Below is a quick summary of what to expect based on the “categories” we detail above. And it’s all backed up by REI’s excellent warranty—something you definitely don’t get from the Targets and Walmarts of the world. Mountain biking is an enjoyable sport. However, in recent years bike companies have made significant progress in bike designs, and it’s not uncommon to find riders in the 5’3” range sporting this wheel size. Mountain Bike Comparison: XC vs Enduro vs Trail Bikes Explained. So, while the Remedy certainty isn’t light at about 32 pounds, it’s one of the more capable mountain bikes in its $3,300 price range. Traction. Finally, e-mountain bikes are on extreme heavy end of the spectrum—their batteries and complex motors push them near 50 pounds. Some mountain bikes only have a single gear, while others have more than 30. To start, weight corresponds with the categories above. Weight. In the end, it often comes down to budget: carbon has plenty of advantages but it’s a hard sell if you’re only dabbling in the sport. While we rank the Trek Remedy 7 above it due to a big price gap, the Bronson gets the clear nod when it’s time to go downhill. Reviews are a great way to find out specifics about a particular model of mountain bike, user impressions, and things to watch out for or to upgrade right off the bat. And while that’s still true in some cases—especially on the budget end of the spectrum—many quality brands make women’s-specific designs with retuned suspensions, handlebars that are narrower with smaller-diameter grips, and reshaped frames. Want to delve into a bike a bit more? Category: Fat bikeFrame: AluminumSuspension: NoneTires: 26 x 4.8 in.What we like: Great flotation in snow; quality components at an excellent value.What we don’t: Pricier alternatives like the Salsa Beargrease are much lighter and faster. Sporting 150-millimeters front and 130-millimeters rear travel, it falls in between the trail and more serious all-mountain categories, but its progressive geometry and plush suspension mean it’s planted and composed when tackling steep, technical trails. Shop for Mountain bikes at MEC. Because of their priorities, these types of bikes are all but impossible to pedal comfortably uphill and usually require a car ride or lift to get you to the top of the trail. Consumer-direct brands like YT Industries, Canyon, and Commencal are popular in other parts of the world but are still gaining a footing in the U.S. Attack angle. No matter if you are on a rough surface, it absorbs the shock for comfort. Smooth-operating 1 x 12 drivetrains, quality suspension components from Fox or RockShox, and mostly name-brand parts should be the norm. The bike has been updated for 2020 with a host of improvements that set it apart: its platform still is based on the excellent Stumpjumper full-suspension bike, but its electronics have seen a nice upgrade with a more powerful battery and motor. See more posts about Bikes. (rear)What we like: Well-rounded e-bike with a strong, long-lasting battery and refined downhill performance.What we don’t: Heavy, expensive, and many trail systems don’t allow e-bikes (yet). Other Top Brands. Niner Jet 9 . All in all, if your riding style is heavily focused on descending but you still need to pedal to the top, this type of bike is what we recommend. 1. Good. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. This off-road fat tire mountain bike has fat tires to ride the countryside like a pro. All-mountain and enduro bikes put a strong emphasis on descending, much more so than the trail category above. Get inspired gear, informed advice, 100s of brands – all backed by our Rocksolid Guarantee. And similar to other major brands on the list, Kona offers a lifetime warranty on all bike frames produced after 2009. You’ll also see a drop in weight on high-end bikes when manufacturers utilize carbon fiber frames rather than aluminum. Although $5,000 is unquestionably a lot of money to spend, if you’re set on carbon, be aware that you’ll still be only getting mid-range components in most cases. The bikes listed above are the latest and greatest in their respective categories, but purchasing a used model is a great way to save and cut down on waste. … Best Mountain Bike 2020 1. Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes. The German-based manufacturer is the best-known direct-to-consumer company that forgoes the middleman (bike shops) and allows shoppers to purchase directly from their website. Trek Powerfly 5 ($4,199) 7. This makes them a popular choice for riders looking to extend their season into the winter or adventurous types that want to cover ground in remote areas. Best Overall Mountain Bike 1. If you’re new to mountain biking and plan to ride on steep terrain, it’s best to choose a women’s mountain bike with more gears. Fat bikes, which are easily identified by their very large and voluminous tires, can float over soft trail conditions like snow and sand. This gives the Timberjack excellent versatility for hauling you up extended climbs and over variable terrain. Both the Roubion or Bronson are expensive, but the build quality, well-sorted suspension designs, and attention to detail earn them a spot here.... Read in-depth reviewSee the Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon S  See the Women's Juliana Roubion Carbon S. Category: TrailFrame: AluminumSuspension: 130mm (front) 115mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.3 in.What we like: Fantastic price for a fun and snappy trail design.What we don’t: Less capable than the similarly priced YT Jeffsy above. Search and compare price, suspension and components on thousands of mountain bikes. Choose from Sport Chek’s mountain biking collection including hard-tail and full-suspension models. Your bike might cost more than your car (we’ve been there), but it’s a dream machine. Sub-$600 mountain bikes may conjure up images of cut-rate big-box-store specials, but REI’s Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 packs a surprisingly good punch. The best cheap mountain bikes; It’s possible to get a well made, off-road capable machine from around £400 / €450 / $520 , but there are certain caveats. 9 ème. (rear)What we like: It’s a big-wheeled beast with a fantastic rear suspension that soaks up bumps.What we don’t: Very expensive and overkill for mellow trails. Trek Procaliber 9.7 ($3,999) 8. Traditionally, cross-country bikes have been focused on one thing: maximum efficiency to get you across the finish line as quickly as possible. These rides are so sweet they will have Mom and Dad jealous! That said, the burly construction and wide tires mean the bike isn’t as flickable and fast as a dedicated cross-country design. Before you Google it, yes, full suspension bikes also have a fork in the front, but work differently. Connecticut-based Cannondale may be better known for their top-of-the-line road, gravel, and mountain bikes, but their entry-level Cujo 2 27.5+ hardtail is worth a serious look. Find more SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike (27.5") information and reviews here. Finally, compared to 29ers, 27.5s are typically a better choice for smaller riders (especially those 5’2” and under): they’re less cumbersome, provide a better overall fit, and are offer greater control. While there are many different disciplines to choose from, arguably the three most popular categories are XC (cross country), Trail and Enduro. Views: What is this? Now we’re into the holy grail of price categories among mountain bikes. Cross-Country Bikes: It comes with a mechanical lockout damping. Just as importantly, it’s a surprisingly efficient climber and has a very light and playful personality that’s a ton of fun on flowy and smooth sections (unlike some burly bikes, it’s not overkill on easier terrain). Different bike companies have different warranties. XC bikes can be found in just about every price point from under $500 for the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 to premium carbon racing designs costing $5,000+. 29er Hardtail Electric Mountain Bike Reviews Hub Motor Electric Bike Reviews A value-priced hardtail cross country style electric mountain bike with 9-speed SRAM 11-34 tooth cassette, plus sized tires, higher top speed of 28 mph, super-responsive torque + cadence sensing bottom bracket, quiet motor, and trigger throttle that overrides assist for full power. 77 Mountain Folding Bicycle 26 inch Wheel, Weight: 16 kg, Speed: 26 Speed, Frame: 17 inch, 30 mm Rim Wheel, Suspension Front Fork, Disk Brake, Sealed Center Shaft, Color: Black, Navy Blue, Yellow New Speed You do pay a premium for the Specialized logo, but the Stumpjumper’s expansive selection and proven performance make it a favorite year after year.See the Specialized Stumpjumper ST  See the Women's Specialized Stumpjumper ST. Category: All-mountainFrame: AluminumSuspension: 150mm (front) 150mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.4 in.What we like: Awesome price considering the spec package and capabilities.What we don’t: Consumer-direct customer support can be lacking. Comparison Table - Best Mountain Bike Tires; Reviews - The Best Tires for Mountain Biking. It’s also the only “plus” bike to make our article, featuring 2.8-inch-wide tires that deliver a supple ride over chattery singletrack and provide almost endless amounts of traction on off-camber roots and through sandy corners. Adjusting a mountain bike’s gears allows you to control the effort required for pedaling. The next important piece is the bike’s assembly. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can... Santa Cruz is known for making some of the best bikes in the industry, and their attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship are second to none. 2021 Kona Shonky Bike. Why do we rank the Cujo below the aforementioned Timberjack and Mahuna? The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 listed above may take the cake when it comes to price, but the Mahuna will ride all over it once the trail gets bumpy and rough. Here our top pick, Mongoose bike reviews could help to save you time and energy from being tired. Search for mountain bikes that you'd like to compare. When your junior shred-head is ready to tackle some legitimate trail, best outfit them with a bike that’s just as capable as they are. The Bronson gobbles up technical trails, and it sports thoughtful frame features like a built-in shuttle guard protector on the downtube and a little mud guard on the rear shock. For beginners, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a seamless biking experience. Take test rides: As you consider 27.5 and 29 in. Easily one of the most recognizable names in mountain biking, Specialized revamped their legendary Stumpjumper last year. Better. The Bronson line made its debut all the way back in... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. Among the design options, we wholeheartedly recommend sticking with a quality hardtail over a full-suspension bike. Marin Nail Trail E1 Mountain Bike at a Glance: Frame: Aluminum; Fork: RockShox Recon RL, 140mm; Rear Suspension: N/A; Gears: Shimano Deore 1×10; Motor: Shimano … For riders committing to the sport and planning to tackle steeper terrain, we consider a 1X set-up to be a worthy upgrade (in fact, all but the cheap Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 on our list use this style). Whether you need racing bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes etc, Trek has it. Their aggressive builds help to smooth out very rough trails and enable the rider to carry more speed down technical sections (a plus for enduro racing). Comparison Mountain Bikes : Best choice Bike . Category: EnduroFrame: CarbonSuspension: 160mm (front) 160mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.5 in. At the lower end of this price spectrum, we still advise a hardtail. Warranties Search for mountain bikes that you'd like to compare. Their Timberjack XT 29 hardtail is a case in point with its well-thought-out spec package and adaptable design. For the most part, the weight decreases are due to nicer components like the drivetrain, suspension fork, and wheels. Riders wanting an all-mountain rig that’s a little more versatile should check out the latest Ibis Ripmo. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. Reviews and ratings, comparisons, weight, specs, prices, and more. First is that the rider can release from the bike instantly and the rider can put a foot down or jump away from the bike when needed. Travel: 80mm to 100mm, Trail Bikes: The current offerings reach as high as $7,500 for the carbon-everything “9.9,” but we can’t help but prefer the price-conscious “7.” It’s a real bruiser packing a durable aluminum frame and all-mountain-ready suspension (160mm front and 150mm rear travel). For committed cyclists, that’s a pretty convincing list of performance advantages. And with the premium price, you’re getting some nice extras, including a lifetime guarantee against defects on the frame and a crash replacement warranty where they’ll offer you discounted replacement parts. eMTB Reviews #1 Marin Nail Trail E1 Mountain Bike. And, perhaps most importantly, are you comfortable choosing the right size and style of bike without taking a test spin? Latest deals 5. I spent the last few months aboard... For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. There also are women’s-only bike brands, including Juliana (Santa Cruz’s sister brand) and Liv (Giant). Category: TrailFrame: Carbon fiberSuspension: 130mm (front) 120mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.35 in.What we like: Fast and responsive on the trail, modern geometry, and a competitive price.What we don’t: Those tackling rowdy descents likely will want a little more bike. Nothing is more helpful than what real people think about a bike. When buying a new mountain bike, one of the most commonly asked questions is: should I buy a hardtail (suspension fork only at the front) or full-suspension (includes both a front suspension fork and rear shock) model? The META HT 20 is real mountain bike based on the adult version. Today’s best kids bikes are designed to help new riders develop confidence and skills, but they also come built to last and are strong enough to pass along when it’s time for a bigger bike. Devinci AC NX 11s E-MTB. We have their “entry-level” model listed here, which rings in at over $5,000. Giant is one of the largest bike companies in the world, and their extensive collection of in-house components help keep costs in check. ... Where to Buy a Mountain Bike. Even a modest hardtail can set you back a few hundred dollars, and higher-end models hold their value well enough to justify getting a professional opinion. It’s a fairly complex topic overall—and we take a deeper dive in our article on how much should you spend on a mountain bike—but here is where things stand for 2020.$400-$1,000 One may be hesitant to purchase a cheap mountain bike online, but there are some strong contenders. Released mid-way through 2019 as a 2020 model, the bike’s well-balanced riding position, 29-inch wheels, and suspension travel (130mm front and 120mm rear) are ideal for moderately techy terrain. Trail models are a fairly new segment in the world of mountain biking. Favors taller riders. Faster. One of the most important pieces of the new bike puzzle is getting the correct size, which can be the difference between riding your bike down the hill or wanting to throw it down the hill. The additional rigidity of the material compared with aluminum leads to better power transfer and higher efficiency. Comparing the price of mountain bikes, along with which components you're getting, helps you determine what you're actually paying for. That being said, the DRT 1.1 is half the price and a great option for most recreational or first-time riders.See the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1. Additionally, riders that prioritize rough and rowdy descents likely will find the Ripley a little under-gunned—the Yeti above or Ibis’s own Ripmo get the advantage for this type of terrain. Go further, go faster and go to more places. Even the smallest features hold major importance. Orbea Wild FS H30 E-Mountain Bike. Fit. Beyond mountain bikes, Kona also has a number of other styles in their lineup, including everything from fat bikes to commuters. Downhill and park models have one priority: going downhill. As the name would suggest, they feature an electric motor to help propel the bicycle along. Updated December 2020. All-Mountain and Enduro Comparison Mountain Bikes : Best choice Bike . While certainly outlandish, we can’t help but appreciate the crème de la crème of mountain bikes. Bikes like the Ibis Ripley feature 120 to 140 millimeters of travel and 2.3-inch tires, which are a great match for most modern mountain bike trails. For more, see our mountain biking gear reviews. If you’re considering a Santa Cruz bike, there are two important things to know. BEST FOR: WINTER RIDERS WHO HANDLE TRICKIER TRAILS, HIGH-END RIDERS; Continental Trail King. Are you comfortable doing basic assembly and mechanical projects? Additionally, the “EVO” is a super long and slack version that’s built to comfortably tackle the steeps. Click on the bike's name to view in-depth info, reviews, prices, specifications, images and more. 2021 Canyon Spectral 29 CF 8 Bike. Marin Nail Trail E1 Mountain Bike. But it comes with a very significant weight penalty, and it can be a real pain trying to quickly swap between gears at either end of the ratio. That said, we also know of plenty happy buyers who are riding their dream bikes at a significant discount. This list is limited to the 50 … Style: Full-suspension Minnesota-based Salsa Cycles is best known for their bikepacking, touring, and gravel-oriented designs, but they’ve been making some serious headway in mountain biking of late. This makes them truly excel at places like the Whistler Bike Park where the terrain is extremely rough, steep, and gnarly. Category: XCFrame: Carbon fiberSuspension: 100mm (front) 60mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.2 in.What we like: Super fast, efficient, and powerful, but with just enough cushioning to handle some techy terrain.What we don’t: The focused XC design limits versatility. A hardtail mountain bike has a distinct fork in the front, just above the front tire. Yeti SB95 #3. While a road bike is best for cruising down long stretches, the best entry level mountain bike can be used to get through rough and rocky terrain that many types of bicycle just couldn’t handle. Before you Google it, yes, full suspension bikes also have a fork in the front, but work differently. One thing is for sure, this is a reputable and reliable brand. Electric-assist mountain bikes amplify your pedalling power while amplifying the amount of fun you'll have out on the trail. However, should your local terrain be rooty and rocky, or maybe you just like going downhill fast, then a full-suspension rig probably is the better option. Using our unique ranking algorithm, we've selected the best products based on member reviews, the number of members who own or wish they owned the item, and how many reviews have been posted. Moreover, buying online means you don’t get a chance to test ride the bike before throwing down some serious cash. While the Jeffsy rides more like a trail bike than its 150 millimeters of cushioning suggests, it gets the clear edge in stability and control through steep and gnarly descents. Santa Cruz Megatower Carbon CC X01 Eagle ($7,199), Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 ST ($4,520), See the Women's Specialized Stumpjumper ST, how much should you spend on a mountain bike, Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table. Top-Of-The-Line version has carbon everything, and more mountain bike comparison of the spectrum—their batteries and motors. For the right one for you ranked by the best experience possible Park models have one priority going... 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Is all they need to get you started, check out the latest Ibis Ripmo All-mountain/enduroFrame... Riding performance, features, weight corresponds with the drivetrain, suspension fork, and superb up- and performance... From fat bikes are certainly fun to ride, they continue to receive pushback in the front but! Ll start to find aluminum bikes with fully modern parts and geometry of online.