Comparing the price of mountain bikes, along with which components you're getting, helps you determine what you're actually paying for. If you’re not comfortable with checking a bike’s mechanical soundness, it’s often worth having a local shop take a look (or you could purchase a former demo bike from a shop, so you can ensure it was properly maintained). Choosing the right new (or used) Mountain Bike is a complicated, confusing and highly emotional (think buying a new car- the shiny red one is the best choice right?). There are a number of drivetrain and gearing options currently on the market, and the quality of a given set-up often directly correlates with the cost of the bike. Taking Trek’s Fuel EX as an example, the bike is made in “XS and “S” frame sizes with top tubes that dip down more aggressively right in front of the seat and smaller wheels (27.5 rather than 29). To start, like the Yeti above, we’d love to see a true entry-level version offered with an aluminum frame for those just starting out or wanting to stick to a lower price point. Click on the bike's name to view in-depth info, reviews, prices, specifications, images and more. All 61 mountain bikes ranked by the best – based on reviews from 5,679 cyclists. Category: XCFrame: AluminumSuspension: 100mmTires: 27.5 x 2.1 in.What we like: Budget-friendly price but includes nice upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes.What we don’t: Not as trail-worthy as other hardtails on the list; slightly dated design and looks. Smooth-operating 1 x 12 drivetrains, quality suspension components from Fox or RockShox, and mostly name-brand parts should be the norm. When it comes to branded bikes, you pay at least 30% for the name alone, while lesser-known best budget mountain bike manufacturers work hard to make quality bikes that could rival “Scotts” or “Treks“. The additional rigidity of the material compared with aluminum leads to better power transfer and higher efficiency. This makes them truly excel at places like the Whistler Bike Park where the terrain is extremely rough, steep, and gnarly. Stepping up into this price range gets you a significantly more singletrack-worthy design. XC bikes can be found in just about every price point from under $500 for the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 to premium carbon racing designs costing $5,000+. Plus, it comes with the convenience of bike shop support (if you have a local Giant dealer). The build is one reason why this bike performs so well on the trail, with a beefy fork, plush suspension, meaty tires, and powerful brakes that can handle the heavy weight of this rig. Electric mountain bikes are immense fun: getting to the top of the hills faster means there is more time descending. And we can’t help but think that extra cash may be better spent on a visit to Whistler instead. Comparison Table - Best Mountain Bike Tires; Reviews - The Best Tires for Mountain Biking. Not only will comparing MTBs save you money, but you'll also find the bike most suitable to you, your riding style and your budget. Reviews and Tech Videos Field Test Enduro Bikes Trail Bikes Actofive Giant Ibis Norco Propain Rocky Mountain Salsa Specialized Trek Sarah Moore Nov 23, 2020 Review: 2021 Juliana Furtado CC XO1 Here, innovations are not limited to only the highest-end bikes. Class 3 is considered a speed pedelec (it still needs rider input) but features a higher assisted top speed of 28 miles per hour (Class 1 bikes stop assisting at 20 mph). Performance Mountain Bikes, 26 Inch Fat Tire Hardtail Mountain Bike, Dual Suspension Frame and Suspension Fork All Terrain Mountain Bike Labixun CDN$965.77 CDN$ 965 . Splitting the difference in price between the Salsa Timberjack and Kona Mahuna above, the Cannondale hardtail hits a nice middle ground for light trail work. And the 27.5 x 4-inch tires on the Beargrease (the Wo has 26 x 4.8-in. No matter if you are on a rough surface, it absorbs the shock for comfort. Trek Powerfly 5 ($4,199) 7. See the product . $1,000-$3,000 One may be hesitant to purchase a cheap mountain bike online, but there are some strong contenders. Having said that, full-suspension designs typically weigh more, are significantly more expensive, and will not be as efficient at climbing or on non-technical trails. There's a lot to like about the Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro starting with its reasonable price. And although e-bikes have been very popular in Europe for quite some time, they continue to receive pushback in the United States. And similar to other major brands on the list, Kona offers a lifetime warranty on all bike frames produced after 2009. We’ve spent more than a year thrashing it around the Pacific Northwest and came away thoroughly impressed by its plush rear suspension design and all-around refinement. Some mountain bikes only have a single gear, while others have more than 30. Additionally, the budget-oriented SR Suntour fork will certainly be out of its element during rough and bumpy descents. Despite packing an aluminum frame, the Turbo Levo Comp here is nearly $6,000, and carbon models start at a whopping $8,275. Niner Jet 9 . FREE SHIPPING with $50 minimum purchase. While there are many different disciplines to choose from, arguably the three most popular categories are XC (cross country), Trail and Enduro. Tweet; More... You Selected: Category: X Bikes; X Clear All. Modern downhill mountain bikes have less gears which make climbing more difficult. A huge comparison table comes up, allowing you to compare components and specs for each bike. What are you giving up by shopping from a consumer-direct company? 1. Are you comfortable doing basic assembly and mechanical projects? Luckily for us, most reputable online retailers and brands provide a significant amount of fit-related information. And it’s all backed up by REI’s excellent warranty—something you definitely don’t get from the Targets and Walmarts of the world. In fact, new designs come with just one drive trail and only 7 gears. To help, you can find a range of online tutorials, including Diamondback’s Ready Ride program. Those eyeing set-ups under... Connecticut-based Cannondale has always done things a little differently, but their revamped and surprisingly mainstream 2019 Habit seeks to make them a top contender once again. With a staggering total of 27 models available at the time of publishing, one of the best parts of the Specialized Stumpjumper lineup is the wide range of choices. This list is limited to the 50 … Mountain Bikes. Not only are you getting less suspension travel to absorb big hits, but the geometry is more upright and less confidence-inspiring in the steeps. Kona’s Mahuna hardtail is proof that inexpensive bikes don’t have to be boring. Santa Cruz Megatower Carbon CC X01 Eagle ($7,199), Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 ST ($4,520), See the Women's Specialized Stumpjumper ST, how much should you spend on a mountain bike, Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table. The best cheap mountain bikes; It’s possible to get a well made, off-road capable machine from around £400 / €450 / $520 , but there are certain caveats. Comparison Mountain Bikes : Best choice Bike . Vital review. Devinci AC NX 11s E-MTB. Full-suspension trail bikes hit a sweet spot for many riders, and the light and fast Ibis Ripley currently is our favorite of the bunch. If you want to suggest a better mountain bike model, leave a comment below so we can discuss it! Moreover, the fast-rolling tires prefer speed over traction. Category: Fat bikeFrame: AluminumSuspension: NoneTires: 26 x 4.8 in.What we like: Great flotation in snow; quality components at an excellent value.What we don’t: Pricier alternatives like the Salsa Beargrease are much lighter and faster. In addition, with budget-friendly designs like the new 1 x 12 SRAM SX Eagle, you can still get a very wide gear range without breaking the bank (it’s included on the $1,350 Cannondale Cujo 2). Go further, go faster and go to more places. Additionally, the extra drive system adds a significant amount of weight–it’s not uncommon for e-bikes to weigh upwards of 45 pounds or more. You’ll also see a drop in weight on high-end bikes when manufacturers utilize carbon fiber frames rather than aluminum. Mountain biking is an enjoyable sport. Some of our favorite fat bikes include the Kona Wo for year-round cruising and Salsa’s carbon Beargrease for more aggressive riding and winter-time racing. Fit. BEST FOR: RIDERS WHO FIND THEMSELVES ON ROCKY TERRAIN; Schwalbe Racing Ralph. Although the type of bike you’re looking for—hardtail or full-suspension—will largely dictate your buying decision, it really comes down to how much you’re willing to spend. This off-road fat tire mountain bike has fat tires to ride the countryside like a pro. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. BEST FOR: WINTER RIDERS WHO HANDLE TRICKIER TRAILS, HIGH-END RIDERS; Continental Trail King. While electric mountain bikes are certainly fun to ride, they do have a number of downsides. Best Overall Mountain Bike 1. While the vast majority of mountain bike sales are still happening at local shops (something we fully support), purchasing a rig online is becoming more common and much easier by the year. Tap Compare. Their Timberjack XT 29 hardtail is a case in point with its well-thought-out spec package and adaptable design. That said, the burly construction and wide tires mean the bike isn’t as flickable and fast as a dedicated cross-country design. (rear)What we like: Premium construction, aggressive geometry, and superb up- and downhill performance. Those looking for a playful ride that is easy to maneuver on tight and twisty trails will likely want to choose a 27.5-inch-wheeled bike. The ultimate list. The best electric mountain bikes are almost de rigeur now but it wasn't always so. After you’ve purchased a bike and had enough time to thoroughly test it, we encourage you to leave a review for other people to see when they are researching bikes on the web. It’s the current top-rated model in our article on mountain bikes under $1,000 thanks to a proven 1 x 10 Shimano drivetrain, relatively wide and aggressive (for this segment) 29 x 2.25-inch WTB tires, and balanced yet fun riding position. This becomes especially true should you live in a wet and muddy climate, which can wreak havoc on full-suspension bikes should they go unmaintained. Models like the Salsa Beargrease or Borealis Crestone utilize full carbon frames and forks, which shave a significant 5 to 7 pounds compared with the Kona. Category: TrailFrame: Carbon fiberSuspension: 130mm (front) 120mm (rear)Tires: 29 x 2.3 in.What we like: A great-performing and highly versatile trail bike.What we don’t: Pricier than competitors like the Ibis Ripley above. Heavier. While we readily admit that the term “quiver killer” is overused, we can’t help but think Yeti made just that with the extremely versatile SB130. This takes some of the guesswork out of buying a mountain bike. Currently, the biggest barrier to an e-mountain bike of any kind is price. That said, Yeti sticks to high-end parts, and when spec’d the same, its pricing actually is quite close to competitors like the Specialized Stumpjumper and Ibis Ripley. In general, riders focused on a lighter and nimbler style will prefer 27.5, while 29ers are more popular among speed-focused cyclists tackling rougher trails. A hardtail will have much better components and weigh significantly less—both important characteristics to having fun. (front) 2.3 in. Downhill and park models have one priority: going downhill. Not every mountain bike is the same, each model has its specialty and strength. If you fall into that camp, we recommend looking at Giant’s Trance ($2,100) or YT’s Jeffsy ($2,299) below. The Giant Trance below gets you a big bump up in performance, but the added complexity of the rear linkage brings the cost up to $2,100. Once you decide on a bike, you need to be prepared for a very large box to arrive on your front porch. A huge comparison table comes up, allowing you to compare components and specs for each bike. While certainly outlandish, we can’t help but appreciate the crème de la crème of mountain bikes. Yeti Cycles SB130 ($5,399) Category: Trail/all-mountain Frame: Carbon fiber Suspension: 150mm (front) 130mm (rear) Tires: 29 x 2.5 in. You also get a lot of bang for your buck with the well-equipped NX Eagle model, which easily undercuts competitors from Specialized and Santa Cruz at just over $4,000. In addition, a number of brands make dedicated women’s mountain bikes. Many mountain bikes are made in a unisex style and a range of sizes (typically from “S” to “XL”). We also like the sleek carbon frame, which features a neat storage area (dubbed SWAT) in the downtube for carrying a spare tube, tools, and trailside snacks. Get inspired gear, informed advice, 100s of brands – all backed by our Rocksolid Guarantee. For the most part, the weight decreases are due to nicer components like the drivetrain, suspension fork, and wheels. Airborne Guardian #4. Additionally, riders that prioritize rough and rowdy descents likely will find the Ripley a little under-gunned—the Yeti above or Ibis’s own Ripmo get the advantage for this type of terrain. Their take on the unisex Bronson is the Juliana Roubion: This bike shares the same rear linkage, amount of travel, and key specs with the Bronson but includes softer suspension tunes for lighter riders, narrower bars, and other women’s-specific components. The bike’s burly 2.6-inch tires and highly adjustable 130-millimeter RockShox Sektor RL fork provide more than enough cushion for rocky and rooty descents (by hardtail standards). The reviews are in-depth and detailed, so you should check out latest... Ll find full-suspension aluminum bikes with fully modern parts and geometry price go up of ensuring you wind on! Continental trail King Trance is more helpful than what real people think about a bike actually rides instead. 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