6 Best Mountain Bikes – Reviews and Comparison

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Best Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes are a great way to make your life more exciting. You can use them for exercise or to get from A to B. Choosing the best mountain bike isn’t always easy. There are several things to consider if you want to avoid buying the wrong model.

Our product reviews will help you to find the best mountain bike. If you are still not sure which one to get, the buying guide below will help you identify the most important features to look for.

Top 3 Best Mountain Bikes (Summary)

 

Image Product Details  
Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain... Easiest to AssembleSchwinn
  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Great front and rear brakes
  • Multiple designs to choose from
Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain... Most ComfortableHuffy
  • 21-speed, offering plenty of control
  • 24-inch knobby tires
  • Great for adolescents between 12 and 19
ROYCE UNION RMA 27.5' Mens 21-Speed... Royce Union RMA
  • Multiple size options
  • Durable aluminum frame
  • EZ-Fire triggers help you easily switch between 21 gears

For more detailed and complete product reviews on the benefits and features of these bikes, keep reading.

6 Best Mountain Bikes in 2020

1. Schwinn High Timber

The Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike comes with a 13-inch frame size. You can choose between a teal or silver design. 

 

While a one-size design, this bike isn’t without variety. The handlebar can be adjusted up or down a few centimeters to adapt to different riders. 

 

The bike also has front and rear brakes. This makes sure that when you stop, it’s clean, quick and has a reduced risk of the bike flipping forward on sudden stops. 

 

Another handy thing about this product is that it’s easy to assemble. You aren’t going to have to struggle for hours to get it ready to ride. 

 

Pros

  • Adjustable handlebar
  • Front and rear brakes ensure safe and smooth stops
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Some bikes show wear from shipping

2. Schwinn High Timber

The first thing that you’ll notice about Mongoose Dolomite Bike is the set of very large tires installed. These are meant to handle any type of terrain you might ride on. 

 

The bike uses a Shimano rear derailleur with seven speeds. This can help to control the effort you need to put into riding and can be especially helpful to handle changes in terrain like steep hills. 

 

The headset is threadless and adjustable. So, even though it has a fixed size, it’s made to accommodate different riders. All in all, it works for adults who are between 5’6” and 6” tall. 

 

This is another model with rear and front brakes. You’ll be able to stop cleanly and safely as you ride. 

Pros

  • Fat tires can handle any terrain
  • 7-speed design helps conquer tough terrain or add to your workout
  • Lightweight alloy rims keep the bike lightweight

Cons

  • Doesn’t fit riders below 5’6” or over 6” tall

3. Huffy Bicycle

 Huffy is a huge name when it comes to bikes and it delivers quality with their mountain bike. This particular model is recommended for children and teens between 12 and 19. It even has a seat height adjustment to cater to different rider heights. 

 

The bike has 21 speeds and a micro shift twister to quickly flip between options. That helps you to adapt to speed, terrain and preferred level of effort. 

 

It has 24-inch knobby tires. These give you plenty of grip and traction on the trails. In areas where there’s loose dirt or uneven ground, this goes a long way. 

 

There are linear pull hand brakes that can be triggered at a moment’s notice. You can use this to make quick stops when necessary. 

Pros

  • Great bike for adolescents between 12 and 19
  • 21-speeds offer plenty of control
  • Krayton grips are comfortable to hold onto for long periods of time

Cons

  • Owner’s manual can be hard to understand

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 Hiland Mountain Bike comes in both medium and large sizes. This will accommodate riders from 5’8” and 6’1”.

 

The bike uses Shimano M315 hydraulic brakes. This makes stopping smooth and quick and as easy as pulling a lever. 

 

The model also pays close attention to the suspension. It uses a Suntour SF15-XCM suspension fork to ensure a smooth ride for you in any condition. 

 

Finally, the manufacturer wanted to make sure they offered something that was built to last. In fact, they even offer a 2-year warranty in case anything goes wrong. 

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Pros

  • Hydraulic disc brakes stop quickly and smoothly
  • Suspension system gives you a smooth ride

  • 2-year warranty backs up this bike’s durability

Cons

  • Won’t fit riders shorter than 5’8”

5. Royce Union RMA

 Royce Union RMA Mountain Bike is made especially for men. This can be a great benefit if you’re a little taller and looking for the right fit. You can choose between an 18, 20 or 22-inch frame. This covers a minimum inseam from 31.25 inches to 37.25 inches.

 

It uses a Shimano EZ-Fire trigger to switch between 21 speeds. It’s easy to control even if you’re on the move. 

 

The wheels on this bike are heavy-tread, all-terrain tires. This will help carry you through any trail you might visit. 

 

The aluminum body is going to last a long time. It’s durable and it won’t rust even if you end up taking a ride through the rain. The manufacturer backs up this durability with a 10-year frame warranty.

 

Pros

  • Multiple size options

  • EZ-Fire triggers help you easily switch between 21 gears

  • Durable aluminum frame backed by a 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Not made for particularly short riders

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 Diamondback Bicycles Bike comes in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. These sizes are 16, 18, 20and 22 inches, respectively. This makes it a great choice for a wide variety of rider heights.  

 

The body of the bike is a hand-built aluminum frame. This will help it last through any tough conditions you put it through. 

 

The tires have a deep tread. This makes it easy for them to grip the ground and handle tough terrain. 

 

Speaking of tough terrain, you can also depend on the suspension fork. This will help handle hilly, uneven trails. 

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Pros

  • Comes in multiple sizes

  • Aluminum frame is durable and rust-resistant

  • Suspension fork helps handle uneven terrain

Cons

  • No kickstand included

Guide on Choosing the Best Mountain Bike

There are several different features to consider when getting the best mountain bike. Even the smallest features which may not seem as important hold major importance. For helping you get the best of the best, our buying guide is compiled.  The following are the important features:

1. Wheel Size

Wheels are one of the most important parts of the mountain bike as they are the only connection of the bike and the surface. There are several wheel sizes available. The 26 inches provide light traction whereas 27.5 inches have a better traction and air volume than the former. The best and most heavy duty is the 29 inches wheels. They provide the most traction and the highest rollover ability. They are also most stable and work on all terrains.

2. Mountain Bike Frame Materials

There are several frame materials that mountain bikes are made up of. The following are a few and their descriptions;

  • Aluminum – Aluminum is the most common material as its heavy duty. It can make a light bike and is a cheaper option. They can be a little rough if there are no suspensions.
  • Carbon fiber – Carbon fiber is a great material but it can be hard to work with and can be very expensive. It is used in professional bikes and can hold a lot of weight too. However, it can be failed as soon as the carbon fails.
  • Steel – Steel is the most basic and least durable material. It is for the beginners’ bikes. It can be easily corroded.

3. Tire Size & Rim Width

The tire size is the width of the tire that needs to be considered. The thicker the tire, the better stability you have. However, wide tires can collect mud in them as well. Professional bikers tend to use a rim width of 1.8 to 2.2 inches. However, mountain bikers tend to use 2.1 to 2.4 inches of width for better speed and control.  The tire size and the rim width also depend on the type of tire.

The front tires of the bike will be slightly wider than the tires on the back. It allows these front tires to gain full control over the bike’s braking system. The rear tire tends to be narrower so that the tire can help in mud clearance. The rims are made with a with the intention of the handling of the tires on various terrains; rough terrains need thicker rims so that the tire may stay in place in all situations.

4. Fork & Rear Shock

The suspension forks are important in a mountain bike. These forks are responsible for allowing the rider more control and comfort when riding on rough terrains. They also help in tracking and steering in line too. The weight and the strength of the bike affect the choice of the fork. The rear shocks help in absorbing the shocks over the roughest terrains. They absorb the shock by the bump surface and allow better control over the bike.

5. Drivetrain

The Drivetrain of the bike includes a whole system which has the following:

  • Shifter and Derailleur – Shifter and derailleur work together in moving the chain. The movement of the chain is the gear shift system that controls the speed.
  • Cassette – Cassette is a cluster of cogs that are placed near the rear wheel. It helps to derive the speed of the bike according to the shifting system.

6. Seatpost

The seat post of the bike is a tube that connects the bike frame to the bike saddle. These are usually adjustable in height and be adjusted according to the needs of the rider. The right seat is very important to ensure comfort at all times when you ride.

It is also important to keep your balance according to your height when you are riding on uneven surfaces. Seatposts are usually changeable and can be adjusted if they are damaged with time. Even the seat at the top can be changed and made to be with extra padding.

7. Suspension types

The purpose of suspension in a mountain bike is to soften the point of intact with the body on the rough terrains. The suspension system makes the ride smoother and more controlled. Suspension types of mountain bikes can be very complicated and difficult to understand. The following are the few basic types that are important for you to know:

  • Rigid suspension – The rigid suspension is designed with two metal supports that help in keeping the wheel locked in one position. The rigid suspension is made with steel or titanium most commonly. However, they can be very heavy in weight.
  • Hardtail suspension – A hardtail suspension only has one suspension in the front wheel of the bike. The design of the bike is greatly affected with this kind of suspension. They are lighter and most under budget.
  • Full suspension – A bike with full suspension has suspension on its rear and front both. These bikes are the smoothest and most controlled in all terrains. However, they are heavier, and they may be very expensive. These suspensions are made for professionals most of the time and are made to ensure that the rider has full control over the change of speed and the steering of the bike.

8 Best Mountain Bike Brands

We have compiled a list of noteworthy brands to make it easier for you to choose the best brand.

1. Scott

Scott Sports Brand

Scott is the oldest of the brands mentioned in this post. It has over 60 years of experience under its belt. It not only deals in bicycles but also produces various other outdoor gears for all seasons. In 1958, Ed Scott who was an engineer and a ski racer introduced tapered aluminum for making ski poles.

At that time, steel and bamboo were quite common for this purpose. Since then, the company entered into new markets and brought in more innovation. The list of accolades of Scott is long, and throughout its 60 years, the company has significantly emphasized innovation as a philosophy.

2. GT Bicycles

GT Bicycles Brand

GT Bicycles also came into being in 1972, and it has seen all trends come and go since the time of its inception. The industry has changed a lot from the beginning, but one thing remains the same, and that is bike riding enthusiasts are all about pure fun.

For GT, fun is a serious business, and for this, they strive to achieve success through all their products. The people at the company are riders themselves too so they know what their customers’ needs and how can they provide them with products that make riding fun for them. Many professional riders and athletes embrace the brand for its high-quality bikes.

3. Specialized

Specialized Brand

Specialized came into being in the year 1974, and immediately it put all their efforts into equipping their bikes with quality tires. During that time, bikes didn’t come with quality tires. Specialized was the first one to introduce a mountain bike that was created for off-road experience.

So all you off-roaders out there; give all the credit to Specialized because they were the ones who thought about off-road biking. If you are looking for a safe ride for your next trip to the mountains, then Specialized should be your first preference. At Specialized, it’s all about giving something back to the community.

4. Yeti

Yeti Cycles Brand

Yeti began its business in 1985. The production team has a very simple perspective, and that is to create bikes that they want to ride. During that time mountain biking was very new, and Yeti was right on top of it by introducing a no-frills bike for the hardcore mountain bikers.

The advantage that the company had right from the beginning was many of the racers joined the R&D team, and the company was able to some of the outstanding designs best for mountain racing. Yeti has been very successful in mountain racing and has had many athletes on their race team including Jimmy Deaton, John Tomac, Juli Furtado, and the one and only Missy ‘The Missile’ Glove. All of them are the legends of the sport.

5. Kona

Kona Bicycle Brand

Kona believes in empowering their consumers with their bikes. The company’s philosophy is that a bike needs to be designed around the user and what s/he wants. If you want a bike your way, Kona is cool with that.

Since the beginning of 1988, a group of passionate cyclist has been running this company, and they understand what you need while riding. They started by introducing the first ever MTB fork (straight leg), and now there are over ten different versions of this fork. It is available for all range of 26-inch and 29-inch mountain bikes. A version of this fork is even available for 700cc asphalt bikes.

6. Giant Bicycles

Giant Bicycles Brand

Giant produces bikes for adventurous people who have no boundaries. It’s a reliable and reputable brand which is the number 1 choice of all bikers specifically mountain bikers. The company uses cutting-edge technologies to design and develop its bikes. The brand has made numerous appearances in Tour de France which goes to show the level of quality that we are talking about here.

Since the time of its inceptions, the company has grown and increased the number of its models. Giant Bicycles is the one who introduced the aluminum frame to the global market when steel was the standard. It first introduced the carbon fiber bikes as well. Giant also revolutionized the performance bikes by integrating Maestro suspension. The list of credentials goes on and on, and still, the company is hungry for more.

7. Trek

Trek Bike Brand

Trek is the company that doesn’t consider bike riding a sport or a recreational activity, for them, it is a passion. The company has been around for many years, and it has utilized its experience to produce different kinds of bikes. Road bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes you name it, and Trek has it.

The company uses state of the art technology to provide their consumers with the rides that are one of a kind. One of the best suspensions systems in the industry come from Trek. Their bikes are built for performance both on-road and off-road. Trek specifically emphasizes aerodynamics to create the designs of their bikes.

8. Diamondback

Diamondback Brand

Diamondback is a popular brand of mountain bikes with experience of 40 years. The brand has a strong reputation for producing durable mountain bikes at an affordable price. They manufacture a wide range of mountain bikes with amazing features.

The brand offers you bikes which are specially designed for mountain biking enthusiasts to deal with harsh trials. You can easily ride on a bumpy road without any hassle. Mountain bikes manufactured by Diamondback are designed to give you an efficient and effective performance on off-road trails. The beginners might find the brand a bit expensive, but it is worth your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How would I maintain Mountain Bike?

If you want to keep riding on your mountain bike smoothly, you need to maintain it properly. We have a few tips for you to keep your bike at its peak.

  • If you want your bike to last for years, make sure that you clean it properly every day.
  • Ensure that your brakes are working properly. Inspect them thoroughly during each mountain ride.
  • Your wheels are consistently exposed to dirt and mud, make sure that you take care of them.
  • Elevate your bike and spin your wheels to tune them properly.
  • Always keep your patch kit, tire levels, pump, and chain lube handy.

Q: How Are Mountain Bikes Sized?

The size of your mountain bike is generally according to your height. Many brands have a size chart which is correspondent to your height. Make sure that you choose the right size for yourself. Mountain bike manufacturers usually list the standard sizes as (S, M, and L)

If you choose the wrong size of your mountain bike, you’d have trouble controlling your bike on rough trails. You’d suffer from various handling problems if you plan to go on longer rides. Therefore, get the best fit to get the joy of the ride.

Q: What are the common types of Mountain Bikes

There are different types of mountain bikes which are specifically designed to tackle different road conditions. You can choose the one which suits your purpose.

  • Trail Bikes – Trail Bikers have a softer suspension which requires much effort from the rider to keep it moving. It’s a fun-to-ride bike which is suitable for light rides
  • Cross Country Bikes – Cross-country bikes are known to be the lightest mountain bikes. They give you the fastest riding experience.
  • Fat Bikes – The tires of these bikes are oversized. They give you spectacular traction and suitable for you to ride in the sand.
  • Downhill Bikes – These bikes are not suitable for climbing. As the name suggests, they are meant to drive downhill.

Conclusion

Mountain bikes are more than just heavy-looking bikes. They have a ton of different features to help them tackle difficult terrain. When selecting a mountain bike, make sure you identify your priorities first.

Every year, mountain bikes are gaining more and more features. Which features are important depends on whether you want a bike for sport, leisure or for professional competitions.

Our buying guide will help you find the features for all purposes so that your options are clear and you can make the decision much better. Also, choose something you like the look of! You don’t necessarily need to compromise on the color and style when choosing a high-performing bike.

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Sammy Garrard

I am the Founder and Chief Editor of outdoorsity.net and a prepper with over 15 years of experience. I’m excited to my knowledge and the things I learn while travelling in British Columbia, Canada where I live and around the world. Feel free to follow me on Twitter, Facebook!

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