Types of Mountain Bikes: Choose the Best One for YouWith all the different types of mountain bikes on the market, are you feeling overwhelmed with where to start in choosing a mountain bike? For example, are you wondering how much suspension you need, whether you should get a hardtail or full suspension, or the difference between a cross country and all mountain bike? If you have questions similar to these, I know exactly how you feel because I had them too, which is why I created this page.
When I bought my first mountain bike, I didn't do very good research on the different types of mountain bikes that were available. I just knew I wanted a bike and impulsively bought the first bike I saw. I did not compare mountain bikes to see what type was the best fit for me. Needless to say, I regretted that decision later. I definitely did my research before purchasing my next mountain bike and I was so much happier with my decision! Hardtail vs. Full Suspension Hardtail vs. Full-SuspensionMountain bikes have shocks only in the front, in the front and rear, or no shocks at all.
The hardtail mountain bike has suspension only in the front fork. Hardtail mountain bikes are often designed for either racing or recreational riding. 
The full suspension mountain bike has suspension both in the front and back. There are several different categories of full suspension mountain bikes, each designed with a different riding purpose in mind. Rigid mountain bikes are also a type of cross country mountain bike; however, they are becoming more uncommon. Rigid mountain bikes are basically mountain bikes with no shocks. Cross Country Mountain BikesCross country or XC mountain bikes are the most common types of mountain bikes because they are versatile and relatively lightweight.Most mountain bike companies further divide cross country mountain bikes into two categories and offer some version of a lightweight racing cross country bike and a more versatile trail cross country mountain bike designed for longer rides.
All Mountain BikesAn All mountain bike or enduro mountain bike is similar to a cross country mountain bike in that it can be ridden uphill and downhill, but it has more suspension in the front and back, usually around 140-160 mm of travel, to handle harder and more technical obstacles. Bikes in the all mountain category are generally heavier than cross country bikes, typically weighing between 30 and 35 pounds. Downhill Mountain Bike
The downhill mountain bike is used for riding downhill quickly and is designed with this specific purpose in mind. Downhill mountain bikes are heavy and are not made for climbing. They often have around 180-220 mm of suspension. These types of mountain bikes are usually hauled up a chairlift or in a vehicle and then ridden downhill. Learn more about downhill mountain bikes. Freeride Mountain BikeThe freeride mountain bike is similar to the downhill mountain bike; however, it is more easily maneuvered on technical stunts and is often lighter than a downhill bike. Freeride types of mountain bikes are built for jumping and other technical stunts. They often have around 160-180 mm of suspension.Single Speed Mountain BikeThe single speed mountain bike has only one gear. These bicycles are more cost efficient, low maintenance, lighter, and quieter than their geared counterpart. Because there is only one gear, mountain bikers who ride these types of mountain bikes are usually in relatively good physical shape. Single speed mountain bikes are usually either hardtail or rigid.29er Mountain Bikes29er mountain bikes are increasingly becoming more popular. The typical mountain bike has wheels that are approximately 26 inches in diameter when the tire is included. The 29 inch mountain bike has larger wheels that are approximately 29 inches in diameter, including the tire.The reason for the larger wheels is because they roll over obstacles more easily than the 26-inch wheels. These types of mountain bikes may be full suspension, hardtail, or rigid.
Learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of 29er mountain bikes.
Women's Mountain BikesWomen's mountain bikes, which are often called Women Specific Design (WSD) mountain bikes, are designed to fit the average body type of a female rider. Women are often smaller, lighter, and have shorter torsos and arms than males. If you are a woman who has this body type, a women's mountain bike is an option you may want to consider.Folding Mountain BikeThe folding mountain bike is versatile, lightweight, and very portable. These types of mountain bikes can be folded to fit into a suitcase, so they can be taken on a plane, train, bus or boat.
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