Mountain Bike Buying Guide

Mountain biking is a wonderfully varied discipline with something for everyone. In this Mountain Bike Buying Guide, we are not going to dive into every ultra-niche category out there — things like rigid single-speeds or slopestyle rigs. Instead, we will focus on the styles of mountain bikes that the majority of riders actually shop for, ride, and love.

Men's and Women's Mountain Bikes

Almost every mountain bike on the market today is sold as a unisex model. Over the past several years, the major brands have moved away from offering separate men's and women's versions. Instead, they now produce a wider range of frame sizes to accommodate every body type. For example, many popular models are available in sizes from XXS all the way through XXL — meaning they can comfortably fit riders from about 4'5" to 6'5" and beyond.

Wheel and Tyre Sizes

For years, 26-inch wheels were the go-to standard for mountain bikes, but those days are long gone — you will mostly only find them on kids' bikes now. The modern default is 29 inches, although some bikes still ship with 27.5-inch wheels. 29ers are popular for racing since they roll over obstacles efficiently and hold speed well. On the other hand, 27.5-inch wheels are nimbler through tight, technical terrain and pick up speed faster, which is why you will still see them on many dedicated trail bikes.

You will also notice that different frame sizes sometimes come with different wheel sizes. Smaller and extra-small frames often roll on 27.5-inch wheels, while medium through extra-large frames typically get 29-inch wheels. This helps keep overall proportions balanced and the bike manageable for shorter riders.

Tyre widths have also expanded alongside wheel diameters. The old 2.1-inch tyre is considered ultra-narrow by today's standards. Most modern mountain bikes come fitted with 2.4- or 2.6-inch tyres, which provide more grip, better stability, and greater confidence on rough ground.

Where Are You Going to Ride — and Can You Jump?

Modern mountain bikes generally fall into three main categories: XC, Trail, and Enduro. Understanding which one suits your riding style is the single most important decision you will make.

Beyond these three main categories, there is also a growing sub-category known as down country bikes. These sit between XC and Trail, typically offering around 120mm of suspension travel on 29-inch wheels. They are engineered to be as fast as an XC race bike while still handling more rugged terrain. Down country bikes are ideal if you plan to cover long distances on rocky, natural trails.

Hardtail or Full Suspension

Most mountain bikes under the $2,000 mark are hardtails — meaning they have a suspension fork at the front but a rigid frame at the rear. Hardtails are more affordable, lighter, and extremely efficient on roads and climbs because none of your pedalling energy is lost to rear suspension movement.

Full suspension bikes, on the other hand, add a shock absorber at the rear. This helps the rear wheel maintain contact with the ground over roots, rocks, and rough sections, meaning better traction, more grip on technical climbs, and a faster, more comfortable experience on descents. If you are riding local trails and bridleways, a hardtail will serve you brilliantly. If you want to tackle trail centres, bike parks, jumps, or simply want maximum fun and versatility, full suspension is the way to go.

1x Drivetrains

The trend in mountain biking has moved firmly toward simplicity. The current standard is a single chainring at the front paired with a wide-range cassette — usually 12 cogs — at the rear. This 1x setup provides all the range you need to conquer steep climbs and maintain speed on flats. Some budget-friendly bikes still feature 2 or 3 chainrings up front, which can be beneficial if you plan to use the bike for road commuting since the extra gears give you higher top-end speed.