Different Types of Mountain Bikes: The Complete Guide

People often think that all mountain bikes are created equal when there are several different types that were designed for different mountain terrains. If you’re interested in mountain biking, it’s essential to know the difference between the types of mountain bikes so you can choose the right one for you. You don’t want to end up with a bike that doesn’t suit your riding style and needs.

Cross country, enduro, downhill, and freeride are the different types of mountain bikes available on the market today. These bikes have different specifications regarding geometry, weight, suspension, rigidity, and tire sizes.

In the rest of this article, I’ll go over each type of mountain bike so you can know its specifications and where to use them. I’ll also cover essential issues related to mountain biking, including how to choose a mountain bike and take care of it. Stay tuned!

Categories of Mountain Bikes

It’s important to know the main categories of mountain bikes before proceeding to their types. This way, you’ll know the best category of mountain bikes that meets your needs.

There are two basic categories of mountain bikes:

• Hardtail mountain bikes.
• Full suspension mountain bikes.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Hardtail mountain bikes have a unique suspension designed specifically for off-road biking. They only have a front suspension, while the back is fixed (hence the name “hardtail”). This makes them lighter than full-suspension bikes and cheaper too. The lightness of these bikes makes them all-purpose bikes, even if they do excel on bumpy roads.

Hardtail mountain bike suspensions are designed to handle the roughness of off-road terrains. They’ll absorb the shock of major and minor bumps, giving you a smoother ride and more control over your bike. 

This makes hardtail bikes some of the best mountain bikes for intense off-roading. 

You’ll excel with a mountain bike if you plan on riding in:

• Mountain trails
• Fire road trails
• Pump tracks
• Woodland paths
• Stone trails
• City streets

These bikes are also excellent for beginners as they are easy to control.

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes come with both sets of front and rear suspensions. They are on the heavier side as they come with all the bells and whistles to handle even the most extreme terrains. The extra weight is due to the addition of the rear suspension and the extra hardware required.

This means that full suspension mountain bikes will be heavier to operate and will require more power. 

Frames in full suspension mountain bikes have two pieces:

• A mainframe. This is the main body of the bike and holds everything together.
• A rear triangle. This consists of the seat stays and chain stays. It’s where the rear wheel is attached to allow for axle movement.

A full-suspension bike might be ideal for you if you’re looking for heavy-duty off-roading. 

Types of Mountain Bikes

Now that you know the primary categories of mountain bikes, it’s time to move to the different types of mountain bikes and their specifications.

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

Cross-country (XC) mountain bikes can either be hardtail or full suspension.

Full Suspension Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

These bikes have a steeper head angle than other mountain bikes. This design makes them faster and more efficient. The steeper head angle makes it easier to control the bike when riding at high speeds.

Cross-country mountain bikes have suspension travel of 80 to 120 mm (3.14 – 4.72 inches). This design is lightweight and helps with pedaling efficiency. The downside of this design is that it’s not as good at soaking up bumps as other mountain bikes.

The suspensions on these bikes are designed to prevent engaging when pedaling. Manufacturers accomplish this design differently. For instance, Specialized uses Brain System on their Epic model, while Trek uses their Active Braking Pivot (ABP).

Cross-country mountain bikes have 29-inch (73.66 cm) wheels. The larger wheels help with pedaling efficiency and are great for rolling over obstacles. The downside of these larger wheels is that they’re not as nimble as smaller wheels.

The geometry on cross-country mountain bikes is designed to be:

• Stable at high speeds
• Efficient when pedaling
• Comfortable for long rides

Hardtail Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

These are the lightweight version of cross-country mountain bikes. The lack of rear suspension makes these bikes lighter and more affordable.

Hardtail cross-country mountain bikes have lower-profile tires than other mountain bikes. The lower profile helps with pedaling efficiency and makes it easier to control the bike when riding at high speeds.

Although quicker on smooth terrains, lower-profile tires can be sketchy on rough surfaces.

The geometry on hardtail cross-country mountain bikes is similar to full suspension cross-country mountain bikes. The main difference is that hardtail cross-country mountain bikes have a lower bottom bracket. This design helps with pedaling efficiency and enhances maneuverability when riding at high speeds.

Hardtail cross-country mountain bikes are the best choice if you’re looking for a fast bike to ride on cross-country trails. These bikes are also a good choice if you want to race.

Trail Mountain Bikes

Trail mountain bikes are designed to be versatile. They can be ridden on a variety of terrains, including:

• Cross-country trails
• Enduro trails
• Downhill trails

Trail mountain bikes have suspension travel of 130 to 150 mm (5.11 – 5.90 inches). This design is suitable for soaking up bumps and provides stability on technical terrains. The downside of this design is that it’s heavier than other mountain bikes.

The suspensions on trail mountain bikes are designed to be:

• Active when pedaling
• Comfortable for long rides
• Stable on technical terrains

Most trail mountain bikes have 27.5-inch (69.85 cm) wheels (650b).

The smaller wheels make it easier to control the bike on technical terrains. The downside of these smaller wheels is that they’re not as good at rolling over obstacles as larger wheels.

The geometry on trail mountain bikes is designed to be:

• Comfortable for long rides
• Stable on technical terrain

Trail mountain bikes are the best choice if you’re looking for a versatile bike that can be ridden on different terrains. These bikes are also a good choice if you want to do some light-duty racing.

Enduro Mountain Bikes

Enduro mountain bikes are designed to be ridden on very technical terrains. These bikes grew out of the emergence of enduro racing. 

Enduro mountain bikes have more suspension travel than their cross-country and trail counterparts. Their suspension travel ranges between 140 and 160 mm (5.51 – 6.29 inches). This design is suitable for soaking up bumps and provides stability on technical terrains. The downside of this design is that it’s heavier than other mountain bikes.

Enduro mountain bikes have a slacker head angle suitable for descending at high speeds. However, this head angle makes it harder to control the bike on climbs.

Forks in enduro bikes have wider tubes (known as stanchions) to improve stiffness. This design increases the bike’s ability to soak up bumps while providing more stability on technical terrains.

These bikes have potent brakes that allow them to navigate slopes with steeper gradients.

Although you can ride an enduro bike downhill and on soft terrains, the bike is designed for more challenging terrains where you need to push yourself.

Enduro mountain bikes are the best choice if you’re looking for a bike that can handle very technical terrain. These bikes are also a good choice if you want to do some heavy-duty racing.

Downhill Mountain Bikes

As you can imagine from the name, downhill bikes were designed to handle steep hills. These bikes have more suspension travel than other mountain bikes. Their suspension travel ranges between 160 and 200 mm (6.29 – 7.87 inches). This design facilitates the bike to soak up bumps while providing stability on steeper terrains. 

Downhill mountain bikes have a slacker head angle suitable for descending at high speeds. Thus, riding these bikes uphill is no different from walking. 

The slacker head angle makes it hard to control the bike on climbs as it’s suited for steeper descends.

These bikes are able to handle descents so well thanks to their dual-crown forks. These types of forks give the bike enough support to go downhill without a hitch.

Downhill mountain bikes are the best choice if you’re looking for a bike that can handle terrains with a steep gradient. These bikes are not suitable for riding on any other terrain. Using them on smooth or uphill terrains makes pedaling a challenge.

Freeride Mountain Bikes

Freeride mountain bikes are a cross between cross-country and downhill bikes. However, these bikes are lighter than their downhill counterparts. They are also fitted with stable components to withstand extreme jumps of up to 20 meters (65.61 ft).

The most distinguishing feature of a freeride mountain bike is its low bottom bracket. This design makes the bike more stable when landing big jumps.

Freeride bikes have shorter chainstays to enable the rider to perform manual tricks such as wheelies and hops. These bikes also have slacker head angles for improved descending capabilities.

With a full suspension, freeride mountain bikes are suitable for:

• Very steep terrains
• Long drops and high jumps
• Technical obstacles like rocks and roots

How To Choose a Mountain Bike

Choosing the right mountain bike for you is the first step to becoming a mountain biking enthusiast. Each type of mountain bike is designed for a specific purpose. Therefore, knowing what kind of bike you need before purchasing is essential.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a mountain bike:

Get the Right Frame Size

Frame size is an essential component when choosing a mountain bike. Most mountain bike manufacturers offer different frame sizes. Thus, selecting a size that’s comfortable for you is vital.

The right frame size ensures:

• You can stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground.
• The handlebars are at a comfortable height.
• The seat is at the right height.

The reach (distance from the saddle to the bars) is essential when looking at the right-fit mountain bike frame size. A bike with a longer reach will be more comfortable for taller riders. On the other hand, a shorter reach is better for smaller riders.

Stack (distance from the ground to the top of the headtube) is also crucial in determining the correct frame size. Choosing a mountain bike with the right stack ensures you’ll be comfortable riding.

If you want to go for a bike with a short seat tube, ensure you can get a full pedaling height without adjusting the seat post. This is crucial to eliminate riding strain.

Choose the Right Suspension

Mountain bikes come with different suspension designs. The amount of suspension you need depends on where and how you’ll ride your bike.

Apart from the rear shock, full suspension mountain bikes come with linkages, bearings, and extra manufacturing, which makes them heavier and more expensive.

On the other hand, hardtail mountain bikes have a more straightforward suspension design. These bikes are lighter and cheaper than their full-suspension counterparts. Hardtail mountain bikes are suitable for cross-country and general trail riding.

On the other hand, full-suspension mountain bikes are the best choice if you’re looking to tackle technical terrains. These bikes are also more comfortable to ride on rough trails. Therefore, the type of terrain you’ll be riding on is the main focus when choosing between suspensions.

Choose the Right Wheel Size

Mountain bikes come in two main wheel sizes:

• 27.5 inches (69.85 cm) 
• 29 inches (73.66 cm) 

It’s worth mentioning that wheel size is not a definitive indicator of how a mountain bike will perform. The right wheel size depends on your riding style, terrain, and personal preferences.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing between wheel sizes:

• 27.5-inch (69.85 cm) wheels offer more traction and stability than 29-inch wheels. These wheels are also lighter, making them easier to maneuver. As a result, they are excellent for more aggressive trails and downhill riding.
• On the other hand, 29-inch wheels are best for cross-country riding and riders who want a fast bike. These wheels roll over obstacles more easily than smaller wheels.

In general, 27.5 inches (69.85 cm) wheels are the best choice for most mountain bike riders. These wheels offer a good balance of traction, stability, and maneuverability.

Choose the Right Drivetrain

The drivetrain is the system that moves the bike forward.

It consists of:

• Crankset
• Chainrings
• Cassette
• Derailleurs
• Shifters

The number of gears on a mountain bike depends on the number of chainrings and cogs on the cassette.

The most common drivetrains are:

• One by (Single-Speed). One front chainring with full back gears on the cassette.
• Two by (Double-Speed). Has two different-sized front chainrings.
• Three by (Triple-Speed). Has three different-sized front chainrings.

The type of drivetrain you need depends on the terrain you’ll be riding on and your personal preferences.

A single-speed drivetrain is a good choice if you’re planning to ride on flat terrain. This drivetrain is simple and lightweight.

A double-speed or triple-speed drivetrain is better if you plan to ride on hilly terrain. These drivetrains offer more gears for climbing hills.

Choose the Right Brakes

Mountain bikes come with two main types of brakes:

• Disc brakes. Have brake pads that reduce speed by gripping the brake rotor on the wheel hub. They can either be hydraulic or cable-activated.
• Rim brakes. Have pads that grip onto the rim wheels to reduce or stop the bike.

The brake you need depends on your riding style and the terrain you’ll be riding on.

Disc brakes are more powerful than rim brakes. They offer better stopping power, especially in wet and muddy conditions. However, they are more expensive and require more maintenance.

On the contrary, rim brakes are less powerful than disc brakes. However, they are cheaper and require less maintenance.

In general, disc brakes are the best choice for most mountain bike riders. These brakes offer more stopping power and are more durable than rim brakes.

Get the Right Bike Size

Mountain bikes come in the following sizes:

• S-Small
• M-Medium
• L-Large

You should choose a mountain bike size that corresponds with your height. Selecting a shorter or taller mountain bike will make riding a challenge by affecting your balance and control.

Here is a general guide to mountain bike sizes:

• Small. A small mountain bike is the best choice if you’re under five feet (1.52 m) tall.
• Medium. A medium mountain bike is the best choice if you’re between five and six feet (1.52 and 1.82 m).
• Large. This is the best choice of a bike if you’re over six feet (1.82 m) tall.

It’s essential to go for a test ride to get the perfect-fit size of bike for you. Test rides are available at most bike shops. These rides give you an idea of how the bike will feel and perform on the trails.

Alternatively, you can use a bike size chart. The chart shows you the range of the best heights for a given bike size. Therefore, you can use your height to identify where you fit within the chart and get an appropriate bike.

The Right Gear for Your Mountain Bike

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,000 cyclist fatalities are reported yearly in the United States of America. The country also reports more than 130,000 bike-related injuries per annum.

Such statistics demonstrate why mountain bike gear is essential. The right gear will help protect you from injuries in an accident. It will also make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are some mountain bike gears you need:

Bike Helmet

ResearchGate reveals that 33% of bike-related injuries affect the head. Thus, putting on a helmet is the best way to keep your head safe in the case of an accident.

A bike helmet is the most crucial safety gear for a mountain biker. It protects your head from impact in the event of a fall or collision.

When choosing a bike helmet, look for one made of durable materials. The helmet should also be a good fit to stay in place during a crash.

Bike Gloves

Your hands are essential for your ride because they control the handlebars, gears, and brakes. However, they risk getting injured in the event of a fall.

Bike gloves help protect your hands from injuries by providing padding and absorbing vibrations. They also make your riding safe by improving your grip on the handlebars. This makes it easy to maneuver tight bends and rough terrains.

When choosing bike gloves, look for a pair made of breathable materials. The gloves should also have an excellent fit to ensure they don’t slip off during a ride.

In case of an accident, gloves protect you from:

• Cuts and bruises
• Scrapes
• Insect bites
• Bumps

Bike Shoes

Your feet are another essential part of your body for mountain biking. They provide power to the pedals and help you maintain balance on the bike. However, they are also at risk of getting injured in a fall.

Bike shoes help protect your feet from injuries by providing support and absorbing impact. They also ensure sufficient pedaling power to help you ride up steep inclines.

The following tips will help you choose the right bike shoes for your mountain bike:

• Choose shoes made of durable and breathable materials like canvas or rubber.
• Ensure the shoes have a good fit to avoid slipping off during a ride.
• Pick shoes with treads that provide good traction on pedals and wet surfaces.
• Choose mountain biking shoes with cleats if your bike has clipless pedals.
• Wear shoes with ankle protection to protect you from mud and ankle injuries.
• Waterproof mountain bike shoes are suitable in rainy and icy areas.

Sunglasses of Goggles

Mountain biking involves traversing diverse terrains under different weather conditions.

This exposes your eyes to:

• Harmful UV rays
• Dust
• Debris
• Insects

Sunglasses or goggles help protect your eyes from such elements by providing a barrier between them and your eyes. They also improve your vision by reducing glare and filtering harmful UV rays.

You should wear sunglasses with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if you aim to protect your eyes from UV rays. Such glasses should also have an anti-fog coating to prevent them from fogging in cold weather.

Go for sunglasses with side shields if you’ll be riding in dusty conditions. These help keep dust and debris out of your eyes.

Insect-repellent glasses are ideal for biking in wooded areas. They help keep bugs away from your face, which can be a distraction during a ride.

Lastly, clear goggles are ideal for night riding. They help improve your vision in low-light conditions.

Bike Lights

According to the National Library of Medicine, bike lights protect cyclists from multiparty accidents.

Mountain biking often occurs in remote areas with little street lighting. This makes it difficult to see obstacles on the trail, which increases the risk of accidents.

Bike lights help improve visibility in such conditions by providing a clear view of the trail ahead. They also make you more visible to other cyclists and motorists, which reduces the risk of accidents.

When choosing bike lights, go for those that are:

• Bright
• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Rechargeable
• Easy to mount on your bike

Chest Guard

Mountain biking exposes your chest to high impact in the event of a fall. This increases the risk of injuries such as broken ribs and bruises.

A chest guard helps protect your chest from impact by absorbing shocks. It also reduces the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.

It’s crucial to note that your chest is also exposed to high-speed winds because mountain biking involves riding in the open. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially if you have a chest injury. A chest guard helps reduce the wind that hits your chest, making riding more comfortable.

How To Care for Your Mountain Bike

After deciding the type of mountain bike you want, you must care for it and ensure it remains in good condition. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your mountain bike running smoothly:

Clean the Bike Regularly

Cleaning your bike helps remove dirt, grime, and debris that can damage the bike’s components or cause rusting. You should clean your bike after every ride to prevent such build-up.

You should clean the bike more often if you live in a dusty area to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

Lubricate the Bike Parts

Lubricating your bike’s parts help reduce friction and prevent rusting. It’s advisable to lubricate the bike’s chain, pedals, and gears after every ride.

You can also use a bicycle-specific lubricant to protect your bike from corrosion.

It’s worth mentioning that it’s vital to consult your bike’s manual before using any lubricant on the gears. This is because some bike parts shouldn’t be lubricated.

Inspect the Bike Before Every Ride

It’s advisable to inspect your bike before every ride, even if you just cleaned and lubricated it. This helps ensure that all the parts are in good condition and functioning properly.

You should check the bike’s:

• Tires
• Brakes
• Chain
• Gears
• Wheels
• Suspension

You should also ensure the bike is correctly tuned before every ride. This helps prevent accidents and mechanical issues.

Inflate the Tires

Your tires must have the recommended pressure before embarking on any riding. This helps improve the bike’s handling and also prevents flats.

You should also check the tires for cracks, bulges, or cuts and replace them immediately if you find any damage.

Tire pressure depends mainly on the terrain, tire size, and whether it has a tube or is tubeless.

A rule of thumb is to follow the below guidelines:

• A 27.5-inch (69.85 cm) tire with a tube. 28 psi for the front and 32 psi for the back tire.
• A 27.5-inch (69.85 cm) tubeless tire. 22 psi for the front and 26 psi for the back tire.

Final Thoughts

Mountain bikes come in different varieties to fit specific terrains and riding needs. Choosing the right bike for your intended purpose is essential to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. Apart from being comfortable, the bike should also withstand your terrain’s nature.