Kent Trail Machine Men's Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Review
Kent Trail Machine Men's Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Feature
- Mountain bike with all aluminum slingshot frame
- Equipped with both front and rear suspension for a smooth ride
- Features 21-speed Shimano gearing
- Alloy quick release seat pin for fit adjustments
- All alloy V brakes, rims, and A stem head
Built for trail riding, the Kent 26-inch Trail Machine mountain bike combines high-performance features with an affordable price. The Trail Machine is equipped with a full-suspension aluminum slingshot frame, with individual front and rear suspension systems that absorb shock and create a smooth ride regardless of the terrain. The bike also shifts smoothly from low to high thanks to the 21-speed twist shifters and the Shimano rear derailleur. Other features include alloy V-brakes, an alloy quick-release seat pin for easy adjustments, 36-hold alloy rims, and a stem head.
About Kent Bicycles
A family owned company, Kent Bicycles dates back to the early 1900s, when the current president's grandfather immigrated to the U.S. and got a job working for the owner of a bike shop in New York. In 1909, he opened his own bike shop on the Lower East Side. This small bike shop led to a larger store in New Jersey, where his son developed his own passion for the business. In 1947, the son was inspired to start his own company, Philkam Cycle, supplying bikes and parts to stores all over the eastern United States. In 1958, the company changed its name to Kent International and has been supplying Kent products to fun-loving parents and their children ever since.
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
- Road and Racing Bikes: As a general rule, road and racing bikes are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
- Mountain Bikes: With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
- Comfort/Cruiser Bikes: For tooling around on bike paths or light trails or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
- Entry level: You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
- Mid-range: Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the sweet spot. Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
- High end: Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
- Stand-over Height: To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want 3 to 5 inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between 1 and 1 inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have 2 to 4 inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
- Top Tube Length: You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract 6 inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about 2 inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
- Bikes for Women: Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube. Many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
- Helmet (this is a must!)
- Seat pack
- Lock
- Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
- Spare tubes
- Portable bike pump
- Gloves
Mens Trail Machine 26" 21 speed Shimano bike ~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368) EST., for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information, (or) www.services@kentbicycles.com
