Mountain (MTB) Bike Selection Guide
Mountain bikes are a special category of bicycles. They are strong, maneuverable bikes, designed not only for mountains. These bikes are perfect for any terrain that requires stability, good suspension, and strong grip on the surface. Many people choose such bikes for riding on country roads, in nature, and even in cities. What do you need to know about mountain bikes and how to choose the right one for you?
Important Aspects When Choosing an MTB Bike
When choosing a mountain bike (MTB), it is important to consider several key aspects that directly affect riding comfort, safety, and performance on various trails.
- Suspension systems – MTB bikes can be Hardtail (only front suspension) or Full Suspension (front and rear suspension). Hardtail bikes are lighter and more efficient on flat trails, while Full Suspension models absorb bumps better on challenging mountain trails.
- Wheel size – the wider the wheels, the better the grip on the surface. Wider wheels are perfect for muddy, rocky trails, while narrower wheels allow for faster speeds on harder ground.
- Disc brakes – modern MTB bikes almost always have hydraulic disc brakes, providing better braking performance even in wet or muddy conditions. They are more reliable and efficient than V-brakes, making them especially recommended for mountainous areas.
Suspension Systems: Hardtail vs. Full Suspension Mountain Bikes – What’s the Difference?
The term "Hardtail" literally means "stiff rear" – these bikes have a single suspension fork mounted at the front. They are lighter, simpler in design, and require less maintenance, which is why they are often a popular choice for beginners or those who want to efficiently pedal on flat trails.
On the other hand, a Full Suspension bike or "dual suspension" bike has shock absorbers both front and rear, providing more comfort when riding on uneven surfaces, rocky, or technically difficult trails. They offer better grip, control, and stability, making them essential for extreme trail enthusiasts. Full Suspension bikes are perfect for riding over rocky, root-filled, and technical trails, as they absorb shocks and help maintain stability even during steep descents. However, they are heavier, more expensive, and require more maintenance, making them more suitable for advanced or extreme riders.
Hardtail bikes are better suited for smoother roads, sandy, or gravel trails, as they allow you to reach higher speeds, more effectively transmit pedal force, and are simpler and lighter to control. They are also often used in marathon races or training, where speed and efficiency are crucial.
So, if you enjoy aggressive descents, rocky mountain trails, and seek maximum control, choose Full Suspension. If your priority is speed, lightness, and minimal maintenance costs, Hardtail will be your best choice.
Wheel Size – What You Need to Know?
The bike's wheels and tires are among the most important MTB bike components, greatly affecting riding comfort, stability, and grip on different surfaces.
- Larger wheels (e.g., 29 inches) allow the bike to roll faster on flat terrain and provide better grip on the surface, as a larger tire area contacts the ground.
- Smaller wheels (e.g., 27.5 inches) are more maneuverable and easier to control on technically challenging trails, where sharp turns and quick reactions to bumps are important.
- 26-inch wheels are commonly used on city MTB bikes, as they are lighter but less stable on uneven terrain.
Mountain Bike Brakes – Reliability and Safety
Modern MTB bikes are almost always equipped with disc brakes, which ensure better braking performance, durability, and reliability even in extreme conditions. They are much superior, as they don't lose efficiency even in wet weather, mud, or sharp descents.
- Mechanical disc brakes – operate using a cable and are simpler in construction, easier to maintain, but their braking force is slightly lower.
- Hydraulic disc brakes – provide stronger and more sensitive braking, require less force to pull the lever, and distribute the braking force evenly. They are the most popular choice for mountain bikes, offering maximum control in challenging trails.
MTB Bike Frame: Aluminum or Carbon?
When choosing a mountain bike, one of the most important decisions is selecting the frame material. Aluminum frames are lightweight, durable, and often offer a good price-to-performance ratio. On the other hand, carbon frames, made from carbon fiber, stand out with their unique characteristic – their design allows for reinforcement in certain areas of the frame to make it stiffer, while other areas can better absorb shocks. These properties ensure a smooth and comfortable ride even on the most challenging trails.
Main Mountain (MTB) Bike Categories
- Hardtail Mountain Bikes: These bikes are a great choice for those who enjoy fast riding on uneven terrain. Hardtail bikes are very reliable, lightweight, and easy to maintain. Velonova.lt offers aluminum and carbon frame Hardtail mountain bikes, so everyone can find the right option.
- Mountain MTB Full Suspension Bikes are an excellent choice for those who love technically challenging, uneven terrain routes. These bikes are designed to reduce vibration and shock resistance, providing the rider with maximum comfort and control. Velonova.lt offers aluminum and carbon frame Full Suspension mountain bikes, which are a great choice for those seeking maximum comfort and control in the mountains.
- Mountain MTB 29" Bikes: 29-inch wheels are a very popular choice for mountain bikes as they offer more stability and speed on uneven terrain. These wheel sizes are also categorized by frame type:
Which Mountain Bike Brand to Choose?
You can find quality mountain bikes in the assortment of any manufacturer, but each brand offers bikes with specific characteristics.
Specialized Mountain Bikes (USA) are leaders in the bicycle manufacturing industry, known for starting mass production of the mountain bike "Stumpjumper" in 1981.
BMC Mountain Bikes (Switzerland) offer exceptionally high-quality models. The bikes come with hydraulic brakes, and their production uses reliable and durable components.
Cannondale Mountain Bikes (USA) are widely recognized for their innovative technologies and high-quality construction. From the revolutionary “Lefty” shock absorber to modern carbon fiber frame technologies.
BH Bikes (Spain) produces reliable, high-quality bikes that fall into the mid-range price category. These bikes are chosen by those who want quality but are not willing to spend excessively.
KUbikes (Germany) specializes in making exceptionally lightweight bikes from durable aluminum. Lighter bikes make it easier to achieve speed, ride uphill, and carry the bike to your car or up stairs to the shed.
How to Choose the Right Frame Size?
The frame size of the bike is selected according to your height – similar to choosing clothing. Each bike model has its unique geometry, and size and height recommendations are usually provided for each model. Such charts help in selecting the most suitable option.
However, the most important rule is that even after finding the right size according to the chart, it’s worth testing the bike practically. Only then will you ensure that the frame size ensures maximum comfort and excellent control.
Which Mountain Bike Model to Choose?
Rockhopper (Specialized) is an extraordinary bike designed with a clear goal – to achieve maximum quality without exceeding a certain price limit. This model offers great possibilities and unmatched riding quality.
Twostroke (BMC) is a bike developed in Switzerland, combining comfort and efficiency. With this bike, you’ll conquer trails easily and quickly. It is one of the most advanced bikes, with better geometry and sophisticated frame details, and you can choose between a carbon or aluminum frame.
Chisel (Specialized) stands out with its unique welding technology, making it one of the lightest aluminum frames on the market, and the 68-degree steering column angle offers more stability during descents. Its light weight allows for easy uphill climbs and speed, making it smooth to ride on uneven terrain.
Epic Hardtail (Specialized) is an exceptionally light bike with excellent front-end suspension. It is the most capable and comfortable XC racing bike of all time.
Epic (Specialized) – this bike combines features like easily achievable speed and perfect suspension. It’s the first full-suspension mountain bike with which the World Championship was won. Since 2018, the Epic model has become even lighter, faster, and “smarter.”
Fourstroke (BMC) offers a comfortable sitting position, easily handles climbs and descents, and has full front and rear suspension. Well-designed suspension provides control and confidence, allowing you to ride any trail with ease.
Stumpjumper (Specialized) is a legend, the first mass-produced mountain bike, first manufactured in 1981, and today's models, even further improved, handle difficult climbs, descents, and sharp turns perfectly.
Enduro (Specialized) is perfect for both climbing and descending, featuring good front and rear suspension, a low center of gravity, and maximum grip on terrain.
Speedfox (BMC) is both stable and fast, easily handling climbs and descents, with impeccable front and rear suspension.
Trail (KUBikes) is a mountain bike with an exceptionally light frame, easy to carry, and with wide tires providing stability, making it perfect for off-road rides.
Bh Ultimate XC (BH Bikes) – a mountain bike with durability and geometry that allows you to conquer any trail.
Cannondale Trail (Cannondale) – a light and maneuverable Hardtail MTB bike with a sturdy aluminum frame. Perfect for both city paths and off-road trails, ensuring stability and comfort.
Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric mountain bikes combine the advantages of a traditional mountain bike with the assistance of an electric motor, making it easier to climb hills and cover longer distances without excessive fatigue. These bikes feature a durable frame, wide tires, and reliable suspension, ensuring good traction and stability even on challenging off-road trails. Integrated batteries provide a long range, and various assistance modes allow you to adjust the power of the electric drive as needed. This is an excellent choice for beginners seeking greater comfort or experienced cyclists who want to extend their riding time on difficult trails.
Mountain Bike Price – What Does It Depend On?
The price of a mountain bike depends on various factors, such as the frame material, component quality, equipment, and manufacturer. Aluminum frames are reliable and more affordable, while carbon frames provide lightness and better vibration damping, but they come at a higher cost.
The bike's equipment also plays a significant role in its price – Hardtail bikes are less expensive than Full Suspension models that feature both front and rear suspension. Brakes, gear systems, and shock absorbers are also important – higher-end components like Shimano Deore, SRAM NX Eagle, RockShox, or Fox shocks ensure smoother and more reliable performance on challenging trails, but they cost more. The manufacturer also influences the MTB bike price – Specialized, BMC Switzerland, Cannondale, BH Bikes, and KUbikes offer various models tailored for both beginners and professionals. The higher the quality of the bike parts and newer technologies, the higher the price.
Mountain Bike Riding Styles
Mountain bike riding styles differ based on terrain, riding speed, and technical skills.
- Cross-country (XC) – This is fast and efficient riding on light off-road trails, forest paths, and gravel roads. XC bikes are lightweight, designed for long distances, and usually feature Hardtail or low-travel suspension.
- Trail – The most versatile MTB riding style, suitable for both climbs and descents, forest and mountain trails. Trail bikes offer more suspension travel and better stability than XC models.
- Enduro – Designed for technically difficult trails with steep descents and obstacles. Enduro bikes feature full suspension and a sturdy frame, allowing you to tackle tough terrains more easily.
- Downhill (DH) – Extreme descents from steep mountains, requiring high suspension, a strong frame, and a special brake system to ensure maximum grip and control.
What to Do If the Desired Bike Is Not Available in the Store?
Due to the wide range of bicycles, not all models are kept in stock at the store or the manufacturer's warehouse. If the product is available, you can purchase it immediately, but if it is not, it can be ordered from the manufacturer, and delivery will take about a week. If the model is out of stock, contact the salespeople – they will inform you about the next stock replenishments.
Velonova's bike assortment: all bikes, hybrid-tour bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, triathlon bikes, kids bikes, balance bikes.