Choosing the right mountain bike is a big decision.
There are loads of parts that go into mountain bikes, and different types of mountain bikes can offer completely different experiences. Mountain bikes are also a big investment, and you don’t want to waste money on a bike that doesn’t suit you.
Choose the right bike, and offroad riding is a dream. Choose the wrong bike, and your mountain biking experience won’t be nearly as much fun.
To help you save money and make the right choices, we’ve broken down everything you need to know when choosing the right mountain bike. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll know exactly what bike is best for you!
- How to Choose a Mountain Bike: 4 Key Considerations
- 9 Tips for Buying a Mountain Bike
- Types Of Mountain Bikes
How to Choose a Mountain Bike: 4 Key Considerations
There’s a lot to consider when buying a mountain bike.
Before we get into the finer details, let’s first cover a few essential elements.
Where Do You Plan to Ride?
It’s crucial to determine the type of trails and terrain you plan to ride on, as this will help you choose the right category of mountain bike – such as lightweight cross-country bikes or robust downhill race bikes. We will dive into each category in more detail later.
What Type of Suspension Do You Need?
When choosing a mountain bike, one of the first things to consider is whether you want a hardtail or full-suspension bike.
When choosing between a hardtail and a full-suspension mountain bike, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of riding you plan to do.
A hardtail bike has a suspension fork at the front, while a full-suspension bike includes both a front and rear suspension. Hardtails tend to be more budget-friendly and require less maintenance, while a full-suspension bike will be more capable on rough trails.
Hardtails also tend to excel in climbing due to the direct connection from the crank to the axle, providing a more efficient response to pedalling. Consider your budget, riding style, and maintenance preferences to determine which type of bike is best for you.
When considering a mountain bike as a beginner, some experts recommend a hardtail bike for learning the importance of line choice. These bikes typically have a more conservative geometry and basic components, while more advanced “hardcore hardtail” options have a longer and slacker geometry and more durable parts to handle rough terrain.
Full-suspension bikes excel in rough terrain and technical trails, so if that is what you envision riding, you may want to consider one.
It’s also worth researching different rear suspension designs to understand the different options and how they work. However, most rear suspension designs work well and choosing a bike based on its linkage is less important unless you are looking for a specific ride characteristic.
How Much Suspension Do You Need?
Once you’ve established what type of suspension setup you’ll go for, the next step is to figure out how much suspension travel you need.
Less suspension travel usually results in a lighter and faster bike for climbing, while more travel improves downhill capability. For beginners who want to try a bit of everything, a mid-travel trail bike is a good all-around option.
Here is a general guide to the different categories of mountain bikes based on suspension travel:
- 60-110mm: Cross-country race bike, excels at fast-flowing, smooth trails and climbing
- 110-130mm: Cross-country/trail bike, excels at covering distance quickly on man-made loops and less rocky natural routes
- 130-160mm: Trail bike, excels on more technical tracks with some bigger features and is equally capable uphill and downhill
- 160-180mm: Enduro bike, excels on steep, gnarly off-piste trails, rocky tech and bike park tracks but sacrifices some pedalling efficiency
- 180-200mm: Downhill race bike, excels at descending on the fastest and roughest trails, not meant for pedaling uphill.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and specific bike models may vary.
What’s Your Budget?
Mountain bikes can range massively in price. As is the case with most types of outdoor and adventure gear, you get what you pay for.
Before looking into the tiny details of each mountain bike, start by establishing what price category you’re happy to spend in. Once you’ve figured out your budget, you can start to prioritize features on the bike.
Planning your budget when choosing a mountain bike helps you narrow down the options and ensures that you are not overspending or purchasing a bike that may not meet your needs. A budget will help you to prioritize the features and components that are most important to you and make sure that you are getting the best value for your money.
9 Tips for Buying a Mountain Bike
Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can get into the fun details. Here are some important tips to follow and things to keep in mind when choosing your mountain bike.
1. Choose the Right Frame Size
When choosing a mountain bike, the most important factor to consider is the frame size.
However, it’s important not to rely solely on the stated size as there is no standardized measurement across brands. A large size from one brand may match a medium from another brand.
Instead, ensure that the bike is the right fit for you by looking at the reach and stack measurements, which indicate the distance from the saddle to the handlebars and the distance from the centre of the crank to the mid-head tube.
It’s also important to consider the standover clearance, which is the distance between the top tube and the ground when the bike is standing upright. A good standover clearance is around 2 centimetres, but make sure that you can still achieve full pedalling height without overextending the seat post. Additionally, 29ers have taller fronts and the riding position can be adjusted with alternative stems, bars, and seat posts.
2. Choose the Right Wheel Size
The choice of wheel diameter for a mountain bike is typically between 27.5 inches (650b) for aggressive trail and downhill riding or 29 inches for cross-country and trail riding. However, recent developments such as wide-rimmed plus sizes and the use of 29-inch wheels for downhill riding are complicating the decision.
While 29-inch wheels are becoming more popular for their strength, stiffness, and lightness, the choice largely depends on your preferred riding style.
Larger wheels are better for covering long distances, while smaller, stronger wheels are better for technical trails. Plus sizes can be beneficial for hardtail bikes but they require careful tire pressure management and their long-term popularity is uncertain.
3. Suspension Quality is Super Important
Suspension plays one of the biggest roles in the overall comfort experience your mountain bike offers. So, look into the suspension system carefully.
When researching a mountain bike, it’s important to check reviews of the forks and shocks on the bike you are considering. Use the manufacturer’s website to find the specific models used.
Keep in mind that the original equipment (OE) units on a bike can be a lower spec than similar aftermarket options. Quality damping and a good air spring are more important than a larger amount of travel.
4. Don’t Forget the Brakes
When choosing the right mountain bike, it is seriously important to consider the type of brakes on the bike. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating the brakes:
- Type of brake: The two main types of brakes on mountain bikes are disc brakes and rim brakes. Disc brakes are more powerful and consistent in wet and muddy conditions, while rim brakes are lighter and less expensive.
- Brake pad material: Different brake pads are made of different materials, such as organic, metal and ceramic. Organic pads are the most common and are good for general use. Metal pads are good for heavy use, and ceramic pads are good for high-performance riding.
- Rotor size: The rotor size is the diameter of the disc that the brake pad rubs against. Larger rotors provide more stopping power and are better for high-speed descents and technical terrain.
- Brake Lever: Look for brake levers that are easy to use and adjust, with a comfortable feel and good control.
- Adjustability: It’s important to be able to adjust the brake pads for wear and to centre the rotor between the pads.
- Brand reputation: Research the brand of the brake system and look for customer reviews to ensure that the brakes are reliable and have a good reputation.
Ultimately, the brake system you choose should be able to provide enough stopping power to handle the types of terrain and riding conditions you will encounter while still being easy to use and maintain.
5. Pay Attention to the Gears
Just like it’s important that your bike stops, it’s equally important that it can pedal efficiently! Pay close attention to the bike’s gear system, as this plays a major role in how the mountain bike performs.
When choosing a mountain bike, there are a few things to consider when it comes to gears:
- Number of gears: The number of gears on a mountain bike can vary, but most have between 8-12 gears in the rear cassette and 1-3 chainrings in the front. If you plan on riding on a variety of terrain, including steep inclines and descents, more gears will give you more options for finding the right gear for the terrain.
- Gear ratio: The gear ratio refers to the relationship between the number of teeth on the front chainring and the rear cassette. A bike with a wider gear ratio will have more gears and will provide more options for different terrains, but will also be heavier.
- Shifters: Look for quality shifters that are easy to use and provide smooth and precise shifting.
- Drivetrain: Look for a reliable drivetrain that is easy to maintain and can handle the demands of off-road riding.
- Chain: Look for a durable chain that will stand up to the wear and tear of off-road riding.
- Crankset: Look for a crankset that is strong, durable and easy to maintain.
- Pedals: Consider whether you want to use flat or clipless pedals, depending on your riding style and preference.
6. Focus on the Basics
When choosing a mountain bike, don’t get caught up on the gadgets and small details. Make sure you have a bike that offers solid essentials – you can always upgrade the small parts later.
For example, when evaluating a mountain bike, it is important to consider the entire drivetrain and not just focus on the rear derailleur. While a quality derailleur is important, the shifters, cranksets, and chainrings are also crucial to the overall performance of the drivetrain.
Keep in mind that lower-spec components are heavier and less durable, and may not be worth paying a premium for. It’s also good to consider the brand’s reputation and the quality of the components.
7. Strength, Not Weight
When it comes to mountain biking, strength is more important than weight.
On rough off-road terrain, a lightweight but flimsy bike can decrease steering accuracy, cornering, and confidence, ultimately slowing you down. It’s better to have a slightly heavier bike that can handle unexpected obstacles such as rocks, roots, and ruts, rather than risking damage to your bike.
A sturdy bike will also help you maintain your speed and avoid ending up in the hedge. So, don’t get caught up in the idea of lightweight bikes. Rather, focus on the durability of the bike.
8. Don’t Blow Your Budget at Once
You’ll want to buy a few extra bits and pieces after purchasing your mountain bike. When mountain biking, it is important to have the right gear in order to stay safe and improve performance. So, try not to spend your entire budget on your bike.
Save some money for things like:
- A dedicated trail helmet that offers increased coverage, durable construction, and a peak
- A backpack, glasses, and mountain biking shoes
- For flat pedals, sticky shoes are recommended, or you can use mountain bike-specific shoes, cleats, and clipless pedals
- Tires that match the terrain and have better compounds and beads than the original equipment (OE)
- You may want to adjust your bike’s gearing and customize the shape and size of your handlebars for improved performance
These upgrades will enhance your overall mountain biking experience in a big way. Besides a helmet, you don’t have to get all of this done at once. However, setting aside a budget for upgrades could help you get a much higher-quality mountain bike.
9. Consider the Brand
Choosing the right brand when buying a mountain bike is important for several reasons.
- Reputation: A reputable brand is more likely to produce high-quality and reliable bikes. They have a history of producing good products and are held to a higher standard by consumers.
- Support and warranty: Buying from a reputable brand ensures that you will have access to customer support and a warranty. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you can get help if anything goes wrong with your bike.
- Innovation and development: Reputable brands are often at the forefront of new technologies and advancements in the industry. They invest in research and development and are constantly looking for ways to improve their products.
- Resale value: Bikes from reputable brands tend to hold their value better than those from lesser-known brands. This is an important consideration if you plan on selling your bike in the future.
- Availability of spare parts and accessories: Reputable brands usually have a good range of easily accessible spare parts and accessories.
- Brand Loyalty: Some people prefer to stick to a brand they know and trust, and this loyalty can be built on the quality of the products and the overall experience of owning a bike from that brand.
Types Of Mountain Bikes
We’ve covered pretty much everything you need to know when buying a mountain bike. However, there’s still the important topic of what kind of bike to choose.
Let’s break down the different mountain bike categories.
Cross-Country (XC) Mountain Bike
A cross-country (XC) mountain bike is designed for long-distance riding on a variety of terrain, including dirt roads, gravel paths, and singletrack trails. These bikes are lightweight, efficient, and built to cover a lot of ground quickly, while still being able to handle some technical terrain.
They typically have around 80-100mm of suspension travel, which is enough to soak up small bumps and vibrations, but not enough to handle very technical or downhill sections.
Cross-country bikes are designed for climbing, endurance, and efficiency. They often have 29-inch wheels, which provide a smoother ride and better-rolling resistance over the terrain. They are mostly used by recreational riders, racers and endurance riders.
Trail Mountain Bike
A trail mountain bike is designed for a wide range of terrain, from smooth fire roads to rugged singletrack trails. They are versatile and can handle a variety of conditions and riding styles.
These bikes typically have around 120-140mm of suspension travel, which is enough to handle more technical terrain and bigger drops, while still being efficient enough for climbing. They often have a balanced geometry that allows for both efficient pedalling and stable descending.
Trail bikes typically have 27.5-inch wheels, which provide a good balance of speed and manoeuvrability. They are versatile enough for most riders and can be used for recreational riding, racing and all-around use. They are designed to be fun, playful and able to handle any terrain.
Downcountry Mountain Bike
A downcountry bike, also known as a “lightweight enduro” or “enduro lite” bike, is a relatively new category of mountain bike that combines elements of cross-country and enduro bikes.
These bikes have a focus on climbing efficiency and weight savings, like a cross-country bike, but also have more suspension travel and more aggressive geometry for descending, like an enduro bike.
They typically have around 110-130mm of suspension travel, which is enough to handle technical terrain and some drops, but still light enough for efficient climbing. They are designed to be efficient on the climbs, but also able to handle the descents with confidence.
Downcountry bikes often have a balanced geometry that allows for both efficient pedalling and stable descending. They usually have 27.5-inch wheels and the tire width is usually between 2.2 and 2.4 inches.
These bikes are perfect for riders who want a bike that can handle a mix of terrain, including technical descents, but also want to be able to climb efficiently.
Enduro Mountain Bike
An enduro mountain bike is designed for aggressive downhill riding and technical terrain.
These bikes typically have around 160-180mm of suspension travel, which is enough to handle large drops and rugged terrain. They have slack geometry that allows for stability at high speeds, and they are built to be strong and durable enough to handle the demands of big descents.
Enduro bikes often have a more aggressive suspension design that prioritizes descending performance over climbing efficiency. They usually have 27.5-inch wheels, and they come with a wider tire width of 2.3-2.5 inches.
They are built to be able to handle the most demanding downhills and have a geometry that prioritizes descending stability over climbing efficiency. They are perfect for riders who want to go hard on the descents and tackle the most challenging terrain.
Downhill Mountain Bike
A downhill mountain bike is designed specifically for high-speed, technical downhill riding on steep, rugged terrain.
These bikes have the most suspension travel, typically around 180-200mm, and are built to handle the biggest drops and jumps. They have a very slack geometry, which allows for stability at high speeds and in rough terrain. Downhill bikes are also built to be very strong and durable, to withstand the demands of heavy use on rough downhill tracks.
They typically have 26-inch wheels, which are stronger and more stable than larger wheels, and they come with a wide tire width of 2.5 inches or more.
Downhill mountain bikes are heavy and, as their name suggests, not designed for uphill riding. They are mostly used by professional racers or recreational riders who ride bike parks or on lift-assisted mountain biking.
Electric Mountain Bike
An electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is equipped with an electric motor and battery. The motor assists the rider while pedalling, making the bike more efficient and helping to tackle steep inclines or long distances.
E-MTBs come in different styles, including cross-country, trail, enduro and downhill bikes. They typically have similar geometry, suspension travel and wheel size as their non-electric counterparts. They are built to handle the demands of off-road riding and can be ridden on a variety of terrain.
The electric assist can be adjusted to the rider’s preference and can be turned off when not needed. They are perfect for riders who want to tackle steep inclines, longer rides or simply want to make the ride easier. They are also perfect for riders who want to enjoy the benefits of cycling without physical strain.
Summary
There are so many different parts, features, and functions involved in mountain biking. If you don’t understand these elements, choosing the right bike can be totally overwhelming.
Follow the tips and considerations above to ensure you make informed decisions based on your needs. This will help you choose the right bike for your riding style and experience while avoiding wasting money on parts that won’t suit you.
Got any mountain biking questions? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy biking!