Average Mountain Bike Weight (With 7 Examples)
Mountain bikes weigh significantly more than gravel and road bikes, sometimes by as much as 15 lbs (6.8 kg). Only fat bikes have a similar average weight, but the range isn’t identical since mountain bikes have more variants. So, what is the average mountain bike weight?
The average mountain bike’s weight depends on its type. Downhill mountain bikes have an average weight of 35 lbs (15.9 kg). The average weight of cross-country bikes is around 28 lbs (12.7 kg). Enduro and trail mountain bikes’ average weights are within this range.
A trail mountain bike can be as light as a cross-country bike, whereas an enduro bike can be as heavy as a downhill mountain bike. Many factors influence a mountain bike’s weight, such as its frame material, gear, suspension, etc. Read on to know more about mountain bike weights.
The Average Mountain Bike Weight for 7 Distinct Variants
There are four distinct types of mountain bikes and a few variants of these standard models. The four broad classifications are:
- Downhill: heaviest
- Enduro: heavier
- Trail: heavy
- Cross-country: light
The variants of these types of mountain bikes include all possible customizations, from frames to gear. There are electric mountain bikes that are heavier than their standard variants in the distinct categories. Plus, the suspension type influences the weight, whether full or hardtail.
The same type of mountain bikes with similar configurations may have a substantial difference in their weights, such as due to the gear, mech, and other specs. Furthermore, manufacturers have their takes on the design, geometry, and structural features of mountain bikes.
Downhill Mountain Bike Weight Examples
The Trek Session 9 X01 weighs 37.66 lbs (17.08 kg). The 7-speed downhill mountain bike with a 1x drivetrain has an alloy frame, which Trek brands as alpha platinum aluminum. The Session 8 29 GX from Trek is a slightly heavier downhill mountain bike weighing 38.98 lbs (17.68 kg).
The Commencal Supreme DH Team mountain bike weighs 38.36 lbs (17.4 kg) for the small size without pedals. The 7-speed downhill mountain bike has an aluminum alloy frame. Commencal has a slightly lighter FRS Ride for downhill racing and riding, weighing 36.37 lbs (16.5 kg).
YT has a few light downhill mountain bikes in its Tues series. YT Tues Pro weighs only 35.05 lbs (15.9 kg). The Pro Race downhill mountain bike from YT Industries is even lighter at 33.95 lbs (15.4 kg). Both Pro and Pro Race are 7-speed mountain bikes with UM carbon frames.
The Santa Cruz V10 DHS downhill mountain bike weighs 35.09 lbs (15.92 kg), primarily due to its carbon frame. Santa Cruz has an even lighter variant in the V10 DH X01, which weighs only 33.42 lbs (15.16kg). Both are 7-speed downhill bikes with a few different gear components.
Generally, a downhill mountain bike with a carbon fiber frame weighs less than those made of aluminum alloys, steel, or titanium. Also, the CC grade of carbon fiber that Santa Cruz uses is a bit lighter than the C quality of the same material without any other characteristic difference.
If you want a downhill mountain bike weighing less than 35 lbs (15.9 kg), you have to look for a carbon fiber frame. But many riders prefer heavier downhill bikes, especially when they will be using the lift anyway for the uphill ascent. Besides, these bikes aren’t handy for uphill riding.
Enduro Mountain Bike Weight Examples
The Trek Slash 7 enduro mountain bike weighs 33.29 lbs (15.1 kg). The 12-speed bike has an alpha platinum aluminum frame. The 12-speed Slash 9.8 XT enduro bike from Trek weighs even less at 32.1 lbs (14.56 kg). Most Trek enduro mountain bikes are well under 35 lbs (15.9 kg).
Commencal has both light and heavy enduro mountain bikes. The Commencal Meta HT XS weighs 30.86 lbs (14 kg), while its Clash Essential is heavier at 35.49 lbs (16.1 kg).
Both are 12-speed bikes for enduro rides, but several gears and specifications vary. Another 12-speed enduro bike, the Commencal Meta SX Ride, weighs 33.28 lbs (15.1 kg).
Similarly, YT has lighter and heavier enduro bikes. YT Capra Uncaged 6 weighs 32.62 lbs (14.8 kg), whereas Uncaged 9 is heavier at 35.49 lbs (16.10 kg). But most enduro mountain bikes are lighter than the average weight of 35 lbs (15.9 kg) for downhill models.
Santa Cruz has several editions of its Nomad 6 enduro mountain bikes, including both CC and C-grade carbon frames. Most of these models are lighter than the standard downhill mountain bikes, including the following:
- Nomad 6 X01 / Air / Carbon C / MX: 33.56 lbs (15.22 kg)
- Nomad 6 GX AXS / Air / Carbon C / MX: 33.62 lbs (15.25 kg)
- Nomad 6 S / Carbon C / MX: 34.3 lbs (15.56 kg)
- Nomad 6 R / Carbon C / MX: 34.84 lbs (15.8 kg)
Some enduro mountain bikes can be heavier than the average weight of 35 lbs (15.9 kg). Here are two examples:
- Nomad 6 GX AXS / Coil / RSV / Carbon C / MX: 35.6 lbs (16.15 kg)
- Nomad 6 GX AXS / Coil / Carbon C / MX: 35.68 lbs (16.18 kg)
Both these editions have coil suspension, not air. These weight thresholds are on the heaviest end of the spectrum for enduro bikes. In contrast, downhill mountain bikes can be much heavier, with some weighing well over 40 lbs (18.14 kg).
Considering the bestselling models of these leading manufacturers, the approximate average weight of enduro mountain bikes is 33 lbs (~15 kg).
Trail Mountain Bike Weight Examples
Some trail mountain bikes are as heavy as enduro models, but most are significantly lighter. The 12-speed YT Izzo Core 4 weighs only 28.21 lbs (12.8 kg). YT Industries’ Izzo Core 3 and Core 2 weigh 29.32 lbs (13.3 kg) and 30.42 lbs (13.8 kg), respectively.
Commencal has some of the heavier trail mountain bikes on the market. Its 12-speed Meta TR Race weighs 35.05 lbs (15.9 kg), but the Meta TR Signature model is lighter at 33.51 lbs (15.2 kg). The Commencal Meta TR Essential weighs 33.06 lbs (15 kg).
Santa Cruz has a bestselling trail mountain bike series in Hightower. The current generation of Hightower 3 models are moderately heavy for trail bikes but much lighter than downhill variants.
Here are a few Santa Cruz Hightower trail mountain bike models as per their weight:
- X01 / RSV / Carbon CC / 29: 30.88 lbs (14.01 kg)
- X01 / Carbon CC / 29: 31.09 lbs (14.1 kg)
- GS AXS / RSV / Carbon C / 29: 31.62 lbs (14.34 kg)
- GX AXS / Carbon C / 29: 31.72 lbs (14.39 kg)
- S / Carbon C / 29: 31.98 lbs (14.51 kg)
- R / Carbon C / 29: 32.02 lbs (14.52 kg)
Trek has some of the lightest trail mountain bikes. Its Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Gen 5 weighs 27.85 lbs (12.63 kg). Trek’s Roscoe 9 is a tad heavier at 28.95 lbs (13.13 kg). Both models are 12-speed trail bikes, but Fuel has Shimano’s XTR M9100 cassette, while Roscoe uses the SLX M7100.
Considering the lighter and heavier models of these leading brands, the average weight of trail mountain bikes is ~30 lbs (13.15 kg). There is a little overlap in the weight range of enduro and trail mountain bike models, but the latter is typically lighter, except for material differences.
Cross-Country Mountain Bike Weight Examples
Cross-country mountain bikes have a broad weight range due to an array of riding preferences and skills. Also, the diverse terrain you can use XC bikes on is a nonstarter for most downhill mountain bikes.
Downhill mountain bikes have an intense but limited purpose, so the models must have several essential features, including full suspension and a phenomenally sturdy frame, both of which add to the overall weight.
Cross-country mountain bikes don’t necessarily require full suspension, nor do they need the kind of travel that cyclists desire and require for downhill rides. Also, the frames don’t have to be as heavy and sturdy. Thus, you will find a significant impact of the varying specs and materials.
The Trek Top Fuel 5 weighs 33.71 lbs (15.29 kg). The same brand’s Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 has a weight of only 20.48 lbs (9.29 kg), and that too with tubes. Both models are cross-country bikes with 12-speed cassettes, but the frames and suspensions are vastly different.
Trek’s Top Fuel 5 is heavier than the average weight of trail mountain bikes. The weight is also a tad higher than the average of enduro mountain bikes, but this doesn’t imply that cross-country bikes are heavier, which is evident with the Supercaliber.
The Trek Top Fuel 5 has an aluminum alloy frame with 120 mm (4.72 inches) of travel. The fork has 130 mm (5.12 inches) of suspension. The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 has a carbon fiber frame with 60 mm (2.36 inches) of travel, albeit the fork suspension is 120 mm (4.72 inches).
The materials and gear components have a starker impact when the demands of a certain type of mountain bike are significantly diverse. Companies can use different materials and also offer a broader range of specs.
Also, many cyclists prefer slightly heavier bikes even when they ride cross-country. The extra weight contributes to stability and sturdiness, making XC bikes more versatile and somewhat safer on moderately demanding trails.
Still, cross-country mountain bikes are amongst the lightest in this niche. The Santa Cruz Blur cross-country mountain bikes, for example, are lighter than most enduro and trail variants. Here are the weights of the Blur cross-country mountain bike models:
- XX1 / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / 29: 22.56 lbs (10.23 kg)
- X01 / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / 29: 22.91 lbs (10.39 kg)
- X01 / Carbon CC / 29: 23.49 lbs (10.65 kg)
- XT / Carbon C / 29: 25.69 lbs (11.65 kg)
- S / Carbon C / 29: 26.18 lbs (11.86 kg)
With a range of around 22 lbs (~10 kg +/- 1) to almost 34 lbs (15.4 kg), it isn’t erroneous to conclude that the average mountain bike weight for XC or cross-country models is 28 lbs (12.7 kg).
Custom Mountain Bike Weight Examples
All mountain bikes have over a dozen components that can significantly affect the gross weight, i.e., without the rider. You have the liberty to customize a few components of a mountain bike, provided you choose an appropriate and compatible replacement or upgrade.
Consider the essential pedals, which are excluded from all the above-average mountain bike weight examples. You may choose a pair of reliable pedals weighing one of the following:
- 0.75 lbs (342 grams)
- 0.83 lbs (379 grams)
- 0.84 lbs (382 grams)
These weight differences don’t appear consequential. But if your pedals weigh 1 lb (454 grams), it crosses a threshold.
Now, consider the difference between Shimano Saint SPD M820 pedals weighing 1.12 lbs (550 grams) and Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 with a weight of only 0.62 lbs (280 grams). You will end up with a half-pound difference in both the gross and net weights of your mountain bike.
Such a choice may not have a whopping impact, but multiple custom options have a cumulative effect on the eventual weight of your mountain bike. For instance, the type of crankset you have and the derailleurs you need will have a substantial effect.
A single crankset or 1x drivetrain has only one chainring, so you need just one derailleur for the rear mech or cassette. There is a minor difference in the weights of long cage and short cage rear derailleurs. But if you have a 2x or 3x drivetrain, you need a front derailleur for the crankset.
An extra derailleur may add up to 0.5 lbs (240 grams). And the 2x or 3x crankset will be heavier than the 1x drivetrain. All such components can combine to increase the weight of a mountain bike by a few pounds. Plus, you will need a left shift lever or front gear shifter for the crankset.
Electric Mountain Bike Weight Examples
Electric mountain bikes are the heaviest. However, some downhill mountain bikes may be a few pounds heavier than the standard electric variants, albeit those aren’t very common.
The YT Decoy series of electric mountain bikes has 3 models. Decoy’s Core 2 and Core 3 have the same weight, 50.70 lbs (23 kg). The Decoy Core 4 weighs less at 48.06 lbs (21.80 kg). All the 3 models are 12-speed electric mountain bikes available in the following sizes:
- S
- M
- L
- XL
- XXL
Commencal makes several electric mountain bikes for different terrains. One of the lightest models of Commencal is the MaxMax Power Sand, weighing 45.41 lbs (20.6 kg), but it has a 10-speed cassette.
The 12-speed Meta Power TR Ride weighs 51.08 lbs (23.5 kg). Commencal’s Meta Power TR Race is also a 12-speed electric bike, but it weighs a bit more at 53.79 lbs (24.4 kg). The Meta HT 24 Power for kids is probably its lightest electric bike model, weighing 41 lbs (18.8 kg).
Trek’s Rail electric mountain bikes are as heavy as Commencal’s Meta Power TR models. Here are the weights of a few Rail models:
- Trek Rail 9.8: 49.64 lbs (22.52 kg), with tubes
- Trek Rail 9.7: 50.20 lbs (22.77 kg), with tubes
- Trek Rail 5: 51.88 lbs (23.53 kg), with tubes
- Trek Rail 7: 52.94 lbs (24.01 kg), no tubes
These weights are for the medium-sized variants of these electric mountain bike models. Trek makes a few lighter models in the Fuel EXe series.
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT weighs only 39.91 lbs (18.10 kg), with no tubes. The Fuel EXe 9.7 is slightly heavier at 42 lbs (19.05 kg). Both are 12-speed electric mountain bikes. These models are among the lightest if you are looking at e-mountain bikes.
Electric mountain bikes are still in a nascent phase. However, considering the available options, the average mountain bike weight for electric models is around 45 lbs (20.4 kg).
Hardtail vs. Full Suspension Mountain Bike Weight Examples
Mountain bikes have either hardtail or full suspension. The latter is usually heavier. The type of suspension also has a role in determining the gross weight of a mountain bike. Furthermore, the travel or cushioning effect of the suspension influences the weight.
A hardtail mountain bike like the Canyon Exceed CF SLX 8 weighs only 22.44 lbs (10.18 kgs). Canyon’s Exceed CF 7 is also light for a cross-country mountain bike, weighing just 23.19 lbs (10.52 kg).
Compare the Exceed models to the Trek Top Fuel 7, which is also a cross-country bike but with full suspension. Trek’s Top Fuel 7 weighs 32.7 lbs (14.83 kg). Of course, the Fuel 7 also has a few features of a trail mountain bike.
If you compare two mountain bikes with similar specs, the type of suspension has a substantial effect on the weight. The Santa Cruz Nomad 6 GX AXS RSV model with air suspension weighs 33.54 lbs (15.21 kg), whereas the coil variant is heavier at 35.6 lbs (16.15 kg).
Additionally, the travel has a proportional impact on weight due to the size of the suspension. Here is the typical range of suspension or travel for different types of mountain bikes:
- Downhill: 180 to 250 mm (7 to 9.84 inches)
- Enduro: 140 to 180 mm (5.5 to 7.08 inches)
- Trail: 120 to 160 mm (4.72 to 6.3 inches)
- Cross-country: 100 to 140 mm (3.94 to 5.5 inches)
Final Thoughts
The average mountain bike weight goes down as you move from an electric and then a downhill model to enduro, trail, and cross-country variants. Some mountain bike types that are otherwise lighter may weigh more due to heavier materials, including gear components and other specs.