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We are constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest mountain bikes. When we find new technology or compelling new models, we buy them and ride them to their limits. Our testers eat, sleep, and breathe mountain biking and work as hard as possible to scrutinize every minute detail of each model we test. Bike park laps, all-day epics, 5000-foot climbs, and descents, we put these bikes through the wringer. Whether you're looking for a trail bike, e-MTB, hardtail, or budget-friendly model, we have compiled this list of the best options in each category. In other words, these are the best of the best.
The Ibis Ripmo V2 XT knocked our socks off with its outrageous combination of climbing and descending prowess. This is the best all-around trail bike we've ever tested and will go down in MTB history as one of the legendary bikes that pushed the sport further. The updated geometry makes it a touch slacker (64.9) and longer (1238mm) than before, and the suspension kinematics were adjusted to make it more progressive toward the end of its travel. This long-legged 29er was already a confident and capable descender, but now it feels even more composed in gnarly terrain and stable at speed with improved big-hit performance. Very few bikes can shake a stick at the Ripmo; the Santa Cruz Hightower is magnificent but doesn't carry the high-speed courage or bravado of the Ripmo. The Hightower's deep stroke compliance shined, but the Ripmo also excels in that department. The Ripmo's 435mm chainstays keep the rear end tight, giving it a sporty demeanor that is quick to change directions. The handling can be summed up as lively and energetic with a precise, responsive feel. The new Ripmo climbs incredibly well with its efficient DW-Link suspension platform, steep seat tube angle, and well-designed kinematics. Superlatives like “quiver killer” are totally appropriate with the Ripmo, as this is one bike that can do it all well.
The Ripmo V2 is a well-balanced, aggressive trail bike with a fantastic combination of uphill and downhill performance. This bike is ideal for the rider seeking a bike that climbs well without sacrificing performance on the way back down. The bike is supremely versatile, a true unicorn of engineering that we're proud to be effusive about. Riders who can't quite swing the price should consider the Aluminum framed Ibis Ripmo AF NX.
Talk about punching above your weight class; the Revel Rascal XO Transmission is a wildly capable bike that employs the Canfield Brothers Formula suspension and some cutting-edge thermoset carbon technology. The geometry gives this bike a playful disposition, while its suspension allows you to test the limits of a 130mm travel bike. The bike's numbers are modern enough to make it versatile but not so modern that it loses its poppy, agile feel. Revel didn't just deploy the longer/slacker update formula; they honed in on how a mid-travel trail bike should ride with 436mm of rear center inside its 1222mm wheelbase. This bike has phenomenal traction, whether clawing up a rooty section or braking through the chunder. Testers commented how much this bike reminded them of the Ibis Ripley GX, not because of how similar its dimensions are but how dialed its geometry and kinematics are. Both bikes display outstanding ride quality that their numbers alone don't allude to. Seasoned riders will be especially impressed with how isolated the suspension is from rider input. The SRAM XO Transmission build with Revel RW30 Carbon wheels left little to be desired. The build includes top-of-the-line suspension from RockShox and a drivetrain built for abuse.
Lacking frame storage and adjustable geometry, it may not check every box riders are in search of, but we're willing to overlook those omissions for this level of performance. While adjustable geometry can enhance a bike's versatility, we'd never complain that the Rascal isn't versatile. In fact, the bike seemed to excel in trails that were “a bit too much” for other bikes with similar geometry and travel. Conversely, the Rascal never felt like too much bike, even on mellow XC trails. If you're a performance-oriented rider seeking a bike without compromise, you'll love the new Rascal; Revel even guarantees it! We ride dozens of really expensive mountain bikes each year, but the Rascal is a standout, a bike that really feels worth the premium price tag.
Specialized knocked it out of the park with the new Stumpjumper EVO. This 150mm travel 29er comes with a 160mm fork and is one of the hardest-charging trail bikes we've tested. This bike descends with authority; the revised FSR suspension platform is near perfection for a 4-bar bike. Point it uphill, and it climbs incredibly well with a relatively supportive pedaling platform and a 76.9-degree seat tube angle. Our favorite thing about the EVO is its uniquely adjustable geometry. The head tube angle can quickly and easily be adjusted between 63.5 and 65.5 degrees in 1-degree increments, and the bottom bracket can be raised or lowered by 7mm. This adjustability gives riders six geometry settings to suit their preferences, riding style, or terrain. Set it up steep and high for everyday trail riding, or switch it to low and slack for running laps at the bike park. The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS has similar adjustability that gives both bikes wild versatility. Specialized nailed the storage solution; not only does the bike have SWAT storage, but a concealed carry multi-tool in the headtube is a nice touch. The bike's internal frame storage compartment now features a 20oz water bladder (that we have mixed feelings about) and a zippered tool sleeve that fits inside the frame, so you can forgo wearing a pack and still have the gear and water for longer rides.
The EVO's longer travel numbers and overall geometry make it a trail slayer, but it's less exciting on mellower terrain where it can feel like too much bike. The Comp build we tested is well equipped, but it's fairly heavy compared to the more expensive build options and its competition. All things considered, we feel the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is a fantastic option for the aggressive rider seeking the versatility that this highly adjustable bike provides. Folks who want something lighter and more well-rounded may find the Ripley GX to be a better fit.
The Yeti SB 140 is a top-notch mid-travel trail bike that sets itself apart with a rear end that feels precise and efficient. This 140mm 29er delivers exceptional ride quality and performance beyond what its geometry table might suggest. Whether tackling steep climbs, fast-rolling flow trails, high alpine epics, or hitting the jump line, the Yeti has you covered. It offers excellent climbing traction and near-ideal positioning with its long 440mm chainstays that keep the rear wheel planted through technical terrain and rough climbs. When you point the 65-degree front end downhill, the Yeti is equally impressive, maintaining excellent small bump sensitivity throughout its travel. Testers remarked on how well-balanced the Yeti feels and how precisely it tracks. The SB140 inspires confidence in all but the steepest terrain where its speed limit feels within reach. While still a shredder, this bike feels more refined, like off-roading a Range Rover.
If you're looking for a new trail bike and want frame storage or adjustable geometry, the SB140 may not make your shortlist. Similarly, if you're a more aggressive rider, you may want to keep shopping those longer, slacker rigs. The Yeti offers agility and athleticism with less reliance on mass and travel. Its exceptional traction allows you to push the limits of cornering and braking, making it an ideal companion for tackling most of the singletrack terrain in North America. Hop aboard a Yeti SB140 and enjoy the way this bike deftly handles trail duty. If that all sounds great, but you want something a bit more rowdy, check out the Ibis Ripmo V2 XT or Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
Ibis nailed the short travel trail bike geometry and fit with the Ripley GX. We loved how energetic and playful the previous model felt, and the newest Ripley maintains that playful demeanor but has better chops when pointed downhill. The 1210mm wheelbase gave our size large test bike much more stability at speed. Thank the Ripmo-inspired frame design with increased reach and wheelbase measurements, a slacker 66.5-degree head tube angle, and a steeper 76.2-degree seat tube angle. The Ripley still encourages pops and trailside hits but no longer has a speed limit. It's also far more confidence-inspiring in steep and rough terrain, though it remains limited by its modest travel numbers.
The Ripley rides like a perfectly balanced trail bike. We also rode it with a 140mm fork, and it felt like the bike lost a little bit of its magic. This lightweight whip is equally impressive on the climbs as it is on the descents. It has unmatched versatility and is the best all-around short-travel bike we've tested. It is a top choice for long-distance bike rides, where you need just the right balance of comfort and efficiency. If you're shopping for technical prowess over an amount of travel, we dig how the Yeti SB 140 handles terrain with precision.
The Ibis Ripmo AF stands out as an absolute brute of a trail bike that can still finesse the trail and climb like a goat. 147mm of DW-Link travel and updated kinematics give this chassis a bottomless feel without the lethargic squat often accompanying that much travel. The Ripmo ride is lively, energetic, playful, and fun; the bike encourages you to go big and always feels composed. A 160mm fork sits below a headtube angle of 64.9; the Ripmo excels at losing elevation rapidly. The steeper, the better on this metal ripper. Yet, this bike with its 76-degree seat tube is also an adept climber, or as proficient as a 34lb can be. The bike feels like a case study of how dialed geometry can make you a better rider. Ibis did a magnificent job with the bike's spec: burly suspension, wide rims, heroic tires, and a no-fuss drivetrain. 4-piston brakes and a long dropper post add to the bike's capabilities and instill confidence. The Ripmo Carbon is our Editors Choice bike with the exact same platform, plus a few fancier parts, minus a few pounds.
So why wouldn't you want to buy this bike? At 34 pounds, it can feel like a lot of bike to drag around the woods. The bike's weight is further dogged by suspension that doesn't have fancy valving to increase your efficiency. It's also a fairly long travel bike, and while that gives it insane capabilities, it's probably more bike than many riders need. Still, it can be fun to rally around in a giant 4x4, and the Ripmo is certainly smile-inducing.
Heavy metal! The Ripmo absolutely rips, but it isn't the lightest bike to rip around on. You're hard-pressed to find a more capable bike for less than $3000.
Wheel Size: 29" | Weight: 33 lbs 10 oz (size large, set up tubeless)
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent Climber
Outstanding Value
Geometry keeps this bike fun at slower speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
Optimal on moderate terrain
Less aggressive rubber
Bike is fairly heavy for its size
The Canyon Neuron 5 is a trail bike with a decidedly cross-country disposition. 130mm of travel paired with slightly steeper geometry than most trail bikes give it a snappy, responsive ride quality. This bike is fun even when the terrain isn't incredibly challenging. The Neuron resists being too long, too slack, and, as such, too extreme. Not every rider wants or needs a big travel trail slayer, and this bike is optimized for those less rowdy days in the saddle. The handling is crisp and responsive, and the bike climbs with the same athleticism that characterizes its ride. Ascending trails and fire roads on this bike is a joy; the bike rewards your input. If you're less likely to steer into the chunky line or hit the trail side jumps, this could be the bike for you.
The Neuron excels on cross-country trails and mellower terrain. Steering it into the rougher, choppy terrain exposes its limits. That responsive geometry becomes too responsive at higher speeds. The 2.4-inch Schwalbe tread with low, efficient knobs feels underwhelming when the trail gets loose or technical. This bike can ride steep sections of trail, but it requires more skill and confidence on the rider's part. While the bike's weight had little effect on how we rode it, it felt heavy in technical situations.
The Norco Fluid FS 4 is our pick for the best budget mid-travel mountain bike. This bike is so competent that we quickly forgot that we were riding a “budget bike.” Whether tearing down a high-speed flow trail or charging down a chunky trail, the Fluid was very composed and was as fun as a barrel of monkeys. Pair this brilliant on-trail performance with a stellar build kit that features a wide-range cassette and long-travel dropper post, and it was a very easy choice for Best Budget Mountain Bike.
Our main complaints with the Fluid are minor. For instance, this bike is quite portly. Our extra large test bike hit the scale at over 36 pounds. We should also note that we generally test large frames, so comparing the weight of this extra large frame isn't exactly apples-to-apples. We found the climbing performance comfortable, but we would also have loved to see a climb switch on the shock for use on fire roads or smooth double tracks. We think budget-conscious shoppers should also check out the Polygon Siskiu T8. It performs well on the descents as well as the climbs, especially given the price.
The Specialized Fuse Expert 29 has enjoyed a long run as our favorite hardtail. A couple of years back, the Fuse got a total redesign with updated geometry and the option for 29-inch wheels. Its incredibly well-rounded performance impressed every tester. It has a modern and progressive geometry that isn't over the top. It's stable at speed and confidence-inspiring in corners, in the air, and while charging down moderately chunky rock gardens. It's far from an XC race bike on the climbs, but it's got a comfortable seated pedaling position, a 12-speed drivetrain, and a grippy 2.6" rear tire that provides excellent traction.
At nearly 30 lbs for the large size we tested, the Fuse 29 is not lightweight. There are certainly lighter, more efficient, and even harder charging options. However, none of the other bikes we tested can match the well-rounded, versatile, and outrageously fun performance of the new Fuse Expert 29. That said, you should check out the aggressive Ibis Ripmo V2 XT if you want an efficient climber.
Following the updates to the Stumpjumper EVO, the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy received an overhaul for the 2022 model year. Much like the unpowered Stumpjumper, Specialized gave the Levo a highly adjustable geometry that allows the rider to significantly alter its character to suit their riding style, terrain, and preferences. With six distinct geometry settings to choose from, you can set it up as a more nimble trail bike, an aggressive gravity-oriented slayer, and everything in between. This unprecedented level of adjustability truly expands this bike's versatility and puts it in a class of its own. It boasts 150mm of rear wheel travel with a 160mm fork and mixed wheel sizes for a confident front end and maneuverability out back. Specialized's Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor is quite powerful, with 90Nm of torque and up to 565 peak watts of output, with three customizable levels of pedaling support. 700Wh of battery is housed in the frame's downtube, providing an excellent distance range, and the whole package has been refined and well-integrated with balanced weight distribution for a natural ride feel.
The Comp Alloy is one of the least expensive builds of the Turbo Levo offered, and it comes with a functional build, but there are a couple of weak points. The SRAM Code R brakes are far from our favorite, and the GRID TRAIL casing tires aren't as tough as we'd like for the weight of this hard-charging bike. Additionally, the top tube integrated TCU display is quite basic, although the higher-end models now come with a more advanced system. Finally, 700Wh is a lot of battery capacity, but other brands recently surpassed Specialized in the range wars. Regardless, we feel the Turbo Levo is one of the best and most well-rounded electric mountain bikes you can buy. Its adjustable geometry takes its versatility to another level. If you're in it for the long haul, the 900Wh battery of the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 may make it a more suitable pick.
Canyon recently updated their Spectral:ON models, and the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 is a versatile trail e-MTB that also happens to be one of the best values on the market. This carbon-framed bike sits atop mixed wheels (29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear), has 150/155mm of front/rear travel, and contemporary geometry that perfectly suits its trail intentions. Despite its 50+ pound weight, it handles well at varying speeds and terrain, with an excellent blend of agility, stability, and composure in all situations. The ever-popular Shimano EP8 motor provides up to 85Nm of torque with three customizable support settings to dial in for your needs. It also comes with a massive 900 Wh battery, providing the longest range of any electric mountain bike we've tested. Canyon's consumer-direct sales model also means this bike comes with an excellent build for the price (though it's still triple the cost of the best electric bikes for commuting). While no drop in the bucket, the Spectral:ON CF 8 is a fantastic value. But if you're already throwing down the big bucks, you should also consider the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy before making your selection. The powerful motor and adjustable geometry are just some of the features that make this eBike worth the investment.
Fezzari may not be a household name in the mountain bike market, but the consumer-direct brand is hoping to change that by producing quality bikes of all kinds, including the Kings Peak Comp fat bike. With a geometry reminiscent of a regular trail bike, the longer and slacker Kings Peak has a very familiar feel when the rubber hits the snow and/or dirt. Fezzari's 23-point custom setup ensures a comfortable fit, and the angles are spot on for typical fat bike riding while still being surprisingly capable when taken out of the normal fat bike comfort zone. With a sleek carbon frame and a weight of only 31 pounds, this bike pedals efficiently across virtually any surface and looks good while doing it. The frame and fork feature a wealth of mounting points for water bottles and other accessories, making it easy to gear up for bike packing or far-flung adventure rides. While not exactly flashy, the build is perfectly functional. Fezzari also offers a more expensive build and a number of component upgrades to choose from.
Aside from a couple of minor gripes, we loved the Kings Peak Comp. We love SRAM Eagle drivetrains, but the SX version isn't impressive. It works well enough, but we find the shifter particularly problematic. It's consistently hard to position it in an ergonomically friendly manner. The slipping grips on this bike could easily be remedied with a simple pair of lock-on grips. The Clarks M2 brakes work well enough to control typical fat bike speeds, but we are unsure of their long-term performance and durability. Otherwise, this bike was excellent, and it gets our recommendation. We also recommend the Ibis Ripmo V2 XT if conditions don't require a fat tire and you want the best trail bike all around.
The Fezzari Kings Peak proved to be the best all-around fat bike we've tested.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
How We Test he Best Mountain Bikes
Our testing process is based on identifying the best MTB bikes on the market and putting them through extensive hands-on testing. Our team of testers ride these bikes to their limits to see how each bike performs in a wide variety of terrain. We do endless laps at bike parks, all-day epic rides, huge multi-thousand-foot climbs, and gnarly descents. Our team has been testing mountain bikes in this rigorous manner since 2017. You name it: trail bikes, enduro bikes, hardtails, fat bikes, electric mountain bikes, and mountain bikes under $3000, and we've tested them. Over the past seven years, we've spent over $200,000 purchasing the mountain bikes we review (usually at retail) to remain as objective and unbiased as possible. If we ever use a media bike or demo bike from a manufacturer, we insist on paying demo or rental fees. We're very careful about maintaining our autonomy and remaining free of influence to bring you the best and most unbiased mountain bike reviews.
Why Trust GearLab
Our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor leads our test team, Joshua Hutchens is a lifelong mountain biker, coach, former racer, guide, and shop owner who rides with finesse and style. He's ridden hundreds of different mountain bikes over the years and can identify the most subtle and nuanced differences between the bikes he tests.
For many years, Hutchens has received testing input from a diverse group of professional bike testers. Former GearLab Mountain Bike Editor turned bike shop owner, Pat Donahue is a talented rider with a preference for steep and chunky descents. He is particularly tough on and critical of the gear he uses and has a keen eye for the performance characteristics that make a great bike. Kyle Smaine was raised at the bottom of some of the area's most iconic trails. Kyle is a talented professional skier with a healthy collection of medals in the halfpipe. In the warmer months, he spends his days putting impressive times both up and down the mountains and is among the most talented multi-sport athletes in the greater Tahoe area.
The Ripmo V2 is one of our favorite bikes for a reason. There's nothing this bike doesn't do well.
Credit: Laura Casner
How to Pick the Best Mountain Bike for You
Purchasing a mountain bike is an expensive endeavor and can be downright scary. Slapping down the credit card for a large purchase requires serious research. All of this research can bring to light loads of jargon and terms. Terms like mid-travel, short-travel, and enduro are always thrown around. OutdoorGearLab is here to make sense of it all.
We will explain the different types of mountain bikes and what they are designed for. Once you settle on a category of bike, you will need to consider wheel and tire size. 29-inch, 27.5-inch, plus-sized, they all have strengths and weaknesses. Female riders have to decide if they need a women's bike or if they can tweak a unisex bike to fit them better. We will walk you through all of these decisions.
Types of Mountain Bikes
It is essential to be realistic about what kind of terrain you want to ride because the right type of mountain bike will vary depending on where you will ride. Determining what sort of trails you have in your hometown is important. Also, it can be worth considering if you will be regularly traveling to bike parks or trail centers.
XC bikes are efficient rides for covering long distances and moving quickly.
Credit: Laura Casner
Cross-Country Bikes
Cross-country bikes are very much a niche category. If you are reading this, chances are most of these bikes probably aren't for you. Folks interested in a true cross-country bike are likely thinking about racing and value weight and efficiency over fun, comfort, and practicality. XC bikes are fun on a more limited range of trails. Stiff and brutally efficient, cross-country bikes are either hardtails, meaning they have no rear suspension, or they have about 100mm of rear suspension. Steeper geometry, a low stem, and firm and unforgiving performance are features of these bikes.
Riders who gravitate to very smooth trails might enjoy the outright efficiency of these bikes. If you want a playful ride or live where the trails have roots and rocks, these probably aren't the best choice unless you're planning to race on the XC circuit. A short-travel trail bike is almost as efficient while offering a far more fun and capable ride.
Riding a bike is the only way to get to know its performance characteristics. Fortunately, it's also a blast.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Trail Hardtails
Hardtail mountain bikes are a great option if you'd rather get out and ride than attack steep or rough terrain regularly. Simple, low maintenance, and speedy — these no-frills bikes do not have a rear suspension but feature more aggressive trail bike geometry. As a result, they are very efficient pedallers and are perfectly capable of getting a little rad. Less experienced riders will gain valuable skills on these less forgiving bikes, which benefit from excellent line choices and proper form. Hardtail trail bikes are relatively versatile but require some caution on the descents as they tend to be somewhat harsh. Riders who prefer to attack steeper and rougher terrain with any regularity should look into a full-suspension bike.
Since hardtails require less technology, they are usually less expensive than full-suspension bikes. A lower price point makes hardtails an excellent option for passionate riders on a budget. If you think these are the bikes for you, check out our review selection of hardtail mountain bikes.
Modern short-travel bikes can do it all, only limited by their modest travel numbers.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Short-Travel Trail Bikes
Short travel bikes are excellent if you value variety and efficient climbing and aren't hell-bent on slaying descents. Short-travel trail bikes feature about 110-130mm of rear-wheel travel. They are practical for those looking for full-suspension confidence and comfort without sacrificing efficiency. Riders who like to pound out serious miles will feel comfortable aboard these short-legged steeds. Bicycles in this category would be an excellent option for those who ride flatter terrain or live in mountainous areas but don't want to push the envelope to get aggressive on the descents. Riders seeking a more well-rounded climbing/descending experience might be interested in pulling some more heft with a mid-travel bike. If this seems like the balance of bike skills you've been looking for, check out the 110 to 130mm options in our constantly updated review of the best trail mountain bikes. Travel numbers appear in the Suspension & Travel row of our Test Results and Rating Table.
Mid-Travel Trail Bikes
Mid-travel bikes are an MTB sweet spot perfect for anyone who destroys descents but still values climbing skills. These bikes are very versatile and provide strong performance in all areas. They balance climbing skills and descending capabilities beautifully and are comfortable on the overwhelming majority of trails. Mid-travel bikes are just as comfortable making the occasional trip to the bike park as they are doing a 30-mile trail ride. This suspension range, 130-150mm, works for a large portion of riders. If you live in a primarily flat or smooth region, these bikes could prove to be overkill. If the highlight of each of your rides is flying down the super-gnar, you should look into an enduro/long-travel rig. If you're interested in this multi-faceted and fun category, head over to our ever-evolving best trail mountain bike review to read about fantastic daily drivers in the 130 to 150mm range. Find travel numbers near the bottom of the Test Results and Rating Table.
Enduro bikes are for riders who focus more on the descent than anything else.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Enduro Bikes
Enduro is an often over-used buzzword, and enduro bikes love to bomb technical descents and climb just enough to get to the top. Long-travel, or enduro, bikes are awesome for those who don't mind carrying some extra bike around in the name of getting rowdy. With 150 to 170mm of travel, they pedal reasonably well, but efficiency is far from their defining trait. These bikes are not the best for long-distance rides and will not set any climbing records. Enduro bikes focus on high speeds and rough downhills. Those looking for freeride lines or park laps will be more than comfortable aboard these shred sleds.
26-inch wheels are a thing of the past, nearly all bikes have 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels these days.
Credit: Laura Casner
Choosing Bike Components
Once you know what kind of mountain bike suits your riding style and terrain best, a few component decisions will help you narrow down the field considerably.
Wheel Size
Not all that long ago, all-mountain bike wheels were all 26 inches in diameter. Now, 27.5-inch and 29-inch versions are far more common on the trail. The 26-inch wheel size is all but forgotten. The benefit of bigger wheels is that they make trail features smaller by comparison. As a result, you can roll over obstacles on the trail more efficiently and with less effort. Bigger wheels are also faster and carry speed and momentum well through chunky terrain. The argument for smaller wheels is that they are easier to maneuver and, therefore, more fun. For a few short years, many riders thought 27.5-inch wheels were the sweet spot between the rollover benefits of 29ers and the agility of 26-inch bikes. Modern frame geometry has drastically improved the performance of 29ers, and they are allowing for more precise and playful handling than ever before. Mixed-wheel sizes have recently grown in popularity. A 29-inch front wheel paired with a 27.5-inch rear is commonly referred to as a “mullet” or MX setup, with business in the front and party in the back. The idea is that it combines the best traits of both wheel sizes. The larger front wheel rolls over obstacles more easily and provides stability and confident handling, while the smaller rear wheel offers agility and maneuverability for the rear end of the bike. One may want to consider their body size in their wheel size decision, as smaller wheels may feel more comfortable for smaller riders, and larger wheels might work better for larger riders on larger frames. Many frames now offer a few wheel and tire size options. It's still valuable to think through which one you want to commit to. We don't know anyone who regularly switches between wheelsets.
The right tires can make a huge difference in the performance of your bike. The Maxxis Minion DHF is a tester favorite.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Tire Size and Rim Width
Normal tire widths have slowly been getting wider over time. Previously, 2.35-inch tires were considered relatively standard, but now they tend to run in the 2.4-2.5-inch range on most trail bikes or even 2.6-inch versions on wider rims. Wider tires have more air volume and a larger contact patch that offers tons of traction and a little softer ride, although they may provide more resistance when heading uphill. Then, there are your plus-sized or mid-fat tires. These run from 2.8-inches to 3-inches. We like the 2.8-inch versions as they offer traction and often give you defined cornering knobs to dig into turns. Three-inch tires provide you with plenty of grip but often a more vague cornering feel due to smaller, more uniform knobs. To get geeky about tires, check out our review of the best mountain bike tires.
Tires are easy to switch out and are among the most cost-effective ways to upgrade the performance of your bike. Rims are a much pricier and more time-consuming fix. Anything less than a 25mm rim is now considered narrow for an aggressive trail or enduro bike. We recommend trying to find something in the range of 28mm to 35mm, with the sweet spot right around 30mm. For less aggressive bikes, it's less critical, but traction is traction. We like it on all of our bikes. It's a good idea to ask manufacturers or dealers what range of tires you can run on their rims.
Most bikes are offered in a range of build kits and prices.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Choosing a Complete Bike Build
Frame. Aluminum vs. Carbon is your first big decision point. Choosing an aluminum frame typically involves substantial cost savings. It's typically slightly heavier, flexes more easily, and doesn't have the strength of modern carbon. If you're just trying to get out on your bike, aluminum is great. Carbon fiber is more expensive, lighter-weight, and stiffer than aluminum as a frame material; it's also superior at dampening vibrations. Consider carbon fiber if investing in your bike is a priority and you plan on having it for an extended period. Carbon fiber ages better than aluminum.
Fork and Rear Shock. Suspension components come in a huge range of price points. The differences between low-end and high-end suspension componentry are significant, though it may not be apparent to riders just starting out. A higher-end fork and rear shock will be more adjustable to your weight, riding style, and personal preference. Heavier riders will find more comfort and durability with coil-sprung suspension than shocks that rely solely on air reservoirs.
Most bikes come with 1x drivetrains that have a huge gear range.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Drivetrain. It's important to note if the drivetrain has one (1x) or two (2x) chainrings. Two chainrings require a front derailleur, meaning you have shifters on both sides of your handlebars. We like 1x better. It's simpler, easier to shift, leaves more room for a dropper seat post control, and is less to destroy. Most modern mountain bikes come with 1x drivetrains, which typically have 11 or 12 total gears.
Wheelset. Higher quality is better, but pay attention to the rim width, which can drastically alter how effective your tires are. Rims are getting wider along with tires, making traction plentiful and bikes more comfortable. Like bike frames, rims come in aluminum or carbon fiber, and the latter are typically much more expensive.
Seatpost. We highly recommend a dropper seat post. Here's a review of some of the best. If you're not a convert already, it will change your game more than any other single shift. Sometimes, it's worth jumping up to a higher quality complete build to get one, and sometimes, it makes more sense to get one separately.
Women's specific bikes come with women's saddles, grips, bars and cranks. They also usually have lighter shock tunes than unisex models.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Women's Bikes
The majority of mountain bikes are considered unisex models. What makes any bike a woman's bike is whether or not a woman is riding it. The problem with only providing unisex models for both men and women is that these bikes are set up for the average rider. The average rider still skews male and is around 30 pounds heavier than a woman of approximately the same height (according to women's MTB company Juliana and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Men are also taller than women on average. This means that frames can be too big, and standard shock tunes can be too stiff for smaller, lighter riders.
Several bike manufacturers address this issue by making women-specific models. Some take a step further and branch off into separate, women-specific companies. Examples of the latter include Santa Cruz's Juliana and Giant's Liv. It used to be more common to build women's bikes from the ground up with unique geometry. Now, most companies provide unisex frames with lighter shock tunes, different colors, and women's specific touchpoints. These touchpoints include women's saddles, smaller grips, and sometimes shorter cranks and narrower handlebars.
Making bikes smaller with lighter shock tunes for smaller riders makes a lot of sense. Most mountain bikes are considered unisex and can also work well for females assuming you can get the right fit.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Setting frame design aside, we find sizing and shock tunes to be the most essential elements of a women's mountain bike. First, a bike has to fit. Second, its fork and shock need to respond to small impacts and use their full travel range on larger hits. At that point, you have a functioning mountain bike. These days, many manufacturers are using lighter shock tunes on their smaller-sized bikes to work better for smaller riders.
Minimal assembly required. Slap on the wheels and the handlebars, maybe run it past a mechanic if you're new to wrenching, and start rolling.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Consumer Direct vs. Local Bike Shop
Consumer direct sales are a growing trend in the mountain bike industry. More and more brands are selling their bikes directly to the consumer, cutting out the local bike shop. With the middleman cut out of the sales chain, companies can sell their bikes at extremely attractive prices. Brands like YT, Commencal, and Canyon are the biggest consumer-direct brands in the USA.
Convenience and savings often come at a cost, and buying consumer-direct is no different. Purchasing a mountain bike at a bike shop buys you a relationship with a shop and maybe some small complimentary services. Quick repairs and warranty services may often be conducted for free. In addition, your local bike shop can be a wealth of knowledge, and well-trained mechanics can spot issues before they become problems.
More bikes mean more specific talents and more to maintain.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Multiple Bikes?
Having a quiver of mountain bikes is the definition of luxury. A multi-bike quiver can be the best solution to get the most out of this fantastic sport. That said, it certainly isn't cheap. Having a short travel bike and an enduro bike will have you covered on the bulk of trails. Since this is somewhat unrealistic, we place a lot of emphasis on mid-travel trail bikes. These are often the best solution as they are comfortable on a huge variety of terrain. Long rides, some shuttle laps, after-work hot laps, these bikes can do it all. You can always rent a longer travel bike for an occasional trip to the bike park.
Some people are lucky enough to have year-round trails in their backyards. For the rest of us, the off-season and time constraints are real. Luckily, there have never been more options for training at home if you can't get on the trails. Many of the best exercise bikes have evolved into interactive machines you can ride solo or with groups. These bikes now allow you to join a live group ride or follow some of the most scenic road rides around the globe. Perhaps even more intriguing are the latest and best bike trainer options, which allow you to train on your favorite bike with most of the features of high-end stationary bikes. And for those who want to use the off-season as an excuse to specifically take a break from riding, a model from our best treadmill review might be the call.
There are loads of great mountain bikes to choose from. Get a bike and get out and ride.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
This guide should help make your big mountain bike decision a little bit easier. Be sure to think through the process in its entirety. The most important thing about deciding which mountain bike to buy is to be realistic about your skills, goals, and where you ride. The above-mentioned list of bikes is the best of the best. Rest assured, OutdoorGearLab will keep buying, riding, and reviewing the best bikes in the industry to keep this list current.
