Choosing a mountain bike

Start with how you ride, not with the bike

Mountain bikes differ mainly in the kind of terrain and speed they are built for. First think about where you ride most: long loops on forest roads and easy singletrack, rocky and rooty trails, or steep descents. Once your riding style is clear, finding the right category is easy.

• XC (cross country) – light and efficient to pedal, typically with 100–120 mm of suspension travel. Made for long rides, racing and flowing trails.
• Downcountry and light trail – the agility of an XC bike with a little more travel and grip. A good choice for varied trails with long transfers in between.
• Trail – the most versatile category, typically 120–150 mm of travel. Climbs well and stays composed on technical descents.
• Enduro – built for fast, steep descents, typically 150–180 mm of travel. You pedal to the top, but the bike is at its best on the way down.

Hardtail or full suspension?

A hardtail has a suspension fork but a rigid rear end. It is simple, light and needs less maintenance, and your pedalling power goes straight into forward motion. A hardtail makes a great first mountain bike and works very well on flowing trails.

A full-suspension bike also has rear suspension. The shock keeps the rear tyre on the ground, which adds grip and control in rough terrain and reduces fatigue on long rides. Full suspension needs regular servicing, so factor suspension maintenance into the cost of ownership.

Wheel size: 29", 27.5" or mullet

Most adult mountain bikes now roll on 29-inch wheels: they roll over obstacles easily and carry speed well. 27.5-inch wheels make a bike more agile and often suit shorter riders. A mullet setup – 29" up front and 27.5" at the rear – combines a confident front end with a playful rear and is common on trail and enduro frames.

Which components matter most

• Suspension – a quality fork and shock have the biggest effect on how the bike rides. Adjustability (air pressure, rebound) is important.
• Brakes – hydraulic disc brakes are standard off-road. Larger rotors add power for long descents.
• Drivetrain – a 1× drivetrain (single chainring) is easy to use and maintain.
• Dropper post – lowers the saddle for descents with a lever on the bar. Almost essential for trail and enduro riding.
• Tyres – width and tread pattern affect grip. See also our tyre guide.

The right size matters more than the spec

A frame that is too big or too small makes even a great bike awkward to ride. Manufacturers' size charts are a good starting point, but frame dimensions vary between brands. Read more about choosing a bike size and ask us in the store if two sizes seem possible.

Plan for servicing from the start

Cables and parts on a new bike settle during the first rides. Ride More recommends a first service after 100–300 km, or after 20–30 riding hours for mountain bikes and e-bikes. A full-suspension bike also needs regular fork and shock servicing – see bike service intervals.