top 10 trek mountain bikes

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Your complete guide to the 2021 trek mountain bike range.

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

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2021 Trek mountain bikes

• Full Stache
• Supercaliber

Understanding Trek's naming system

Trek's naming system follows a similar style to how Canyon names its bikes. Each bike's name is suffixed with a number, with higher value numbers corresponding to pricier and better-kitted bikes. Once we get to 9, Trek adds decimals to the suffix to denote changes in the bike's suspension package. All bikes with a 9 in the name get carbon frames but a 9.7 might get its suspension from Fox's Rhythm range for example, while a 9.8 will get better something from higher in the range. Also, you'll see that a lot of kit on the bikes come from Bontrager, for the uninitiated that's Trek's in-house component brand.

At the '9' level, we also see XT, XO1, and GX finding their way into the names. Yep, you've guessed it, that's the drivetrain the bike comes kitted with.

Another thing that's definitely worth mentioning is that a small selection of Trek's bike range is available through what the brand calls Project One. Project One offers the opportunity to have your bike personalised and custom painted with special, exclusive colours. This will mean you have to part ways with a heap of cash but in return, you'll get a bike that's unique to you.

As with the brand's range of bikes, the price range is vast with bikes starting from £440, right up to £9,200 and that's not even considering the Project One options. There's also a comprehensive range of gravel bikes and e-bikes.

Let's kick things off with the Slash. It's Trek's enduro bike which rolls on 29" wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the rear, paired with 170mm at the front. For 2021 it gets both an aluminium and carbon frame option all of which benefit from Trek's proprietary Knock Block system which saves your top and down tube if your front end spins during a crash. This bike also gets the Mino Link which is a geometry adjusting flip-chip, down tube guards threaded bottom brackets, an Active Braking Pivot, and storage in the downtube. As for the geometry, in the low setting, the Slash sees a 75.6° effective seat tube angle, a 64.1° head tube angle, and a 435mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 486mm reach. If you're after something a little more special, the Slash is available through Project One.

Slash 9.9 XTR

Topping the Slash range is the Slash 9.9 XTR. It gets Trek's OCLV carbon frame with the all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated ThruShaft damper. At the front, you'll find the RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 which features chunky 38mm stanchions. As its name suggests there's a full Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with an e*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon crank. The brakes here also come from the XTR lineup and they come with 4-pot calipers for extra stopping power. This bike rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 which are wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.6" Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead tyre at the front and an SE5 Team Issue with the same spec in 2.4" at the rear. It also gets a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with Bontrager supplying the 820mm wide carbon bar, 35mm stem along with the rest of the build kit.

Slash 9.9 XO1

The Slash 9.9 XO1 gets all of the same trimmings as the 9.9 XTR but benefits from a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC Brakes, along with a slightly friendlier price tag.

Slash 9.8 GX

Shaving a few thousand pounds of the range-topper is the 9.8 GX. This one is still built around Trek's carbon frame but this one gets a slightly downgraded RockShox ZEB Select+ RC with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. Here we get a SRAM GX drivetrain with a matching crankset and SRAM Code R brakes. As for the rest of the bike, it's the same as the 9.9 XTR.

Slash 9.8 XT

As its name suggests, the Slash 9.8 XT gets a very similar built kit to the 9.8 GX. However, this bike sees a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7120 four-piston brakes.

Dropping a full £1.8k off of the 9.8 models, the Slash 9.7 is still built around a carbon frame and it swaps the RockShox suspension with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and a Fox Performance DPX2 EVOL shock. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle and the wheels here are the alloy Bontrager Line Comp 30's. Those come shod with a Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead 2.6" tyre at the front with a Bontrager XR4 with the same spec and a 2.4" width at the rear. Trek has also swapped the dropper post for a TransX post and there's Bontrager's own alloy finishing kit.

With the Slash 8, we no longer get a carbon frame but we do get a RockShox Lyric Select+ RC fork with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate at the rear. This bike is driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and there's a pair of SRAM Code R brakes. Everything else is the same as what you would get on the 9.7 model.

The Slash 7 rounds of the range with its alloy frame, RockShox Yari RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and SRAM NX drivetrain. Here we get a pair of SRAM Guide T brakes and the rest of the bike follows suit with the 8.

Trek Remedy

The Remedy is Trek's long-legged trail bike which comes with four models for 2021. It rolls on 650b wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the front, with 150mm at the rear. Much like the Slash, the Remedy benefits from the Knock Block, the Active Braking Pivot, and the Mino Link. Geometry-wise, it gets a 65.6° head angle, a 74.2° effective seat tube angle, and 435mm chainstays in the low position. A large frame gets a 455mm reach, again in that low setting.

The Remedy 9.8 is the only bike in the 2021 line up that gets a carbon frame. It also gets a burly Fox Performance 38 paired with a Fox Performance Float DPX2 EVOL shock at the rear. This bike benefits from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain matched with SRAM Code R brakes. As for the wheels, they're a pair of carbon Bontrager Line Elite 30's and they're wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls with an aramid bead in 2.6" with a Bontrager SE4 Team Issue with the same specs in the 2.4" width. Bontrager also supplies the dropper post with the Line Elite and the 820mm handlebar along with the 35mm stem.

As suggested by the lack of a '9' in its name, the Slash 8 comes kitted with an alloy frame. As for the fork, it's a RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC and that's paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. This bike is also driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and it gets the same brakes as the 9.8 rig. Differing from the range-topper, this build sees in a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels which get an XR5 Team Issue tyre that's tubeless-ready with Inner Strength sidewalls and an aramid bead in 2.6", also from Bontrager. At the rear, there's an XR4 with the very same specification. The rest of the bike follows suit with the 9.8 model.

Remedy 8 XT

Rather unsurprisingly, the Remedy 8 XT comes with a very similar build to the 8 but gets an XT drivetrain and Deore M6120 four-pot brakes. Everything else on this build matches the Remedy 8.

The Remedy 7 is the cheapest 2021 Remedy on offer. It gets a RockShox Gold RL fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. There's a SRAM NX drivetrain with SRAM Guide T brakes. Apart from that, everything else is the same as what you'll get on the Remedy 8's.

Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's do it all trail bike. It gets 130mm of rear travel and 140mm at the front. Just like the Slash, the Fuel EX gets built-in downtube storage and the Active Braking Pivot. It comes with a RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft, something that you'll only find on Trek bikes. It promises more grip and control with a shock the reacts to the ground faster than anything else on the market, says Trek. This bike also gets the Mino Link, Knock Block, and Straight Shot downtube. The Fuel EX comes in five sizes with XS getting 650b hoops and M upwards getting 29" wheels. However, size S comes with a choice of either wheel size. As for the geometry in the low setting, the bike gets a 66° head angle, a 75° effective seat tube angle, and a 437mm chain stay. A large frame benefits from a 470mm reach.

Fuel EX 9.9 AXS

Topping the range with a pretty hefty pricetag is the 9.9 AXS. On this model, you'll get a Fox Factory 36 with a GRIP 2 damper, paired with a Fox Factory Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. Of course, we then get wireless shifting from SRAM and the AXS range along with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels and they're wrapped with two Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads, measuring in with a 2.6" width at the front and a 2.4" at the rear. Bontrager supplies the finishing kit with a Knock Block stem and a 780mm OCLV carbon handlebar.

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Fuel EX 9.9 XTR gets all of the bling. It's built around Trek's OCLV carbon frame and gets a Fox Factory 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper. At the back, there's a Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv. As its name hints, this bike comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with matching XTR M9120 four-piston brakes. There's also an option with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain with SRAM G2 RSC brakes. This one rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV carbon wheels which are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with the brand's Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid bead. At the front, there's a 2.6" tyre with a 2.4" at the rear on both wheel sizes. Then the bike comes kitted with a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper and the rest of the kit comes from the same brand.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT & GX

Offering a saving of over £2,000 over the top of the range bike is the 9.8 GX and XT. This bike comes with the same carbon frame as the most expensive bike but sees a downgrade in suspension and drivetrain. Here we get a Fox Performance 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv shock. This rig comes with a choice of drivetrain with either SRAM's GX groupset or Shimano's XT. The GX build comes with SRAM G2 RS brakes whereas the XT model is stopped with a pair of Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston brakes. Everything else on these builds is the same as what you'll find on the 9.9 XTR model.

Fuel EX 9.7

The 9.7 is Trek's most affordable carbon-framed Fuel EX. It comes kitted with a Fox Rhythm 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock. The drivetrain here is a mix of SRAM NX and GX with the former making up the shifter and the latter handing the mech. Gone are the carbon wheels, unfortunately, but instead we get a set of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in the very same tyres like the rest of the range. The rest of the bike follows suit with the pricier models but there's an alloy bar and stem.

Fuel EX 8 XT & GX

At the sub £3k mark Trek does away with the carbon frames and replaces them with cheaper alloy alternatives. On the priciest alloy option, we get a Fox Rythm 34 Float with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. On this build, there's a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain or a Shimano XT with the former benefitting from SRAM G2 R brakes and the latter receiving a pair of Shimano MT4100 levers mated to MT420 four-piston callipers. This bike gets a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels and the rest of the build is the same as what you'll get on the 9.7 bike.

Fuel EX 7 NX

On the Fuel EX 7 NX we find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock, note that this shock doesn't come with that special RE:aktiv tech. You've guessed it, this one comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain it gets its brakes from Shimano with a pair of MT4100 levers and MT410 callipers. The rest of the bike, including the wheels and tyres on this bike, is the same as the rest of the alloy range but we see a TransX dropper on this model.

Fuel EX 5 Deore

Rounding off the fairly extensive range is the reasonably priced Fuel EX Deore. It gets a RockShox Recon Silver fork with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. Then there's the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of MT201 levers and MT200 callipers. The wheels see a downgrade from the rest of the range with an Alex MD35 rim laced to Bontrager hubs. They're wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 tyres and there's a TransX dropper post. The rest of the finishing kit comes from Bontrager.

Trek Top Fuel

Like it or not, but down-country bikes are becoming more and more prolific. Luckily for those who are on board with the trend Trek has a bike for you. It comes kitted with 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear with 29" wheels. In keeping with the rest of Trek's bikes so far the Top Fuel also gets a Straight Shot downtube and Trek's Active Braking Pivot. It's also kitted with the Mino Link and Control Freak cable management system. Moving onto the geometry, the Top Fuel sees a 68° head tube angle, a 75.7° effective seat tube angle and a 434mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 470mm reach and those numbers have been taken with the bike in its low setting. As for frame sizes, there's a choice from XS right up to XXL.

Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

A few hundred pounds shy of the 10k mark, this bike comes with all of the top tech. It's made around a carbon frame with a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with a Race Day Charger damper and a RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate shock. There's a RockShox TwistLoc Full Sprint lockout remote too. As for the drivetrain, here we get a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless set up with SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes. The wheels on this bike area pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon hoops and they're kitted with a pair of Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads in a 2.4" width. Finally, there's a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, Bontrager OCLV carbon bar with a 750mm width and 35mm clamp and a Bontrager stem.

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Top Fuel XTR and XO1 models get the same carbon frame but this time there's a Fox Factory 34 Step Cast with a FIT4 damper paired with a Fox Factory Float shock. This bike also gets the RockShox Twistloc remote lockout. With this model, there's a choice of either a SRAM XO1 drivetrain or the Shimano XTR set up. The XO1 model gets SRAM G2 RSC four-piston brakes while the XTR gets XTR M9100 brakes. Everything else on the bike is the same as the AXS model but the dropper, which is a Bontrager Line Elite.

Top Fuel 9.8 XT & GX

The Top Fuel 9.8 sees a saving of £2.4k and gets its suspension from RockShox with the SID Select+ RL fork and RockShox SID Ultimate RL shock. There's a choice of drivetrain on this bike too between either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with SRAM G2 RSC brakes or a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7000 brakes. Everything else on this bike is the same as its pricier brethren.

Top Fuel 9.7

The 9.7 model is the cheapest with a carbon frame and it comes with a RockShox Reba RL fork and a Fox Performance Float DPS shock. There's a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes consisting of MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This bike makes a move to Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 alloy wheels and they get the same tyres as the rest of the range. We get an alloy cockpit and a Bontrager Line Dropper.

Top Fuel 8 NX

At this price point, Trek introduces alloy frames into the mix. With the 8 NX there's a RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air with a Fox Performance Float DPS. There's still a remote lockout here but it comes from Bontrager in the form of the Drop Lock. As its name suggests, this bike is driven by a SRAM NX drivetrain and it's stopped with a pair of SRAM Level T brakes. The rest of the bike is the same as what you'll find on the 9.7 model.

Top Fuel 7 SX

The Top Fuel 7 SX is the most affordable bike in the range featuring suspension from RockShox with the Judy SL Solo Air fork and the X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. There's a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. This one rolls on the same alloy wheels as the rest of the range with the same tyres. In fact, apart from the TransX dropper post, everything else matches the Top Fuel 8 NX.

Trek Full Stache

While the Full Stache hasn't had an update for 2021, it seems rude not to include it as there aren't an awful lot of full suspension 29+ bikes on the market. Of course, it rolls on 29" wheels with chunky 3" tyres. It also has 130mm of travel at both ends but the frame is compatible with up to a 140mm fork if you fancy some extra lairy riding. There's also the Mino Link, Control Freak cable management and the Knock Block. It's built around an aluminium frame and gets a 67° head tube angle, a 75.5° effective seat tube and a 430mm chainstay in the low setting. A large gets a 480mm reach, again in the low setting.

Full Stache 8

With its aluminium frame, you'll find a RockShox Pike Select Plus RC fork with a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. There's a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, aTruvativ Descendant 6k crank and SRAM Guide R brakes. This bike gets a pair of SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheels and they're shod with a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. We get a Bontrager Line Dropper on this bike with a 780mm wide alloy bar, also from Bontrager.

Trek Supercaliber

Filling the role of the full suspension cross country bike is the rather unique looking Supercaliber. The standout feature of this bike is its IsoStrut suspension platform. It offers 60mm of fully tunable travel and what makes it special is that it does away with a rocker link thus saving a chunk of weight. The IsoStrut is also a structural feature of the frame which Trek says prevents twisting, flex and deflection which the brand claims offers a more direct power transfer. The whole range of Supercalibers feature carbon frames rolling on 29" hoops, Straight Shot downtube and the Knock Block. The geometry on this bike sees a 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. The reach of a large frame measures in at 455mm. There are six sizes from S to XXL and an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. Up front there's 100mm of travel.

Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS takes the crown as Trek's most expensive mountain bike. It comes dripping with top-shelf kit such as the RockShox SID SL Ultimate with a Charger Race Day damper and a Fox Factory IsoStrut shock. This bike gets SRAMs XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with the carbon crank and SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Kovee XXX OCLV carbon wheels and they're wrapped with a set of 2.2" Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, tubeless ready tyres with Inner Strength Sidewalls and aramid beads. Then the finishing kit also comes from Bontrager and the line of carbon components, including a 720mm wide handlebar.

Supercaliber XX1 & XTR

Next up the Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 and XTR get all of the same kit as the priciest model but they drop the fancy wireless shifting. Instead, there's a choice of either a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Level Ultimate brakes or a Shimano XTR drivetrain with XTR M9100 brakes.

Supercaliber XT & GX

Seeing a considerable saving from the rest of the range, the Supercaliber 9.8 GX and XT models get a downgraded Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP2 damper. There's also that IsoStrut suspension also provided by Fox but this model doesn't get that sleek Kashima coating, coming from the brands Performance line-up. These models come with a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset with both choices coming kitted with Shimano Deore XT M8100 brakes. Here we get a pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon wheels, then the rest of the kit is the same as what you would get on the other bikes.

Supercaliber 9.7

The Supercaliber 9.7 is the most budget-friendly option in the range. It's still built around that OCLV carbon frame and the Performance level IsoStrut shock but gets a RockShox Reba RL fork. This one is driven by a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and it's stopped by brakes from Shimano with the MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This model gets slightly narrower Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels with the same XR2 tyres but the rest of the bike comes from Bontrager's alloy line of kit.

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is Trek's lightweight cross country hardtail. Compared to the Supercaliber it presents a mighty cash saving if you're looking for a race-ready XC bike. That doesn't mean that it's not without some cool tech, however. The Supercaliber benefits from what Trek calls the IsoSpeed decoupler which allows the set tube to rotate independently from the top tube to seatstay junction which Trek says offers some vertical compliance without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. As with the rest of the range, this bike gets the Straight Shot downtube and Knock Block too. Each bike in the Supercaliber line up comes with a carbon frame which rolls on 29" wheels and can fit up to 2.4" rubber. Here we see a 68.8° head angle, a 73.8° seat tube angle and 432mm a chainstay. A large frame benefits from a 450mm reach and there are six sizes, from S up to XL, including an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. The Procaliber gets 100mm of suspension.

Procaliber 9.8

Built around an OCLV carbon frame the Procaliber 9.8 comes with a Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP damper. It's driven by a Shimano XT drivetrain with Deore XT M8100 brakes but this one gets an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crank. The wheels here are a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels and there's a pair of Bontrager 2.2" XR2 Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The rest of the kit comes from Bontrager too, with a 720mm wide carbon handlebar.

Procaliber 9.7

This model comes equipped with a RockShox Reba RL Solo Air and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT501 brake levers hosed to MT500 calipers. This bike gets Bontrager's Kovee Elite 23 wheels, then the rest of the bike matches the 9.8 model.

Procaliber 9.6

On the 9.6 model of the Procaliber you'll get a RockShox Recon Gold RL and a mixture of Shimano kit making up the drivetrain. There's an SLX M7100 shifter and an XT M8100 derailleur. With this model there's the move over to alloy wheels, they come from Bontrager and the Kovee's. Then there are the same tyres as the rest of the range and an all-alloy finishing kit from Bontrager.

Procaliber 9.5

Finally the Procaliber line-up is rounded off with the 9.5. Even as the cheapest bike, it still gets that OCLV carbon frame but sees a RockShox Judy SL fork. There's a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. Then the rest of the bike features the same kit that you'll find on the 9.6 model.

Trek X-Caliber

If you're looking for a race-ready cross country bike but you're on a budget, the X-Caliber is the bike for you. Accommodating for its affordable price point is an aluminium frame rather than the carbon you'll find on its pricier sibling, the Procaliber. The X-Caliber comes kitted with rack mounts, so it's bike-packing ready, along with a mount for a kickstand. All frames feature internal routing and they all come kitted with Trek's Blendr stem. The X-Caliber comes with either 650b wheels on sizes XS and S with all larger bikes (up to XXL) roll on 29" hoops. As for the geometry, there's a 73° effective seat tube angle on sizes M and up while the smaller two sizes get a 73.5° effective seat tube angle. Then there's a 69.5° head tube angle (S and XSs get a 69.3° HA) and a 438mm chainstay on M and up, and a 425mm chainstay on the smaller bikes. Sizes S to XL get 100mm of travel leaving XS with just 80mm. Although, the frame will accept a maximum of a 120mm fork while the XS can accept a 100mm fork.

X-Caliber 9

Heading up the range, the X-Caliber 9 gets a RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air with a TurnKey remote lockout. This bike gets a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of an MT401 lever and an MT400 caliper. The wheels on this one are a pair of Bontrager Kovees and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR3s in the 2.3" width on all sizes. The finishing kit comes from Bontrager too with an alloy bar, stem, and seat post.

X-Caliber 8

The middle of the range X-Caliber 8 comes with a RockShox Judy SL Solo Air fork with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. Stopping the bike is a pair of MT200 brakes from Shimano. As for the wheels, the rims come from Bontrager with a pair of kovees and they're laced to Formula DCL-141Q hubs. Then the rest of the bike is the same as the X-Caliber 9.

X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 gets much of the same kit as the X-Caliber 8 with the only difference in spec being its Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain.

Trek Roscoe

If you're looking for a trail orientated hardtail, the Roscoe fits the bill. Each build comes properly sorted with dropper posts, 120mm of travel (size S gets 100mm), 1x drivetrains and alloy frames. The bike also rolls on 650b+ wheels and tyres. They all feature internal cable routing, rack and kickstand mounts too. Onto the geometry, the Roscoe sees a 67.3° head angle, a 70.8° effective seat tube angle (with the medium frame getting a 70.7° effective seat angle and the S and XS getting 71.2° and 71.1° angles respectively), and a large frame gets a 428mm reach. As a 650b+ bike, it can run either 27.5x2.8" or 29x2.4" rubber.

On the Roscoe 8, you'll find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes in the form of the MT501 lever paired with an MT500 caliper. It's worth noting that the fork comes with a flexy QR axle. The wheels here are made of rims from Bontrager and the Line 40s with a Bontrager hub at the front and a Formula hub at the rear. This bike gets a pair of Maxxis Rekon tubeless tyres with a 2.8" width and then the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager and the alloy range apart from the dropper post, which comes from TranzX with the JD-YSP18.

The Roscoe 7 benefits from most of the same kit as the 8, but this one gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes.

On the cheapest Roscoe 6 you'll get an SR Suntour XCM 32 coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and MT200 brakes. This bike then rolls on Alex MD35 rims and Formula DC hubs which get a pair of Kenda Havok, wire beaded, 2.8" tyres. As for the rest of the build, that's just the same as the rest of the range.

Trek Marlin

If a sub £1k cross country, everyday bike is more your speed then it's worth checking out the Trek Marlin. Each bike in the range comes with an alloy frame and a fork with 100mm of travel (XS frames get 80mm). There are also rack and stand mounts, the Blendr stem, and internal cable routing. XS and S sizes roll on 650b wheels while sizes M to XXL get 29" hoops. On the Marlin, you'll get an effective seat tube angle of 73.5° on the XS and S frame while everything else benefits from a 71.9° effective seat tube angle. As for the head angle, on the smaller sizes it'll measure in at 69.3° and from M upwards it's a couple of degrees steeper at 69.5°. All frame sizes share a 438mm chainstay length and a large frame gets a 451mm reach.

The Marlin 7 comes kitted with a RockShox Judy coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. The wheels are made of Bontrager Kovee rims laced to Formula DC hubs and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR2 Comp 2.2" tyres with wire beads. The rest of the bike comes with Bontrager's own finishing kit.

Trek Farley

Perhaps fat bikes are more your things. Allow me to introduce the Farley. There are two in the 2021 range with an alloy and a carbon option which, of course, roll on 4.5" tyres. Both bikes come with a dropper post, horizontal sliding dropouts, ideal for single speed setups and tubeless-ready tyres. As for the geometry, the Farley gets a 69° head angle, a 73° effective seat tube angle and a 455mm chainstay. The reach on a large is 441mm and there are four sizes available, from S to XL. 

The Farley 9.6 gets an OCLV carbon frame with a Bontrager Haru OCLV fork. The drivetrain on this bike comes from SRAM and the GX Eagle 12-speed shifting. As for wheels, they're Sunringle Mulefut 80 SL rims laced to Bontrager alloy hubs. Those are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with inner strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The dropper kitted here is a TransX JD-YSP18 and the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager with a 750mm wide bar.

The Farley 5 is Trek's best value fat bike and it's built around an alloy frame. It gets a Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain with SRAM Level brakes and there's a Race Face crank. It gets the same wheels as the 9.6 but the tyres here are a pair of Bontrager Gnarwhals. The rest of the kit is the same as the 9.6. It's worth mentioning that while the Farley 5 comes with a rigid fork, it'll happily accommodate a 100mm travel suspension fork.

Trek Session

The Session needs no introduction, but it's the brand's 650b downhill bike. There's only one model in the 2021 range which is built around an alloy frame. It gets Trek's Active Braking Pivot and the geometry adjusting Mino-Link. Up front, there's 200mm of travel and at the rear, there's 210mm. In the low setting, the Session gets a 63.6° head angle, a 445mm chainstay and a large frame gets a 426mm reach. There are four sizes, from S to XL and the 8 27.5 model will set you back £4,200

Trek Ticket

Finally, rounding off the Trek range of mountain bike is the Ticket. It's available as the full suspension, Ticket S (pictured) with 100mm of travel and the Ticket DJ, which is the hardtail version. Both come as a frame only with prices starting from £725, up to £1,400.

• www.trekbikes.com

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Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.

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Results have arrived, trek mountain bike buyer’s guide - best trek mountain bikes (supercaliber, procaliber & more).

Whether you have World Cup XC aspirations or dream of epic downhills, Trek has a mountain bike for you. Here's the skinny on Supercaliber, Fuel, Fuel EX, Slash, and many other models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 25, 2022

Posted in: Guides

Trek’s wide range of mountain bikes covers everything from ultra-lightweight XC hardtails to downhill and enduro trail slashers. But how do you know which Trek mountain bike is right for you?

This overview is your guide to all things Trek MTB. In addition to covering every model in the current Trek mountain bike catalog, we’ll decode Trek naming conventions and delve into Trek’s innovations in rear-shock technology.

[button] Shop Trek MTB [/button]

Trek XC bikes

Trek procaliber.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front

The Procaliber is Trek’s carbon XC hardtail and its lightest mountain bike. It’s a pure cross-country race bike optimized for fast courses where maximum pedaling efficiency is essential for climbing and acceleration. It features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler that provides extra compliance over rough roots and rocks.

Who it’s for: XC riders who want the lightest, most efficient bike, or who ride less-technical terrain.

Trek X-Caliber

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” for S) Suspension travel: 100mm front

The X-Caliber is Trek’s entry-level, aluminum XC hardtail. The lightweight aluminum frame provides lots of performance on fast courses without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for newer riders looking to get into XC racing.

Who it’s for: XC riders and racers looking for a budget hardtail.

[button] Shop Trek XC bikes [/button]

Trek Supercaliber

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front / 60mm rear

The Supercaliber is Trek’s lightest, most efficient, full-suspension XC bike. During development, Trek kept the Supercaliber under wraps (they literally hid the rear suspension during races) while Trek’s factory race team tested it at World Cups. The Supercaliber uses a unique IsoStrut suspension system with a frame-integrated shock. This provides 60mm of suspension travel, just enough to take the edge off bumps and harsh impacts while keeping the weight, stiffness, and efficiency close to the Procaliber hardtail. The Supercaliber is designed to be the perfect compromise between a hardtail and a 100mm full-suspension bike.

Who it’s for: XC riders looking for the lightest, most efficient full-suspension race bike available.

Trek Top Fuel

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 120mm front / 115mm rear

The Top Fuel is Trek’s full-suspension marathon XC bike. The previous generation Top Fuel was a pure XC race bike with 100mm of travel front and rear. In 2020, the travel was been increased to make it more capable on descents. The Top Fuel could be considered Trek’s “downcountry” bike, a cross-country bike that balances downhill performance and pedaling efficiency. It will hold its own in fast XC races, but it’s versatile enough for trail riders who enjoy big rides on technical terrain.

Who it’s for: Marathon XC racers and riders looking for a “downcountry” bike.

Trek trail bikes

Trek Fuel EX

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” available for XS and S) Suspension travel: 140mm front / 130mm rear

The Fuel EX is Trek’s most popular mountain bike model, and for good reason. The latest generation of this all-rounder has been refined with more suspension travel and modern geometry to make it equally capable uphill and downhill. It’s designed to suit the majority of riders and the widest range of terrain. If you’re looking for a quiver killer bike that will feel comfortable, capable, and efficient enough for all types of riding, the Fuel EX is a top choice.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for one bike to handle everything from XC to technical downhill trails.

Trek Roscoe

Wheel Size: 27.5” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front (100mm on XS)

The Roscoe is Trek’s basic aluminum trail hardtail with 27.5” plus tires for traction and comfort. The robust aluminum frame and affordable component builds make it a great choice for newer riders building their confidence and skills on the trail.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a fun, inexpensive, easy to maintain hardtail trail bike.

Trek Stache and Full Stache

Wheel Size: 29” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front / 130mm front and rear

Discontinued in 2021, the Stache and Full Stache were Trek’s 29-plus hardtail and full-suspension models, respectively. These extra-large wheels and tires enhance rollover, traction, and comfort. These models are loved by bikepackers who need to carry large amounts of gear and desire extra comfort for backcountry riding and multi-day journeys.

Who it’s for: Trail riders and bikepackers looking for a mountain bike that maximizes traction and comfort.

Trek Farley

Wheel Size: 27.5” Fat Suspension travel: 100mm front or Rigid

The Farley is Trek’s fat bike specializing in terrain like snow and sand which require the additional “float” and traction of 4-5” wide fat tires. The newest generation of Farley uses 27.5” diameter fat tires instead of traditional 26” fat tires. Trek is a believer that using a larger diameter tire offers better performance in all conditions.

Who it’s for: Riders riding snow and sand.

Trek enduro bikes

Trek Remedy

Wheel Size: 27.5” Suspension travel: 160mm front / 150mm rear

The Remedy is Trek’s playful 27.5” trail bike. Older Remedy models were available with 29” wheels, but with the latest generation, Trek has committed to making the Remedy its sole 27.5” full-suspension bike. An ample amount of suspension travel allows the Remedy to tackle tough and steep downhill terrain while smaller 27.5” wheels make it feel easier to maneuver and throw around. It will suit riders who jump and jib their way down trails and who prioritize style and fun over all-out speed.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a capable and playful bike.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 170mm front / 160mm rear

The Slash is Trek’s 29er enduro race bike. It provides the most suspension travel and slackest geometry short of Trek’s Session downhill bike. Available only with 29” wheels, it smooths out the gnarliest terrain and maximizes downhill speed. The Slash is used by Trek’s factory Enduro World Series race team and will suit riders looking for a competitive enduro race bike, or a bike that will enhance their confidence on steep and technical downhill trails.

Who it’s for: Enduro racers and riders looking for the most downhill capable bike that can still be pedaled uphill.

Trek MTB range

Trek has a huge selection of mountain bike models, and within every model, there is a wide range of builds to choose from. The hierarchy within models is described using letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Below is a guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

[newsletter]

Trek mountain bike range

Trek mountain bike models use a number (e.g. Trek Fuel EX 9.9) to indicate the frame material and component build. Models with a 5 through 8 use aluminum frames, with 5 indicating entry-level builds and 8 indicating top-of-the-line aluminum builds.

Models with a 9 use carbon frames. To differentiate build levels within carbon models, Trek uses a decimal system that ranges from 9.5 to 9.9, with 9.5 indicating entry-level builds and 9.9 indicating top-of-the-line builds.

Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, a Fuel EX 9.9 ($9,499) has a top-of-the-line OCLV carbon frame, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. A Fuel EX 5 ($2,399) has a more budget-friendly aluminum frame, Shimano Deore drivetrain, entry-level RockShox and X-Fusion suspension, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Fuel EX models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

Trek suspension technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek mountain bikes.

Trek RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shocks

In 2014, Trek worked with Penske Racing to develop RE:aktiv valve technology for its rear shocks. In RE:aktiv shocks, a spring-loaded valve inside the shock body provides increased low-speed compression for more pedaling support. When the shock's shaft speed increases on rough terrain, the valve opens up to quickly absorb impacts before closing again. RE:aktiv shocks are designed to reduce the need for lockouts and compression adjustment on full-suspension mountain bikes when pedaling on smooth terrain or climbing.

In 2018, Trek added Thru Shaft to its RE:aktiv shocks. Most mountain bike shocks are designed around an internal floating piston, or IFP. When a shock absorbs a bump, a damper shaft moves through the shock and displaces oil. This displaced oil needs to go somewhere, so it pushes against the IFP, compressing a gas charge behind the IFP.

The Thru Shaft design eliminates the need for an IFP by allowing the damper shaft to exit out the bottom of the shock. The damper no longer needs to compress an IFP to create space for displaced oil. This makes the shock more responsive and reduces friction. RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shocks are currently found on the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Trek IsoStrut

IsoStrut is a minimal, frame-integrated shock designed to provide the comfort and control of rear suspension while maintaining weight, stiffness, and efficiency that rivals a hardtail. To save weight, instead of an ABP suspension pivot, there is flex built into the seat stays to provide a virtual pivot. In its current form, it is only found on the Supercaliber cross-country bike where it provides 60mm of suspension travel.

Trek Knock Block and Straight Shot down tubes

Most mountain bike frames have a curve in the down tube where it joins the head tube to prevent interference with the fork crown. Trek’s Straight Shot down tubes, however, are straight from the head tube to the bottom bracket to increase frame stiffness and strength. This means the fork crown might hit the down tube if it spins around during a crash.

The Knock Block system prevents this with a chip in the top tube that interacts with a keyed stem, spacers, and headset top cover. The Knock Block stops the handlebars and fork from spinning, preventing the fork crown from striking the down tube. There's also a molded guard on the down tube as a redundant measure. As an added bonus, Knock Block also prevents brake and shift levers from scratching or damaging the top tube.

Knock Block can be found on all of Trek’s carbon mountain bike models and the aluminum versions of the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Hopefully this guide to Trek mountain bikes puts you in a better place to select the best Trek MTB to suit you riding needs (and also the best build for your price range). If you’re still having trouble deciding, reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek MTB.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Mountain Bikes for 2022

By Theo Harris

Posted on Mar 30, 2022 11:14 AM EDT

8 minute read

Best Overall

2022 Trek Slash 9.8 XT

Best budget full-suspension.

Marin Rift Zone 1

Best electric mountain bike.

Trek Rail 9.7

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

When I bought my first mountain bike, I saved up dollar after dollar in a shoebox under my bed until I had enough to buy the perfect hardtail. It was a 26-inch crimson-red Iron Mountain Maverick with an aluminum frame, SunTour XCT fork, and mechanical disk brakes. I did the research, tested it at my local bike shop, and took it home that day. Since then, and several mountain bikes later, I’ve seen mountain bikes change as companies have designed smarter geometries and upgraded parts for smoother and more enjoyable riding. For this review, I tested the best mountain bikes to help you hit the trails or, like me, have a memorable first-bike experience that turns into an addiction. 

Best Overall: 2022 Trek Slash 9.8 XT

Best short travel: transition spur, best budget full-suspension: marin rift zone 1, best budget hardtail: fezzari wasatch peak comp 29, best electric: trek rail 9.7, things to consider before buying a mountain bike.

There are multiple factors to consider when buying a mountain bike, like where you’ll be riding most, the type of terrain, and the level of climbing and descending you’ll encounter. You’ll also want to consider if you want to feel every little bump on the trail or have a more forgiving set up. Thankfully, the best mountain bikes on this list cover a wide range of scenarios, no matter your preferences.

Full-Suspension

Also called full squish bikes, full-suspension bikes offer rear suspension to provide more stability and control in bumps and on steep, rocky terrain. Full-suspension bikes are often more forgiving and confidence-inspiring for beginners. I usually reach for full-suspension, every chance I get.

These bikes do not feature a rear shock and are ideal for first-time riders or for those who prefer smooth trails. They’re typically lightweight, great for climbing, require less maintenance and are cheaper than full-suspension bikes. However, they’re not as comfortable as full-suspension bikes on rough and rocky terrain.

Long Travel

Put simply, travel is the maximum distance that the front or rear suspension on a mountain bike can compress before bottoming out. Long travel bikes feature anywhere from 150mm to 180mm of travel or 6-7 inches. These types of bikes are perfect for aggressive riders that like to drop, jump, and go fast through rocky terrain. Long travel bikes usually do better descending down a trail than climbing one.

Short Travel

Compared to long travel bikes, short travel bikes feature less suspension. They typically have anywhere from 110mm to 140mm or 4-5 inches of travel. These bikes are ideal for riders that want a bike that climbs hills more efficiently, weighs less, and is generally more responsive.

Electric Mountain Bikes

Go further and longer with an e-bike. E-bikes feature an integrated motor that provides pedal-assist technology so that riders can climb hills easier and enjoy the sport more. They’re also very stable on downhills and make it easier to gain more overall trail mileage.

Performance vs. Price Point

This is the question that plagues every mountain biker. High-performance mountain bikes, especially e-bikes can cost a lot, but sometimes it’s worth it. You’ll have to decide which features and components are most important to you and whether you’re willing to spend extra depending on your style of riding and personal preferences.

Key Features

• New slacker geometry perfect for descending
• Full OCLV mountain carbon frame comes with built-in storage
• Shimano XT brakes

Why It Made the Cut

Big, burly, beastly, the new Slash rolls on 29-inch wheels with 170mm travel up front and 160mm at the rear. It’s the perfect choice for big days on the mountain.

• RockShox Zeb Fork eats up anything in its path
• Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain offers super-smooth shifting 
• Lightweight, durable wheels

Product Description

Over the years, I’ve tried many long-travel mountain bikes and I always come back to the same question, will it be fearless? A long-travel mountain bike should show no fear. What I mean is, it should plow through roots, rocks, and steep terrain with ease. The Trek Slash 9.8 XT does all of that. Point it down the mountain and it’s ready to take on anything. This 29er is a burly beast that likes to go fast and eat up anything in its path. 

• Proprietary GiddyUp suspension system 
• Weight: 24.7 pounds
• 12-speed X01 Eagle drivetrain
• Internal cable routing

The Spur excels anywhere you point it. This bike is super sprightly on climbs and lightning fast on descents. You can also perfectly tune its unique suspension design to your riding style.

• Responsive, lightweight 
• Smooth shifting
• Aggressive geometry
• Spacious front triangle
• Other climbers might be stronger   

Many short-travel bikes come up short in the descending department. They can climb well but when it comes to riding downhill they are too cautious and unstable. The Transition Spur is an all-country bike that climbs well and descends well too. It’s a true unicorn in its category. This bike makes climbing easy and rewards riders by maintaining its speed and stability. If I were to ride cross country trails in the East, Midwest, and West and needed one bike, this would be it. 

• RockShox Recon Fork
• Tuneable X-Fusion O2 Pro R rear shock  
• Shimano Deore 1×10

For the price, this 29” full-suspension mountain bike can’t be beat. I had the chance to test it out in the relentless Southern Utah terrain and was surprised at how comfortable and stable it performed on many trail types.

Pros  

• Updated geometry for descents
• Solid drivetrain components make shifting smooth
• Durable, aluminum double-wall rims  
• Clean internal cable routing
• Aluminum frame is heavier than carbon
• Frame doesn’t include a dropper post  

Finding a full-suspension mountain bike that doesn’t break the bank is difficult. If you’re just getting into the sport on a budget, the Marin Rift Zone 1 is an excellent choice. I’ve personally been on this bike many times and was impressed by how much it did. The bike feels comfortable and stable on various terrain types and includes some premium components for the low price tag. While it may not be perfect for expert riders, this bike is a great choice for the money. 

• SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed drivetrain
• WTB STP i25 29er wheels are tubeless ready
• Weight: 28.5 pounds  

Why It Made the Cut  

If a hardtail is your cocktail, this mountain bike should be your top choice. For under $1,000, this 29-inch mountain bike features a high-end drivetrain, lightweight build, and its frame comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s an excellent choice for the price.

• Lighter than most hardtails
• Balanced geometry is efficient for climbing
• Comes with a 30-Day risk-free riding trial
• Only Available in two colorways

Over the years, the Wasatch Peak has received awards for its value, and it’s easy to see why. It comes fully kitted with a top-of-the-line SRAM 12-speed drivetrain, SR Suntour XCR 34 fork, lightweight frame, and tubeless-ready 29-inch wheels. The company also has a 30-day trial period to try the bike and a lifetime warranty on the frame. All of those benefits for under $1,000 are hard to beat. 

• RockShox ZEB fork
• SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain 
• Bosch CX motor 

This 29-inch e-bike is a blast to ride. It’s fast, stable, and you can take it anywhere. The Rail 9.7 is easy to charge, and the powerful Bosch motor is ahead of its class. 

Pros   

• Powerful motor makes climbing easy
• Easy-to-read speed controls and display unit 
• Super stable at high speeds
• Smooth, simple shifting

I’ve been on this e-bike a few times and every time I get back on it, a huge smile comes over my face. The Trek Rail 9.7 is just fun. Plain and simple. It can zip up climbs, fly down drops, and hit jumps like a champ. It’s stable at high speeds and great for riders who don’t want to do all the work. Simply charge this bike for 2-3 hours and you’ll be ready for a full day of riding. 

Mountain bikes vary greatly in cost. You’ll spend more money on parts that are lighter, more durable, and more efficient. For example, full-suspension mountain bikes and e-bikes with carbon frames and high-end components can fall into the $4,000-$10,000 range. While full-suspension mountain bikes with aluminum frames and lower-end components usually run in the $2,000-$5,000 range. Hardtails usually only feature a front fork and can range from $500-$3,000. Expect to spend a fair amount if you become invested in the sport.

A full-suspension mountain bike is worth the extra money if you want to feel less of the harshness of the trail and want a bike you can grow with. A hardtail is great for those that like cross-country riding on more mild, less rocky terrain. If you’re looking for a bike that can be used on difficult terrain or does better on jumps and drops, a full-suspension mountain bike is the way to go. If you want to play it safe and don’t mind feeling more of the bumps, a hardtail may be a better choice.

A good mid-range mountain bike will be versatile and perform well at a decent price. The Marin Rift Zone 1 and Transition Spur are both great mid-range mountain bikes with 120mm of travel for all-around performance. While they skew more on the cross-countryside, they perform great on many types of trails.

The best mountain bike for beginners is an affordable hardtail with front suspension like the Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp 29, or a lower-budget full-suspension mountain bike like the Marin Rift Zone 1. Both of these mountain bikes won’t break the bank and are great choices for those initially getting into the sport. If you’re looking to spend more money but want a mountain bike that can help you pedal uphill easier, an e-bike might also be worth considering.

Methodology

I am an avid mountain biker with 20 years of riding experience. I’ve tested dozens of mountain bikes from many major brands including Trek, Specialized, Devinci, Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain, Marin, Fezzari, and more. I have personally tested many of the bikes featured in this article and believe they are some of the strongest contenders on the market right now. For this review, I tested these bikes on rocky and flow trails in both Utah and Arkansas, and considered features such as overall mountain bike performance, weight, geometries, components, and comfort. The picks above have gone through drops, jumps, and plenty of dirt to provide the very best insights.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know your budget, your riding style or what components you want most. I do know that buying the best mountain bike is an investment that’s well worth it. The mountain bikes featured above are solid options for a variety of riders. Consider your goals and riding style as you find one that best fits you and go shred the trails.

Best mountain bike brands 2024 – our pick of the top companies with reviews of their best bikes

From the pioneers to the new kids on the block, we examine the brands that have shaped the mountain bike discipline

1. Specialized

4. santa cruz, 8. cannondale.

• How we test

1. Specialized 2. Trek 3. Giant 4. Santa Cruz 5. Canyon 6. Yeti 7. Pivot 8. Cannondale How we test

Whether it's from one of the best mountain bike brands or not, the bike you ride is a very important purchase. Whether a top-shelf version with all the latest tech and a price to match, or something more modest, it's still a serious commitment. Choosing the right one for you can be difficult as there are a seemingly endless array of options and new ones coming on the market all the time. 

There are some brands that stand out though. The bikes they make are some of the finest available and they keep making knockout hits. If you are looking for a great mountain bike , starting with a great brand isn't a guarantee, but reputation still counts for a lot. 

With that in mind, we've put together some of the bike companies we reckon consistently make many of the best MTBs out there. Keep reading to see our list of the best mountain bike brands and our expert reviews of the top rated models they've recently released.

Specialized Bicycles is one of the biggest and most well-known names in the industry. Getting there has been a 47-year journey with some industry-defining bikes, some missteps, and a lot of innovation. The first few years were focused on road cycling and led to the first Specialized product, a tire. From there, the next major move was recognizing the importance of an emerging scene.

The company became synonymous with the American mountain bike scene with the release of the first Stumpjumper in 1981 . It brought mass production and economies of scale to a fledgling niche and maybe changed the world. The Specialized Stumpjumper lineage continues to this day although the modern-day equivalent is unrecognizable when compared to the original model. Specialized is arguably one of the most influential brands on the market that is constantly developing new technology by utilizing its own Innovation Center R&D test lab and wind tunnel – which it calls the Win Tunnel.    

Specialized now produces bikes for all disciplines from downhill mountain biking to aero time-trial bikes. What they all have in common is that they are consistently some of the best bikes that are available on the market.

Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Stumpjumper model was the first in a long line of mountain bikes bearing the name Specialized. It remains in the lineup over 40 years later but the innovation has never stopped. The Evo Comp is the most affordable bike in the range and presents excellent value, not just because you get front and rear triangles made from Specialized's FACT 11m carbon but also its versatility on the trails.

In our tests we found its low weight and lively ride feel kept it feeling bright on flow trails and efficient on bigger days out on the trail. Take the Stumpjumper Evo Comp on a more gravity-fed day and the slack geometry and controlled and balanced nature really comes into play.

The frame is packed with useful features, especially if you are a bit of a bike setup fettler. The Stumpjumper comes standard with an eccentric headset race cup which either steepens or slackens the head angle by one degree and a chainstay flip-chip that takes another 0.5-degree off the head tube. There's also an increased-volume SWAT Door integration with a 650ml bladder for more liquid storage.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven summed up: "An outstandingly practically innovative aggro all-rounder with a superbly balanced, hugely enabling but not intimidating overall ride and a real sweet spot performance to price ratio."

For all the details and to find out what over four decades of evolution rides like, check out our full review of the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp .

Like a lot of mountain bike companies, Trek is a brand born from a lack of offerings. The dream was to start a nationwide chain of stores in America in the early 1970s, but things didn't turn out like that and a lack of available bikes required a re-think. Before an era of globalization, good American bikes weren't available so Trek set out to change that. They envisioned high-quality options from the middle price points all the way to the top shelf offerings but the focus was on road bikes.

Although that early focus was road bikes, Trek recognized talent and made business moves to bolster its mountain bike expertise too. While Trek was growing on the eastern side of the US, mountain biking was reaching critical mass on the west coast. In 1993 Trek made the Gary Fisher name part of its company and brought a brand associated with the first commercially produced full-suspension bicycles into its fold. Then in 1995, the company purchased Bontrager cycles – a move that brought Keith Bontrager, responsible for the design and patent of a composite fork crown that later showed up on the first suspension fork, into the organization. 

Since then Trek, like Specialized, has been one of the pivotal brands when it comes to introducing new tech into mountain biking. Under the Gary Fisher name, it was the first brand to make a commercial push with the 29er wheel. While that took some development and weathered much criticism, Trek has certainly come out on the right side of history with 29ers becoming the most common wheel size in almost every MTB discipline. Trek was also one of the brands that made huge inroads by introducing carbon fiber to mountain biking with its OCLV development.

While Trek has seen racing success in all disciplines, arguably its biggest impact is in downhill mountain biking. The Trek Session format has been around since 2006 – although it didn't start looking like a Session until 2009. Since then it has become the most successful downhill bike with Sessions being piloted to more World Cup wins than any other bike. 

Trek Slash 9.9 X01

Trek uses its OCLV carbon to form its best enduro mountain bike , the Trek Slash. Revamped in 2021, it got a geometry make-over as well as some new features and RockShox's take on Trek's proprietary Thru Shaft shock technology.

Enduro is first and foremost a race format and while all brands tout their bikes as race-ready machines, very few communicate their extreme course-crushing performance with as much clarity and authority as Trek’s Slash.

While we think the spec could benefit from a few tweaks, the base performance, capability, and practicality that the Slash offers are typical of a bike from Trek no matter what price range you are looking at. Our reviewer Guy Kesteven found it ragingly fast and precise, saying: "Evolved, stability-boosting geometry, superbly sorted suspension baseline with dialed on-the-fly fine tweaking and excellent pedaling response, make it one of the most speed-hungry, high-velocity bikes we’ve ever ridden."

Check out our full review if you want to know more about the Trek Slash 9.9 X01 .

Giant is widely recognized as one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. Not only does it produce a huge range of bikes across all disciplines and price points under the Giant branding, but it's also a manufacturer for many other well-known brands. A rooted background in manufacturing has made it one of the leading brands when it comes to producing high-quality bikes in both aluminum and carbon fiber. 

Giant has been in the mountain bike scene for a long time and has often been at the cutting-edge of design and performance, with developments such as the Maestro suspension system, which was introduced in 2005, and its advancements in frame manufacturing, especially with its own Aluxx aluminum. 

Economies of scale and manufacturing expertise mean that Giant can produce bikes that are extremely competitively priced. While most brands will spec OEM or own-brand kit, no one does it to the extent as Giant, who produces everything from grips to suspension forks. In fact, it's not uncommon for Giant to kit out a bike with all but the drivetrain being Giant branded. The Giant components are usually good quality too and it means Giant is often able to undercut most other brands offering features at a price point that you might not see on other bikes.

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1

Giant gave its cross-country Anthem a radical update in 2022 and the results brought it right up to date with the demands of the increasingly technical nature of cross-country mountain biking . The slacker contemporary geometry, bump in travel, and lower weight flex stay suspension means the Anthem is far more capable than its predecessor.

The componentry Giant specs on the Anthem reflects this too and we really felt the benefit of the stouter Fox 34 fork and 2.4in Rekon tires when we tested Giant's Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 model. However, these aren't the biggest tech talking points of the bike. The Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 model is one of the few bikes on the market that is equipped with the Fox Live Valve system. This electronic suspension system automatically controls the suspensions and reacts to whether you are climbing, descending, or riding over rough terrain.

The result is one of the most capable cross-country mountain bikes we have ridden. Superbly confident and composed on descents that should be way above its cross-country remit yet it doesn't give an inch when the trail points up either. The automated suspension takes a lot of thinking out of riding as well, allowing you to get on with riding as hard as you can. 

Our reviewer Graham Cottingham found: "There were a number of corners I rode through only realizing upon exiting that I hadn’t actually braked going into them and, if Strava is to be believed, I wasn’t going slower either as I returned from my first ride with a decent haul of PRs."

For more details, we have a full review of the Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 and our experiences with Fox Live Valve.

Santa Cruz is a relatively young company. The history of American bike brands starts later than those in Europe but even among its peers, 1993 is late to the game. Late isn't always a negative though. Living in Santa Cruz as modern mountain biking came into the world allowed the founders to be fluent in the needs of the riders. At a time when hardtails were the norm and full-suspension, do-it-all bikes were far from cool, a few guys recognized a need. 

The Tazmon was the first Santa Cruz bike and it featured a single-pivot dual-suspension design. Manufacturing of that first bike started in a small garage and grew from there with rider-centric bikes always being the norm. This rider-centric approach has meant that whenever Santa Cruz enters a bike discipline, it often becomes the defining bike in that category. 

We can't talk about Santa Cruz without mentioning its sister company Julianna Bicycles. In partnership with ex-pro and six-time US champ Juli Furtado, Santa Cruz developed its first Julianna bike in 1999, credited as the first women's specific mountain bike, which in turn has led to today's catalog which covers all riding disciplines. 

Today, Santa Cruz and Julianna continue to hand-assemble all models in its California factory and they stand behind that process. They are so sure of the quality they put out that all Santa Cruz bikes come with a lifetime warranty covering the frame and fork.

Santa Cruz has always drawn a certain level of allure based on its high-quality bikes, but the brand's race endeavors have been a big part of that story, too. The Santa Cruz Syndicate race team has not only been one of the most successful race teams on the circuit but also a hotbed for testing. Santa Cruz has benefited massively from leveraging the experience and knowledge of current and past riders such as Greg Minnaar, Steve Peat, Josh Bryceland, and Luca Shaw. 

Santa Cruz 5010 GX AXS RSV

Through the Santa Cruz 5010's various iterations, it’s picked up one of the strongest cult followings of any bike from any brand. The latest V5 model calms things down a bit with a 29in wheel up front, less pedal reactive suspension and features like internal storage which make it nearly a kilo heavier than the V4. 

The GX AXS RSV we tested is the most expensive C framed bike, but it’s a sweet spot in terms of componentry. The Pike Select+ fork gets the fancy Charger 3 damper with low and high-speed compression adjust and Maxima Plus Dynamic fluid, but avoids the random choking curse of the longer bushings in the Pike Ultimate. The Select+ Super Deluxe shock is similarly smart internally, but just has a simple two-position compression (open or pedal) damping lever rather than a four-position dial.

We found the V5 an absolute peach to ride and a perfect fit for where aggressive trail riding has headed. Yes it’s heavier and slower rolling (given the tire spec) than before, but we can’t think of any shorter travel trail bike where this hasn’t happened in its last generation. That weight is getting you genuinely useful internal storage and a far more capable, rather than chaotic, front end vibe.

Typically for Santa Cruz, it’s a great practical choice for hard riders in terms of bearing design, easy servicing, frame protection and overall strength. And the fact that frame, bearings, wheels and bars are all lifetime-warrantied makes investing in the RSV spec a wise investment not just an indulgence.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven said: "The bottom line of all the rebalancing and obsessive dynamic detailing is that the new 5010 is a bike that makes you feel like an absolute hero when you point it down your favorite tech trail and let rip."

Check out our full Santa Cruz 5010 GX AXS RSV review for more details.

Canyon didn't invent the direct-to-consumer sales model, but the German brand is arguably the first brand that really made it work in the bike industry. The combination of superbly designed bikes and often unbelievable price-to-performance ratios means that Canyon has been a massive hit in an industry that has historically been bricks and mortar. 

It hasn't always been smooth sailing though. In 2016 Canyon suffered some growing pains which caused significant delays in shipping. However, since then Canyon has gone from strength to strength, producing industry benchmark bikes from some of the best budget mountain bikes all the way up to dedicated race specific platforms.

If you are confident that you know what you want and are happy with a little out-the-box wrenching (Canyon has gone to a lot of effort to make this as streamlined and easy as possible), then it's really hard to go wrong buying a bike from Canyon. In fact, your biggest problem will be availability as high demand often means bikes are out of stock.

Canyon Spectral 29 CF8.0

The bike industry is pretty guilty when it comes to declaring that a bike is a true all-rounder, do-everything, or using the super-cliched and meaningless phrase, 'quiver killer'. That said, if you are looking for a modern trail/enduro mountain bike then the Spectral is one of the best bikes on the market. 

The recently redesigned Spectral frame is a demonstration of Canyon's design ethos – utterly sorted so that on first impression you feel so comfortable that it takes a while to realize how good it actually is. Considering the Spectral has figures that are easily enduro shreddable it climbs confidently with crux-crushing traction. Point it downhill and the Spectral beautifully blends calmness and control with a playful character that keeps rewarding you the faster you go.

Even better is Canyon's range of options for the Spectral. While we loved the CF8, Canyon also does a premium Spectral CFR and a budget alloy range which both share the same geo and design features. What's more, if you aren't a fan of 29er wheels, Canyon also offers the Spectral in 27.5 and mullet wheeled formats.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven reported: "While it does feel remarkably smooth and calm off the top and it’s perfectly happy to cruise, the core of the bike is an impeccably balanced, firmly supportive and accurate tracking technical trail and DH weapon. One that increasingly comes to life, popping, drifting, sending and playing the harder you push it."

Find out more info in our full Canyon Spectral 29 CF8.0 review . 

In 1985 a welder from California named John Parker turned his passion into a business and founded Yeti. His background in Hollywood special effects and welding prowess helped him chase his interest in mountain bike racing and from the very beginning, Yeti was synonymous with racing. Thanks to the success of legendary racers like John Tomac, Juli Furtado, Missy Giove, and Myles Rockwell, Yeti was quickly on the map in a big way. 

In 1995, as mountain bike racing hit a fevered pitch, the larger, and well-funded, Schwinn purchased the brand. Yeti needed capital to expand and Schwinn needed the expertise of a proven winner. In early 2001, as the fortunes of Schwinn changed, two Yeti employees purchased the company and led it through a new period of innovation. Racing is still an important part of the company culture and the trademark Yeti turquoise color continues to be a mainstay on podiums.

Yeti SB120 T1

The new Yeti SB120 is a 120mm trail bike featuring Yeti's unique Switch Infinity suspension system and the SB120 is the shortest travel frame that uses it. Switch Infinity is a four-bar system with a sliding pivot to alter the pivot position for greater control of kinematics. It's the rise-and-fall movement of the lower linkage that gives the SB120 a remarkably nuanced feel, adding even more sensitivity, auto grip, and flutter-fast responsiveness compared to purely short linkage systems. 

That makes the SB120 an overachiever on descents with flowing rocky, rooty sections with a ridiculous amount of speed sustain for a 120mm travel bike. Travel is available when needed but support and ride height is maintained through even the hardest corners and compressions.

It's not just the suspension that's spot on either. The SB120 has an uncanny ability to make everything from tires to grips to saddle, to mid-corner or black-grade, boulder run body position feel totally in the right place. It's a tribute to how dialed the overall geometry is on the SB120; it's nothing radical, just a brilliant place to be to enjoy all sorts of trails.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven summed up: "If you asked me right now what’s the best short travel trail bike I’ve ever ridden, it’d be this one. I just need to work out how to get one to keep for a bit longer." 

You can read more in our first ride review of the Yeti SB120 T1 .

Chris Cocalis started Pivot in 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona, when he recognized a revolutionary suspension technology and licensed it. The Mach 4 was the first bike from the company and it used the DW-link suspension design. One of only three brands who licensed the technology at the time, it's a system that isolates the rider from movement in the suspension as they pedal and brake. From that start, Pivot bikes established itself in only a few short years as one of the most premium brands available.  

Although Pivot is a young MTB brand, it comes from a founder with a deep well of experience in the industry. Before Pivot Chris started building bikes, and components, in the mid-80s, he was a BMX racer and bike shop manager who built what he couldn't find, and eventually founded Titus bikes in 1991 which he sold in 2006. 

Starting Pivot was an opportunity to do things differently. Although the technology helped define the brand it was the culture of giving back that kept it sustainable. The focus is on making the best and that's what you can expect. 

Pivot Switchblade XTR

Every trail bike promises a dual-natured personality. The allure of both downhill prowess and pedaling and climbing efficiency. When it comes to Pivot and the Switchblade, they deliver on that promise through the technology that started the company, the DW-Link suspension. 

DW-Link is a system designed by Dave Weagle that keeps pedaling and braking from affecting the suspension. In the case of the Switchblade, it's paired with either a 29er, mullet, or 27.5+ wheel size and comes together for a design that brings versatility to the table. The DW-Link system delivers a stable pedaling platform on the climbs and a super smooth yet progressive suspension action when descending, 

It's definitely not cheap, but the Pivot Switchblade XTR comes with some serious kit including Fox suspension, Reynolds Black Label Enduro wheelset, and of course, Shimano's XTR  groupset. Pivot offers loads of build options too, starting at the Ride XT/SLX/DT M1900 wheel mix to the Team XX1 AXS Live Valve super bike build.

In our tests we found the Switchblade felt outstandingly ‘bright’ and eager straight away. The tight Reynolds wheels, stiff, compact frame, short linkage, short but super-wide back end and short offset fork gave a vivid and immediate connection to the trail. Our reviewer Guy Kesteven summed up: "Its ability to turn every section of trail into an ultra high definition pop, rip and power through playground is as good – if not better – than any other bike we’ve ridden."

For more information, we have a full review of the Pivot Switchblade Team XTR .

Cannondale has always been at the forefront of innovation in the American bike landscape. The company actually didn't start with bikes though. Founder Joe Montgomery began at a loft above a pickle factory across from the old Cannon railroad line in Connecticut. Early offerings included backpacks and trailers to transport bikes for camping. The first Cannondale bike came in 1983 along with a revolutionary approach to working with aluminum. A year later, in 1984, Cannondale came to market with the SM500 mountain bike. It featured BMX styling and a European spring saddle. 

Despite all the early success, the company experienced a bit of a rough patch declaring bankruptcy in 2003. It was later purchased by Dorel Industries, who owned the brand until last year which brought another change of hands to Pon Industries. Today Cannondale sits with strong backing among the new world's largest bike manufacturers, including Focus, Lapierre, Santa Cruz, and GT among others. 

Cannondale is a brand that's not scared of producing bikes that are unique and unusual, something which is most obvious with the brand's Lefty fork. While the brand has had success in the gravity markets, its F-Si and Scalpel cross-country bikes are its most notable successes. That could change though with the redesign of the Jekyll enduro bike as well as sightings of a prototype downhill bike with two shocks.

Cannondale Jekyll 2

The new Jekyll comes in as a statement that Cannondale is back in the big enduro bike game. The Jekyll combines many firsts for Cannondale, in a single-crown mountain bike platform. Engineers have constructed a four-bar suspension system that sits low in the main triangle, with chain influence on the kinematics reduced by a high pivot.  

Cannondale uses much of its existing design ethos in the Jekyll too with its Proportional Response design, which has size-specific geometry and suspension, and Ai offset to increase rear-end stiffness and clearance.

Designers wanted to lower the Jekyll’s center of gravity, and its frame features a twin-spar downtube. With the shock sitting so low it's effectively in the downtube. This is a bike targeted at committed enduro riders, who never shy away from any black-rated descent. 

How we test mountain bikes

All the mountain bikes tested here have been ridden in a wide range of conditions, from bone dry dusty tracks to hammering down rain-soaked trails where grip is at a premium. We also test the bikes over a range of trail conditions, from uplift DH and enduro venues to pedaling steep natural runs. We ensure to test the bikes over a number of months to see how they fare over time and you'll often find us switching bikes mid-ride to make comparisons between different models.

Meet the testers

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Guy's been testing and writing about mountain bikes since the early nineties and we're betting than he's tested more MTBs than anyone else in the UK. He's no stranger to enduro racing either and has raced in a multitude of different events.

Graham is all about riding bikes off-road with almost 20 years of riding experience covering downhill, enduro, and gravel. Based in Edinburgh, he has mountain biking and gravel riding right on his doorstep. 

Graham is all about riding bikes off-road, based in Edinburgh he has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK on his doorstep. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for  Bike Perfec t.

Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller

Height: 177cm

Weight: 71kg

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Most Popular

Best Trek Bikes You Can Get: Complete Lineup Overview for 2024

Trek is one of the first brands that comes to the mind of both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. But what are the best Trek bikes on the market? Let’s see

They have a HUGE range of bikes , in all price categories, for different purposes, many of which are often seen at top-level competitions, such as the Grand Tours. This American bicycle and product manufacturer enjoys respect in all cycling categories, including road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, touring, and commuting.

We’ll take a closer look at the lineup of best Trek bikes across different model series and tell you more about each!

Where It All Began…

Marlin series, domane series, supercaliber series, émonda series, speed concept, roscoe series, fuel series, 520 – 920 – 1120 adventure series, farley series, slash series, powerfly series, checkpoint series, ticket series.

Trek Bikes was established in 1976 , in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It is the brainchild of Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke who started making their first steel bikes with just five employees.

Trek made their first mountain bike in 1983, which quickly became very popular across the USA. The first carbon frames came off the production line a few years later, and Trek was already a well-known name worldwide by 1990s.

Among other things, Trek is also a big advocate for women cycling , being one of the first companies to design women-specific frames in the early 2000s.

Also read:  Trek vs. Giant Bike Brands Comparison

Perfect Trail Glider

Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular trail lines . It’s intended for beginners with prices that stay around $1,000 and includes both models suitable for both men and women.

The number of models changes, but it usually stays at around 5 or 6 models that differ in terms of components and colors.

All Trek Marlin models are hardtail , with 100 mm of front travel, lots of gears, Shimano components, and disc brakes.

What’s interesting is that these models are available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels , depending on the size of the frame.

It’s an excellent choice for mountain biking beginners and casual riders who like hitting the trails from time to time.

Our Top Pick: Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Our favorite model and the true representative of this Trek’s versatile line is Trek Marlin 5. It is a reasonably priced hardtail bike that offers a lot for the money and will not disappoint any mountain biking newbie.

This bike comes equipped with SR Suntour’s 100 mm of travel and rolls on Bontrager tires that are 2.20″ wide . That makes it an excellent choice for XC riders, mild trails, and even daily commutes on less than ideally paved roads.

What sets Marlin 5 from other bikes that cost around $700 are hydraulic disc brakes . They’re a rare find in the entry-level trail world and they mean a lot to transform the on-trail experience.

Shimano Altus components and a 2×8 drivetrain are a good starting point and suit well with this model.

See the Model on Trek Bikes

Proper Road Warrior

Domane is one of Trek’s most popular lines of endurance road bikes . This line usually numbers between 20 and 30 models in different price categories. There are a few entry-level and mid-range bikes to choose from, but the majority are high-end road machines that cost thousands of dollars.

As expected, there are both men’s and women’s models to choose from, but the majority of them are unisex. Apart from these, the Trek Domane series also includes several e-bikes, such as the Domane+ LT.

As one can expect, Domane models come with nothing short but the best SRAM and Shimano component groups. Some of them sport V-brakes, whereas others brake with discs.

This line is also known for featuring Trek’s front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers that decrease vibrations in the headset and the seat tube.

Check out our reviews on Domane models:  2 –  3 – 4 .

Our Top Pick: Domane+ LT

Choosing one favorite Trek Domane model is not an easy job — most of them are jaw-droppingly good . However, when it comes to the electric models, Domane+ LT really stands out.

This high-end electric machine is built around a full carbon frame and fork with adjustable IsoSpeed decouplers both up-front and in the back.

Its e-parts are cleverly hidden in the oversized down tube, so this bike is pretty discrete. The motor and the battery will assist you up to 20 mph , and after that, you’re on your own.

Domane+ LT can also boast with a full Ultegra drivetrain and disc brakes, so it’s intended for serious roadies who will know how to use these components to their full potential.

This model sells for between $5,000 and $12,500 , but it’s well worth the money because it is one of the best Trek bikes you can get.

See the Models on Trek Bikes

True XC Machine

If you want the best of the best in the cross country world , then you should end your quest with Trek Supercaliber. This is a line of crème de la crème XC bikes with carbon frames, full suspension, and pretty steep price tags.

There are around 7 models you can choose from, but you’ll have to save between 5K and 12K  to own one. Ouch!

Trek Supercaliber models are light, fast, nimble, and swift. They feature strong and responsive carbon frames and short travel that makes these bikes precise in the corners.

Trek designed Supercaliber models with a rear shock IsoStrut design that puts the shock into the top tube. That gives Supercaliber models characteristics of both hardtail and full-suspension bikes.

Our Top Pick: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS

Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS is simply the best you can get in the XC Mountain Biking world at the moment. This is a top-of-the-line XC racing monster that will instil fear in the opponents at the start line.

Like all other models in this line, Supercaliber 9.9 AXS comes with the IsoStrut integrated shock design that makes this bike fast and responsive. It’s extremely light as well, weighing under 21.83 lbs .

The drivetrain and the list of components are crowned with a fully wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset that shifts quickly, smoothly, and precisely.

Its 29″ wheels and 2.20″ Bontrager XR1 Team Issue tires will gobble obstacles like they don’t exist.

According to Trek, this is one of the lightest, fastest, and stiffest XC race bikes they have ever made. There’s nothing else we can do but agree.

Lightest Road Bikes

Trek created the Émonda series for roadies who are in the game because of speed, performance, and timed personal records.

These are high-end road bikes with racing geometry and some of the lightest carbon road frames Trek has ever made.

Trek Émonda consists of more than 10 models that cost between around $2,300 and $13,000 . This includes unisex models that can be ridden by all genders and no women-specific models.

The cheaper, ALR models, are made from aluminum, whereas the higher-specked SL models have stiff carbon.

Émonda was intended as a group of efficient climbing bikes , with up to 28 mm tires and disc brakes

Our Top Pick: Émonda SLR 9

If you’d fall asleep and dream about the world’s best and lightest performance carbon road bike in the world, you’d probably be dreaming about Trek Émonda SLR 9.

This bike exceeds expectations in all areas of road racing performance. It’s built around Trek’s lightest disc road frame that weighs just 665g, whereas the entire bike weighs less than 6.5kg (~14 lbs).

This mouth-watering package also includes Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels, a carbon bar/stem combination, and a full 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain.

All Émonda models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. In the case of SLR 9, they’re Shimano Dura-Ace.

This bike costs $12,500 but comes with components and technological solutions that will allow the right pair of legs to win podiums and competitions on a regular basis.

Beat The Wind

Trek Speed Concept is a super-fast and super-light aero bike, ideal for triathlons and TT races . If you believe that time is valuable and that every second counts, you’ll fall in love with its tech and aerodynamics.

Related: Best Triathlon Bikes

Trek Speed Concept sells for between $8,800 – $14,000 , which is why it is common to see it both with pro and with amateur races.

Its main selling points include an adjustable aero frame developed in a wind tunnel , a headset integrated into the frame, deep carbon aero wheels, Ultegra components, and more.

Through Trek’s Project One , Speed Concept can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly and become 100% percent unique and yours.

Speed Concept is also known for the Bontrager Integrated Speed Storage that blends with the frame and does not affect the aerodynamic properties.

True Trail Hardtail 

Roscoe is a line of reasonably-priced hardtail bikes intended for trail-loving mountain bikers. There aren’t too many models in the Roscoe line (around 5) and one of them can be yours for between $1,200 and $2,800.

Here you’ll find both men’s and women’s models, each one being unique and offering different specs and colors. What’s common for all of them are massive 27.5+ tires that make no compromises on the trails.

Trek Roscoe bikes can also boast with light and efficient 1x drivetrains , playful frame geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes.

All but the cheapest Roscoe 6 also have dropper posts which is always a big advantage and a pleasant surprise in this price range.

Trail enthusiasts and first-timers will love the Roscoe line!

Our top pick: Roscoe 8

Roscoe 8 is one of the highest-specked models from this line.

Those who choose to spend $2,400 on it will get a capable and fun two-wheel package that offers excellent value for money.

You’ll get a 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a wide-range 11-50T cassette. The 27.5″ x 2.80″ tires are massive; they’ll give you enough confidence to always choose the more demanding line and go out and ride no matter the conditions.

The frame is made of aluminum , which makes the bike slightly heavy (14.32 kg / 31.57 lbs), but the frame performs well on the trails and offers good responsiveness and great power transfer.

Trek Fuel is a line of versatile all-mountain bikes ideal for aggressive singletracks and descents. This is a gang of around 15 high-end bikes with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, slack geometries, and lots of travel.

If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 for an aluminum model and up to $11,000 for a carbon frame. That’s steep but well worth it.

These are 29ers , but XS and S frames come with 27.5 wheels. When it comes to components, the list differs greatly relative to the price point.

Travel is usually in the 130mm to 140mm range , which makes Trek Fuel bikes real all-mountain monsters and gives them the necessary capabilities to dominate trails.

Our top pick: Fuel EX 8

We chose Fuel EX 8 as our favorite model from this Trek’s lineup. At $4,000 it’s not a budget bike, but it’s pretty reasonably priced considering the components you get with it.

It’s ideal for all-mountain enthusiasts who simply love hitting all types of trails and terrains and spending time outside.

This model has a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with 140 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and a 130 mm Fox Performance Float EVOL rear shock.

Apart from that, it has a 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 10-50T gear range. Coupled with excellent Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, you can climb and descend any hill that comes in your way.

Best for touring

Apart from excellent road and mountain bikes, Trek is also a commonly seen name in the bike touring and bikepacking categories.

Their offer for this type of adventuring includes three models called 520, 920, and 1120 . The first two are intended for bike touring expeditions, whereas 1120 is best for bikepacking. Their prices range between $1,500 and $3,000.

The 520 and 920 models feature touring frames with comfortable touring geometries. The frames are already equipped with lightweight aluminum front and rear racks, so you’re ready to rumble.

1120 is a bikepacker’s dream , ideal for off-road adventures thanks to the aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide wheels, and front and rear racks.

If your idea of cycling includes exploring the world , there are few better choices than Trek 520, 920, and 1120.

Our Top Pick:  520

Trek 520 is a bike touring beast, perfect for open roads and all-day explorations . This bike has a very long tradition, as the first model was built in the 1970s. It costs around $1,800, which makes it even more desirable in the bike touring world.

The 520 comes with a practical and durable steel frame and custom-made front and rear racks that can carry a lot of weight.

The drivetrain has 27 gears with Shimano Sora and Alivio components, ideal for long days when you need to pedal for 10 hours over a variety of terrains.

If you plan to spend months on the road and carry front and rear panniers loaded with food and gear, Trek 520 is a bike that can keep up.

Expand the borders

Farley is Trek’s collection of extremely capable fat bikes with massive tires and stocky frames. They’re ideal for men and women who find regular mountain bikes can’t keep up with their adventurous spirit.

If you want to ride on snow, sand, over sharp rocks, and through mud, then you need a Trek Farley. There are around 5 models you can choose from here, priced between $2,000 and $3,500 . But prices can vary.

Frame materials include both aluminum and carbon , depending on how much money you’re ready to spend. However, what’s common for all models are intimidating 27.5 x 4.5″ tires . They’re some of the widest you can find in the world of fat bikes.

What’s also commonly seen on all Farley models are 1x drivetrains with quality Shimano and SRAM components that can get you through any challenging terrain.

Our top pick: Trek Farley 5

Trek Farley 5 is by far our favorite model from this series. It’s the best value fat bike you can find around with a light and compliant aluminum frame and an even lighter carbon fork that’s stiff and responsive.

The first thing you’ll notice on it is its 4.5″ wide Bontrager tires that are unstoppable when you take them over rocks, tree stumps, and through snow and sand.

A 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain gives you plenty of gears and a pretty decent value for around $2,000.

The package also includes hydraulic disc brakes , an internal derailleur, and dropper post routing, as well as plenty of rack and water bottle mounts.

For Commuting

A hybrid bike is used for different things by different people. Some use hybrids to commute, others to exercise, and some just to be on the move. The Trek FX series has the perfect hybrid for all of these purposes.

It’s a collection of a large number of different hybrids with step-over and step-through frames , men and women-specific models, and different price points.

The majority of bikes in this range are entry-level models , costing between $600 and $1,000, but there are some more serious models as well that reach $2,000.

All come with 700c wheels, flat bars, slightly wider tires, and aluminum or carbon frames and forks.

If you need a bike to get from home to work, run errands around the city or lose some weight and get fit, you’ll find it in the Trek FX lineup.

Our Top Pick: FX 1

The one we recommend entry-level cyclists to go for is the Trek FX 1 — the cheapest and most versatile option. This bike costs just $700 and has components and characteristics that suit the entire family.

It sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable and strong steel fork that accommodates 700c wheels and 35mm wide tires.

This makes it possible for FX 1 to commute on paved and unpaved roads equally well.

Shimano Tourney and Altus derailleurs put 21 gears at your disposal, which is more than enough for casual city riding on bike paths and streets.

Bottom point is that this is a simple and comfortable bike ideal for casual riders who just need to get from point A to point B and not spend an awful lot of money.

Proper Enduro

Trek Slash are proper enduro bikes built to dominate sketchy descents and demanding singletracks. They’re equipped with massive 29″ wheels, carbon or aluminum frames, and excellent mid-range and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.

The Slash line numbers around 10 bikes that cost $4,500 to $12,500 , so they are definitely not cheap. However, keep in mind that these enduro machines are intended for professionals and those who feel that way.

These bikes are characterized by a long wheelbase, very slack geometry , and impressively long travel.

You’ll be working with Fox and RockShox suspension that gives you 150 to 160 mm of travel , which is ideal for challenging enduro rides and downhills.

All Slash models also come with dropper posts and high-end braking systems that ensure precision and confidence. 

If you like it when things get rough, then get a Trek Slash bike!

Our Top Pick: Trek Slash 8

We believe that the best representative of the Slash family is Trek Slash 8. At $4,200, it’s pretty reasonably priced, even though still intended for experienced riders who will know how to put it to good use.

It sports a lightweight yet burly Alpha Aluminum frame with a 65-degree head tube angle , internal routing, and downtube guard.

Slash 8 is bejewelled with RockShox suspension with 160 mm of travel on the fork and 150 mm of give on the shock.

Other highlights include the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R 4-piston brakes, and grippy 2.40″/2.60″ Bontrager XR5 tires.

The value for money Trek Slash 8 offers is excellent and its performance on the trails is even better.

Electric bikes have been a full-fledged member of the mountain biking family for a long time now. Trek is giving their contribution to e-MTBs with their Powerfly series.

This a selection of around five hardtail and full-suspension bikes with powerful electric motors and durable batteries. To own one, you’ll have to spend around $5,000 on average.

Trek Powerfly bikes are ideal for riders who struggle with some injuries or just can’t be bothered to tackle grueling climbs in order to enjoy some nice descents.

Powerfly models are available with both aluminum and carbon frames and with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They’re equipped with a wide range of high-end Shimano and SRAM components, all of which feature capable 1x drivetrains.

If you want to keep smashing challenging trails but you need some extra juice now and then, Trek Powerfly will meet your demands.

Our Top Pick: Powerfly 5

The versatility and capability of Trek’s e-bikes can best be seen on the example of Trek Powerfly 5. It’s a practical bike with an excellent value that will enable you to get back in the saddle and set new records.

This model is priced at $4,200 and is built around an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame. The 500 Wh battery is fully encased in the downtube and the Bosch 250W motor is located in the bottom bracket.

Therefore, the bike looks sleek and all of the electric components are protected well. The motor will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own with a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.

All in all, if you want a high-performing trail e-bike with 120 mm of travel and durable Bosch electric parts, you’ll be quite happy with the Powerfly 5.

Versatile Gravel

Gravel riding is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines in the world. Gravel bikes are talked about everywhere and the number of gravel events is on the rise.

Trek’s response to the expanding gravel culture is the Checkpoint line . This is a range of around 10 excellent gravel-specific bikes, suitable for everyone’s pocket.

They are built with aluminum or carbon frames and forks, with plenty of eyelets to equip them with racks and water bottles and ride for days.

All Checkpoint models have 700c wheels with wide and knobby tires ideal for soft gravel and hardpacked dirt. They’re equipped with high-end and mid-range components, disc brakes, drop bars, and 1x or 2x drivetrains.

If you want to get on the Gravel bandwagon, Trek Checkpoint is your ticket.

Our Top Pick: Checkpoint AL 3

Trek Checkpoint AL 3 is the cheapest of all models in this range, which makes it affordable and accessible. It costs just $1,200, so it’s the perfect first gravel bike for those who want to explore the world.

Even though this is an introductory model in the lineup, it’s still packed with neat features that will allow you to use and abuse this bike.

It comes with a 200 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a carbon fork , versatile 32c tires, and Shimano Sora components. You’ll have access to 18 speeds on your adventures with a 2×9 drivetrain, which is a pretty good range.

Checkpoint AL 3 also has mechanical disc brakes and weighs just 10.5 kg (23 lbs), which is excellent for a bike in this price range.

Even though most riders prefer buying complete bikes, there are those who want their bikes to be unique and just their own. If you’re one of those and you want to build your own trail bike , you can consider the Trek Ticket series frames.

These are lightweight framesets made from aluminum, perfect for building trick bikes, dirt bikes, and jump bikes. They’re available in both hardtail and full-suspension iterations, so you can make your pick depending on your preferences.

The hardtail Ticket frame is characterized by a compact rear end, long top tube, and horizontal sliding dropouts. Therefore, you can built it into a geared or a single-speed setup.

The FS frame is ideal for building a slopestyle MTB . It comes with a 100 mm Fox rear shock and is commonly used by Trek C3 Project riders.

If you wish to build your own bike from scratch , Trek Ticket frames are a good place to start.

See the Ticket Frames on Trek Bikes

Trek does not excel only when it comes to adult bikes. They make plenty of models for their youngest fans as well. Trek’s collection of bikes for kids is pretty impressive and includes lots of MTBs and cruiser bikes.

The wheel sizes range from 16″ to 24″, and there are models both for boys and for girls.

Trek’s lineup for kids also includes plenty of models with training wheels , ideal for the tiniest of riders who are still learning how to ride and balance a bike.

Our top pick: Trek Roscoe 24

Trek Roscoe 24 is a rigid mountain bike intended for kids. It is as capable as any adult trail bike. This is a mid-fat model with 2.8″ wide tires and costs just $570.

Roscoe 24 is the perfect first serious mountain bike for any child who loves riding on trails. It will help them develop control and the wide tires will give them more than enough confidence in all situations. 

Trek Roscoe also features a lightweight 1×8 Shimano drivetrain and powerful Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The entire bike weighs around 11 kg (25 lbs), so kids will be able to lift it.

The selection of colors includes silver, orange, and pink, so both boys and girls will easily fall in love with this bike.

See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes

Our Top Pick For Girls: Precaliber 24

For girls who want to practice their off-roading skills , Trek Precaliber 24 is a perfect choice.

This is a girls’ bike with 24″ wheels and wide and knobby tires. It’s ideal for daily rides to school and back home, as well as adventures away from paved roads.

Precaliber 24 sports a 1×8 drivetrain that offers more than enough gears for most situations. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame is coupled with a performance suspended fork that boosts capabilities and comfort.

This bike also has a kickstand, so it can be parked without chipping the paint. Talking about paint, Precaliber is available in white and magenta colors, both of which are really nice and girly. 

Final Verdict On Best Trek Bikes

Trek makes some of the best bikes in the world , without any doubt. This brand’s strongest points are tradition, reliability, durability, and incredible value.

The reason why they are so popular around the world is that they have a HUGE selection of bikes . No matter who you are, you will be able to find the perfect bike for your needs. And one that also fits your budget!

The 14 Trek lineups we covered above are a good place to start looking for your perfect Trek bike! So choose yours and enjoy the ride 🙂

See ALL Trek Bikes

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4 thoughts on “ best trek bikes you can get: complete lineup overview for 2024 ”.

What about the x-caliber series

Hi Blueboy,

Thanks for that suggestion. We will keep that in mind for future articles.

I order an Electra Townie Cruiser 8g eq step thru creme color in May from my local trek shop. Laurel Ave ft collins CO 80524. They said sometime between July and September. That’s a long time to wait for my new bike. Only Calvin has been helpful the others not so much. Can you tell me when it will arrive?

Hi Mary, I suggest you give them a call during store hours at 970-482-6006.

Store hours are : Monday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Thursday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

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Best mountain bike: the ultimate trail, XC and enduro bikes at all budgets

• Danny Milner
• April 17, 2024

Choosing the best mountain bike is hard. There's loads of them. They all look similar yet different. Our expert panel of reviewers narrow things down.

Mountain bikes come in different designs depending on their intended use. A mountain bike for racing cross-country is not the same as a mountain bike designed for weekend trail riding. As such, our round-up of the best mountain bikes available right now features winning bikes from different disciplines within the broad church that is mountain biking. We’ll go through the differences in disciplines further down this guide.

Our current picks at all price points:

We have tested all of the following bikes. Tested them properly against their peers, backed up with years of experience reviewing thousands of mountain bikes since MBR was launched back in 1997. This isn’t some shortlist pulled together from browsing brochures and brand websites – these bikes are ridden and rated by some of the most experienced testers in the business, all with a shared passion for mountain biking and giving you the best buying advice possible.

Note: this guide only covers non-assisted mountain bikes. If you’re looking for the best electric mountain bikes , we’ve got a special guide for that.

Jump straight to your price point:

Skip ahead to the section that’s right for you, or feel free to browse your way down our selection of top-rated bikes.

Under £600 mountain bikes

Under £750 mountain bikes.

• Under £1000 mountain bikes

Under £2,000 mountain bikes

Under £3,000 mountain bikes.

• Over £3,000 mountain bikes

Best lightweight XC mountain bike

Best enduro mountain bike.

• Best electric mountain bike

Voodoo’s Braag is a cracking entry-level mountain bike

Voodoo Braag

Best hardtail mountain bike for under £600.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 14.6kg | Suspension travel: 120mm front | Rating: N/A

Reasons to buy:

• Amazing price
• Great geometry and range of sizes
• Spot-on cockpit and component choices

Reasons to avoid:

• The fork tops out with a clunk

Using the same frame as the multi award-winning Voodoo Bizango (featured below) the Braag saves money in a few areas to bring the price point under £600. So you get the same confident, fun handling and excellent spread of sizes, along with a wide-range yet simple 9-speed drivetrain and a plush coil-sprung suspension fork. The only fly in the ointment is that the fork can get a bit clunky, but overall this is a killer bike for the money and one you can upgrade as your skills progress.

Read our full review of the Voodoo Braag

The Voodoo Bizango is a classic hardtail that still delivers the goods

Voodoo Bizango

Best hardtail mountain bike for £750.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.1kg | Suspension travel: 120mm front | Rating: 10/10

• Light weight
• Wide gear range
• Stable handling
• Not always in stock

The alloy Bizango simple has no competition. It is simply unbeatable for the money. In fact, given the choice we’d probably opt for this bike over many decent £1,000 mountain bikes (saving a couple of components upgrades for the ensuing seasons). Good brakes, good gearing, plenty of standover, decent fork. Shames many bikes at twice the price.

Read our full review of the Voodoo Bizango

With a single-ring drivetrain, the Polygon Xtrada 5 would be a 10/10 bike

Polygon Xtrada 5

Best shape and handling under £700.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 14.31kg | Suspension travel: 120mm front | Rating: 9/10

• A top quality frame with up-to-date geometry
• Loads of standover clearance
• Dated 2×10 drivetrain
• Fork tops out

The Polygon Xtrada 5 may well sport a dated 2×10 drivetrain, but this 29er has the slackest steering geometry for stability at speed, along with the lowest top tube and shortest seat tube to give you maximum range of motion on black-level trails.

While the drivetrain is frustrating, the handling is first class. It carries speed easily, and we could really throw it around on fun, technical trails and jumps.

Read our full review of the Polygon Xtrada 5

Under £1,000 mountain bikes

Calibre’s Line T3-27 is our latest Hardtail of the Year winner

Calibre Line T3-27

Best hardtail mountain bike under £1,000.

Wheel size: 27.5in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 14.52kg | Suspension travel: 140mm front | Rating: 10/10

• Modern geometry
• Dropper seatpost
• Large-volume tyres are comfortable and confidence-inspiring
• Needs a wider gear range
• tall bottom bracket height

Calibre is back in the game after a two-year hiatus, and it’s newest Line T3-27 is straight into the top of our hardtail charts with a perfect 10/10 rating. Built around progressive trail geometry and oversize tyres on 27.5in wheels, the Line T3-27 comes with a clear advantage on rough trails, with more grip and improved comfort.

Getting a dropper post as standard is another impressive feat on this budget bike, and helps the Calibre show a clean pair of heels to the competition on the descents. It’s also more comfortable on the climbs, as you don’t feel every bump travel through your spine. Given inflation over the last few years, the fast that you can get this level of performance for £1k is remarkable.

Listed retail price for the T3-27 is £12,00. However, if you sign up and buy a Go Outdoors membership card for just £5, the bike’s price drops to a great value £999.

Read our full review of the Calibre Line T3-27

Voodoo’s Bizango Pro is an absolute flyer

Voodoo Bizango Pro

Best budget mountain bike for racing and long rides.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.2kg (29.2lb) | Suspension travel: 130mm front | Rating: 10/10

• Good geometry and superlative spec choices
• Low weight and comfy ride feel
• BB could be a finger’s width lower
• Fatter tyres and more standover clearance would be welcome

The Voodoo Bizango has smashed pretty much any test it’s ever entered, winning our Hardtail of the Year award multiple times, earning regular podium places on our list of the best hardtail mountain bikes , and impressing everyone who rode it. It must have been very tempting for Halfords to stick with the old frame, add a modern colour, fettle the spec and keep mixing up that winning mix.

We’re extremely glad they didn’t then. For Halfords’ sake, standing still in the ultra competitive hardtail market is suicide. And for our sake, the new Bizango Pro is much the superior bike to anything Voodoo has made before, and ultimately more fun to ride. Great brakes mean you can go faster in the happy knowledge you can stop when you need to, while the 12-speed shifting means you can cruise the hills faster than plenty of full-sus bikes out there. And then there’s the fork, it’s hugely superior to anything we’ve tried before on a £1k hardtail: air-sprung so you can set the sag to your weight, effective rebound dial for control, and a really smooth feel.

Read the full Voodoo Bizango Pro review

Full-suspension

The Cannondale Habit 4 boasts direct-sales value, but you can buy it from a physical store.

Cannondale Habit

Most fun trail bike for under £2k.

Wheel size: 29in (XS frame gets 27.5in wheels) | Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.2kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f/130mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Agile and easy to ride, the Habit 4 handles like a much more expensive machine
• Shock tune feels perfect
• Fun and flicky ride that keeps rider weight well-balanced on all trail gradients
• SRAM DB8 brakes feel solid and have a smooth action for a budget brake
• RockShox’s Recon RL fork lacks finesse and precise tuning
• Deore drivetrain shifts can be slightly clunky, especially with the KMC chain
• Maxxis Rekon tyres use harder compound with less wet weather grip

Kudos to Cannondale for nailing the fundamentals on the latest Habit trail bike. The price is right, with the cheapest model coming in at under £2k, despite being sold through physical dealers. And the quality alloy frame and solid parts specification show no obvious cost-cutting. There’s even a dropper post on the entry-level Habit 4.

Better still, it rides great. Sharp, flickable handling rewards your every input, so it dances, rather than drags, on the trail. To quote our review, “as a pure trail bike, it nails the fundamentals of geometry, suspension and efficiency and has an engaging, responsive ride quality that feels anything but budget”.

Read the full review of the Cannondale Habit 4

Polygon Siskiu T8 is a slick full-sus trail bike

Polygon Siskiu T8

Runs the vitus mythique a close second.

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.6kg | Suspension travel: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Rating: 9/10

• Progressive sizing and geometry
• Great value for money
• Needs a Shimano chain
• Tyres are hard and a bit sketchy

Calibre Bikes, sold exclusively through outdoor giant, Go Outdoors, blew the entry-level full-suspension bike market to smithereens when it launched the original Bossnut back in 2016. And it continued to be the benchmark full-suspension bike until the pandemic hit. The Bossnut has disappeared from showroom floors recently, but while we wait for Calibre to launch a new model, there is another option. Calibre’s frames were made by Polygon, and the Indonesian manufacturer has adopted the geometry and suspension tuning (that made the Bossnut head and shoulders above the competition), and applied it to the Siskiu. Also sold through Go Outdoors, the Siskiu is available with 29in or 27.5in wheels depending on the frame size, with the larger frames using 29in wheels and the smaller ones getting 27.5in hoops.

With short chainstays and a stubby stem, the Siskiu T8 29 is a really playful, engaging bike to ride. While the front ends are not that long, the short seat tubes mean you can upsize without getting tangled up in the saddle. And the suspension provides loads of support, so you can push hard on both the climbs and the descents, even if it doesn’t quite have the grip of the Vitus Mythique.

Read the full review of the Polygon Siskiu T8

The Whyte 629 V4 comes from a long lineage of award-winning hardtails

Whyte 629 V4

Best trail hardtail under £2k.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: M, L, XL | Weight: 14.41kg | Suspension travel: 120mm f | Rating: 10/10

• Amazingly composed and stable handling
• Low-profile rear tyre may not suit all conditions.
• No size small – for that you need the 27.5in wheel 901 or 905

Whyte has been on path to build the perfect trail hardtail for many years now, and the 629 V4 is really honing in on that goal. When we tested it we had this to say about it: ‘The Whyte 629 V4 really impressed us, and in many ways it mirrors its stablemate, the 905, in setting new hardtail standards, this time for 29ers. Ultimately it is balanced, composed, stable and precise, and whether you’re a relative beginner, or an experienced trail rider, you’ll instantly become addicted to its ways’.

Read our full review of the Whyte 629 V4

The Merida Big Trail 600 is a low-slung trail weapon

Merida Big Trail

Light weight with sharp handling.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 13.86kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f | Rating: 9/10

• Lighter than most rivals
• Handy tool stashed under the saddle
• Wide size range
• Poor wet weather brake performance, but you’ll need new discs and pads to improve it

Merida is a brand that’s easily overlooked, but it has made great strides in the design of its hardtails in recent years, listening to feedback from UK dealers and press to dial-in its geometry and spec. As such, the latest Big Trail is a well-honed option that impressed us when we tested it.

Indeed, our review was glowing, exclaiming that ‘with its low weight and sweet handling the Big Trail 600 ripped, especially in drier conditions’. Merida has also managed to keep the prices keen, and there’s a comprehensive size range that should suit riders of every height.

Read our full review of the Merida Big Trail 600

Specialized’s classic four-bar suspension delivers on its promise of 160mm travel

Specialized Status

Best budget mullet bike.

Wheel size: 29in f/27.5in r | Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 | Weight: 15.75kg | Suspension travel: 160mm f/160mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Killer value for money
• Inspiring handling
• Sluggish NX shifting
• You’ll need to sharpen your jibbing skills to pull it off

If you’re starting to see a few grey hairs appear then you may well remember the iconic Specialized Big Hit. Although not the original mullet bike, it was perhaps the most successful mixed wheeler before the trend’s recent resurgence. Why was it such a big hit, if you’ll excuse the pun? Well, it wasn’t designed for long distances or going racing, it was built to put a smile on riders’ faces. And it succeeded in spades. The Status captures the spirit of that classic Big Hit, with a mixed wheel set-up, an affordable price and the ability to generate fun at every turn. There are two models on offer, one with 140mm travel and the original version with 160mm travel, but whichever one you pick, you’re in for a blast!

Read our full review of the Specialized Status 160

Over £3000 mountain bikes

The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy never lets the dust settle when there’s fresh loam about

Specialized Stumpjumper Evo

Best aggressive trail bike with adjustable geometry.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 | Weight: 14.6kg | Suspension travel: 160mm f/150mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Alloy frame affords a build kit that is performance focused
• Fox Factory suspension is first rate
• Attitude and geometry adjustment make for a seriously versatile trail bike
• Shock tune offers stacks of support, so not as comfort focused as some trail bikes
• SRAM Code RS brakes feel a tad wooden

Fresh from winning our recent battle of the adjustable trail bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo comes with a rich pedigree as it was also our Trail Bike of the Year in 2022. One of its greatest selling points is the amount of adjustability on offer, with flip chips and headset cups letting you play with the geometry and the weight balance.

The Stumpy Evo is equally adept shredding rough and rowdy natural trails as it is throwing shapes on groomed bike park jump tracks, and that versatility is a huge part of what makes it such an appealing package. Internal frame storage and a comprehensive size range are the icing on the cake.

Read our full review of the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy

The Yeti SB120 is a down-country bike you can buy with your head as well as your heart

Best boutique down-country bike

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Turq carbon, 120mm | Weight: 13.3kg (29.3lb) | Rating: 9/10

• All round overachiever with superlative suspension
• Agile rather than ultra aggressive
• Not actually that light
• No internal storage

From one of the most aspirational brands in the business comes the impeccable SB120. Yeti shrinks and shoehorns its unique Switch Infinity suspension design into the SB120 chassis. Where the swingarm moves up and down on dual Fox shafts just above the bottom bracket. And the new design has improved seals, bearings, hardware, and pivots, so it should stay in tip-top condition for longer.

And this clever suspension design really works. As we explained in our review, “the supple suspension is stable under power gives a really positive pedalling feel”. Then, when you really hit a something hard and the rear wheel sticks to the ground, giving superb traction and control. It needs a lighter set of wheels to do the flickable geometry and sublime suspension justice, but even out of the box the Yeti SB120 had us smitten.

Read our full review of the Yeti SB120

Santa Cruz’s Tallboy is a terrier that thinks it’s a rottweiler

Santa Cruz Tallboy

Best down-country bike for sending it.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon CC, 120mm | Weight: 13.08kg (28.84lb) | Rating: 9/10

• Outstandingly fast and focused full-send aggression
• Does things normally reserved for burlier bikes
• Superb size range
• Internal storage compartment
• Needs a pretty skilled rider to avoid pratfalls
• Uncomfortably uncooperative on technical off-piste trails
• Can be tiring to ride

Although often overlooked in the comprehensive, verging on confusing, Santa Cruz range, we think the Tallboy is an undiscovered gem. You’ve heard of small man syndrome, or small dog syndrome, well the Tallboy has small bike syndrome, where it steadfastly believes it’s actually an enduro bike, and deserves to be ridden as such. The stiff frame and aggressive angles beg to be wrung out on every descent, yet the efficient suspension and lightweight mean it’s always the first bike back up to the top of the hill.

For some riders, all that straining at the leash might be too much. But if you love wringing the neck of a short travel whip, and seeing your buddies slack-jawed in amazement as you undermine and overtake their big-travel enduro bikes, the Tallboy is the ultimate sleeper bike.

Read our full review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy

Transition’s Spur is still one of the finest down-country bikes we’ve ever tested

Transition Spur X01

Best lightweight down-country bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.25kg | Suspension travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Perfect blend of speed and control
• Lightweight
• Not the most robust build if you’re carrying some timber
• Narrow size range

The Transition Spur is arguably the bike that spawned the down-country category, and also the bike that perhaps best defines it. At under 11.5kg, the Spur flies out of the gate, haring up climbs and tearing along high-speed singletrack. That lack of inertia encouraged us to sprint every rise, pop every jump, and schralp every turn, helped by the stable geometry and supple suspension.

With lightweight RockShox Sid forks up front, the temptation is to add travel and girth, but to do so is to dilute the Spur’s potency and add unnecessary grams. So while there’s a bit of flex when pushed hard, we’d treat that as part of the charm, and lap up the whirlwind of action that accompanies every descent. As we said in our review, the Transition Spur is “the best-realised ‘down-country’ bike we’ve ever tested and the one we all covet if we were spending our own cash”.

Read our full review of the Transition Spur

Did the Mondraker Raze RR impress us? Yes, it did.

Mondraker Raze

Best trail bike for suspension set-up nerds.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight:  13.65kg (30.09lb) | Suspension travel: 150mm f/130mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Fast and capable
• Built-in suspension data acquisition
• Excellent on-trail performance
• You need a 4G connection to keep the MIND engaged

Mondraker has never been afraid to push ahead with innovation. It was the first brand to really give us modern sizing, with its Forward Geometry concept. And now it’s getting creative with suspension set-up, incorporating built-in data logging, to make set-up and analysis easily available to a trail bike audience.

But it hasn’t forgot about the basics, and the Raze is a right little ripper, that – as we explained in our review – has ‘nailed the balance of speed, compliance and capability to perfectly capture the essence of the short-travel trail category’.

Read our full review of the Mondraker Raze Carbon RR

Integrated suspension system conceals the RockShox NUDE 5 shock inside the full carbon frame

Scott Spark RC WC AXS

Best high end xc race bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.12kg | Suspension travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Ruthless in its efficiency
• Hidden shock should need less maintenance
• Remote suspension adjust
• Suspension could be more supple in Descend mode.

Scott’s Spark has won more trophies than any other race bike, with double Olympic gold back in 2016. This latest version gets a sleek new frame and more modern geometry, meaning that while the Scott Spark has lost none of its potency, it has now become even more versatile. It also gets a hidden shock for reduced maintenance, and remote suspension control for uphill efficiency without compromising on downhill confidence.

Read our full review of the Scott Spark RC WC AXS

The Nukeproof Giga offers a right rollicking ride

Nukeproof Giga

Best enduro bike.

Wheel size: 27.5, 29in or mullet | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 15.4kg | Suspension travel: 180mm f/170mm r | Rating: 10/10

• All of the travel, none of the drawbacks
• Michelin tyres are temperature sensitive

The Giga is testament to the adage that you can have your pudding and eat it. You can enjoy all of the all-ness, all of the time. Loads of travel. Slack AF head angle. The biggest of wheel sizes. And the most remarkable thing? It rides just like a normal mountain bike when the gradient tips up. The Giga really is a race-worthy enduro bike that doesn’t feel like a chore to pedal around on your Sunday Social rides. Poppy and playful, the Giga is no passive plough.

Read our full review of the Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory

YT Industries’ Capra Core 2 GX just had the edge on the Canyon Torque when we tested them back-to-back.

Best direct-sales enduro race bike

Wheel size: 29/27.5in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 16.6kg | Suspension travel: 170mm f/170mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Calm and quiet
• Rocketship fast
• Five frame sizes
• Needs sturdier casing tyres

YT’s Capra narrowly clinched victory against its arch nemesis, the Canyon Torque, when we pitted them head-to-head recently. But it was a points victory, and which one is best depends largely on your priorities. The Capra feel at home going flat-out, racing for those fractions of a second that are crucial in enduro racing. Yes, it’s also tons of fun to ride, but its true calling is against the clock.

Choose from carbon or alloy frames, a multitude of sizes, and a range of superb specs, whatever your budget. A classic bike that has just got better with age.

Read our full review of the YT Capra Core 2 GX

The Canyon Torque Mullet AL 6 loves to party.

Canyon Torque

Best direct-sales bike park shredder.

Wheel size: 29/27.5in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 16.6kg | Suspension travel: 170mm f/175mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Playful and bombproof ride
• Excellent tyre spec
• Fork needs more support or overinflating
• No proportional chainstay lengths

So if the YT Capra is the head-down racer, the Canyon Torque is the joker in the pack, goofing around on side hits and rarely seen with both wheels on the ground at one time. It’s a bike that revels in being twisted into crazy shapes at the bike park or surfing loamy turns in the hills.

Of course Canyon also offers a huge array of options, with alloy and carbon frames, coil shocks and air shocks, and mullet wheels or full 29ers. All of the Torque models come with exemplary specs, so however big your budget, you won’t be disappointed.

Read our full review of the Canyon Torque Mullet AL 6

The Merida One-Sixty FR 600 offers plenty of bang for not too many bucks.

Merida One-Sixty FR 600

Best value long-travel enduro bike.

Wheel size: Mullet | Frame sizes: XShort, Short, Mid, Long, XLong | Weight: 17.2kg |  Suspension travel: 180mm f/171mm r | Rating:  N/A

• Robust build kit
• Well matched DVO suspension
• Modern sizing system
• Keenly priced
• Bike park-ready straight from the box
• Internal headset cable routing
• Noisy in rough terrain

The competitively-priced Merida One-Sixty FR 600 really impressed us when we tested it. With a 180mm fork, and 171mm of coil-sprung travel out back, the One-Sixty packs enough travel to take on pretty much anything, and the flex-stay rear suspension design is innovative while reducing complexity, so you have fewer bearings to worry about in the long run.

Given that the One-Sixty is sold through a dealer network, the price is very reasonable, with quality suspension, wheels, and brakes. It also boasts modern geometry, so there’s loads of standover height on all frames, and you can choose your size according to length, and handling characteristics. The burly aluminium frame, is built tough, so it’s no lightweight, but it actually pedals and climbs surprisingly well. And on the descents, we found the Merida One-Sixty was easy to ride, confidence-inspiring, and impressively capable.

Read our first ride review of the Merida One-Sixty FR 600

The Vitus Mythique 29 VRX is one of the best budget full-suspension bikes on the market

How we tested the best mountain bikes, and why you can trust our opinion

Our list is drawn up by a test panel of mountain bike journalists, most of whom have over 20 years experience reviewing bikes ( read more about our bike testers and writers them here ). In recommending the best mountain bikes to you, we draw on that experience and our expansive knowledge and comprehensive overview of the market. In 2022 alone we tested over 80 different mountain bikes and we’ve been testing bikes since MBR was launched in 1997. In 25 years that’s over 2,000 bikes reviewed – that’s why you can trust our advice.

We never take a product at face value and manufacturer’s claims are always probed. That’s why we measure the weight, travel and geometry on all our test bikes (the numbers we publish are our own figures unless specified). In group tests we always try to fit control tyres to create a more level playing field and help isolate critical differences in handling and suspension performance.

A good starter mountain bike costs from £400 upwards, but an extra couple of hundred quid really counts at this level.

What’s your budget?

£400+ is a good start for a bike that will stand up to off-road abuse without falling apart in five minutes, but… hold your horses. We’re going to go into what you get (and don’t get) for your money in a moment. You can get a perfectly decent mountain bike for under £600. You can also max out your credit card and drop over £10k on a mountain bike.

Are those bikes 10x better? No, they aren’t. The law of diminishing returns definitely applies to mountain bikes, particularly as you spend over £4,000. They are better, sometimes significantly so depending on the rider and terrain, but essentially you get less drastic improvements in bike quality the higher you go up the price scale.

Most of us are trail riders, looking for a bike that’s fun and efficient on a wide variety of terrain.

What sort of riding are you going to do?

Whilst your budget is probably going to be main thing you’re thinking about at first, it shouldn’t be. First, you need to decide on the type of mountain bike is going to suit you best. Then you can look at what your budget will get you.

Mountain bikes are now very capable and versatile machines. They can turn their hand to all sorts of riding. More so than ever these days in fact. You can go for a trail ride on an enduro bike. You can ride enduro trails on a down-country/XC bike. So you aren’t closing off all avenues of riding by going for a certain sort of bike. But you’ll have a more fun and rewarding experience if you get a bike that best suits your main type of riding.

An XC bike, like the Canyon Lux, is fast and efficient, but you’ll need good skills to make the most of it

Conversely, don’t be tempted to get a bike for the extreme 1% of the riding that you’ll do on it. A burly gravity-fuelled bike is fine and dandy for an annual uplift day, but you’ll have to pedal that thing around for the other 51 weekends of the year.

For the purposes of this guide let’s ignore the extreme ends of the spectrum. Chances are you aren’t looking for an Olympic XC race bike. Nor are you looking for a World Cup level Downhill bike. This buyers guide is about ‘normal’ mountain bikes. But even within the realm of ‘normal’ mountain bikes there are various sub-genres. Some are gimmicks, some are irrelevant, some are seemingly entirely fabricated by marketing departments.

In a nutshell: the best mountain bike for most people

In our opinion, if you’re in doubt, get a Trail bike. These will be capable enough on more extreme terrain but won’t feel like a burden on calmer, flatter terrain.

Modern trail bikes are versatile beasts and come in many different flavours

Choosing the best mountain bike for: Trail riding

Trail riding is arguably best defined by what it’s not. It’s not cross-country. It’s not Enduro. It’s riding around regular tracks and trail centres with the occasional 50km epic thrown in and the odd uplift day or two. Trail bikes sport between 120mm and 150mm of travel and are designed to be strong enough to withstand all sorts of abuse without being too portly.

Recommended mountain bike : hardtail or full-suspension with 120-140mm suspension. 29in, 27.5in, or mixed (mullet) wheels (29in front and 27.5in rear).

Some of the latest XC bikes have progressive geometry that lets you blast the descents just as hard as you can scorch the climbs

Choosing the best mountain bike for: Cross-country (XC) riding

This is less about jumps and slamming berms and more about pedalling miles and crossing fells. But hold on, don’t write it off thinking it’s for doddery older riders on dull, wide fire-roads. XC riding and racers are still about off-road speed. But with cross country there’s more of an emphasis on climbing. So the bikes are as light as possible. They also don’t pack much in the way of suspension travel (sub-120mm) as more suspension travel results in heavier bikes. They are also often less overbuilt in terms of fork/frame/wheel stiffness. Again, stiffer stuff means more weight. They also aren’t able to install a dropper seatpost due to having narrow (sub-30.9mm) seat tubes. Crucially, XC bikes can also still have rather old-fashioned geometry that often ignores descending prowess and is still heavily modelled on road bikes. This is all well and good if you’re Nino Schurter, but for most people the end result is fairly terrifying on any technical terrain. As a result, even if you want to ride cross-country you’re probably better off on a (light as possible) trail bike than a sketchy XC bike.

Recommended mountain bike: light-as-you-can-afford hardtail or light full suspension with 100-120mm suspension and 29in wheels.

Enduro bikes have to survive the equivalent of racing multiple World Cup DH tracks in a single day, without breaking, and being pedalled back up to the top again

Choosing the best mountain bike for: Enduro riding

Enduro riding intentionally and unashamedly prioritises descending capability and speed. The terrain can resemble Downhill race tracks but there’s no uplift here. You have to pedal your way around. Enduro bikes are essentially longer travel (160+mm) Trail bikes with stronger parts. As a result they’re heavier than Trail bikes. Or the same weight and significantly more expensive. Enduro bikes are very much in vogue but you should be careful before you automatically head down this route. A couple of kilos may not sound much but it’s always there no matter what trail you’re on. If most of your riding is trail centres then an Enduro bike is going to be OTT and very probably slower than a Trail bike. One area where Enduro bikes are leading the way for all kinds of riding however is geometry. A cutting edge Enduro bike will have a riding position that bests both XC and Trail bikes for climbing, descending and contouring. Enduro bikes are at the forefront of mountain biking. A lightweight Enduro bike is an amazing thing. And amazingly expensive.

Recommended mountain bike : full suspension with 150-170mm suspension. 29in, 27.5in or mullet (29in front, 27.5in rear) wheels

The best hardtails under £1,000 make a great starting point

Hardtail or full-suspension?

It’s easy to assume that everyone would be riding full suspension bikes instead of hardtails if there was no price difference. This isn’t really true. Hardtails do have some advantages over full-suspension bikes regardless of price tag.

Hardtails are lighter. Hardtails have less to go wrong or require servicing. Hardtails are easier to clean. Hardtails can be faster and more fun on smoother trails. Adding to this the fact that hardtails are cheaper than their full-sus counterparts means that hardtails aren’t going to be extinct anytime soon.

What are the benefits of going full-suspension? First and foremost, control. Full suspension bikes track the ground better and as such offer greater traction. Full-suspension bikes are more composed and not as sketchy to ride as hardtails. The fatigue and comfort benefits are also important, particularly over longer distances. Being less beaten up and less tired on longer rides is an added bonus of bounce.

What are the drawbacks of full-suspension? They’re heavier than hardtails. They usually have a lower component spec (compared to hardtail of the same price). They have bearings and pivots that will eventually wear out and cost money to replace/service. They can be mud traps. They can be difficult to clean properly. And if you don’t understand the basics of how to setup suspension, then a full-suspension bike can ride really badly, inefficiently and sketchily.

Modern e-bikes, like the Whyte E-160, can open up new off-road horizons

What about the best electric mountain bikes ?

Riders have switched on to e-bikes in huge numbers over the last few years for one simple reason: they let you pack a lot more trails into your usual ride. In fact you can often enjoy double the distance and metres climbed/descended in a typical three hour Sunday ride than you can on an analogue bike, and with people’s lives busier than ever, that’s a big incentive. E-bikes have also improved massively since the early versions came out in 2013/2014, with plenty of power, impressive range and handling that can be as fun as any non-assisted model.

E-bikes are governed by a number of legal restrictions, so they can only assist while you’re pedalling and only up to 15.5mph, but that doesn’t hold them back off-road, and the best models will slap a bigger grin on your face than any other bike you’ve ridden. So what’s the catch? Well, e-bikes are generally more expensive than analogue models, there’s a lot more to go wrong, they are more expensive to maintain and they are very different to ride. Some might say they are less pure, and they are for the lazy. It’s true, you can be lazy on them, but you can also get a really good workout (including your upper body) if you put your mind to it.

If all that sounds enticing, check out our buyer’s guide to the best electric mountain bikes and the best budget electric mountain bikes .

Even straight out of the mould, the HB frames are a thing of beauty

Carbon or aluminium?

At the mid to high end level there’s something of a crossover point where you can sometimes choose between a carbon framed bike (with lower end parts) or an aluminium framed bike (with better bits) at around the same price point. We’d always recommend going for the better specced aluminium model.

Is carbon worth the extra money? For most riders, no it isn’t. Just how much extra does it cost anyway? To go carbon will cost you approximately an extra £1,000 (for the similarly equipped bike).

What does this £1,000 get you? A lighter frame for sure. But not that much lighter, maybe 700g or so at the absolute most. The more convincing argument for going carbon is not weight, it’s ride feel. Carbon bikes ride differently to aluminium bikes. Stiffer. Sometimes with a damped (dead) sort of feeling. And these days carbon bikes are often stronger than their aluminium counterparts.

The carbon feel and strength is what it’s all about. This is not to say that this racy, rally-car ‘carbon feel’ is going to suit everyone. Some riders prefer the feel of aluminium bikes over carbon.

Cotic uses steel in its full-suspension frames to great effect

Some people are even making big hype about steel again. This time steel full-suspension, with brands like Cotic and Starling leading the charge. Maybe things can get too stiff on a mountain bike? When this occurs, fatigue increases. Line choice becomes harder. Maybe some chassis flex results in a faster ride? But then, steel full-sussers are going to be even heavier than aluminium.

At the end of the day, the frame material isn’t going to affect most people’s bike riding. Tyres, wheels and suspension setup is far, far more significant. So we would actually say that frame material isn’t worth worrying about overly.

Which wheel size is best?

This old chestnut. Again, we’re going to be mildly controversial and say that the difference between 27.5in bikes and 29er bikes isn’t as pronounced as it was back in the mid ’00s.

Nowadays you can get 29ers with decent amount of suspension travel (up to 170mm – more for DH) and with decent geometry, so the wheel size debate has fizzled out. Some brands even offer two versions of each model, one with 27.5in wheels and one with 29in wheels, so you can just choose the option that suits you.

29ers are more stable and have better grip. But they have unavoidably higher front ends and the rear tyre can hit your bum on steep stuff if you’re under 6ft tall. The higher wheel axles can make the bike feel taller in tight switchbacks and thus require more leaning over. 27.5in bikes can be stiffer, can have lower front ends and the rear tyre won’t boot you up the behind on steep drops and chutes. The lower wheel axles require less body English in tight hairpins so the bikes can feel more nimble for a given rider input.

Canyon’s Torque CF8 Mullet is an example of a modern mullet bike that blurs the lines between enduro and freeride

If you’re 6ft tall or over, you’re probably going to better served by a 29er. If you’re under 5ft 6in then a 29er is likely going to feel too big. Which is where the mullet bike, or MX, fits in. These models use a 29in wheel up front (for maximum stability, speed and rollover) paired with a 27.5in wheel at the back (to improve agility and bum clearance). They’re a great option for riders who want a fun, playful bike or have shorter legs.

The Orange Switch 7 SE is a single-pivot design with a linkage to drive the shock, which lets Orange tune the leverage curve

Which suspension design is best?

A bonus debate for you. Sorry! Although there’s less hype and grand claims made about different suspension frame designs these days (compared to the slanging matches and OTT marketing of yore, anyway) there is still a valid interest in how the designs differ from each other. The mountain biking market is now mature and experienced enough to admit that there is no single Best Suspension Design . The four-bar (or Horst Link) used to be the Holy Grail. Single pivots used to get ragged on for being crude. Neither of these stances are correct.

To be frank, pretty much all suspension designs are good. But they are not all the same. They do differ in how they feel and respond (to both the trail and to the rider onboard). Some are fussy in how precisely they’re set up, some are more forgiving. Some also require more maintenance than others. The rear shock – and how you can tune it – is arguably more important than frame suspension design these days. It is now possible to do an awful to with a rear shock to alleviate any frame design niggles you may encounter. Bike too bob-prone, or wallowy, or harsh bottom out? Chances are something can be done with the rear shock to address this.

Basically, bike companies have got most of the kooky, bad designs out of their system now. The differences between them are now extremely subtle. Learning about suspension theory and setup is more important.

Geometry, geometry, geometry

The angles and lengths of the frame tubes governs almost everything in how a bike will ride. The best suspension in the world counts for nought if the geometry is poor. Similarly, a bike with great geometry can often overcome any suspension shortcomings and ride just fine.

What’s the best geometry for a mountain bike ? This is a tricky area and one which is still full of old myths and prejudices. But here’s our take on it…

Long reach (the distance between saddle and handlebars, in layman’s terms) is good. Steep seat angles are good. Slack head angles are good. And we’re not talking just ‘good for descending’. This geometry is good everywhere. Slack head angles don’t cause front end wandering on climbs (that’s caused by slack seat angles and/or short top tubes).

Low bottom bracket heights are generally good (for stability and for cornering), but riders who pedal in rutted/tufty/stumpy terrain, or like to be challenged by rocky, trials-style terrain, may get bored with frequent pedal strikes and so prefer a higher bottom bracket height and accept the compromise in handling.

Chainstay length is another area full of cliché. Short chainstays are seen as highly desirable. Long chainstays are seen as bad. Why is short good? We’re not sure it is particularly. It makes bikes easier to manual but that’s about it. They can be problematic on climbs if the seat tube is too slack, making it difficult to keep the front wheel weighted. Long chainstays offer greater stability and climbing prowess, but there is a trade-off in agility.

Another aspect these days is the return of standover as being high on the important list. The advent of dropper posts with 150mm+ of travel has meant that bike designers are factoring shorter seat tube lengths in their bikes now so that they can fit in long drop dropper posts. Truth be told though, you still can’t judge how a bike will ride by looking at its geometry chart. Geometry is a combination of multiple factors that all interact with each other. One isolated measurement doesn’t govern everything.

Have a budget in mind before heading to your local dealer

How much should you spend?

If you have less than £1,000 to spend then we still think a hardtail is the way to go. Sub-£1k full-sussers are going to be overly hefty and sport low-end kit that will impair your ride experience.

These days you can get capable and fun full-suspension bikes for between £1,000 and £2,000. They aren’t especially light but they aren’t restrictively heavy either. And the parts package on a good £1k susser will feature perfectly good stuff from recognised brands. Sure there’ll be some cost-cutting here and there, and some no-name finishing kit, but it won’t overly affect the bike’s ride.

Don’t end up on the wrong size bike

What size bike should you get?

A lot of people are riding around the wrong size bike.

The first myth to bust is that smaller bikes are more nimble/playful/manoeuvrable. Nope. Smaller bikes are less stable, more sketchy and uncomfortable. Don’t buy a bike that’s too small thinking it’ll be alright. Don’t get suckered into buying the wrong size bike because it’s at a bargain price. A cheap bike that’s big enough for you and has good geometry will be infinitely better than a half-price bling bike that’s too small for you.

The best way to do it is consult a size calculator (most bike brands have them), confer with other owners, and (if you’re in the 5ft10in-5ft11in height range) check out our reviews. We always add the rider height and size tested information in the specification table and we will usually comment on the sizing within with review. You should also check out our guide to choosing your mountain bike frame size . Remember that there is a degree of adjustability when it comes to fit with any frame size – you can slide saddles fore and aft on the rails, you can run longer or shorter stems, high-rise or low-rise bars – but you can never change the length of the seat tube.

Best Mountain Bike Brands of 2023

From high-end to budget, we break down the top bike brands for singletrack riders.

Switchback Travel ( Jason Hummel )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can be difficult to navigate the landscape and find a good match. From value-oriented companies like Co-op Cycles to high-end, carbon-only players like Yeti, the brands below stand out to us as the top in the business—after all, we’ve spent a lot of time on the trails testing bikes and soliciting input from fellow riders. Below we break down some of the most well-known mountain biking brands, including a brief history on each brand, each company’s most popular models, and what sets them apart from the competition. For more, see our mountain biking gear reviews .

Specialized

Location: Morgan Hill, California Popular models: Stumpjumper and Turbo Levo What we like: Quality, proven bikes for every type of rider at nearly every price point. What we don't: A bit more cutthroat than other bike companies we’ve seen.

Yeti bikes are typically known for at least one of three things: the company’s vibrant “Yeti Teal” frame color, the unique rear suspension platform known as Switch Infinity, and high cost. While their bikes undoubtedly are well made and I appreciate the company’s clear focus on riders, there’s a reason I’ve never owned a Yeti bike: They're just so darn expensive. Comparing just the prices of bike frames (not complete bikes), Yeti typically comes in hundreds of dollars more than most other brands. For instance, the SB160 frame will set you back a whopping $5,000, while Ibis’s similarly capable Ripmo comes in at $3,699. However, if you can stomach the steep cost, you’ll have one of the most enviable setups on the trail.

Ibis Cycles

Location: Santa Cruz, California Popular models: Ripmo and Ripley What we like: Quality, responsive bikes with relatively reasonable pricing. What we don't: Currently only seven total models to choose from; relatively short seven-year warranty.

Ibis Cycles, a boutique brand that tends to fly under the radar, is well-regarded within the MTB community for producing top-notch bikes. Founder Scot Nicol started Ibis in his garage in 1981 and the brand was privately owned until 2000, at which point Nicol sold it to an investment company. Less than two years later, Ibis went bankrupt and closed its doors. However, in 2005, the company reemerged and launched their popular Mojo carbon full-suspension mountain bike, which remains a staple in their lineup to this day. Late last year, Ibis went through a rebrand with a new logo—and refreshed their popular Ripmo and Ripley models while they were at it, mainly updating the swingarms of both bikes. Another interesting tidbit: The Ripmo is designed to fit riders as short as 5’0”, which isn’t common among bikes with 29-inch wheels.

Location: Wilton, Connecticut Popular models: Trail and Scalpel What we like: Not afraid to do things a bit differently; lightweight aluminum frames. What we don't: The quirkiness can be polarizing.

While getting a great deal on a bike is always a plus, there are inherent sacrifices that come with buying from a consumer-direct brand. We haven't had any personal negative experiences, but we’ve heard reports of subpar customer service and long turnaround and wait times for warranty claims. Plus, you lose the convenience and satisfaction of walking into your local bike shop and buying replacement parts directly off the shelf. Nevertheless, if you’re simply looking to get the most bang for your buck, then going consumer-direct is an intriguing option.  

Location: Petaluma, California Popular models: Rift Zone , San Quentin What we like: Fun, well-made bikes for reasonable prices; fairly available online. What we don’t: Doesn’t compete at the premium end of the market. 

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The Best Mountain Bike Brands (And The Ones You Should Avoid)

Picking out the perfect mountain bike can make a big difference in your experience on the trail, whether cruising through local trails or dropping into big backcountry terrain. For dedicated mountain bikers, your bike is not just a piece of equipment. It's your ticket to adventure, exploration, and, most importantly, safety.

Mountain bikers make up a dedicated community of enthusiasts who take their rides, gear, and experiences seriously. Therefore, it's only logical that mountain bike brands should share this passion and commitment to excellence for their community. Today, we're looking at what makes a mountain bike brand truly stand out, exploring what features to look for in a great bike brand as well as the ones that typically fall short in the demanding world of mountain biking.

Whether you're a pro looking for advice or a complete newcomer thirsting for those first trails, this is a great place to start learning about the best mountain bike brands (and the ones you should avoid) to arm you with the knowledge to find the perfect bike brand for your individual needs. Get ready to gear up and confidently head out into the great outdoors.

Best: Specialized

Specialized is a major player in the high-end bicycle market and has well deserved its position as a perennial favorite among amateurs and professionals alike. Since 1974, Specialized has been forging a unique path as an innovator for cyclists, by cyclists. The sport of mountain biking as we know and love it today was still in its infancy during the 1970s, but vision and a love for cycling drove Specialized to introduce the first production mountain bike with the Stumpjumper in 1981.

The brand's passion for pushing the envelope has not abated in the intervening decades, and today, the range includes everything from cross-country (XC) hardtails to long-travel, full-suspension downhill racers and from entry-level options through to elite-level, competition-ready machines that bear the S-Works mark. Even the Stumpjumper has not escaped the Specialized stable.

The latest iteration of this time-honored machine improves upon generations of geometry-tweaking to give riders stability and control while ripping aggressive trails in any condition. New technology has not evaded the Specialized team either, with new e-bike offerings incorporating proprietary e-drive motors tuned to match the riding style of the bike they are mounted in.

It's safe to say that innovation and development will be a staple of Specialized for years to come.

Trek had remarkably humble beginnings for such a major force in the bicycle world. In the mid-1970s, the Trek bicycle company was formed over a few drinks in a quiet Wisconsin bar, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

As the sport of mountain biking matured following its introduction into the Olympics in 1996 at Atlanta, Trek grew and developed its off-road offerings. This culminated with the establishment of the 'C3 Project' and the 'Trek Factory Racing Team' in the 2010s. Through close access to high-end racing and a wise investment in research and development, Trek has built a comprehensive mountain bike catalog with everything to suit first-time novices up to seasoned professionals.

A notable example of this innovation and design is the Fuel EX, a dual-suspension, singletrack legend. The latest version has been updated and improved in almost every way, from longer suspension travel to extended frame geometry. The incremental evolution in frame design makes the sixth-generation Fuel EX more stable at speed without compromising agility and rider control. Trek even managed to fit a hidden storage compartment in the down tube.

Bold new bike tech has not escaped the off-roading range either. The company has incorporated the latest e-drive motors into its offerings, from speed-focused hardtails to long-travel trail bikes. Trek looks set to continue its quest to push the limits of the mountain bike world for years to come.

It sounds a bit like an April Fools' joke, but from its humble beginnings on April 1, 1981, Ibis evolved into a legitimate name in the mountain bike world.

Founder Scot Nicol initially got to work learning the frame-building craft alongside the pioneers of the mountain biking movement. This technical apprenticeship, combined with a deep passion for ripping mountain trails, has created a trusted and respected brand for mountain bikers, by mountain bikers.

As you might expect from a smaller manufacturer, the Ibis mountain bike catalog is concentrated into only a handful of models, but this modest lineup packs a mighty punch. The range covers its bases well with offerings for gravel riders through to enduro racers and down-hill e-bikes built for rough terrain .

The Ibis Rimpo V2S has garnered praise from the mountain bike community and is perhaps the best example of the company's dedication to quality and design. The V2S is the latest iteration of this famed trail bike and exemplifies Ibis' commitment to continued design development. Thanks to a steep seat-tube angle and relaxed steering geometry, the Rimpo has been made more stable while ripping and improves comfort and control when ascending.

Although a much larger operation than in its early years, Ibis today remains as committed as ever to developing the next generation of machines for serious mountain bikers.

Best: Revel

Headquartered in Carbondale, Colorado, Revel is a unique newcomer that is making waves in the mountain bike world. From its community-focused mindset to its group of hardcore riders and bike creators, Revel is an innovative company with bikes to match.

And how could they not innovate? The company's location was chosen to provide the Revel team of climbers, skiers, and mountain bikers with a convenient backyard. To make the most of this epic playground, Revel is dedicated to "engineer and build the absolute best bikes in the world."

This passion and drive are most clearly on display in the new Rascal, a do-it-all beast packing the latest tech. The proprietary CBF (which stands for Canfield Balanced Formula, we'll have you know) focuses the peddle forces around the top of the chainring. This maximizes pedaling efficiency and provides for playful suspension travel. This, combined with a shorter wheelbase for precise handling, has caused a stir in the mountain bike world.

Revel has also partnered with engineers to develop Fusion-Fiber which promises to be stronger and lighter than conventional carbon fiber as well as reduce its environmental impact. With such a drive for mountain bike innovation and so many gnarly trails to test their creations, we expect Revel to further its impact in the years to come.

Best: Santa Cruz/Juliana

Founded in 1993 in a small garage in Santa Cruz, California, the brand quickly made a name for itself in mountain biking. From the start, Santa Cruz sought to upset the norms with bikes that were stronger, more agile, more responsive, and meet the real needs of riders across different terrains.

Santa Cruz's journey of product evolution is highlighted by its diverse range of high-performance bikes, including the iconic V10 and the versatile Bronson. With the introduction of Juliana, a line dedicated solely to women cyclists, the company has shown its dedication to inclusion. These bikes are all engineered specifically for women's ergonomics but with the same high-quality materials and advanced features as the rest of the Santa Cruz lineup.

Santa Cruz is a leader in mountain bike technology, having developed the Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension. This delivers new, unparalleled shock absorption and smoother handling than ever before, allowing a rider to take control of rough descents or aggressive hills easily. At the same time, carbon fiber is integrated into any of their frame designs so that every bike can achieve optimal strength, stiffness, and lightness.

The company invests heavily in research and development, with ongoing projects focusing on enhancing material science and propulsion techniques to offer even lighter, faster, and more environmentally friendly bikes. As mountain biking evolves, Santa Cruz is poised not just to react, but to lead, promising exciting advancements that will redefine the industry.

Best: Giant/Liv

Anyone in the bicycle world will be familiar with Giant. The behemoth from Taiwan has been producing these much-loved machines since 1972 and has been pushing the limits of carbon fiber bicycle production since 1987.

As a cutting-edge developer, it sponsored major road cycling teams and moved into the mountain bike sphere in 1995. In 2008, Giant formed the Liv brand, a dedicated women-focused bike label that is run by women, for women. Giant and Liv's catalogs have always been vast, covering everything from your first 12-inch peddler found under the Christmas tree to your competition-ready race bike in any category.

With such a long history of innovation and quality production, it's no wonder that Giant and Liv are such power-houses in the mountain bike game. The Liv Intrigue X puts Liv's development strength on full display. The use of lightweight construction without compromising strength or geometry is coupled with an impressive SyncDrive motor to make for a tech-filled trail rider.

The Giant label has an equally impressive offering in the Trance X. This trail bike uses a progressive suspension system paired with industry-leading RockShox units to give 135-millimeter rear travel and 150 millimeters at the front without conceding control or peddling efficiency. With such a customer-focused design ethos, the next generations of Giant and Liv bikes promise exciting innovation.

Born from a deep love of nature and mountain biking, Kona was founded in 1988 with one guiding principle: build bikes that could withstand the demanding and diverse terrains of the Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Kona was about building a bike culture that put the rider first.

Kona's passion for mountain biking continued beyond just making innovative bikes. Its range of bikes is impressive, known particularly for its multi-award-winning hardtail bikes. From the classic Cinder Cone to the modern-day Process series, Kona's lineup has blossomed to encompass each model developed expressly with rider feedback and riding conditions in mind.

The Kona Process (in its many iterations) is possibly the best example of how innovation and understanding of riders' needs come together perfectly in Kona's lineup. The X-CR designation is noted for its high-speed-focused geometry that allows for a forgiving ride while also being lively and easy to control. Also included in this range is the Process X-DH which offers high-level downhill racing control and feel but is paired with components that allow it to sit at a more amateur price point.

Kona still focuses on the ultimate high-end bikes and maintains the Kona Factory Team, which races top-level competitions that push the company's Kona machines to the limit.

Yeti has become synonymous with mountain biking and is the brand of choice for those who want a sturdy, precise ride. It particularly appeals to serious mountain bike enthusiasts and professional racers.

Yeti hit the mountain bike scene in 1985, producing custom machines for the still-fledgling mountain bike race scene. This close relationship with mountain biking did not only consist of bike building; they also formed an impressive race team. This link between the race world and design development has culminated in the current lineup of eight performance-focused bikes to suit different riding styles and terrain demands. 

The SB120 is Yeti's answer for people who want a bike that can do it all. This new model was released in 2022 and shows off the brand's innovative features and attention to detail. The travel numbers are combined with a diverse parts offering from component partner SRAM. Adding to the SB120's high-quality build is Yeti's proprietary suspension system.

Yeti developed the innovative Switch Infinity suspension system designed to optimize riding stability and shock absorption over diverse terrains. This system is an example of Yeti's technical excellence and rider-centric design. Yeti also continues to refine its bikes' frame geometry while integrating high-quality materials to achieve an optimal balance of lightweight strength and performance.

Bike Brands to Avoid

When it comes to mountain biking, there's an entire world out there that's all its own, where performance and durability are the name of the game. However, a few brands focus on the mass market, which is more suited for the casual biker. Here's a rundown of several brands that might not meet the expectations of more serious riders.

Originally big in the BMX scene, Mongoose has expanded into mountain biking. While they maintain a nostalgic appeal, many of their models now populate department store aisles, designed with cost rather than performance in mind.

A historically solid brand, Schwinn now makes bicycles with highly variable quality. The company sells some high-quality models good for serious mountain biking, but also sells through department stores, which tend to feature their budget lines — no-frills machines lacking durability or performance features for serious mountain biking.

Next bikes are among the cheapest, mostly found in department stores. These bikes are meant for occasional leisure riding and likely can't withstand the tough conditions imposed on mountain bikes. The costs are cheap at the expense of quality and poor performance, which are most important in extreme mountain biking.

For serious mountain bikers, choosing the right bike is everything. You need a brand that can withstand the sport's challenges and keep you safe while you tackle the trails. It's one of the most important decisions you'll make.

How did we choose these brands?

With so many bike brands on offer and so many individual bicycle options to choose from, it's important to consider a few key points when deciding which ones stand out and which are less than inspiring.

When formulating our list, we considered many important factors to reach a consensus. We looked for brands with a passion for innovation that push the boundaries of what's possible in mountain biking because they drive our sport forward.

Likewise, we looked for brands with a versatile catalog that showed an understanding of the market and the demands of riders. Importantly we took into account the feedback of customers as well as brand reputation, after all, who knows the bikes better than those who go out and ride them every day?

A brand's history and legacy can influence its expertise in making the best mountain bikes on the market. Each brand's journey and involvement in the community were also taken into account in our selection. While not the primary focus, we also considered the price range and accessibility of these bikes.

When choosing a mountain bike, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and the type of riding you plan to do. Visiting local bike shops, testing different models, and doing thorough research will help you find the best mountain bike for your adventures.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes For Ripping Trails and High-Performance

Whether you want a lightweight cross-country rocket or a cheap trail ripper, one of these picks will work for you.

A “hardtail” is a mountain bike with front suspension but no rear suspension. This design can be lighter and less expensive than a mountain bike with rear suspension, as well as simpler to maintain. Think of a hardtail as the workhorse of the mountain bike world.

Sometimes hardtails are simply the best tool for the job, depending on the circumstances. For instance, those just learning to mountain bike may prefer the handling of a hardtail. Kids are often better off with a hardtail for several reasons, particularly the reduced weight. Sometimes the terrain where you ride simply doesn’t warrant a full suspension bike. Or, finally, it might be personal preference drives your desire to ride a hardtail.

Whatever the case, hardtails are alive and well, and we take a closer look at a wide range of bikes to suit your needs from the most basic to advanced racing machines.

Looking for more riding options? Check out our picks for the best electric bikes , folding e-bikes , and commuter bikes .

The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall: Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29
• Best Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike: Aventon Ramblas
• Best Trail Hardtail Mountain Bike: Trek Roscoe 7
• Best Hardtail Mountain Bike Deal: Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore
• Best Cheap Hardtail Mountain Bike: Eastern Alpaka 29

What to Consider in a Hardtail Mountain Bike

Why you can trust us, how we tested hardtail mountain bikes, our full hardtail mountain bike reviews.

If you are looking for the best high-performance mountain bikes (full suspension and hardtail, electric and analog), check out our Bike Awards coverage. You’ll find 11 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

If you’re in search of an efficient race machine, a carbon fiber hardtail might be the bike for you. Hardtails also make great adventure bikes for bikepacking off-road and other long-distance riding shenanigans. Build a hardtail with a longer-travel fork and wide tires and you’ll have a fun ripper for romping around your local trails —and you’ll save money and weight compared to many full suspension options.

For decades, hardtails have appealed to riders due to the infinite ways you can build them up and for their simplicity. Here’s what you need to know about hardtail mountain bikes.

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You almost always get more bang for your buck with a hardtail. The design allows manufacturers to either reduce the bike’s overall price or include better components than you would find on comparably priced full-suspension rigs.

Hardtail frames lack rear shocks, pivots, linkages, and the associated hardware. Thus, they are generally lighter than comparable full-suspension frames. For riders who climb a lot, the weight saving can make a difference—both physically and mentally. 

Carbon fiber frames have the best strength-to-weight ratio of any material but are typically more expensive than metal-framed bikes. Despite this, there are desirable characteristics in all frame materials.

Wheel Sizes

Hardtails come with many wheel sizes and gearing options. You’ll find wheel sizes of 29- or 27.5-inches, standard tire widths (up to 2.6-inches), plus-size (2.8- to 3-inches), and fat tires (3-inches and wider). Some hardtails will accept different wheel and tire sizes, allowing you to swap out options to suit your riding needs.

Great for Kids and Tweens

The explosive growth of youth cycling programs and NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) racing got a ton of kids onto the trail and needing mountain bikes. With their combination of lightweight, lower cost, and wheel size options, hardtails make ideal bikes for young riders starting out or teens who quickly outgrow bikes.

Maintenance and Durability

Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that could potentially go wrong, and higher-quality parts mean those parts are less likely to need fixing. The simplicity of not having a rear shock and rear suspension system increases the durability of the bike as it requires less maintenance and fewer replacement parts.

Ride Quality

A hardtail can feel more responsive than a dual-suspension bike when pedaling. The lack of rear suspension creates a more efficient-feeling pedaling platform, so acceleration feels more immediate. 

Climbers especially appreciate the extra responsiveness, though you lose some traction (especially under braking) without the rear suspension. Still, for a fast, efficient ride, nothing beats a hardtail.

Find the Right Fork

After the frame, the fork is arguably the most important part of a hardtail's build kit. You’ll find suspension forks with as little as 80mm of travel on some cross-country bikes, while trail or all-mountain hardtails may have forks with 140mm of travel or more. 

Some hardtails still use forks that lack any suspension. These rigid forks are typically the lightest weight and require no maintenance.

Build One Up

Hardtails also make an excellent second, third...or 10th bike to have around—to loan to friends, for when your primary bike is in the shop, or for dabbling into other areas of riding. 

Many brands (particularly small or mid-sized) offer frame-only options that you can build up on your own or with the help of your local shop. Perhaps you have some old parts kicking around and collecting dust. Well, hardtails are a simple and cost-effective way to put those parts to use!

Bicycling has been vetting and reviewing bikes, gear, and accessories for more than 50 years. The bike recommendations here are based on the extensive work of the test team, which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and insight that they bring to every recommendation they make.

For hardtail mountain bikes, Tara Seplavy oversaw these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as her own extensive knowledge of the category.

Chris Case has been riding and racing all manner of bikes for over 30 years. His first “real” bikes were mountain bikes; his racing days began on the rooted trails of southern New England. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine, he now guides gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with his company Alter Exploration . His garage is filled with his family’s precious collection of bikes, neatly organized and maintained for daily riding, racing, and adventures. Follow him on Instagram at @chrisjustincase .

Many of these bikes were tested by Bicycling 's team of gear editors, which mapped out rides featuring most of the trail elements that you’ll likely encounter. Bikes were pushed hard on flow trails, up steep climbs, down pucker-worthy rocky descents, and through rock gardens. Editors rode these bikes on the terrain best suited for each bike, as well as terrain entirely unsuitable, to see how far the limits could be pushed.

The bikes that weren’t ridden by Bicycling ’s editors were carefully chosen based on their value, quality of parts, our experience riding similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended rider.

We also consulted with hardtail devotees and coaches who work with junior riders to assess the best choices for younger and beginner cyclists.

Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29

The Rockhopper has been a mainstay of Specialized’s product line longer than most mountain bikers have been alive. The brand spent decades perfecting the Rockhopper into the well-rounded mountain bike platform it is today. And that experience—paired with learnings from its World Cup-winning high-end bikes—translates into a refined quality on the trail.

“The Rockhopper Elite climbs efficiently, is quite capable on singletrack, and isn’t too nervous when descending,” said test rider Tara Seplavy, Bicycling ’s deputy editor.

That is to say, it does everything decently—a quality many buyers in this price range want and expect from a mountain bike.

While the Rockhopper’s frame lacks a tapered headtube and thru axle rear end, the bike strikes a modern and lightweight appearance. The frame has routing for a dropper seatpost (if you wish to add one), its cables route internally on the front triangle, and it has rack mounts.

The components on the Rockhopper Elite don’t jump out, but they also don’t let you down. The air-sprung RockShox Judy TK fork does not perform to the level of the higher-end Recon fork model (more flex under braking and harsher riding). But it is easy to set up for different weight riders and has a crown-mounted lockout for pavement sections.

Specialized offers a bevy of Rockhopper models between $650 and $1,400. We consider the Comp ($950), Elite ($1,150), and Expert ($1,300) models most suitable for trail riding. Specialized also has 27.5-inch wheel Rockhopper variants in these models to fit shorter-height riders.

Aventon Ramblas

With its torquey mid-drive motor, name-brand components, and $2,700 price tag, Aventon’s Ramblas hardtail looks to flip the script and change the perception of hardtail e-bikes—and it succeeds.

At the heart of the Ramblas is Aventon’s all-new A100 motor. The mid-drive unit features 250 watts of sustained power/750 watts of peak power and 100 Newton/meters of torque. It is cleanly mounted to the Ramblas’ front triangle, low-slung on the frame but with sufficient clearance for riding over rocks and logs.

“The bike felt comfortable, proportional, and balanced from the first rip around the trailhead,” Seplavy said.

The Ramblas is well-appointed for its price. Overall, the components are well-suited for a trail-use mountain bike—1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 4-piston SRAM brakes, 35mm stanchion RockShox fork, dropper seatpost, and 2.4-inch-wide tires. They are all underpinnings of a solid mid-range trail bike—and for a $2,700 hardtail e-MTB, these features are unmatched in the market.

“After riding the Ramblas and checking out other hardtail e-MTBs over the past several years, I think Aventon just reset the entire category with this bike,” Seplavy said.

Trek Roscoe 7

There is so much to love about this bike that it’s hard to decide where to start. The 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain (with a 30T chainring and 10-51T cassette) provides a massive range, with gearing low enough to ease the pain of climbing steep hills. Its 29-inch wheels (27.5-inch on XS size) carry speed while maintaining maneuverability on technical trails, and the 2.6-inch tubeless-ready tires offer great traction and a plush ride.

The 140mm travel RockShox Recon SL SoloAir fork has plenty of travel for getting rowdy and can be locked out for added efficiency, such as when climbing a paved road. And speaking of rowdy, a dropper post is a very cool addition and adds to the Roscoe's versatility.

Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore

The Salsa Rangefinder is one of the least expensive bikes in this test and one of the heaviest. Neither significantly takes away from its abilities on the trail.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the Rangefinder’s performance in most situations,” Seplavy said.

The Rangefinder’s extra heft comes from its oversized aluminum frame, heavy 120mm SR Suntour XCM fork, extra-wide range cassette, and 29x2.6-inch Maxxis tires. These parts, though, also make the Salsa more confident and capable on the trail than the bike’s weight might suggest.

On dirt, the Rangefinder lumbers along. It’s also not light or race-oriented. As Seplavy put it: “The Salsa is not a ‘go fast and take chances’ style bike.”

The Rangefinder's slightly upright positioning, steep seat angle, and low gearing allow you to sit and spin up climbs, despite the bike’s weight.

The Rangefinder is capable, though not fully confident when descending. The wide Maxxis Rekon tires and thru axle fork provide extra grip over roots and precision when picking a line through rocky sections of trail. But the Tektro Gemini brakes with 160mm rotors are insufficient at higher speeds or when the gradient pitches steeply downward. The fork’s lack of damping adjustment also made the fork ping-pong off of rocks when they came in quick succession.

Salsa provides options for riders seeking a Shimano-equipped Rangefinder or one with plus-sized wheels. It offers three other Rangefinder models between $900 and $1,500. Each model has 27.5+ or 29-inch wheel variants. There are Shimano Deore 10 -, 11 -, and 12-speed drivetrain Rangefinder models.

Eastern Bikes Alpaka 29

The Alpaka boasts features that try to emulate a high-end experience at an entry-level price. The aluminum frame is paired with a 100mm travel spring coil fork with a mechanical lockout feature. Stopping power comes from 160mm hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable reach levers.

The 9-speed X-Gear drivetrain is compatible with Shimano and SRAM aftermarket parts. But the 11-34-tooth cassette matched with a 32-tooth chainring up front will limit your ability to climb the steepest pitches.

While the bike‘s quick release hubs are not as secure or fashionable as thru axle wheels, they get the job done at the price. And though the Kenda 2.2-inch tires provide ample traction, the frame is designed to accommodate up to 2.4-inch rubber if you need more cushion and grip.

The cockpit comprises Eastern-branded contact points along with a Velo saddle and grips, completing the package with a touch of comfort not often seen at this price.

Giant Talon 29 1

The Giant Talon 1 is the biggest sleeper in our testing. The Talon’s frame doesn’t have an aggressive trail bike silhouette. It does not look oversized and burly. The plain black paint and blue logo also help to subdue the Giant. Appearances and first looks are often deceiving.

“Once on the trail, the Talon 1 surprised me with its capabilities. It rides like a bike that should cost a couple of hundred dollars more,” Seplavy said.

The Giant’s good ride feel comes down to its fork. The house-brand 100mm travel SXC-32-2 RL fork features 32mm aluminum stanchions, an alloy steerer, and an air spring. These shave weight off the bike while improving stiffness and steering precision. The fork’s rebound adjustment and air spring help you tune the fork for your weight and local trails—a big plus for a bike at this price.

The Tektro M275 brakes on the Talon 1, however, were underwhelming. They slowed the bike down but lacked modulation and a good feel at the lever. The Deore 10-speed drivetrain shifted smoothly but was over-geared for steeper hills compared to the other bikes tested.

Giant offers three models in the Talon range, with the Talon 1 as the most expensive and best equipped for trail riding. For a more premium Giant hardtail trail bike, check out the Fathom 29 models . Starting at $1,500, the Fathoms have longer travel forks, tubeless tires, and dropper posts.

Liv Lurra 2 27.5

The Lurra 2 is Liv’s latest creation for the value-minded hardtail fan.

Designed for performance-minded trail riders who want to rip singletrack, the Lurra offers dedicated frame geometry for the XS and S frame sizes which boast 27.5-inch wheels. Up front, the 130mm Giant fork and 2.6-inch Maxxis tubeless tires offer grip and comfort for roots, rocks, and ruts, and the Giant Contact 100mm dropper seatpost is a nice touch, allowing you to get low and ride with more control. Equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain and Tektro disc brakes, the pair offer dependability rather than flash.

The Lurra is generously adorned with multiple water bottle mounts: a set underneath the top tube allows for secure mounting of a small gear pack to fill with snacks or tools or other small items, while a trio on the downtube and another set underneath the downtube allow for multiple mounting positions of two water bottles.

Zize Yonder

While most brands make bikes rated for riders up to 200 or 250 pounds, Zize exclusively focuses on bikes for heavyweight riders. With its chromoly frame and fork, heavy-duty wheels, and Clark's hydraulic disc brakes, the Yonder accommodates riders up to 550 pounds.

The Yonder also features a 100mm wide bottom bracket shell and 3-inch wide 26-inch WTB tires for added rider stability. The bike has a dependable Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, but the gear range is not low enough for optimal riding up steep hills. Though the Yonder is expensive, consider this bike if you're a heavier rider looking to get into off-road riding.

Specialized Riprock

The Riprock 24 is an excellent bike for kids who want to take their riding skills off-road. Designed to accommodate riders between 3-foot-11 and 4-foot-8, this bike comes with 24-inch wheels, a 1x9-speed MicroShift group, and hydraulic disc brakes.

While many mountain bikes for kids use a suspension fork, the Riprock 24 features an aluminum rigid fork. Most bikes at this price use heavy suspension forks that don't work for lightweight riders, but the Specialized’s rigid fork saves weight and looks great. This makes the Riprock 24 well-equipped for young riders' trail riding adventures. Offered in four colors, this bike is also available with 20-inch wheels for riders between 3-foot-5 and 4-foot-4.

Cervélo ZHT-5 GX

Yes, you’re reading that right: Cervélo makes mountain bikes. Though the brand may be more famous as the bike sponsor of the Tour de France-winning Visma-Lease a Bike race team, Cervélo has created this podium-worthy ride for ripping on the dirt.

Sporting a 907-gram (claimed) carbon frame, 69-degree head angle, and long reach top tubes, the ZHT-5 is made for speed. This SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed equipped model also comes standard with a 100mm travel RockShox Sid SL Select fork, e.thirteen TRS Race tubeless wheels, and a RaceFace cockpit.

Expert Chris Case On When to Go Full Suspension Versus Hardtail And Whether to Choose Aluminum Or Carbon.

Is full suspension better than a hardtail.

It depends on the application and terrain. Of course, there are certain types of riding when a full suspension bike is going to provide a faster, safer, and more enjoyable experience—for example, on rockier, more technical downhills. 

Conversely, some situations and locations are better suited to hardtails, for instance, in places where non-technical trails are abundant. If bikepacking is your thing, hardtails can be easier to load up with gear since the opening of the main triangle is easier to fill with a frame bag. But that’s not to say a full-suspension rig won’t work for bikepacking.

Much of the time it’s either personal preference or budget.

Aluminum or carbon?

There are pros and cons to every frame material. Carbon is typically lighter, can dampen more vibrations, and so forth, but if you’re hard on your equipment or crash often, the chances of causing irreparable damage to a carbon frame are higher than with metal frames.

Aluminum is often heavier, and some will say it offers a stiffer, less comfortable ride. But when you factor in saddle choice, tire size and pressure, and the comfort of other touchpoints, it’s hard to isolate the variable of the frame as the only factor on how a bike feels.

I prefer riding metal bikes (titanium) because we have enough disposable stuff in this world already. And carbon is ultimately disposable. Eventually, there will come a time when it is either outdated or broken, and you can either dispose of it or hang it on your wall. I look forward to the day when I can give my titanium bike to my daughter for her to ride.

What do the pros ride?

It used to be that XC racers wanted the lightest machine possible, which was often the hardtail model. Now, however, though many of them still care about weight, there are incredibly light full-suspension race bikes, and having suspension is helpful on the manufactured and natural courses that pros tend to race on (at World Cups, for example).

Chris Case, former managing editor of VeloNews magazine, has been riding, racing, and adventuring by bike for nearly 30 years. His cycling pursuits have taken him to destinations across the U.S. and Europe, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, and beyond. He has stood on the podium at several cyclocross national championships, and is a silver medalist at master’s cyclocross worlds. Today he guides adventurous gravel cycling and bikepacking tours through his company, Alter Exploration.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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7 Best Lightweight Electric Bikes of 2024

• April 29, 2024

While electric bikes were heavy and clunky when they first hit the market, today you can find lightweight styles that weigh almost the same as classic road bikes. Plus, there are tons of different styles of electric bikes (also called ebikes) to choose from. Whether you want a commuter ebike that can get you to work faster, a mountain ebike that’s nimble, or a cargo ebike that hauls gear, there’s a lightweight electric bike for you.

Lightweight electric bikes don’t sacrifice on the features either. Manufacturers use top-of-the-line technology—including lightweight battery systems, powerful motors, and materials like carbon fiber—to reduce weight and maximize power and range. That means you can enjoy the ride, go just as far, and ride just as fast without having to lug around a heavy bike.

Looking for the best lightweight ebikes to ride in style? It’s helpful to preview the best ebikes to get an idea of the different types of ebikes and the most common features. When you’re ready to make a purchase, browse the best lightweight electric bikes for sale including cruisers, folding ebikes, and mountain ebikes.

In this post, we’ll help you ride through reviews on the:

• 1. Best Lightweight Ebike & Best Lightweight Hybrid Electric Bike
• 2. Best Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike
• 3. Best Lightweight Class 3 Ebike
• 4. Best Urban Ebike
• 5. Best Lightweight Ebike for Seniors & Lightweight Electric Bike for Ladies
• 6. Best Lightweight Cruiser Bike
• 7. Best Lightweight Foldable Electric Bike & Best Lightweight Fat Tire Ebike
• 8. Best Lightweight Ebike Accessories

1. Best Lightweight Ebike & Best Lightweight Hybrid Electric Bike: Aventon Soltera

Highlighted Specs:

• ✓ Weight: 46 lbs
• ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
• ✓ Battery range: 46 miles
• ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
• ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
• ✓ Warranty: 2-year warranty
• ✓ Throttle: On demand

The Aventon Soltera is our top pick for the best lightweight ebike and the best lightweight hybrid electric bike. It’s one of the lightest commuter ebikes on our list and the best lightweight ebike with throttle. This class 2 ebike features a top speed of 20 miles per hour and an on-demand throttle for an extra boost of power. At 46 pounds, it’s not the lightest ebike on the market, but it is one of the lightest road ebikes on this list.

A lightweight touring bike, the Soltera features a powerful 350-watt rear hub motor and a 9.6Ah bike battery that’s seamlessly integrated. Four levels of electric assist—including Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo—let you choose how you want to get around and how much assistance you want. Plus, you can add front or rear racks to turn it into a mini cargo bike to haul basic gear.

The bike boasts a Shimano seven-speed derailleur and comes in tow frame sizes to fit cyclist heights from 5’3” to 6’4”. Integrated lights and turn signals keep you safe as you weave through traffic, even after the sun sets or before it comes up. The bike is compatible with several accessories, including mirrors, water bottles holders, cargo carriers..

With a price of $999 MSRP, the Aventon Soltera offers incredible value. It’s packed with features including an on-demand throttle and high battery range while also being lightweight for better maneuverability. Plus, Aventon has more than 1,800 bike shops and retailers, so it’s easy to go for a test ride or get help when you need it.

Find lightweight ebikes near me to test ride | View lightweight ebikes for sale

2. Best Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike (Lightweight eMTB): Aventon Ramblas

• ✓ Weight: 54 lbs
• ✓ Battery range: 80 miles
• ✓ Torque sensor: 100 nm
• ✓ Throttle: No

The Aventon Ramblas is the best lightweight electric mountain bike. The Ramblas does it all and weighs just 54 pounds. This lightweight eMTB offers three pedal assist levels so you can charge up steep trails without breaking a sweat. The 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM rear derailleur allows maximum control of speed and power, making it easy to navigate technical sections and sail through dirt single tracks.

As a class 1 ebike, the Ramblas has a top speed of 20 miles per hour, meaning you can take it on more off-road trails than bikes with throttles (which are restricted in some areas). The powerful mid-drive motor offers peak 750-watt power for a fun riding experience. The SRAM hydraulic disc brakes create a safe ride feel with quick stopping power.

The dropper seat post lets you quickly raise the seat to tackle steep inclines or lower it to have better control when cruising over obstacles or down slick rock trails. Lock-on handlebar grips and alloy platform pedals help you feel secure navigating any terrain.

At a price of $2,699 MSRP, the Aventon Ramblas is one of the more affordable lightweight eMTBs on the market. In fact, it often offers savings of $2,000 or more compared to similar competitor models.

3. Best Lightweight Class 3 Ebike: Canyon Grizl:ON CF

• ✓ Weight: 35.36 lbs
• ✓ Max Speed: 28 mph
• ✓ Payload: 265 lbs
• ✓ Warranty: 6-year warranty

The Canyon Grizl:ON CF is the best lightweight class 3 ebike and weighs just 35.26 pounds. It’s powered by a Bosch Performance Line SX Sprint motor and a 400-watt-hour battery that weigh under nine pounds combined. Designed to be agile and quick, this bike has a top speed of 28 miles per hour

The bike features integrated headlights and rear lights for a safe ride even in the dark. It’s designed to keep the lights running for two additional hours, even when the motor runs out of juice.

The Grizl:ON CF also features a modular accessory system that enables you to add and swap out accessories quickly. Click on a range extender, water bottle, or back to grab your gear and get on your way without hassling with tools.

At a price point of $4,999 MSRP, all of these features come at a high cost. This bike is $4,000 more than the agile Aventon Soltera and $2,300 more than the lightweight Aventon Ramblas electric mountain bike

Find lightweight ebikes near me to test ride | View the best ebikes for sale

4. Best Urban Ebike: Momentum Voya E+1

• ✓ Weight: 39.7 lbs
• ✓ Battery range: 34 miles
• ✓ Payload: Not available
• ✓ Warranty: Register for a lifetime limited warranty

The Momentum Voya E+1 is the best urban ebike and weighs 39.7 pounds, offering agility and maneuverability for city commuting. The slim, integrated Panasonic battery fits seamlessly in the downtube and offers a range of 34 miles. It’s not a removable battery pack, so you’ll need to use an external charger cable to add more juice. On average, it takes 3.4 hours to fully recharge the battery.

This commuter bike features Shimano hydraulic brakes for controlled stopping power and a one-button controller for easy shifting and pedal assist changes. The dropper handlebars and ergonomic seat saddle improve ride quality so you can commute in style and comfort.

At a price of $2,600 MSRP, this lightweight hybrid electric bike costs $1,600 more than the Aventon Soltera. At that added cost, you get fewer features, including less motor power and no integrated lights.

5. Best Lightweight Ebike for Seniors & Lightweight Electric Bike for Ladies: Trek FX+2 Stagger

• ✓ Weight: 40.13 lbs
• ✓ Battery range: 35 miles

The Trek FX+2 Stagger is a great pick for people who are looking for lightweight ebikes for seniors or lightweight electric bikes for ladies. The step-through frame makes it easier to get on and off the bike, whether you’re wearing a dress or are looking for a bike that’s designed to improve mobility. Weighing 40.13 pounds, it’s lightweight and agile so you can speed up hills like a breeze.

Built for versatility and most types of terrain, this ebike model doubles as a gravel bike and cruiser bike. PLus, its front and rear fenders keep you dry and clean, even if you ride muddy or wet trails regularly.

With a price tag of $2,499.99 MSRP, this ride will cost $1,500 more than the Aventon Soltera, which offers improved specs, including a more powerful motor and higher range.

6. Best Lightweight Cruiser Bike: Kona Dew-E DL

• ✓ Weight: 42 lbs
• ✓ Battery range: 43 miles
• ✓ Torque sensor: No
• ✓ Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

The Kona Dew-E DL is a lightweight cruiser bike that tops out the scale at 42 pounds. It boasts a Shimano 540Wh battery and motor plus a 10-speed derailleur that enables you to speed through town faster. With pedal assist and a top speed of 20 miles per hour, you’ll still have gas in the tank to tackle your to-do list when you get to the office

The hydraulic disc brakes offer controlled braking power, even if you get caught in the rain on your ride home. Puncture-resistant tires let you take the scenic route to work or a meet-up with friends, whether the trail is gravel, dirt, or paved. Aluminum fenders are built for durability and keep you looking your best, even when you’re riding in a suit or your Sunday best.

At $3,999 MSRP, this bike is an eye-watering $3,000 more than the Aventon Soltera. For that price tag, you don’t get as much range, and the warranty isn’t as good. Plus, the Dew-E DL doesn’t have a throttle or a torque sensor, so you won’t have the same intuitive ride you get with the Soltera.

7. Best Lightweight Foldable Electric Bike & Best Lightweight Fat Tire Ebike: GoCycle G4i

• ✓ Weight: 37.7 lbs
• ✓ Battery range: 50 miles
• ✓ Payload: 220 lbs
• ✓ Warranty: Two- to three-year warranty

Our top pick for a lightweight fat-tire ebike is the GoCycle G4i. Among the smallest folding electric bikes, it weighs 37.7 pounds and features a 500-watt front-hub motor. The fat tires make it easy to roll over rougher terrain, and a rear suspension fork with 25mm of travel helps absorb bumps in the road.

This small fat-tire electric bike features daytime running lights that are designed to mimic the way they work in cars. That means you won’t have to worry about visibility, even if you’re commuting in heavy traffic.

As a foldable electric bike, G4i offers a fast adjusting frame so you can quickly fold the bike up or put it together to hit the road. Thanks to its small size, you can toss this ebike in the back of your car, in your RV, or on a boat to take your adventures further.

This mini folding electric bike will cost you. With an MSRP of $4,999, it’s pricey, especially when you compare it to the best folding ebikes . These include the foldable Avention Sinch ebike, which costs just $1,499 MSRP and offers an on-demand throttle and better range.

Best Lightweight Ebike Accessories

Once you pick out the best option from our lightweight ebike reviews, you’ll want to grab some gear to make your new wheels even better. From accessories like backpacks, locks, and helmets, there are tons of options to improve your ride and increase functionality. Here are some of our favorite ebike accessories, and be sure to check out Ramblas accessories or browse Soltera accessories if you've chosen one of those models.

Aventon Cargo Net

The Aventon Cargo Net lets you bring gear on your ride and keep it from falling out, without weighing your bike down. Made from durable elastic nylon, it easily clips onto bike racks, baskets, and bags to keep your items secure.

View all bike baskets

Aventon Twin Pannier

The Aventon Twin Pannier is another lightweight option when you need to bring gear along for the ride. Made of waterproof material, it’ll keep your things dry, even if you commute in the rain. Plus, the reflective designs improve visibility and safety on your route.

View all bike bags

Aventon Floor Rack

Love minimalism and maximizing your space? The Aventon Floor Rack is the perfect companion to a lightweight electric bike. No lifting or installing heavy, bulky racks. Instead, quickly put this floor rack together for seamless, clean storage in seconds.

View all bike racks

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Ebike Pricing: How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?

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Best Child’s Bike Trailer 2024: 5 Options for Easy Towing

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Passing Thru Travel

The 10 Best Treks in Nepal’s Majestic Mountains 2024

Posted: February 21, 2024 | Last updated: February 21, 2024

Nestled between the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and a haven for trekkers. From the iconic Everest Base Camp to the serene trails of the Annapurna region, Nepal’s mountains offer a diverse array of trekking experiences, each more awe-inspiring than the last. This guide will take you through 10 of Nepal’s most majestic mountain destinations, providing insights and practical advice for your trekking adventure.

1. Everest Base Camp

Embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll journey through the heart of the Himalayas, where the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, tower above. Starting with a thrilling flight to Lukla, the trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and along the Dudh Kosi River. The route is challenging yet rewarding, with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. The final ascent to Base Camp offers a stunning view of the Khumbu Icefall, making all the effort worthwhile.

Insider’s Tip: Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

When To Travel: Pre-monsoon (March to May) or post-monsoon (September to November).

How To Get There: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and start your trek from there.

2. Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trek that takes you around the majestic Annapurna massif. This journey offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the subtropical jungle of the Marshyangdi Valley to the arid, Tibetan-like terrain of the Upper Mustang. Crossing the Thorong La Pass, the trek’s highest point, is a challenging but exhilarating experience. The trek also allows for cultural immersion in the mountain communities of the Gurung and Manangi people.

Insider’s Tip: Take side trips to the ice lakes or Tilicho Lake for additional stunning views.

When To Travel: March to May and October to November for the best weather conditions.

How To Get There: The trek typically starts in Besisahar or Bhulbhule, accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

3. Langtang Valley

The Langtang Valley trek offers a quieter, more intimate Himalayan experience. It begins with a drive to Syabrubesi and a trek through forests, pastures, and traditional villages. The valley provides close-up views of Langtang Ri and Langtang Lirung. The trek also includes a visit to Kyanjin Gompa, a significant Buddhist monastery, and an optional climb to Tserko Ri for panoramic mountain vistas. This region was heavily affected by the 2015 earthquake, and trekking here supports local recovery efforts.

Insider’s Tip: Extend your trek to Gosaikunda Lake for a spiritual experience.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

How To Get There: Drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu, the starting point of the trek.

4. Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit trek circles the majestic Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. This trek is less crowded than its more famous counterparts. It offers a look into the untouched natural beauty and culture of the Nepali Himalayas. The trek involves crossing the Larkya La Pass and traverses through Budhi Gandaki Valley, known for its mix of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist villages. The circuit is a challenging trek, blending cultural richness and scenic splendor.

Insider’s Tip: Ensure you have a guide, as the Manaslu trek requires special permits.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November are ideal.

How To Get There: The trek starts at Arughat or Soti Khola, which can be reached by bus or jeep from Kathmandu.

5. Upper Mustang

Trekking in Upper Mustang takes you to a region that was once an independent kingdom. The landscape here is more desert-like, characterized by eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. Lo Manthang, the walled capital, is a highlight, with its monasteries and royal palace. This area is culturally and geographically more akin to Tibet, offering a unique trekking experience distinct from the rest of Nepal.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the ancient monasteries and the royal palace in Lo Manthang. Stay at the beautiful Shinta Mani Mustang.

When To Travel: May to October, as the region lies in the rain shadow area.

How To Get There: Fly or drive to Jomsom, then trek or drive to Lo Manthang.

6. Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a fantastic alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, taking you to a series of stunning high-altitude lakes in the Gokyo Valley. The trek is less crowded and provides spectacular views of Everest and surrounding mountains. Climbing Gokyo Ri offers one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. The trek passes through Sherpa villages, offering insight into the local culture.

Insider’s Tip: Trek during the full moon for spectacular night views of the mountains.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for the best weather.

How To Get There: Similar to Everest Base Camp, fly to Lukla and follow a different trail.

7. Poon Hill

The Poon Hill trek is ideal for those looking for a shorter hike in the Annapurna region. It’s known for offering some of the most spectacular mountain views, especially at sunrise from Poon Hill itself. The trek passes through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, giving you a chance to experience the culture of the central Himalayan region. The trek starts and ends in Nayapul, a short drive from Pokhara.

Insider’s Tip: Carry enough cash, as there are no ATMs on this route.

When To Travel: October to November and March to April for clear skies and good weather.

How To Get There: The trek starts from Nayapul, which is a short drive from Pokhara.

8. Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a challenging and adventurous journey to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain. This remote trek offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and a chance to experience pristine wilderness. The trek passes through diverse ecosystems, traditional villages, and high alpine terrain. It’s a trek for those seeking solitude and unspoiled nature.

Insider’s Tip: Be prepared for basic accommodations and facilities, as this is a less developed trekking route.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for stable weather.

How To Get There: Fly or drive to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung, the starting point of the trek.

9. Makalu Base Camp

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a challenging journey to the base of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain. This trek takes you through some of Nepal’s most remote and wild areas, offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayas. The Makalu Barun National Park, through which the trek passes, is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Insider’s Tip: Be physically and mentally prepared for a challenging trek with basic facilities.

When To Trave: Pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods for the best conditions.

How To Get There: Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu, then drive to Num, the starting point of the trek.

10. Rara Lake

Trekking to Rara Lake offers a serene experience away from the more popular trekking routes. Rara, the largest lake in Nepal, is known for its clear blue waters and scenic beauty. The trek to the lake is an adventure in itself, passing through remote Jumla and Mugu districts. The area around the lake, Rara National Park, is home to a variety of wildlife and offers tranquility unmatched in other parts of Nepal.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the nearby Rara National Park for a chance to see unique wildlife.

When To Travel: September to October and April to May for the best trekking conditions.

How To Get There: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, then to Jumla, from where the trek to Rara Lake starts.

The Bottom Line

Trekking in Nepal is more than a physical journey; it explores some of the most majestic landscapes on Earth. Each destination offers its unique charm, from the world-renowned Everest Base Camp to the tranquil trails of Rara Lake. As you trek through these mountains, you’ll not only witness breathtaking vistas but also immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of the Nepali people. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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The post The 10 Best Treks in Nepal’s Majestic Mountains 2024 was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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NT government fails to secure land use consent from traditional owners for Red Centre Adventure ride

A multi-million dollar mountain bike ride has been labelled a "dead duck" by a tourism industry peak body after six years of failed land negotiations with traditional owners.

The Northern Territory government in 2018 announced that the Red Centre Adventure Ride  would be allocated $12 million and was set to be a world class 200-kilometre mountain bike trail. 

The ride was set to be completed in 2019 and run from the Alice Springs Desert Park to the picturesque Glen Helen Gorge in the heart of the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell ranges.

But the failed land use agreement combined with the redistribution of the money to existing tourist operations in the region has left local business owner Nick Bitar doubtful that the trail will ever be built.

"It's disappointing," he said. 

"We were looking forward to investing in Alice Springs around this project."

Mr Bitar said despite the NT government's commitment to the project, it was unrealistic that the trail could go ahead without economic backing.

"Without the allocated money, the project will lose momentum but I do hope the Northern Territory government will prove me wrong," he said.

The money earmarked for the trail would be redistributed to the Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Tennant Creek's Battery Hill, the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and to address water security issues in the West MacDonnell National Park.

Mr Bitar welcomed any investment in the region but said he would prefer to see new projects supported.

"A coat of paint on our existing products isn't going to bring positive attention to Alice Springs," he said.

"The Alice Springs Telegraph station and the Road Transport Hall of Fame are both amazing facilities but I would like to see something new in Alice Springs, whether it is a cycling product or not."

He said the region needed to focus on adventure tourism. 

" The Larapinta Trail has been so successful for the region that it is heartbreaking that we can't create a companion mountain bike experience," Mr Bitar said.

"As a small business owner I see tourists coming to Alice Springs to experience the town's mountain bike trails and we need to capitalise on that."

Project a 'dead duck'

Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford said the NT government should have done more to negotiate with traditional owners to get consent.

"Without that it's a dead duck," he said.

Mr Rochford has urged NT Minister for Parks and Rangers and Homelands Selena Uibo to become more involved in discussions.

"I understand she has recently met with them, which is good. That needs to be pursued vigorously," he said.

With the NT election in August, Mr Rochford said he wanted to see a commitment to the trail.

"We would love to hear further public commitment by both the government and opposition to make sure that this project is not lost forever," he said.

Consent more important than funds

The Northern Territory government confirmed that money originally earmarked for the trail would be spent elsewhere.

Deputy Chief Minister Chansey Paech said as soon as consent issues were resolved, the government would find money for the bike trail.

"When we do reach a position of consent and agreement around the Red Centre Adventure Ride, then we will work to fund that," he said.

Mr Rochford argued the funding issues were less significant than permissions from traditional owners.

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Polestar 2 lease price drops to $299 a month thanks to new $10k discount

Thanks to the $10,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive introduced last week, 2024 Polestar 2 lease prices are now over $120 a month cheaper.

CarsDirect reports that through May 31, the 2024 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor can be leased for $299 for 27 months with $3,299 due at signing. 

The auto research portal says that’s a $50 drop in the monthly payment with $2,050 less required at signing. As a result, the effective cost fell $126, from $547 per month to $421 before taxes & fees.

The Polestar 2 Dual Motor – list price $55,300 – is a much better deal to lease than the Single Motor model – list price $49,900 – because amazingly, they have the same lease price. That’s basically a free upgrade to the Dual Motor model.

The Polestar 2  first made its debut in 2019 as the automaker’s first fully electric car. It launched in mid-2020 and the milestone 150,000th car rolled off the assembly line in August 2023.

The Polestar 2 is expected to be phased out in 2027, and company says the Polestar 7 will succeed it.

Top comment by Phillip Stafford

Just contacted our local dealer to see whether they have any available vehicles - they can get one in a few days. I think I'll get a 2 for my son who is off to college in the fall. It looks about right, not SUV sized but a little bigger than a Model 3, and a better value, I think. Especially now.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Polestar 2 in stock. –affiliate*

Read more: 2024 Polestar 2 first drive: Dual motor shines on the road, but the single motor’s range is a big win

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Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at [email protected]. Check out her personal blog.

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Loved the world over, the Marlin has long held the hearts of new riders and seasoned rippers alike, and to keep everyone rolling with ear-to-ear grins we’ve revamped it with more trail confidence than ever. Whether zipping through town, dipping your toes into the trail for the first time or slicing through switchbacks as a well-seasoned rider, you’ll appreciate the sleek new frame that ups the capability and brings looks to match. There’s a reason why it’s always been your favourite.

Total trail confidence A bike's geometry is the defining framework it's built on, and the Marlin is a true mountain bike at it's core. Its measurements are perfectly dialled to give you a confidence-inspiring, planted feel when you’re rolling down steep and bumpy trails, while keeping it easy to pedal back to the top when you’re ready for another lap.

Marlin’s head tube (a) sits at a slacker (more acute) angle. The slacker head tube angle (b) moves your front wheel further in front of you. Take it to the trail, and this slacker head tube angle (b) boosts stability and control for confidence when descents get steep and rowdy.

To balance a slacker head tube angle (b) , the Marlin features a steeper (more upright) seat tube angle (d) . A steeper seat tube (c) lets you get the most out of every pedal stroke, so you don’t waste power on the climb to the top.

The Marlin is equipped with a short stem and wider handlebar for more direct control and responsiveness when you’re manoeuvring through rocks and roots. Meanwhile, a longer reach (e) gives you extra stability so you can ride faster and more confidently.

Secure your ride

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, holding your wheel in place snugly and ensuring it doesn't slip out of the frame, even when you're rolling through rough-and-tumble terrain.

Fully guarded

Full-length, full-coverage guards on the chainstay protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

Float on the trail

Big 2.4˝ tyres elevate traction, so you stay planted on dusty switchbacks. But not only do bigger tyres give you more grip — they also soak up bumps for a smoother ride.

Upgrade ready

With a frame this nice, you won’t want to part ways with your Marlin as your skills grow. The Marlin Gen 3 is upgrade-ready, so you can upgrade your bike when you upgrade your skills. New internal cable routing lets you install a dropper post – and sizes XS and up can be upgraded to a bigger 120 mm fork when you’re ready to take on bigger trails.

A bike for everyone We believe that every rider deserves a well-fitted bike, that’s why the Marlin is available in every size from XXS to XXL – and even an 'extra-medium' size for riders who fall in between a medium and large. Each size is tuned to its riders, with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size, so every rider has comfortable standover height. Smaller, XXS and XS frames also feature a curved top tube to boost confidence and make getting on and off a breeze.

• Shop XS bikes

Make Marlin yours Whether you’re regularly ripping up the trail or a rugged city commuter, your Marlin can be fully customised with a treasure-trove of accessories. From kickstands and grips to bottle cages and bags, you can turn your Marlin into the perfect bike for your everyday ride.

• Deck out your Marlin

Trek warranty and backing We believe that when you put your heart and soul into something, you should have the stomach to back it up. That’s why we stand behind all Trek bikes with a limited-lifetime warranty. From your first ride to your 500th, we’ll be here for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your Marlin. All you have to do is pop into your local Trek retailer and you’ll find all the support you need to get back spinning in no time.

The Marlin family Both generations of Marlins are true mountain bikes aimed at the rider who wants a versatile hardtail capable of off-road singletrack or in-city missions. Both generations have a 100 mm travel suspension fork and 29” wheels on most sizes except for smaller sizes with proportionate suspension travel and wheels, thus making it a great bike for shorter riders as well.

Marlin Gen 2

Get all-around versatility on Marlin Gen 2. It fits up to 2.2˝ tyres, and features balanced, neutral geometry that keeps you comfortable and in control as you venture off-road.

Marlin Gen 3

Get serious trail capability with Marlin Gen 3’s bigger, 2.4˝ tyre clearance, internal dropper post routing and a stiffer, more secure ThruSkew rear axle. Plus, its updated longer, slacker geometry gives you a boost in stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds.

Looking for something more to fill your singletrack appetite?

If you’re itching for a lighter weight, even faster hardtail, the X-Caliber is your ride. It’s light, sleek and efficient – perfect for new riders, cross-country racers and anyone who wants to cover a lot more trail miles in a lot less time.

The Roscoe delivers the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package. The laid-back geometry that gives you tons of stability on rowdier trails, and it rolls on big 2.6˝ tyres that give tons of traction for getting through rough and tricky sections of trail.