Mountain bike quick picks
Hardtail mountain bike: Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 27.5
Budget hardtail mountain bike: REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1
Full-suspension mountain bike: Revel Rascal V2
Regardless of whether you huck cliffs, climb singletrack or pedal around your neighborhood lake, mountain biking is one of the most fun activities you can do on two wheels. But along with finding the right mountain biking accessories, choosing the best mountain bike for you can be difficult.
There are varying levels of mountain bikes — and mountain bikers — but the good news is there are wheels for anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy life behind a set of handlebars. We spoke to experts and tested mountain bikes ourselves to learn what to consider before snagging your next two-wheeled steed.
How to choose a mountain bike?
Whether you’re looking for electric bikes, gravel bikes or mountain bikes, it’s no secret they’re complicated machines with many components and materials. You want to ensure you don’t spend more than you need to but also that you get enough bike for your needs. First, you’ll likely be looking at alloy or carbon materials in the frame.
“Carbon is a more expensive frame material but offers weight savings, and manufacturers can dial in very specific ride characteristics for an amazing feel on the trail,” says Stuart Sundell-Norlin, associate category merchandise manager of bike and nordic at Christy Sports. On the other hand, alloy is much cheaper and heavier but still offers “plenty of smiles for beginners and vets alike,” he adds.
The bike parts — or components — are a big piece of the puzzle too. These include things like the pedals, chain, cassette, tires, brakes and more. “Entry-level parts tend to be heavier with less focus on modern technology,” Sundell-Norlin says. “As you move toward the top end, lighter materials are used with the most recent bike technology.”
But above all else, don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Spending time testing and working with a trained bike professional can make a big difference in finding the right bike for you,” says Edward Zebrowski, a product specialist at REI. “Ask questions about full suspension or hardtail, gearing, the seatpost style, the overall weight and tire size.”
Purchasing a great bike can be expensive, so be sure it’s right for you. “We want you to enjoy your new ride, and it’s an investment,” Zebrowski says. “Ask, ask, ask!” By asking questions, you can feel confident that you’ll get the best bike for your needs, regardless of whether you’re bopping around the neighborhood lake or slashing downhill singletrack.
Best hardtail mountain bikes
Hardtail mountain bikes are aptly named since they don’t have any suspension (or travel) in the rear. Instead, they have a front suspension fork for some squish but far less than a full suspension. Hardtail bikes are usually more affordable, better for climbing and comfortable on flowy and nontechnical terrain.
If you’re a beginner mountain biker, the DRT 1.1 is a great place to start. This basic, budget-friendly pick has hydraulic brakes, 27.5-inch tires, 100 millimeters of front travel, and a 3x7 drivetrain (3 chainrings in front and 7 sprockets in the back for 21 gears in total). Front derailleurs (the gadgets that make changing gears possible) like this aren’t common anymore since they’re heavy and add one more component to worry about, but they get the job done. Pro tip: If you have the budget, consider upgrading to the DRT 1.3 for more suspension and nicer components.
We found ourselves beyond stoked with the Rangefinder, thanks to its accessible price, ample mounting points for bikepacking gear and 120 millimeters of suspension. This hardtail has an 11-speed drivetrain, which means you get 11 gears, but unlike the REI bike, they’re all on a single shifter. It even comes with a dropper post (a seat that goes up and down for descents), which isn’t something you often find at this price.
The Roscoe is a well-rounded hardtail bike that checks a lot of boxes, making it a good fit for everything from after-work laps to a weekend bikepacking adventure. The 29er tires (tires with 29-inch wheels) roll over pretty much everything, and the Roscoe shines the brightest when climbing. If you’re a downhiller looking to hit the rough-and-rowdy trails, this probably won't be your top choice, but it is a solid pick for flowy singletrack and an affordable one-bike quiver.
Mountain bikers looking for value have long considered Marin since they typically clock in at a reasonable price point for quality components. The San Quentin 3 is no different with a 12-speed drivetrain and a Shimano Deore derailleur that is an entry-level component with a solid track record. Overall, the San Quentin is a solid trail bike that feels much easier on the downhill than other hardtails.
Heather Hart, an endurance coach and racer, always reaches for the ProCaliber 9.5 for its versatility and (relative) affordability. “It's a lightweight, carbon fiber hardtail but has the IsoSpeed decoupler on the junction of the top tube and seat tube to give a little bit of suspension and absorption,” Hart says. “I've used this bike on technical enduro and cross-country mountain bike trails, as well as on multiday expedition races where I'm riding big mileage on dirt roads and sitting on the saddle for over 12 hours at a time. It's comfortable in all conditions.”
Best full-suspension mountain bikes
Unlike hardtails, full-suspension mountain bikes have suspension in both the front and back of the bike. This makes them more comfortable since there is more squish to absorb the bumps. Full-suspension bikes are heavier and often cost more, but new technologies are bringing the price down, so they have become the most popular type of mountain bike.
The Spot Mayhem is a favorite of Ryan Amirault, a 42-year-old former collegiate bike racer who still routinely pedals the trails near his home in Boston. “I love the company, great customer service even after my warranty expired, the bike fits my body and riding style, and it looks damn good,” he says. “It’s a unique bike too. It turns heads.” Plus, you can choose your preferences when building it, selecting everything from tire size to components.
“I love the Specialized Epic EVO because it strikes the perfect balance between being super fast, smooth and efficient for racing while also being playful and fun for big adventure days in the mountains on rugged trails,” says Kara LaPoint, a professional off-road triathlete. According to LaPoint, the Epic EVO has an ideal trifecta with 120 millimeters of travel, progressive geometry and minimal weight. And if you want a newer version, we spent the summer testing out the Epic 8 Evo Comp and found it to be one of the most versatile bikes in the garage.
The Fluid FS A1 earned itself a slew of awards, and it was easy to see why when we tried it ourselves. This full-suspension, aluminum workhorse is great for cross-country riders or downhillers alike. With 130 millimeters of rear travel and 140 millimeters of fork travel, 29-inch wheels and lovely geometry with a 65-degree head tube angle, everything about this bike is comfortable as you climb up technical terrain or roll down steep descents. Good news: You even get electronic shifting that easily glides through your gears.
Round up a crew of women and ask them what their favorite bike is, and there is a great chance you’ll hear about the women-specific Furtado. “It can take me anywhere I want to go,” says Amanda Baseler, former senior manager of recreation and adventure for the National Ability Center in Utah. “The geometry makes climbing feel more efficient than a larger travel bike while still feeling sturdy, capable, and super fun on the down,” she says. Bonus: The new “glove box” holds a few snacks to save you space.
I share a hometown with Revel — Carbondale, Colorado — and there's a good reason you see so many locals shredding the local IMBA gold-rated trails on a Revel: This bike rips. For the all-mountain crowd who truly need one bike to do it all, the Rascal is rowdy with a tweaked geometry, a universal derailleur hanger (that makes replacing a busted one easier) and 130 millimeters of travel in the rear. It climbs well and descends even better, making the Rascal a top choice for experienced riders who want to go everywhere.
If you’ve always wanted to ride a mullet bike, here’s your opportunity. The women-specific Liv Intrigue X Advanced boasts a 29-inch tire in the front and a 27.5-inch tire in the back — the classic mullet configuration — lending itself to increased balance of stability and maneuverability. But it shines on the downhill with 140 millimeters of rear travel, 150 millimeters of front travel, and customizable geometry that allows you to tweak the head tube and seat tube angles, as well as the height of the bottom bracket. Pro tip: If you want a fancier version, consider upgrading to the Intrigue X Advanced 1 with higher-end components and electronic shifting.
The venerable Scalpel has been in the Cannondale lineup since the early 2000s, but this latest version is my fave — and got me to buy one of my own after testing it. Designed for cross-country riders who want to go fast, the Scalpel has a decent 120 millimeters of travel (up from 100 millimeters on previous versions), 29-inch tires across all models, electronic shifting and updated geometry with a 66.6-degree head tube angle. It’s also light as a feather, thanks to the carbon frame and ultra-light dropper post that only has two positions: up or down. Thanks to those shaved ounces, the Scalpel crushes on the climbs but still absorbs all the bumps on the ride back down.
What are the different kinds of mountain bikes?
It’s easy to think one bike will cover all your bases when you’re a beginner. And while that is loosely true, it’s important to consider what type of riding you enjoy or think you’ll be doing. As Sundell-Norlin suggests, be realistic about your use case and consider what your trails look like. Are they rocky or rooty? Will you be downhilling at a bike park or doing more cross-country riding with lots of climbing? “The types of trail you’ll be riding will factor into your decision of full-suspension or hardtail bikes,” Sundell-Norlin says. “Most full-suspension bikes have gotten quite efficient, and the comfort of the rear suspension is a big bonus. I’d recommend full suspension if it’s within your price range.”
Zebrowski notes that mountain bikes can likely be used for more than singletrack: “They work great on gravel trails, which can be found in many places in your local town.”
Why do bikes have such a dramatic range in pricing?
No matter what, buying a new mountain bike will cost you a chunk of money. On the low end, you can get a basic hardtail bike (suspension only in the front) like the REI Co-op DRT 1.1 for around $500, but it won’t handle the same terrain as pricier options. These are typically full suspension (with suspension — or travel — in the front and back of the bike) and can cost well beyond $10,000. The main difference is materials and components. “A typical entry-level model will have an alloy frame and less-expensive parts,” Sundell-Norlin says. “As you increase build level and cost, more premium parts are added and frame materials may change to composites [like carbon].”