Different types of bikes are available for different riding styles depending on your preference. It is recommended to purchase a bike according to the kind of activity you are going to use it for.

For those who prefer cycling on roads, road bikes are designed to optimize and make road cycling efficient as possible to attain smooth rides. However, if you prefer to bike on rough trails and mountain areas, this is not recommended for you. 

For all the commuters out there, Hybrid bikes or commuter bikes suit you best. With a mixture of road bike and mountain bike; daily commutes when going to school or work as well as occasionally going off road or mountain biking can be a comfortable ride with this one.

There are many more types of bikes up for grab in a different bike shop (including but not limited to Touring Bike, Folding Bike, Fixed Gear/ Track Bike, BMX, Recumbent Bike, Cruiser, electric bike and etc.) but the most commonly known is the Mountain Bike. A lot of people who are just entering the cycling world often select mountain bikes as it is the most familiar type.

For cyclists who are looking for a blend of fitness and adventure through biking, mountain bikes are designed perfectly for you to go on mountains or off roads. One of the features of this type of bike is that it is chunky because it has wide, knobbly tires for tractions and a wide range of gears equipped to boost you as you go up and over mountain trails. Some have front suspension but are rigid at the back or what we call Hardtail Mountain Bike while the others have front and rear suspension equipped for cushioning jumps and drops, also called a Full Suspension bike

Mountain bikes were first introduced in the market around the 1980s and today because of the improvements done over the years, there is now a wide range of options you can choose from when buying your very first mountain bike.

Table of Contents:

How to choose the Right Type of Mountain Bike?

• Trail Mountain Bikes
• Cross-Country Mountain  Bikes
• All-Mountain Bikes
• Downhill or Free Ride MountainBikes

• Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike
• Diamondback Bicycles Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike
• Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 1 Hardtail Mountain Bike
• 2021 Gravity FSX 1.0 Full Dual Suspension Mountain Bike
• Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike
• Royce Union RCF Carbon Mountain Bike
• Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
• Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike

As there are different types of bikes for different situations, there is also another category allocated just for different types of mountain bikes and we have listed below how each of them differs from each other.

Trail Mountain Bikes

Trail Bikes are relatively the most common type of mountain bike for beginners. This category is not grounded in any specific type of racing that is why this is considered to be the most typical mountain biking style. Trail bikes have more gravity oriented parts like chunkier tires and larger brake rotors for better traction and also added suspension for them to be more equipped on various kinds of terrains. 

With a shorter stem length that ranges from 40 mm to 80 mm, the rider’s posture is positioned more backward to achieve better stability when riding across steep downhill terrains. If you enjoy having thrill rides with friends and find it exhilarating to bike downhill just as much as uphill, this kind of mountain bike is perfect for you. Fun, efficiency, and thrill can be found when looking for the occasional drop or jump during rides through this kind of bike.

Trail bikes usually have:

Wheels: 27.5” or 29” 

Suspension:  4.7″/120mm to 6″/150mm of travel (front and back).

Trail bike geometries are typified by “neutral” head angles (66° or 68°) but vary widely to suit different riding styles.

Tires on trail bikes provide a perfect combination of durability, traction, and rolling efficiency.

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

If you want a fast paced bike that is ideal when getting competitive or having racier rides, this category is a match for you. Cross Country Mountain Bike delivers quality performance for that fast ride experience since it is low weight. This is a machine that provides uphill crushing and lung busting adventure equipped for endurance and efficiency. 

It features a long stem length that ranges from 90 mm to 100 mm. The long stem length places the rider in a position that provides a proper posture to push the rider’s body further forward for strengthened grip and maximum acceleration when going through flat terrains.

Expect a slower pace when biking downhill and enjoy faster rides on climbs and flat surfaces. When you plan to ride long miles pedaling and prefer climbing instead of descending trails, you should go for this type of mountain bike.

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes usually have:

• Wheel Size: 29” Modern XC bikes are focusing on using the largest mountain bike wheel sizes
• Ultra-lightweight: builds that are less than 24 lbs. and 4.7″/120mm or less of travel make for the lightest mountain bikes you’ll see anywhere.

• Hardtails with front suspension only are preferred for this category
• Longer chainstays & wheelbases, steep head angles (69° or steeper) 
• Longer stems

All-Mountain Bikes

All mountain or Big bikes are somehow considered a cousin of trail bikes because they both cover a wide range of uses. If you are more inclined to biking downhill and prefer to be challenged when pedaling uphill, an All Mountain bike is better for you than trail bikes. 

Give this category a chance if you enjoy leg-burning climbs and thrilling descents with its technical features equipped for such occasions; light enough to pedal uphill and perform well when going downhill. 

• Wheel size: 27.5” or 29”, or even mixed “mullet” sizes with 29” in the front and 27.5” in the rear.
• Typical specs:140–170mm of suspension travel; 65–68° head-tube angle
• Tires on all mountain bikes usually have aggressive knobs for cornering and traction since the important part of the ride is gravity assisted.
• Long wheelbase

Downhill or Free Ride Mountain Bikes

Downhill Bikes are devised for steep, knobbly terrains perfect for trails with big drops and jumps.

Mostly ridden on bike parks with lift services for exhibitions and downhill bumpy terrains. From the name itself, this type of mountain bike is not really designed to go in any direction but down.

So if you do not like pedaling uphill and bursting your lungs out to climb, this bike is what you are looking for.

With very aggressive geometry, super tough parts, and long travel, they’ll get you down a mountain safely, or fast. However, do make sure to equip yourself with full face helmets, body armors, and other gears since in most of your ride you will encounter rocky trails and big jumps.

• Burly frames sporting 6.7″/170mm – 10″/250mm+ of suspension travel in the rear and 7″/180mm – 8″/200mm in the front with dual-crown forks
• Typical specs: 170–200+mm of suspension travel; 63–65° head-tube angle
• Tires on downhill bikes are geared for traction and durability with 2-ply (think double-thick) casings for traction and durability.

If you’re thinking of buying one, we already picked the best option for you to help you choose before purchasing your very first mountain bike for beginners.

Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike

The excitement from accomplishing a climb or descend on a trail during mountain biking  can give genuine joy to any cyclist. One of the mountain bikes for beginners that can let you experience that without forcing your body too much is this Mongoose Switchback Expert Adult Mountain Bike. 

Mongoose Switchback is perfect for entry level bikers because it is one of the most affordable hardtail mountain bikes. Although it is not ideal for rigid trail riding, this one is best for casual off road rides and fast rides. 

The heart of the bike is the frame and the frame sizes is something to look into. This model has a sleek tectonic T1 aluminum frame that is lightweight yet sturdy that bodes well for long term endurance when riding for a lengthy time.  Another thing is the superb gearing and speed system that is convenient to use when slowing down or speeding up because of its 3 x 8 Drivetrain and  24 speed options to choose from. The drivetrain is effective when you are climbing up or speeding down a mountainside because you can easily maintain your pace and keep control of yourself as well as the bike. 

Summary of Features:

Pros:

• Variety of speed options for this mountain bike.
• The mechanical disc brakes provide more control and power when braking.
• Lightweight enough for mountain climbs
• Budget Friendly Price
• The build is sturdy and robust. Very functional and convenient for beginner bikers.

Cons:

• Since the frame is aluminum, it can be a bit heavier than other bikes with a carbon frame (but as mentioned it is still lightweight enough for mountain climbs)
• The internal cables can be sometimes difficult to clean and maintain.

Mongoose Fireball Dirt Jump Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Grey

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Diamondback Bicycles Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike

Diamondback Hardtail Mountain has a little bit of everything and can almost do it all. Enjoy road rides, more than 8 hours long haul, cross-country, and occasional off-road trails. This model is dedicated to all enthusiasts riders who are willing to try different riding adventures. 

The hook frame is a bit simpler than the other models that Diamondback has produced (Sync’r and Line). Enjoy a fast ride through rough terrains with the hardtail hook and low bottom bracket height. 

The SRAM 1 x 8 drivetrain has sustainable options of gears for a smooth ride, however, you may want to look out for smaller chainring sizes if you are always biking in steep hills. The powerful Tektro Aries Mechanical disc brakes are functional enough to bring you to a stop.

Summary of Features:

Pros:

• Teckro Aires Disc Brakes to stop on a dime
• Easy to Assemble
• Aluminum 6061 T6 handbuilt frame that is light weight 
• Geometry is suitable for entry level bikers
• SRAM drivetrain and speed shifting 
• Comes with a handlebar that is 750 mm wide for comfortable riding.
• Easily upgradeable
• Great for climbing hills

Cons

• Hard saddle
• No water bottle cage
• Basic DB rims
• Slow on flats

Diamondback Bicycles Tess 20 Youth Girls 20″ Wheel Mountain Bike, Pink

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Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 1 Hardtail Mountain Bike

Raleigh is a bicycle brand known for producing affordable yet quality bikes of all types that include the  Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 1. This bike is a top pick for beginner mountain bikes for being incomparable in quality among similar bikes within its price range.

Gear up as you rule over those up and down trails with the aggressive geometry and powerful hardtail. The geometry and long travel fork help in running the bicycle when downhill. The AL-6061 SL custom butted aluminum frame of Tokul 1 is strong and semi-lightweight to keep the rider in an upright position plus it is not prone to rust which makes it easy to maintain.

Commonly, we think that it can be dreadful when going uphill and also scary to go downhill on hardtail bikes. The Tokul 1 is equipped with Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes that give a refine handling when biking.

There are actualy three Tokul models produced by Raleigh (Tokul 1,2,3) so make sure to check the Tokul 1 version if you think this is something that you like.

Summary Features:

Pros:

• The quality of components is high for the price range
• The color scheme and restrained graphics are appealing
• Contemporary, aggressive, and slack geometry.
• Experts have tested the Tokul through technical trails, bunny-hops, dirt-jumps, drops, and backflips, and there was no problem that occurred.
• Fat tires proved good for shock-absorbance and rolling resistance.

Cons:

• 740mm bars were considered a bit narrow by modern standards.
• The overall weight was a little heavier for some riders
• Cheap pedals

Raleigh Bikes Eva 24 Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Girls Youth 8-12 Years Old, Teal

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Neffice 27.5 Mountain Bike 

The Neffice 27.5 is one of the cheapest mountain bikes for beginners that are under $500. Despite this model being entry level, the performance it gives off is still superb. There are 24 speeds available to choose from depending on the type of ride.

The lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and relaxed trail-specific geometry result in overall low weight for the bike. When in use, the rider is put in an upright position for a more comfortable ride. 

The wheel size is 27.5 inches with an adjustable suspension fork of 2.1 inches, making it suitable for various types of terrains. The tires are knobby and wide for a fit grip.

Neffice is an uncomplicated and a versatile mountain trail bike that works well on rough roads, forests, mountains,s and all sorts of trails.

Summary Features:

Pros:

• Suitable with all kinds of terrains
• Comes with an adjustable suspension fork
• Wide and knobby tires provide stability
• The pedals are platform type 
• The cushioned saddle is comfortably ergonomic

Cons:

• Hard to assemble for some riders
• A little hard to maintain

Neffice Mountain Bike Mens 27.5 Inch Wheels 24 Speed Drivetrain,All-Terrain Bicycle, High-Strength Aluminum Frame, Trigger Shift, Multiple Colors

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Gravity FSX 1.0 Full Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

Another model that falls in the budget bikes category under $500 is this Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike. The overall components of this product can be a match against high end bike brands. 

The FSX 1.0 has a dual full suspension that is made viable by the hydroformed aluminum alloy frame. The welding points of the frame are pretty flawless and there is extra reinforcement in the areas that receive the most stress and impact when riding on difficult areas.

Even though the bike has dual suspension and there is added reinforcement, it is still lightweight compared to other full suspension bikes because its weight usually ranges just around 26 pounds mark.  There is a total of 24 gears that gives you full control of your riding style. You can fastly change gears because of the efficient shift system. This is a great entry level full suspension mountain bike.

Summary Features:

Pros: 

• Low price and great value.
• The build of the frame is strong and of high quality.
• Handling is great especially during off-road rides
• Double-wall rims are provided at a low price point, keeping things beefy.
• FSX cyclists said the bike was fast 
• Dual disc brakes.
• Both gears and shifting worked well.

Cons:

• There is no lockout feature in the suspension fork
• Tires are not aggressive enough for vigorous trails

Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes Aluminum Frame

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Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike

Wheel sizes are something that you should look into before buying a mountain bike because it is vital to how you would use your mountain bike. If you plan to tackle rough terrain and want a model that can survive all types of weather, fat tire bikes are perfect bikes for beginners with a taste for adventure.

The 26 inches, 4.0 tire diameter tires can outstand various terrains and weathers. It presents a sturdy and durable steel frame and super fat stomper tires. Be ready to conquer any off-road trails with the steel frame and super sized all-terrain knobby tires that have strong grips There is professional mechanical disc brake function that allows you to ride downhill and brake freely when needed to ensure safety. The frame is made of steel and since fat bikes have larger tires, the overall weight is heavier than regular mountain bikes.

A unique feature of this model is the 20-inch option that is great for kids who want to start early in the cycling world.

Summary Features:

Pros:

• Great for rigid rides
• Includes mountain-bike-style handlebars, three-piece crank, This single-speed bike easily rolls through mud, wet sand, and several inches of water. 
• Provides good traction on railroad tracks 
• Easy to assemble.
• There is an available size for kids

Cons:

• Seats are a little hard to adjust
• Single Speed only

Krusher Men's Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike

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Royce Union RCF Carbon Mountain Bike

As stated before, the frame is a vital component of any bike. The Royce Union RCF  has a premium quality carbon hardtail frame that results in an exceptional performance. To set off its durability, the frame is lightweight yet sturdy that is resistant to corrosion, and can withstand all weather conditions. There are three frame sizes to give riders the option.

With Suntour XCT suspension that provides notable control in mountain terrains and full Shimano Altus SLX drivetrain that gives off 22 speeds. There is also NECO Alloy 3-piece crank for precise handling and the hydraulic disc brakes allow precise and effective stopping power.

Royce Union is recognized for producing high-quality products that are worth the price for every cyclist. This is a product that is resistant and sure to last long.

Summary Features:

Bike Type Mountain Bike

Age Range (Description) Adult

Brand Royce Union

Wheel Size 27.5 Inches

Suspension Type Front

Number of Speeds 22

Size 27.5 inch Wheels / 16.5 inch Frame

Color Gloss White

Frame Material Carbon Fiber

Brake Style Disc

Pros:

• Cutting Edge Carbon Frame makes it lightweight
• Durable and Resistant (good for a long run)
• The fork and suspension features can absorb bumps and keeping you in control
•  Precise and effective stopping power
• Super comfortable with the WTB Volt Saddle
• Quick Release seat

Cons:

• The price is a bit expensive compared to other brands
• Some users reported issues like problematic gears

ROYCE UNION RMT 27.5″ Mens 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain Bike, 18″ Aluminum Frame, Twist Shift, Matte Black

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Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

We cannot complete this bike review without mentioning Schwinn mountain bikes. The brand is known for its global reputation for producing superior quality products at reasonable prices. When talking about bikes for beginners, Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is a great choice. 

It is made from an aluminum frame guaranteed to last for a long time and give off exciting performance on rides. The shifters are also undeniably high quality with the 24 speeds Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters and front and rear Shimano Altus derailleurs make gear changes easy and smooth. 

The front and rear mechanical disc brakes may seem outdated than other models but it still works impressively when braking. Another thing about this bike is its versatility because it works perfectly in almost all terrains. 

Summary Features:

Pros:

• Aluminum frame
• Suspension fork
• Mechanical disc brakes
• 24 speeds
• Alloy rims
• 29-inch wheels
• Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters
• knobby mountain tires
• Schwinn alloy cranks
• Perfect for All Terrains
• Promotes a Comfortable Ride
• Wheels Roll Smoothly
• Easy to Assemble

Cons:

• Can Be Quite Heavy
• No Mount for Water Bottle

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women, 29-Inch Wheels, Full Suspension, 24-Speed Shimano Drivetrain, Trigger Shifter, 18-Inch Aluminum Frame, Mechanical Disc Brake, Matte Grey/Neon Green

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Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike

This model is a great deal for exercise. They are designed to be used on terrains and rough roads. To highlight, the frame is durable and sturdy made from steel which is an alloy so it will not rust easily. It can withstand vicious weather and outdoors.

There are other models with different bike wheels but these 26 inches are superb because it is perfect for women cyclists.  To be able to last long when riding, it is equipped with Shimano Revo Shift gear with 21 speeds for an efficient gear system that makes the journey effortless.

Hiland mountain bike is complete with all necessary features of an ideal mountain bike 

Summary Features:

Pros:

Pros

• Sturdy and robust build with a steel frame that is rust-resistant and durable.
• It has a high gear system with 21 speeds 
• The suspension fork absorbs all the bumps and shocks of uneven trails keeping the wheels steady for a smooth ride
• Easy to assemble
• Price is under $500

Cons

• Handgrips can be rough on the hand so it is best to wear padded gloves
• Maybe to inflate the tubes and assistance might be required for the same along with an extra adapter.

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