The Ultimate Choosing a Mountain Bike Quiz

Bike manufacturers release new models each year, usually in September, which is when bike shops put last year's models on sale.

Another factor to consider is the amount of time you're willing to spend on bike maintenance. Bikes with suspensions and other advanced components have additional opportunities for mechanical failure.

The simplest sizing advice is to never buy a bike until you've taken it for a test ride at your local bike shop. If it needs adjusting, they can help.

Aluminum is a good compromise between weight and cost for intermediate bikers.

Beginners and many intermediate mountain bikers do well with traditional diamond frames.

A basic mountain bike can be upgraded easily as long as the hubs are able to mount disc brakes and the front suspension can be changed. If you want to take your bike for longer rides at some point, mounting spaces for mud flaps and cargo baskets will come in handy.

Each suspension element adds complexity and weight to the bike. Front suspension, also known as a suspension fork, gives you increased control and comfort, without being heavy and complex.

Disc brakes are farther away from the trail than the outside edge of the wheel rim, so they're less likely to pick up mud or water. Moreover, larger discs and calipers are available for more braking power.

The only things that determine an ideal bike saddle are the shape and size of the seat and its proper adjustment.

A sloping top tube is ideal. It provides extra clearance for the rider in the event of a crash.

A mountain bike differs from a road bike by having a smaller, more rugged frame along with wider, knobby tires that can handle muddy tails, rocks, fallen branches and even jumps or steep climbs.

Mountain biking competitions date to the 1970s and 80s.

You'll find the perfect bike for you at the point where your needs and your budget intersect.

Don't buy a low-budget mountain bike at a big box store or online. They may be cheap, but their poor quality is a waste of money. Expect to spend at least $400 for a decent mountain bike.

Low-end bike frames are made of high-tensile steel, which is inexpensive and strong, but very heavy.

Carbon fiber frames are for serious mountain bikers. While extremely light and rigid, carbon fiber is very expensive and prone to impact damage.

Chromoly steel, made using chromium and molybdenum, is lighter and more rigid than high-tensile steel, but costs a bit more.

A bike with a suspension fork (front suspension) but no rear suspension is known as a hardtail.

Many mountain bikers swear by rear suspensions -- in fact, they're the standard for competitive riders.

Most bikes today are made with a raised low pivot (RLP) design, which uses an independent swing arm. There are endless variations on the basic RLP suspension, with each manufacturer developing its own particular type. The unified rear triangle (URT) design common several years ago is now falling out of favor.