The history of mountain biking has been a short one, since the late 1970’s and early 80’s, and many bike brands began by repurposing road bikes to be used on mountainous trails. Some of the very best mountain bike brands today have been around since then, such as Trek and GT Bicycles, establishing the standard for all mountain bikes to come. While younger brands such as Santa Cruz and Pivot, have added technological innovations designed to tame the rough terrains.
The Different Types Of Mountain Bike Brands Sell
There is a lot that goes into the development of mountain bikes and because the environment they are used in contains diverse and sometimes unpredictable obstacles, there are three different types of mountain bikes that will help you overcome them safely and enhance your performance.
Cross country mountain bikes are built for pedalling performance, especially against those spirit-crushing hill climbs. A trail bike is a great all-rounder that comes with more suspension and chunkier tires for better stability and traction. Finally, you’ve got the enduro bikes that have a geometry that favours downhill descents and are commonly used during races.
Thanks to modern technology, most mountain bike brands have been developing a new type in the form of the electric bike, or e-mtb. They use rechargeable batteries to power electronic drive units that assist riders anywhere from adjusting power to the wheels, to changing gears without taking your hands off the pedals.
Features Of All Modern Mountain Bikes
Compared to road bikes, mountain bikes have an almost overwhelming amount of features, and it can be difficult to pin down which are the most important ones. The majority of mountain bike brands focus their attention on suspension which is the system connected to both wheels that absorbs impact, improving traction and overall comfort. The variety of suspensions you will find are full, dual, and single-pivot suspension.
Another major feature that you’ll come across is the drivetrain. This is a term that compiles a large group of features under one term and is essentially the engine of a mountain bike. A drivetrain includes the crankset, chain, and brakes among many others. Mountain bike brands will often advertise the drivetrain as one whole system.
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Trek
Eventually growing into a world leader in bike technology, the brand's range of bikes include innovations that are not just limited to the highest-end models. If you are looking for the best, the ‘E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS’ mountain bike is light and fast with a carbon frame that is built to ride like a cross country bike but includes race-worthy suspension technology.
Devinci
If you are looking for features that will give you confidence on the trail, no matter how long your ride is, then Devinci’s range offers that and more. With the ‘AC GX1 E-Bike’, you’ll find technology meets engineering, thanks to an 11-speed GX drivetrain and their patented ‘Aluminum Optimum’ constructed frame with modern enduro geometry.
Vitus
Designed to overcome any obstacles you come across out on the trail, their range includes endurance for rough terrain and even bikes optimised for downhill. The ‘Dominer Downhill’ mountain bike offers agile suspension with a lightweight alloy frame and Maxxis tyres that ensure maximum grip, even down those slippery slopes.
GT Bicycles
If the mountain trails are your riding destination of choice, then GT Bicycles range of mountain bikes will provide stability and improved rollover across uneven terrain. The ‘GT Avalanche’ is the best on offer and features an aluminium triple triangle frame and hydraulic disk brakes.
Mongoose
The brand has always been a part of extreme sports and their mountain bikes have been developed by people who understand what you will come across out on the trails. With the ‘Dolomite’ mountain bike, you’ll find that no terrain is too much thanks to its oversized tyres that can handle any bumps and obstacles in your way.
Orbea
Each bike in their range has been given a meticulous level of attention and the technical artistry of the sleek and rounded frames reflects their history. The ‘Occam M30’ also brings the functionality of a modern mountain bike, with EVOL rear shock absorbers and top of the line Shimano hydraulic disk brakes.
Santa Cruz
Ever since then the brand has continued to craft bikes that help riders go further and faster, and their range of mountain bikes will perform for any trail enthusiast. The ‘Nomad Carbon X01’ bike features an aggressive and slack geometry that will keep you confident down steep terrain, and suspension built for performance and adjustability, even on the move.
Yeti Cycles
With a pedigree like that, you can be sure that Yeti’s range of mountain bikes will support you on the trails, no matter how fast you are going. To prove it, they’ve engineered the ‘Turq T2 X01 Eagle’, which features 27 inch wheels that can roll over even the most unexpected trail marks, and a 65 degree head tube that will give you confidence down the steepest slopes.
Pivot
The range of their mountain bikes is the result of such rapid progression in the industry and they show no signs of slowing down. With the ‘Switchblade Pro XT’, you’ll find a sturdy carbon fibre frame and a masterful suspension platform that will give you greater responsiveness and enhanced rear-wheel traction.
Schwinn
Even though they came out in the 1980’s, Schwinn’s range of mountain bikes are among their latest iteration of bicycles. The ‘Axum DP’ mountain bike is the result of centuries of experience and features an aluminum frame with a 100mm suspension fork that absorbs bumps on the trails.
Hiland
Their range of mountain bikes are constructed around this idea, and no matter your budget or what kind of ride you are undertaking, they will meet your expectations of quality and performance. The ‘27 inch, 27-speed’ mountain bike is the best on offer with an aluminum frame and a responsive lock-out suspension fork.
Cannondale
They’ve continued their devotion to innovation with their range of mountain bikes that include e-bikes and bikes with full and dual-suspension. Among the very best on offer is the ‘Topstone Neo 2021’ electric bike that features a carbon frame and a maximum sustained speed of 20 miles per hour.
Rocky Mountain
With a backyard like that, you can trust that these bikes have been tested the right way, on the trails they were designed for. The ‘Altitude Carbon 70’ mountain bike is the perfect companion for those difficult ascents, with it’s adjustable geometry, 12-speed drivetrain and a hill-crushing gear range.
Ibis
The range is focused on quality over quantity, with only a handful of models that have been given the expert treatment in engineering and design. With the ‘Ripmo V2’ model, you’ll find a 76-degree seat tube angle that places riders centrally over the pedals, and rear suspension that features extra-light, hush-speed compression.
Norco
Mountain biking is their pride and joy, and all of their bikes have been tested in the rugged landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. The ‘Aurum HSP C1 2021’ bike is among the most advanced in their range, with a single pivot suspension, downhill optimised kinematics and an idler pulley to ensure the suspension absorbs every obstacle between you and your destination.
Diamondback
With the ‘Atroz 2’ mountain bike, you’ll find full-suspension for riders who like a little more cushion against those rough terrains. Featuring reliable braking and shifting, and an air-sprung rear suspension that smoothes out those bumpy patches, making it a perfect first bike for beginners.
Rock Rider
If you are a mountain biker looking to start out on the trails but are intimidated by the amount of information that goes into choosing the right one, Rock Rider has you covered. With the ‘XC500’, you’ll find a great all-rounder that includes efficient geometry, lightweight feel and shock absorbing brakes.
Niner
The range of mountain bikes available are perfect for cross country riding and can withstand the impact of a dirt jump, keeping you stable and secure the whole time. With the ‘RIP 9 RDO’ mountain bike, you’ll find their massive 29-inch wheels and a carbon fibre frame complete with CVA suspension.
Specialized Bicycles
They live and breath cycling, and the range of mountain bikes includes something for the trail, cross country and even enduro bikes for those high-speed descents. With suspension that delivers on control and bump absorption, that is imbued with their all-new Brain technology that adjusts the suspension between firm and plush while on the go. Check out the ‘Stumpjumper’ series for the very best on offer.