What Type Of Mountain Bike Do I Need

It is important to know what type of mountain bike you need before you buy one. There are many different types of mountain bikes and they vary in price, weight, and style. The type of mountain bike you need will depend on your personal preference and the terrain you plan on riding.

The terrain that the rider plans on riding will determine what type of bike they should invest in. A rider who plans on riding mostly downhill would want a more aggressive bike with a lot of suspension. A rider who plans on doing a lot of cross-country would want a lighter bike with less suspension as it would be easier to pedal uphill and over obstacles.

How do I know what type of mountain bike to buy?

Mountain Bike Features. Suspension type and wheel diameter are two key attributes that determine the type of terrain a bike is capable of handling. You’ll also want to consider things like frame material, number of gears and type of brakes as you narrow down your bike choice.^[1]

What is the difference between different types of mountain bikes?

There are two main categories of mountain bikes: hardtails and full-suspension bikes. Hardtails do not have a rear shock and have either a suspension fork or a rigid fork. Full-suspension bikes are defined by having both front and rear suspension.^[2]

Which MTB is best for beginners?

Ragley Marley 1.0. Playful hardtail that can take on any trail. Orbea Laufey H30. Aggressive hardtail for trail shredding. Vitus Escarpe 29 CR. Commencal Meta HT AM Origin. Specialized Chisel Comp. Cannondale Habit 4. Vitus Sentier 29 VR. Trek Roscoe 8.^[3]

Do I really need a full-suspension mountain bike?

Mountain bikers carrying some injury tension will always be more comfortable on a full-suspension bike on any terrain. For those riders who are healthier, wish to develop their skills, and explore more demanding trails, the full-suspension mountain bike is a much safer passage to progression.^[4]

What is the difference between trail and all mountain bike?

All-mountain bikes have slightly more suspension travel than trail bikes, ranging from 5.5″/140mm to 6.7″/180mm. Geometry strongly favors descending to climbing. Head angles in the 65°- 67° range can require some finesse when it comes to steep climbs.^[5]

What is a hardtail bike?

Hardtail mountain bikes With the lack of a rear shock, a hardtail gets its name from a rigid rear end. Like their full-suspension counterparts, hardtails are for off-road use and are typically cheaper and lighter than dual suspension bikes.^[6]

Can I use a hardtail for downhill?

Can you ride a hardtail downhill? Yes, you absolutely can ride a hardtail downhill. You’ll feel every bump your back tire hits but you can sure do it. In fact, many riders will ride a hardtail bike downhill to force themselves to learn how to pick a better path.^[7]

What’s the difference between trail and enduro mountain bikes?

The key difference is that trail bikes have slightly less suspension travel 130-150mm, whereas enduro bikes have 150-200mm of travel. Trail bikes are lighter weight and have steeper/shorter geometry than enduro bikes. Whereas enduro bikes have slack geometry and big suspension for going fast downhills.^[8]

What are full-suspension mountain bikes used for?

You want a more comfortable ride: A full-suspension mountain bike will soak up most of the jarring bumps that would otherwise be sent to your body (and in some cases, buck you off your bike). This can help reduce fatigue, which in turn can allow you to ride faster, for longer, with greater comfort.^[9]

Is a hardtail mountain bike good for beginners?

Beginners are often told to start on a hardtail mountain bike — a bike with a suspension fork on the front and a rigid rear end. Because there is no rear suspension, hardtails are often more affordable. They’re also easier to maintain because they have fewer moving parts.^[10]

How much is a good entry level mountain bike?

You can purchase a good mountain bike for between $599 and $1,100. Of course, the value depends on what type of riding you’re looking to do. If you expect especially rough terrain or steep climbs, it’s worth spending some extra cash on getting higher quality components suited to those riding conditions.^[11]

Are hardtails better for climbing?

If you are only climbing fire roads and smooth single track, I would stick with a hardtail. If you like any sort of technical climbing or climb on loose terrain go for the full suspension. Of course, geometry, bike weight, tires, tire pressure, amount of travel will all play into the final feel of the bike.^[12]