Are you searching for the best mountain bikes on the market today? Well, you have come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for intense hardcore biking or looking to cruise some mellow trails, there’s a mountain bike for you.
There are many different types of mountain bikes, so finding the best one for your needs may come with new terminology and technology. Not only will you find your new bike, but you will also learn what the technology can do for you.
Keep reading to see what you should be looking out for and the best mountain bikes ready for purchase today!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
GRAVITY FSX Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Best Budget
Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike
Premium Choice
Trek 2023 Fuel EX Gen 6 Mountain Bike
Best Overall
GRAVITY FSX Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
If you need a mountain bike for a decent price without skimping on the quality, the GRAVITY FSX mountain bike is a perfect pick. This full-suspension bike comes with preload-adjustable front and rear coilovers.
The frame is custom-formed, welded aluminum with hydroformed front and rear triangle tubes and a replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
This 24-speed mountain bike is around 35 pounds once fully assembled. The smooth shifting and reliable drivetrain features make shifting quick and easy. The 160mm rotors keep you in control regardless of weather and terrain for a comforting and safe ride.
There are four size choices when purchasing this bike, 15-inch, 17-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch. The final choice is up to personal preference, but the manufacturer has some guidelines to help you pick the most comfortable bike.
Pros:
- Best for intermediate trails or commuting throughout the city.
- Lightweight and durable frame.
- Trail-ready geometry.
- Replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
- Smooth-shifting.
- Only partial tuning is required.
Cons:
- The shifter/derailleur isn’t calibrated.
- Uncomfortable seat.
- Poor handlebar grips.
Best Budget
Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike
This playful and agile bike will have you ripping through your favorite trail without ripping through all your cash. The Huffy Stone Hardtail bike with a front suspension fork will absorb any terrain bumps or dips for complete comfort and control.
The steel frame ensures this bike is sturdy for rock trails or leisure riding. The rear derailleur combines with the twist shifter to convey 21 speeds on demand. The rear derailleur has a removable guard that ensures consistent gear operations.
Huffy Stone Mount Hardtail Mountain Bike weighs about 35 pounds making it powerful yet effortless to control. The knobby 24-inch tires give this bike great traction on wet or dry pavement, and the alloy wheels keep it all rust-free. Steel linear hand brakes provide dependable and fast stopping when needed, and the slightly raised handlebars minimize neck and shoulder strain.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option.
- Sturdy.
- Great for occasional demanding rides.
- Strong front suspension.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable seat.
- The brakes are short.
- Pedals are of lower quality.
Premium Choice
Trek 2023 Fuel EX Gen 6 Mountain Bike
If you’re looking for an optimum ride regardless of terrain, you need the Trek 2023 Fuel EX Gen 6. This is no ordinary mountain bike. Take on any trail or course with adjustable geometry and dual-density protection.
With an alpha platinum aluminum frame, the Trek offers all-mountain compatibility with lightweight components. Multiple sizes guarantee the perfect ride for your body, and you can choose from 6 different adjustable geometry configurations. A universal derailleur hanger and top-notch hardware make maintenance a breeze.
The Trek 2023 Fuel EX Gen 6 weighs around 35 pounds once configured but feels light due to the 140mm suspension travel. With 12 speeds, you can handle descents and uphill action effortlessly, making any trail a breeze.
Pros:
- Different frame sizes to choose from.
- Comfortable handling.
- Climbs easily with 12-speed choices.
- Handles descents well.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Heavy bike for some.
Best Hardtail
Ascend Zion Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Ascend Zion Hardtail is the best option if you want to excel on slower and tighter trails. The all-aluminum frame is lightweight enough to allow you to effortlessly speed through any of the nine speeds for impeccable peddling.
The 100mm of suspension travel takes all rough terrains, so you’ll have a smooth ride no matter the trail you choose. And when needed, the mechanical disc brakes are there to stop you in any condition.
You’ll have even extra efficiency with the 29-inch tires that will easily roll over most obstacles. Once put together, the Ascend Zion weighs around 31 pounds making it lightweight yet ready for the next challenge.
Pros:
- Trigger style shifters.
- Mechanical disc brakes.
- 29-inch tires.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable bike seat.
- Need for more timely chain responses.
Best Full Suspension
Diamondback Atroz 1
Want all the bells and whistles without spending a small fortune? The Diamondback Atroz 1 is everything you need and more in a full-suspension mountain bike. With 120mm of suspension travel, you’ll ease through even the most difficult trails.
The 31-pound aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes, and 18-speed drivetrain give you a lightweight feel without sacrificing any control when ascending or descending.
With 27.5-inch tires, you’ll be able to roll over obstacles or uneven terrain without losing any stability. The best part is you can fully customize this mountain bike if needed, and switch out the shocks, seat, or whatever to make your ride perfectly comfortable.
Pros:
- Disc brakes.
- Coil shocks.
- Lightweight.
- Customizable.
- Perfect for everyday use as well as trail use.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable seat.
- Only available in one size.
Buyers Guide to the Best Mountain Bike
Here is an in-depth view of what you need to know when purchasing a new mountain bike.
Type of Riding You Do
Before buying an expensive top-of-the-line mountain bike, you will want to establish just what type of biking you plan on doing. In short, where are you going to be riding your mountain bike?
Mountain trails? Rock trails? Back and forth to work? Knowing what riding style you will be doing will shoot you in the right direction regarding exactly what type of bike you need to purchase, such as a hardtail or a full suspension.
Hardtail Mountain Bikes
Hardtail mountain bikes have a front fork suspension and a hard “tail” in the rear, meaning there is no suspension, just the bike’s frame. If you’re a beginner, hardtail bikes are more user-friendly because maneuvering takes less power.
Hardtail mountain bikes are better for climbing because of their lighter makeup, so they are ideal for ascending any terrain. Hardtail bikes are easier to maintain and may cost you less in the long run, even if they are a bit pricey upfront.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
As the name indicates, full-suspension mountain bikes have front and rear suspensions. These bikes are best for those who are more experienced and ride much rougher than average trails.
The main advantages of full-suspension bikes would be comfort and traction. Because of the full-range suspension, it’s easier to roll over any obstacles, bumps, or holes in your path. This makes a very comfortable ride regardless of the terrain.
How Much Suspension Travel Do You Need?
When searching for the best mountain bike, you might see a phrase you haven’t seen before, suspension travel.
Suspension travel describes how much movement the suspension fork and rear suspension can make. In simpler terms, it measures how much the wheel can move to absorb bumps.
The more suspension travels, the better the bike is for downhill, tough-to-handle trails. At the same time, less travel is best for cross country, city, or lots of uphill biking.
Typically you’ll see suspension travel ratings between 100-170mm. Pick a bike in the middle if you’re looking for both of the best worlds. A mountain bike with suspension travel of 140mm works well for every day and some more challenging trails.
What Frame Material is Best?
There are multiple frame options, steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and titanium. The most common is aluminum, which is readily available, strong, and lightweight.
Some smaller boutique-type shops may offer steel frames, but they are not as common or as popular as aluminum. Titanium is a super light material, whereas carbon is often used to upsell but is similar to aluminum but costs much more.
Geometry
No, we are not talking about high school math. Instead, mountain bike geometry refers to the shape and size of the bike’s frame. This affects the ride characteristics and the handling of the bike.
There are nine things to pay attention to when looking for your perfect mountain bike. Wheelbase, chainstay length, head tube/angle, top tube, seat tube angle, bottom bracket height, drop, reach, stack, and standover. These all make up the unique geometry that gives the mountain bike its shape.
This may seem like a lot, and some things come standard, but when looking for the best mountain bike for your person, it’s a good idea to look into it to ensure the most comfortable ride.
FAQ’s
What size mountain bike should I buy?
When purchasing a mountain bike, you can first check the frame’s specifications to ensure the size and geometry match your specific body shape.
There is no one size fits with mountain bikes, so it’s a good idea to read up and do some extra research.
Do you need full suspension for mountain biking and more demanding trails?
All mountain bikes have at least one form of suspension. This is what keeps you in control when riding over rough terrain.
You may or may not need full suspension for biking on more uneven trails or more challenging descents. It is entirely up to personal preference and your experience and abilities.
What is the best material for a bike frame?
When browsing for a new mountain bike, you may notice most of the frames are aluminum. This is the most common, making for a strong yet lightweight bike. There are other types, such as steel and titanium, but expect a higher price range when looking into these.
How much does mountain bike maintenance cost you?
Mountain biking will come with some added maintenance, but this depends on how often you use the bike and what kind of trails you are riding. It also depends on how intricate or expensive some parts are on your bike. Regardless you can learn to do this type of maintenance yourself or bring it into a shop.
Finding the Best Mountain Bike Made Easy
A lot goes into finding the best mountain bike, but with our top picks and detailed buyer guide, you’re well on your way to making that perfect purchase!
Check out our articles on more gear you may need for your upcoming outdoor adventures.