If adventure runs through your veins and you want to try something new, fun and interesting, this post if for you. Trail riding is quite enjoyable on its own but try doing it with a dirt bike and you will surely have adrenaline pumping in your bloodstream. After all, riding through woods and over the hills is not something everyone can do.

To aid you in your outdoor adventures, we have compiled a list of the best dirt bikes for trail riding in 2020, ranging from low-budget dirt bikes to high-end models and everything in between. A comprehensive buyers guide is also included for you so stick around and keep on reading.

T​op 7 ​Dirt Bikes For Trail Riding in 2020

1. Coleman CT200U
2. Honda CRF150F
3. Yamaha TTR-230
4. KTM 250 XCF-W
5. Honda CRF250X
6. Yamaha YZ250FX
7. Kawasaki KLX110
   

We have done extensive research and testing to compile this list of the top dirt bikes for trail riding, keeping in mind the needs of both beginners and professionals. Check it out for some of the simplest and affordable ​trail bike models to the most aggressive and high-end ones.

Buyers Guide

If you’re considering buying a ​trail bike, you definitely want to consider the one that is best suited to your needs. There are a number of factors you should consider in this regard and this buyers guide, we have jotted all such considerations at one place to make the buying process much easier for you. So without further ado, here's everything you should look out for when buying yourself a dirt bike for mountain riding.

The Brand

We can't stress about the importance of opting for a reliable and renowned brand no matter what you're buying. However, it's even more crucial when buying a dirt bike since not only your hard-earned money but your safety is also at stake. Choosing to buy from a good brand that has been in the market for long gives you an idea of what to expect in terms of the offered quality, durability, and reliability, etc. Brands like Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and Mongoose are just a few names that have been around for quite a long time and so investing in a bike from such brands is a good idea.

Your Budget

Another important consideration you need to make before stepping out in the market is your budget. Having a solid budget at the back of your mind makes things a lot easier when you go in the market since it limits the range of options available to you, especially since there’s a bewildering variety of dirt bikes out there under different price ranges. There are many dirt bikes under $500 but we suggest keeping a budget of between $1000 to $2000 to purchase a quality model for yourself.

The Frame

As far as the bike itself is concerned, one of the most crucial things is its frame. The bike frame essentially carries every component of the bike along with you so it needs to be extremely durable and strong. A variety of materials are used to construct the frame but the most common ones are steel, aluminum alloy, carbon graphite or an alloy of these. Steel is durable but heavy; aluminum is affordable and easy to work with and carbon fiber offers a high strength to weight ratio. Of course, the material used for the frame varies the entire feel of the bike so choose the one you’re comfortable with. Also, check that the frame is welded in the right points to ensure that it is durable enough to endure anything that comes its way.

The Wheels

The wheels of your bike play an important part in making your entire trail riding experience smoother and enjoyable so they should not be overlooked. Off-road ​trail bikes ​come in a variety of wheel sizes but some of the most popular wheel sizes are 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch. In most ​trail bikes, however, you will find the 29-inch wheel size as it glides smoothly on even surfaces. Other than the size, you also need to ensure that the material used to make the wheels is durable so that you don't have to replace them only after a few biking sessions. The grooves pattern and tread should also be such that increase grip and traction with the surface for hassle-free and safe riding.

Bike Features

The bike features such as the suspensions, brakes, and gearing mechanism are crucial to evaluate the performance of the bike you’re considering buying. Advanced suspensions ensure that the bike remains stable even on rough and uneven surfaces and quality brakes allow you to stop smoothly and instantly in case of emergencies and hence are crucial for your safety as you’re out on the trail.

As far as the suspensions are concerned, dirt mountain bikes can either be rigid, hardtail or dual-suspension but it’s better to go for a dual suspension bike model for dirt or trail riding. However, keep in mind that dual suspension bike may be a bit more expensive than the other two variants so if you have a low budget, a hardtail bike would also do the work. Talking about the brakes, most mountain and dirt bikes are equipped with either rim brakes or disc brakes. Both of these have their own set of pros and cons – rim brakes are cheaper but not reliable under all surface conditions while disc brakes work perfectly on almost every surface condition but are a bit more costly so they increase the overall price of the bike. You should also check out the gearing mechanism and the number of speeds offered by the bike, selecting the one that closely matches your needs.

Conclusion

Going for trail riding with a dirt bike is always fun and adventurous but you should always keep your safety in mind while you're out there. Buying a high-quality dirt bike that is made of good material and has excellent components not only ensures your safety but also paves the way for a comfortable and memorable experience.