How To Choose A Mountain Bike

The frame contributes greatly to a bike’s weight, ride feel, and overall price. Aluminum and carbon fiber are the most common materials used in mountain bike frames, but some models are made from steel or titanium.

Carbon fiber is desirable because of its high strength and low weight. Carbon frames are generally more expensive because of the complex manufacturing process, as well as being used on bikes with higher-end components.

Aluminum is heavier than carbon but provides great value considering its strength and durability. Budget-level aluminum alloys are significantly heavier, while modern, high-end aluminum frames are giving carbon setups a run for their money. Aluminum mountain bikes are a smart choice for budget-conscious riders.

Other mountain bikes are built from steel or titanium. Steel is known for its impressive toughness and can be repaired if damaged, but is relatively heavy. Titanium frames are very light and durable but the expensive metal is reserved for only the highest-end mountain bikes.

Frames are far more than their material and flashy paint job— there are often convenient features integrated inside or onto the bike’s frame. They might not be obvious at first glance, but details like frame guards and internal cable routing can keep your bike in great condition for longer.

Additional touches like downtube storage and frame mounts to carry gear can really come in handy out on the trails. Some bikes have small flip chips built into the frame to slightly alter the geometry or suspension performance. Brands are getting creative with how much they include in this area, so be sure to take a look at what’s out there.

It’s important to consider the length of travel and suspension design of the mountain bike you’re interested in. Too much travel for the terrain and you’ll lose efficiency whereas too little travel can prevent riders from taking on the big jumps and drops. 

Different suspension systems and linkage designs have different characteristics that translate into a certain feel out on the trail. A common dilemma is choosing between coil vs. air shocks. In general, air shocks are lighter and easily tuned while coil springs have a more supple feel and less maintenance.

The same mountain bike model is often available with different “build kits”, or collection of components that make up the bike. These tiered options let riders find a version that fits their budget and needs— including the brakes, drivetrain, suspension fork and shock, wheels, frame material, etc. Higher-end build kits give benefits such as lower weight, more precise braking, better quality parts, and luxury upgrades like electronic shifting.

Frame geometry is critical to how a mountain bike feels on the trails. It can seem like a complicated world of numbers and angles but there’s reason behind all those measurements. You’ll hear brands talking about “slackness” which refers to a lower head tube angle to provide a stable ride at high speeds. A longer wheelbase and chainstay lengths can also contribute to more stable, controlled descents.

Reach is the horizontal length of the front of the bike, from the bottom bracket to the headtube. This can be a personal preference as a longer bike can feel more stable but not as maneuverable in tight corners. Shorter reach means more playful handling without going so far as to be twitchy at high speeds. XC bikes have relatively steep seat tube angles to push riders forward on the bike for better power on the climbs.

A mountain bike may tick all the boxes but if it doesn’t fit you well, you’ll be missing out on performance and comfort. Try to zero in on the size that best matches your measurements and the way you like to ride. 

For riders caught between two recommended sizes, pick the one that aligns with your goals. A larger bike with an extended reach, for example, is great for advanced riders on chunky descents rather than a smaller frame with more playful geometry. 

Bike fit doesn’t have universal rules because it depends on the rider’s body and preferences, so the best way to decide is by going for a ride or testing a few models!

Electric mountain bikes— referred to as eMTBs— can transform the way you ride by shuttling you up the trails with pedal-assisted power. eMTBs take the sting out of steep hills so you can save your energy for the descents and reach remote areas across the mountain. They come in handy to reach routes that aren’t accessible by a chairlift or shuttle and can help you keep up with stronger riders. 

Electric mountain bikes will cost more than your standard MTB and have added weight from the mid-drive motor. For the analog riders who want to continue relying on their own pedal power to go uphill, traditional mountain bikes cost less and offer a more strenuous workout!

We think the more options, the better, and these days female cyclists can pick from tons of mountain bikes with women’s specific design (WSD). Brands like Liv Cycling focus solely on women’s bikes. Bikes with WSD tend to have smaller frame sizes available, lighter shock tuning, and a women-specific saddle. 

There may also be customized geometry or narrower handlebars to reflect typical body differences between average male and female riders. Some female riders swear by WSD while others have found their dream bike in a standard offering, so the choice is really up to you.