How To Choose A Mountain Bike

Mountain bikers decide between full-suspension or hardtail setups depending on the terrain they’re expecting. Generally speaking, the bigger and rougher the riding, the more suspension you’ll need. The choice is a balance— suspension allows bikes to absorb impacts and maintain traction on the trail while opting for less suspension on lighter terrain can bring gains to pedaling efficiency and save weight.

• Full suspension MTBs: Front and rear suspension opens up the world of steeper, chunkier terrain with jumps, drops, and big obstacles. Trail, enduro, downhill, and some XC bikes feature full suspension.
• Hardtail MTBs: Named after the rigid rear triangle with no rear shock, hardtails absorb trail impacts via the front suspension fork. The lighter weight and rigid rear end are excellent for XC riding and smoother terrain, and they’re typically less expensive, too.
• Rigid MTBs: These bikes have rigid frames that lack any suspension system. The most common example is fat bikes with their wide, high-volume tires that provide sufficient shock absorption and traction.

Mountain bikers have options when it comes to wheel size, which can help dial in the bike for your riding style. These days, the choice is between primarily between 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. However, there are a couple other options out there as well.

• 29-inch wheels: Larger-diameter 29” wheels roll better over big trail obstacles and have faster-rolling momentum at higher speeds. These benefits make 29ers a popular size for XC and downhill mountain biking where speed is paramount.
• 27.5-inch wheels: The slightly smaller size provides more playful and nimble handling on technical terrain with tighter turns, including fast acceleration and similar rolling speed to 29ers. Many trail and recreational MTBs have versatile 27.5” wheels, as well as XS or S bikes for better overall frame geometry.
• Mixed wheels: Mixed wheel setups have a 29er in the front and a 27.5" wheel in back. This design gives you the rollover capability of the 29" wheel with the added agility of the 27.5" wheel in back, making for a very capable, fun ride.
• 26-inch wheels: While 26-inch wheels were the gold standard of mountain biking for decades, 26" wheels are largely found on youth bikes these days. That being said, you'll still see 26-inch wheels on dirt jump bikes and some fat bikes.

The right frame size means you’ll be able to extract the most performance and comfort from your mountain bike. Too big and the bike can feel cumbersome while a frame that’s too small can cause a scrunched, inefficient riding position. 

Getting it right involves matching your height to the manufacturer’s frame sizes, typically listed according to Alpha sizing. For the most exact measurements, refer to the brand’s own size charts which are often optimized for each model. 

Find your recommended frame size with our helpful mountain bike size chart below. We also have more sizing tips on our Bike Sizing page.

If you're a beginner mountain biker or you're hoping to start getting into the sport, the price tags on many MTBs can be a big turn off. The truth is, you don't need to spend a fortune on a bike to be able to ride trails. 

Entry level models are getting better every year and now often come with great tech like hydraulic disc brakes, dropper posts, and efficient 1x drivetrains that used to only be found on mid and upper tier models. Those entry level models will come with everything you need to get into riding trails.

That being said, for riders with serious goals of riding technical terrain, you might save money in the long run if you invest in a model that is built for the kind of terrain you aspire to ride.

The bottom line: if an entry level model is what makes sense for your budget then great! You'll have a blast getting into the sport, and if you decide one day you want a better bike to help your riding progress you can use your experience to find the perfect next model. But if your budget is more flexible and you know you want to eventually ride at a higher level, there's a lot of sense in buying a more expensive bike you'll grow into instead of out of.

The most common mountain bike frame materials are aluminum and carbon fiber, but some specialty frames are made from steel or titanium. The chosen material affects a frame’s weight as well as the bike’s ride feel and overall price.

What are the different types of MTB?

Some of the most popular types of mountain bikes include cross-country (XC), trail or all-mountain, enduro, and downhill models. Recreational and fat tire mountain bikes are also well-represented categories.

What specs should I look for in a mountain bike?

Among the most important specs for a mountain bike include the frame design, suspension setup, components, and wheel size. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you’ll need to pick what best matches your riding style.

What is the difference between 27 and 29 mountain bikes?

29” mountain bikes— or 29ers— have larger wheels that can roll faster over bigger trail obstacles while 27.5” wheels offer slightly more responsive acceleration and handling.

Are full-suspension mountain bikes worth the money?

Opting for full suspension is a great investment for all trail, enduro, and downhill riders who expect chunky terrain and large drops. If you typically stick to lighter terrain, a hardtail mountain bike may still do the trick.

Can you still ride hardtails on rough trails?

Absolutely! Hardtails can handle plenty of challenging terrain, especially when matched with plus-sized tires and long front suspension. No rear shock may mean you need to take it easier on the steepest or bumpiest routes.