Since children come in such a wide range of sizes, and are constantly growing, it is important to ensure that you find the right fit for your son or daughter and that you purchase a new bike when they outgrow the old.

Before you purchase a bike, make sure that you test it out. This can be difficult in the age of internet sales. However, make sure that if you are purchasing a bicycle online, you find a nearby store where you can try it out before buying it. While you should always have the option to return a bicycle that you have purchased online, it is more of a hassle than just trying it out beforehand.

There are certain things that you should look for to ensure that the bicycle is a perfect "fit". One of the things to look for is the distance between you and the top tube of the bicycle. This should be at least 4 to 6 inches in order to prevent injury in case of an accident. You can tell this by standing above the bicycle and seeing how far your crotch is from the top tube. For women, you will also want to make sure that the length of the top tube does not put you too far away from the front of the bike. This would be very uncomfortable. Another thing to look for is the saddle height.

When you sit on the bicycle, your legs should not be fully extended when you push the peddle to the farthest position. If you are riding on uneven terrain, you will be standing a great deal and may want to lower the seat even further. Lastly, make sure that the handlebars are at a comfortable height. This is cheaper and easier to do when you purchase a new bike as opposed to having it changed out after.

By selecting the correct fit when you purchase a mountain bike, you will ensure that you have the best time possible with the least risk of injury or pain.