Mountain bikes have taken the world by storm and are now the most common bicycles that you see on the road or off. Even people who just want a bike for casual use have found that the most comfortable and versatile bikes are mountain bikes.

When you walk into the bicycle shop, you might be confused by the enormous range of mountain bikes you can choose from. You can buy bikes made by the major bicycle manufacturers or you can buy brands that specialize only in MBs. Some very successful companies make only mountain bikes designed for serious riders. Diamondback bikes, for instance, came out of nowhere and is now known for its high quality BMX and mountain bikes.

The quality of these bikes is reflected in their price tags. The most expensive ones feature aluminum or even carbon fiber frames and are as light as a feather. They have the most advanced gearing and breaking systems and offer virtually flawless stopping power and can shift gears smoothly under any conditions. While you may not need one of these dream bikes, if you can afford one, you will love it.

You can choose between bikes that have no suspension or those that have either front suspension or full suspension. Generally, the more suspension a bike has, the higher the price tag. However, since full suspension ones are so popular, you can find some that are very cheap.

If you already have a mountain bike and are buying mountain bike accessories, there are plenty to choose from. There are clever speedometers and odometers that are both lightweight and easy to read. It's always a good idea to have at least a rear light on your bike. These usually flash rapidly to bring your presence on the road to the attention of passing motorists.

If muscle growth is one of your fitness goals, mountain biking is good for more than making your legs bigger and stronger. When you're pulling hard, you are using your whole body and strengthening and toning virtually every muscle in your body. It's actually amazing how much of an all over workout a hard ride can give you.

If you are seriously considering riding a mountain bike for fitness, you're better off buying at least a middle priced bike. The cheaper ones are best for cruising, but you can really put the more expensive bikes to the test.

Dollar for dollar, there is probably no better fitness investment you can make than an investment in a mountain bike. The initial cash outlay may be greater than for other fitness gear, but you will find that you will want to ride your bike all the time. It's a fun way to get fit and a fun way to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, too.