Decisions, decisions, decisions. With so many products being released every day, picking only one for your activities is as hard as it gets. Choosing the best mountain bike is no different, as there are endless great choices in the market. Some bikes are designed to shine on certain disciplines, whereas others are made to be ridden anywhere.
So, which one should you choose? Don’t worry, this article will answer all of your questions. We’ll cover everything, from the best bikes in the market up to what you should look for when picking your favorite. So, sit back, and enjoy this ride (pun intended).
Best 8 Mountain Bikes
We searched high and low for the best mountain bikes in the market and came up with a list of the best ones you can find. Ready to learn about them? Let’s go!
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
Source: mikesbikes.com
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is a high-quality mountain bike that offers you total control and durability no matter the trail you’re biking into. This bike includes an S-sizing geometry, adjustable in no less than six different settings, ensuring that anyone who rides this bike will feel comfortable. Moreover, this mountain bike comes with an increased anti-squat so that the suspension better resists pedal bob.
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp uses a size-specific approach when it comes to riding characteristics, ensuring a flawless performance regardless of the rider’s size. On top of that, this mountain bike provides you with the proper shock turning and kinematics so you can be as safe as possible while riding.
Key features
This doesn’t end here. This bike has more awesome features, such as:
- Head-tube angle adjustment
- Fully enclosed internal cable routing
- Sealed cartridge bearing pivots
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
Pros
- Excellent suspension control
- Decent weight
- Sorted kit package
- On-point frame feel
Cons
- Dry-biased tires
Overall review
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is a user-friendly trail rig that you can ride safely no matter your skillset or the trail conditions.
Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 RSV
Source: competitivecyclist.com
Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 RSV is a multipurpose bike that will do an excellent job no matter what you put it through–be it a leisure ride in the countryside or a fast and furious ride on aggressive terrain. This mountain bike is packed with high-quality components and a geometry platform that makes climbing quickly on the uphills a piece of cake.
Thanks to its full SRAM Eagle drivetrain, you can pedal through tight areas and stay intact in case of a big crash. Moreover, Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 RSV includes new proportional chainstay length, which ensures a different read triangle for every size frame, resulting in better ride characteristics.
Key features
Other features of this amazing mountain bike include:
- Modern-day geometry
- Slacked out head angle
- Low-link VPP suspension
- Carbon CC frame
- RaceFace rims
Pros
- Proportional chainstay length
- 12 different speeds
- Lightweight and stiff
- Smooth and supportive suspension
Cons
- Too expensive
Overall review
Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 RSV is a well-rounded trail bike packed with a modern geometry that can handle everything down the trail.
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC
Source: competitivecyclist.com
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC is a speedy trail bike built with the latest progressive geometry and ultra-refined carbon frame, ensuring your bike provides you comfort and keeps racking up those miles for years and years. This mountain bike is designed to soak up additional rocks and roots, so you can ride more confidently than ever.
One thing this bike’s manufacturer is known for is their industry-leading carbon frame construction, providing unmatched strength and unwavering stiffness. Moreover, Santa Cruz Tallboy CC includes an adjustable bottom bracket height that allows the rider to set up the bike in accordance with their preferred riding style.
Key features
Continue reading to find some other excellent features of this bike.
- Carbon CC frame
- Longer reach to increase stability
- Steep seat tube to ensure comfort
- 4-piston hydraulic brake
Pros
- Outstanding build quality
- Stiff suspension
- Quiet
Cons
- Brakes may overheat quickly
- Not preferable for non-experienced riders
Overall review
Thanks to its precise and agile handling, Santa Cruz Tallboy CC is the perfect bike for downhill riding. It comes in six different frame sizes, from XS to XXL, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter your size.
Marin Hawk Hill
Source: bikeshopcalifornia.com
If you’re someone who enjoys bike riding and want to have fun while at it, Marin Hawk Hill is the perfect bike for you. This mountain bike comes packed with 27.5” wheels that make it a lightweight and responsive bike for all riders. Moreover, Marin Hawk Hill includes the MultiTrac suspension technology that ensures a balanced ride, capable of absorbing big hits thanks to its efficient pedaling platform.
With its easy turning, you can jump and flick down the mellowest trails, a great feature to have when riding gentler terrains. Moreover, Marin Hawk Hill’s geometry is capable of handling whatever you put in its path, so rest assured that you can use this bike for any activity you wish.
Key features
Let’s take a look at some of the other features this great bike has.
- Six available sizes
- Marin MTN grips
- Marin plastic stock pedals
- Series 3 aluminum frame
Pros
- Excellent front-to-rear balance
- Suspension tune
- Reactive and nimble short-travel rig
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Drivetrain feels noticeably soft
Overall review
Marin Hawk Hill is a solid bike that comes at a pretty solid price. It’s very comfortable, has a pleasing geometry, and will last long enough so you can upgrade it as you progress as a rider.
Specialized Fuse Expert 29
Source: specialized.com
Specialized Fuse Expert 29 is a high-quality mountain bike packed with dialed geometry that ensures a stable ride no matter the trail or terrain. This mountain bike shines when it comes to downhill performance. Thanks to its crisp handling that feels great in both high and low-speed situations, Specialized Fuse Expert 29 inspires you to keep pushing your limits.
Riding downhill isn’t the only thing this bike does great. By delivering solid traction and decent efficiency, Specialized Fuse Expert 29 offers a great climbing performance. Moreover, this mountain bike offers numerous possibilities for riders to shuffle around the weight according to their needs.
Key features
Additionally, this bike’s features include:
- Premium aluminum frame
- Fork suspension
- Light wheelset
- S, M, L, and XL sizes
- Internal cable routing
Pros
- Solid value
- Dialed geometry
- Excellent frame
Cons
- Poor fork specification
Overall review
Specialized Fuse Expert 29 is one of the best hardtail mountain bikes and comes at a reasonable price. This mountain bike is fast, fun, and keeps you insanely stable on rougher trails.
Juliana Furtado
Source: competitivecyclist.com
From an aggressive ride in the roughest terrains to a weekend riding getaway with your friends, Juliana Furtado does it all. This is one of the best mountain bikes for women, and thanks to its Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) linkage, this high-quality mountain bike is capable of climbing the highest hills and keeping you stable during the descents.
Juliana Furtado’s geometry is as dialed as you can expect for a modern-day mountain bike. The new frame design includes smaller wheels that help you approach big challenges with confidence. Moreover, this bike is comfortable while both climbing and descending, making you feel comfortable even in the roughest terrains. On top of that, Juliana Furtado comes in no less than three buying options: Aluminum, Carbon, and high-end Carbon (CC).
Key features
Not convinced yet? Here are some other features:
- 130 mm of rear suspension
- Stiff, lightweight, and stylish Carbon CC frame
- Supportive RockShox Ultimate suspension
- 4-piston hydraulic brakes
- 800 mm handlebar width
Pros
- Highly maneuverable and responsive
- Carbon rims contribute to a fleet-footed feel
- Great climbing performance
- Ten different build option possibilities
Cons
- Some find SRAM Guide T brakes reliable but lacking nuance.
Overall review
Juliana Furtado climbs and descends well. This bike has appropriate bards, standover, saddle, and cranks. It performs great on all terrains and is perfect if you’re looking for a versatile all-around trail bike.
Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Source: amazon.com
If you’re looking to easily conquer any off-road trail while experiencing a smooth and comfortable ride, Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike is the right choice for you. This mountain bike comes packed with a rear derailleur that includes seven speeds, making climbing hills easier than ever, whereas twist shifters ensure a smooth and easy gear changing.
Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike includes a cushioned saddle that provides non-stop comfort while riding your bike. Moreover, this bike comes in three color options (red, light blue, and navy), allowing you to easily match your style. On top of that, you can ride this bike in any weather condition, be it snow, mud, or ice.
Key features
Here are more unique features of this bike:
- Supersized all-terrain knobby tires
- Steel-framed bike
- Adjustable threadless headset
- Strong and lightweight alloy rims
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Easy to climb hills
- Fast
Cons
- Some believe it has a lack of gear choice for climbing.
Overall review
Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 2,558 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike has a:
- 4.2 score for easy to assemble
- 4.1 score for beginners
- 4.0 score for value for money
- 2.8 score for lightweight
Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys, Stone Mountain 20 inch 6-Speed
Source: amazon.com
Are you ready to give your kids the joy and adrenaline of riding a bike in the mountains? Then pick Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys and go on a parent-kid trip you’ll both remember for a long time. This bike efficiently transfers pedal power, ensuring strong acceleration on both straight surfaces and uphill climbs.
Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys is one of the best kids mountain bikes. It’s ideal for ages 5 to 9 and enables easy seat height adjustment, so any kid riding this bike will feel comfortable. Moreover, its front suspension easily handles uneven terrains, ensuring a smooth ride. Another feature we can’t forget to mention is that the slight-rise handlebar enables upright riding in order to minimize back and shoulder strain.
Key features
Keep reading to find out more about this bike.
- Durable steel frame
- Kolo 1200 suspension fork handles
- Linear-pull hand brakes
- Slight-rise handlebar
Pros
- Front suspension
- 6-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Adjustable seat height
- Twist shifter
Cons
- Some find the brakes to be too short.
Overall review
Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys, Stone Mountain 20 inch 6-Speed has an Amazon score of 4.3 out of 5 with over 3,116 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys, Stone Mountain 20 inch 6-Speed has a:
- 3.8 score for sturdiness
- 3.7 score for easy to assemble
- 3.4 score for value for money
- 3.1 score for comfort
What to Look For When Buying a Mountain Bike
Now that you’re familiar with the best mountain bikes in the market, let us tell you what you should look for when buying a mountain bike.
Mountain bike type
One of the things you should pay great attention to is the mountain bike type, as it will play a huge role in how you use it. Here are some of the bike types and their features.
Cross Country Bikes: These are short-travel bikes that are perfect for racing and marathons where you need sharp handling.
Trail Bikes: These are multipurpose bikes that can handle everything, from XC trails to downhills. They’re the most popular bikes, and that’s for a reason.
Downhill Bikes: As the name suggests, these bikes are perfect for downhill riding. They have very long wheel bases, lots of travel, and dual-crown forks that allow the bike to go downhill in a straight line without losing balance.
Wheel and tire size
The final decision regarding your wheel size should be based on your riding style. On one hand, bigger wheels make trail features smaller compared to them, and let you roll over obstacles more efficiently and with less danger. They’re also faster as they carry more speed and momentum thanks to their weight. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver and more fun to ride with. However, thanks to the modern frame geometry, even big tires provide precise and playful handling.
As far as tire size is concerned, wider tires contain more air volume, offering a softer ride and providing more resistance when riding uphill. Plus-sized tires, which may vary from 2.8 inches to 3 inches, offer more traction and plenty of grip. However, three-inch tires may give you a more vague feel because of their smaller and more uniform knobs.
Frame material
When it comes to frame material, the biggest decision is choosing between aluminum and carbon. Aluminum frames are cheaper, heavier, flex easier, and are generally weaker than carbon. They’re the best choice if you’re not looking for the highest-quality bike. Carbon fibers, on the other hand, are more expensive, lighter, and stiffer than aluminum. If your main priority is investing in a bike that will keep you going for an extended period, carbon fibers are the choice to go with.
Geometry
Geometry is a tricky area that may impact your decision, so we suggest you don’t consider it as the most important factor when choosing a mountain bike. Truth be told, it’s impossible to judge how a bike will ride simply by looking at the geometry chart. Considering that you can change almost everything in bike geometry, including saddle positioning, pedals, and angle headset, you should only pay attention to features you can’t change, such as length. With that said, all there’s left to decide is whether you’re going for a long reach or a short reach, and that is completely a matter of preference.
Drivetrain
When it comes to drivetrains, there’s only one thing you should look for: Do they have one or two chainrings? Two chainrings means that the bike has shifters on both handlebars; whereas, one chainring, well, you get the point. One chainring drivetrains are simpler, easier to shift, and leave more room. The majority of modern mountain bikes come with one chainring drivetrain, typically having 11 or 12 gears.
Conclusion
If you jumped right into the conclusion section looking for our pick for the best mountain bike, sorry, go back up. It’s practically impossible to give you only one suggestion, as what may be the best mountain bike to you may not be the same to others. It all depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for.
However, we can assure you one thing: all of the bikes mentioned above are top-quality, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy riding them as much as we enjoyed writing about them.
