Over the years, mountain bike fitness has improved considerably. And this has led to an increase in the types of mountain bikes available. The different models are designed to perform specific tasks on the trail for different types of riders. Larger riders will be better off with a hardtail, while smaller riders will benefit from a lightweight trail bike. In this article we cover all the primary types of mountain bikes. So you can be more informed when you go to make your purchase.
Use our buyers guide to help find the right mountain bike for you. Best Mountain Bikes On The Market.
Rigid Mountain Bikes
This type of bike is the traditional mountain bike. Its frame is made of steel and weighs as much as 20 pounds. This type of bike generally has a suspension seat post, and a dual pivot brake system. It’s key detail is that is it suspension-less. It has no built in suspension system and instead relies on the tyres to give the rider some level of protection.
As the name suggests, it’s ideal for riding on trails that are less than rocky, or for flat terrain. It can be used for all types of riding, including off-road touring or commuting to work.
Why would you choose a mountain bike that has no suspension? Well, that is where personal preference comes in. If you’re not the sort of rider that needs a suspension system, then it’s one less thing to maintain. Suspension systems are one of the most expensive ongoing costs of a mountain bike. After brakes and tyres. By not having a suspension at all, you avoid these costs, while still benefiting from the mountain bikes shape, frame strength and powerful braking systems.
Hardtail Mountain Bikes
Hardtail mountain bikes are exactly what they sound like. They have a front suspension fork however they have no rear suspension. Instead they have a hard tail end. Generally speaking a hardtail bike is more than enough for most novice riders.
The downside of this type of bike is that it’s not as easy to maintain and they can be difficult to ride on steep terrain. This is where suspension systems come into play because they offer greater comfort over uneven paths or steep inclines so you can keep your momentum going without stopping every few seconds.
Because of their simplicity, hardtail mountain bikes are less expensive than other kinds of mountain bikes. But their lack of sophistication may make them feel like a toy compared to some other models that have features like disc brakes, wider rims, larger wheels and a full rear suspension system.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
Full suspension mountain bikes are designed to absorb shock on the trail while maintaining speed. This makes them ideal for high-impact riding, such as rough terrain or downhill riding. Full suspension mountain bikes come in a variety of frame configurations, with varying wheel and tire sizes as well. They also come at various levels of quality and cost.
The suspension system does not have a single movement; instead, it has multiple adjustments that can be made by the rider to help smooth out bumps in the trail. To avoid damage from rocks or other obstacles, full suspension wheels have a reinforced rim that helps absorb bumps without damaging your bike’s rims.
Hybrid Mountain Bikes
A hybrid mountain bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. These bikes are typically found on the market in the mid-range price range, with several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Hybrid mountain bikes have many of the features that you may find on an entry-level mountain bike as well as more advanced features such as disc brakes, suspension, and even flat handlebars. However, these models are built for off-road use rather than strictly on-road performance.
The frame features will be lighter than those of an entry-level mountain bike. While still being durable enough to handle trails and bumps in the terrain. Some models will come equipped with disc brakes. Which give them superior stopping power in low-traffic areas or when they need to brake quickly.
Some of the components used are designed specifically for climbing hills or performing other uphill tasks. Such as pedaling hard over rough terrain without feeling too much discomfort on your hands or wrists.
This type of hybrid mountain bike is perfect for riders who want to enjoy everything from biking through mountains to riding over paved roads without having to make too many sacrifices in terms of performance or style.
Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes, also known as cyclocross bikes, are a type of mountain bike designed for use on dirt roads and unpaved trails. These bikes are typically much lighter than other models but can still provide the necessary power when needed. They’re also built to excel in technical terrain and can easily handle mud and snow.
These bikes typically have wider tires that help with absorbing impacts from bumps and cracks in the road surface. The wider tires also enable the bike to float over larger obstacles naturally. For this reason, gravel bikes are an excellent choice for riders who live in areas that have large amounts of gravel trails or unpaved roads.
Although these types of bikes are best suited for riding on unpaved surfaces, they’re not excluded from paved paths. Though they don’t have the same amount of traction as other models. They offer enough support for riders who don’t want to ride on pavement every day. This makes them an ideal choice for commuters. Who want to take their bike out on a short ride before hopping into their car at work.
Another benefit is that gravel bikes aren’t expensive. Mainly because they don’t need suspension components or electronic shifting components. Unlike many other models do.
Trail Bikes
A trail bike is a type of mountain bike designed for primarily off-road riding. This means the design will be lightweight, with a hardtail frame and disc brakes. The steering geometry is designed to make it easy to turn over small obstacles and the suspension fork improves stability when you’re going downhill. The wheel size will depend on the terrain you wish to ride over, but most models use 26 inches or 27.5 inches as standard.
The frame also comes in different materials depending on the manufacturer’s preference. Carbon fiber is typically used because it combines strength with light weight, while aluminum frames can be cheaper but are less rigid than their carbon counterparts. Other materials may include steel, titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber/aluminum hybrid frames that are lighter than a traditional aluminum frame but have greater durability than a traditional carbon fiber frame.