Although there are a large number of different types of mountain bikes available ranging from steel framed, rim-braked economy bikes to the top end, carbon fiber composite long range (and fast) electric mountain bikes, listed below are the more common and main types of mountain bikes:
Main Types of Mountain Bikes
Suspension: Hardtail (or front only suspension) mountain bikes or Softail (or full suspension) mountain bikes
Frame Material: aluminum, steel or carbon fiber
Frame Sizes and Shapes: frames built for men, women, unisex, youth or children and varying in size from below 15 inches to above 23 inches
Wheel rims sizes: varies from 20″ to way up to 29″ with 26″, 27.5″ and 29″ the most common
Weights: from 15 pounds to greater than 35 pounds depending on frame and wheel materials and construction and suspension type
Brakes: from rim pull to mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes
Click on the link to check out our Mountain Bike Reviews.
Click on this link to find out more about selecting a mountain bike.
There are occasions or terrains that require a certain type of mountain bike that is more capable and more suited to specific needs. This might be the terrain traversed, battery assist, able to be folded and stowed or a stripped down or partial version of a mountain bike.
These more Specialist Mountain Bikes include:
Electric mountain bikes from budget models to high performing top end 29″ softail electric mountain bikes
Fat bikes (fat tire mountain bikes) for riding on snow, sand, mud and other extreme terrains
BMX/trick mountain bikes
Extreme downhill mountain bikes for those in need of the ultimate adrenaline rush
Hybrid Mountain Bikes that are part mountain bike and part road bike
Rigid (no suspension) Mountain Bikes where ultimate simplicity is needed, the cost may be an issue or the terrain not too demanding
Folding Mountain Bikes where you need your mountain bike to be stowed or stored because of space limitations or ease of transport to your favorite mountain bike destination
Over time, we will be adding reviews and comparisons of these types of mountain bikes. Click on the link to find out more about Specialist Mountain Bikes.
There are many factors to be considered when selecting a mountain bike including:
– your age,
– your fitness level,
– your height and body weight,
– your budget,
– how serious you are as a mountain bike rider,
– how gnarly will the terrain be that you wish to traverse
– who you will be traveling with
– how often you’ll be mountain bike riding
As an example, a novice that will be generally traversing gentle forest trails with a few close friends possibly once a month may find a hardtail 26″ mountain bike in the “less than $200 category” will be just fine.
As experience and skill are acquired and the passion ignites, that ex-novice may wish to upgrade to a more serious ride.
In any event, following the advice and guides on this website will ensure you will find the perfect mountain bike for YOU !!
Click on the link for specific and more detailed advice on selecting a mountain bike.
Mountain biking allows you to get out in the fresh air and great outdoors and have fun with your friends and family. Additional benefits of mountain bike riding include:
– living a healthier lifestyle
– getting fit
– building confidence and self-esteem by challenging yourself
– safety (keeping clear of the blacktop)
– meeting some serious terrific like-minded people
– making life-long friends
– seeing this great country of ours
The good thing is that getting into mountain bike riding doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Even the top end gear is only a few thousand dollars and when you consider other pursuits and hobbies you and others have, getting good gear is not overly cost-prohibitive.
However, most of us seem to have budget restrictions; especially if we’re just starting out. To this end, we have divided the mountain bike reviews into definitive price points and MTB types to suit your level of skill and experience, motivation and desire and budget. Click here to go to our Mountain Bike Reviews.
