A joint study from PeopleForBikes and the United States Bicycling Participation Benchmarking Report found that 34 percent of Americans over the age of three ride a bike at least once a year, making cycling one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. Cycling became even more popular during the pandemic. There were nearly 55 million cyclists in 2023. Individuals interested in purchasing a bike have many options, including mountain bikes.
Mountain bikes are bikes designed for riding on unpaved terrain. They provide riders with many benefits when riding on rough terrain, though there are a few drawbacks as well. Cyclists thinking of buying their first mountain bike should consider the different styles of mountain bikes available.
Individuals interested in off-road riding can assume a more comfortable riding position on a mountain bike. The tires, suspension, and frame are designed to handle various types of terrain, including gravel and sand. Mountain bikes provide better traction on wet, slippery surfaces and cushion riders against bumps, rocks, and various obstacles.
If a rider is more interested in riding around their neighborhood or in an urban setting, they should consider a road bike. It is possible to ride mountain bikes on paved roads, but the additional rolling resistance of the tires and lower gearing make them much slower and less efficient. They are also heavier than road bikes and have a more complex construction, which requires regular maintenance of the brakes and suspension.
Once a rider has determined that they want a mountain bike, they still need to decide on a style. Trail mountain bikes can be viewed as the “standard” style of mountain bike. These bikes are great options for riders who plan to do a little bit of everything, though some are designed with descents in mind. They are on the lighter side for mountain bikes and support efficient pedaling.
By comparison, all-mountain mountain bikes are larger with a more technical construction. All-mountain bikes remain light enough to pedal uphill, but are more focused on taking challenging descents at speed.
Descents and climbs are an important part of off-road riding. However, some mountain bikers may be more interested in trail racing. Cross-country mountain bikes are extremely light and have a firm pedaling platform. The frame geometry allows for quicker turns and more nimble handling, though they struggle some on rougher terrain.
Enduro mountain bikes are another example of off-road bikes designed for racing. Enduro races are a special type of competition in which riders are timed during downhill sections but not during uphill climbs. These bikes are designed for steep, rugged descents but retain the gearing and pedaling efficiency needed for the climbs leading up to those descents. Cross-country racing bikes have suspensions ranging from 60 to 120 millimeters of travel, while enduro mountain bike suspensions range from 130 to 180 millimeters.
Enduro mountain bikes are sometimes referred to as mini downhill bikes. True downhill mountain bikes are too heavy to handle any significant climbs. Riders must use chairlifts or shuttle-assisted services to reach the top of the mountain. Downhill bikes have an extremely sturdy construction, which accounts for their weight. Riders can confidently take on jumps, wooden ramps, and rocky terrain on downhill bikes. That said, riders who do not regularly visit lift-serviced bike parks will get little use from a downhill mountain bike.
There are several additional styles of mountain bikes for cyclists to choose from, including fat-tire bikes and electric mountain bikes, or e-MTB. Cyclists must also decide between hardtail and full-suspension models. Riders with additional questions about the best mountain bike for their needs should visit their local bike shop and discuss matters with an expert.
