The 7 Best Mountain Bike Brands

Mountain bikes are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore new places. They can be expensive, so it is essential to choose one that best meets your needs.

This article will review the seven best mountain bike brands on the market and what features they offer to find the best fit for you.

What Are The Best Mountain Bike Brands?

1. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz was founded in 1994 by skateboarding legend Rob Roskopp. Somewhat a cliche, but the company started in a space the size of a single-car garage in Santa Cruz, California. It became the biggest and most influential bicycle brand globally. The bikes are designed for riders who want more control over their ride — whether they’re carving through urban streets or exploring off-road trails. Santa Cruz is dedicated to engineering bicycles that last from childhood to adulthood and offer something for everyone, from beginners to professionals.

Key Features

• Santa Cruz bikes are engineered to offer the best balance of power and grip for various surfaces, from urban streets to off-road trails.
• The steel frames can withstand heavy usage over long periods. The company’s lifetime warranty also offers coverage against any manufacturing defects or damages that may occur during regular use for up to 10 years after purchase.
• Santa Cruz bikes have been designed with riders who want more control over their ride in mind. This includes riders interested in carving through urban streets and those looking for an adventure exploring off-road trails.

Summary

The best mountain bike manufacturers are well-known for creating durable, versatile machines that offer riders a variety of speeds to select from depending on their needs while riding. Santa Cruz is best known for this and has been designed with riders who want more control over their ride in mind, making them one of the best mountain bike brands available.

2. Specialized

If you’re looking for a good mountain bike, Specialized is one of the best brands to choose. They’ve been in the game for over 40 years and have grown to be one of the best companies out there. You can find them at most bike shops or online retailers. The best part about Specialized bikes is that they are all built with quality components that will last through any terrain, rain, snow, mud – anything. They are very efficient and, best of all, comfortable.

Key Features

• They’ve been around for 40 years and are known for their quality workmanship, performance, durability, and comfort.
• Specialized bikes are highly customizable to any rider’s needs. You can play with wheel size, frame geometry, suspension modes – indeed, best of both worlds.
• Their best feature is made with quality components that will last through any terrain or weather condition.
• Specialized bikes are best suited for those looking to go down extreme and challenging trails. They’re great at handling rough conditions, mud, snow – best of both worlds!
• If you’re a beginner rider or want something comfortable that will get the job done well without breaking the bank, this is one brand worth considering.

Summary

Specialized mountain bikes are best for those looking to go down extreme and challenging trails. They’re great at handling rough conditions, mud, snow – best of both worlds. If you’re a beginner rider or want something comfortable that will get the job done well without breaking the bank, this is one brand worth considering.

3. Trek Bikes

Trek bikes are best for users that seek a quality product with comfort and durability. Trek mountain bikes offer a variety of features that best suit different riders depending on their preference. They’re best known for their durable products that provide the rider with varying speeds based on what they need while riding.

However, it’s important to note that Trek is not always best suited for beginners as some models can be pretty expensive. However, the best part of Trek is that it’s easy to find a wide variety of models and prices, which makes this brand best for most riders looking for mountain bikes with various features depending on their needs.

Key Features

• Offer varying speeds best suited to different riders depending on their preference
• Provide the rider with durable products that best suit needs when biking uphill or carrying them around after use.
• A lightweight carbon fiber frame is best suited to reduce weight while biking uphill or carrying it around after use.
• Trek bikes are best for users that seek a quality product with comfort and durability.

Summary

Trek mountain bikes offer a variety of features best suited to different riders depending on their preference. They’re best known for durable products which provide the rider with speeds best suited for what they need while biking, making this brand one of the best Mountain Bike Brands available. Trek is not always best suited for beginners as some models can be pretty expensive, and it’s easy to find a wide variety of models and prices that fit most riders looking for various types of mountain bikes based on needs.

4. Cannondale

Cannondale is one of the best mountain bike brands with a lightweight yet durable carbon fiber frame. Cannondale offers a best-in-class warranty and best-in-class support from their authorized dealers. They have been manufacturing bikes for over 40 years, which will prove to be an excellent investment for those who purchase Cannondale bikes. If you’re looking for one of the best mountain bike brands, Cannondale is a great option to consider.

Key Features

• Lightweight yet durable carbon fiber frame
• Best in class warranty and best in class support from their authorized dealers
• Been manufacturing bikes for over 40 years

Summary

If you’re looking for one of the best mountain bike brands, Cannondale is a great option to consider. They offer a best-in-class warranty and best-in-class support from their authorized dealers and have been manufacturing bikes for over 40 years. If that isn’t enough to entice you into purchasing one of these products, what will?

5. Giant

Giant is best known for its durable products, which provide the rider with varying speeds to choose from based on what they need. Giant mountain bike offers a lightweight carbon fiber frame to reduce weight when biking uphill or carrying it around after use, making it one of the best mountain bike brands available.

Key Features

• Durable
• Varying speeds best suited for the rider
• Lightweight Carbon Fiber Frame best for going uphill or carrying around after use

Summary

The best mountain bike brands offer durable products that vary the rider’s speeds best suited for them. Giant provides a lightweight carbon fiber frame best used when biking uphill or carrying around after use, making it one of the best options available to riders today.

6. Commencal

Commencal is a mountain bike company that manufactures their equipment, so they know exactly what’s going into your next ride! They have a great warranty program with long-term reliability being a top priority for riders everywhere – even if you get an old model at a garage sale down by the lake! You can expect excellent support from Commencal either through phone or email assistance no matter where you are located.

This one is perfect if you’re looking for something to tackle even the most challenging terrain without breaking the bank! Plus, this mountain bike comes with fantastic customer service, so your satisfaction is guaranteed no matter what.

Key Features

• Good design at an affordable price
• This is the ideal option if you’re searching for something that can easily tackle any terrain without breaking the bank
• Has terrific customer support, so you can be confident that whatever your needs are, they will be met
• Reduce the amount of sag in your bike’s suspension system
• The rear-wheel path helps absorb potholes, roots, and rocks, so a soft setting isn’t necessary.
• Stiffer suspension

Summary

Commencal mountain bikes are known for their excellent design at an affordable price. This one is perfect if you’re looking for something to tackle even the most challenging terrain without breaking the bank! Plus, this mountain bike comes with fantastic customer service, so your satisfaction is guaranteed no matter what.

7. Diamondback

Diamondback is a leading designer and manufacturer of mountain bikes, producing quality products designed to be tough enough for the harshest trails. Diamondback’s goal is to create innovative bicycles that offer superior performance, durability, and value without compromising fun.

Diamondback was founded in 1974 by three friends who shared an obsession with biking. They were frustrated by the lack of options available for off-road cycling at that time; most bikes were either too heavy or not durable enough for serious riding. So they set out to build their bike—and it worked. Not only did their new design prove more challenging than anything else on the market, but it also rode better too. The company has been growing ever since and now offers a full range of mountain bikes and accessories.

Key Features

• Built for serious mountain biking enthusiasts – it’s the perfect option for those who want to take their riding up a notch or two!
• Offers superior performance, durability, and value without compromising on fun

Summary

Diamondback is a leading mountain bike manufacturer that produces quality products that are tough enough for even the harshest trails. They have been growing ever since they first began in 1974 by making innovative bicycles that offer superior performance, durability, and value while still being able to keep us smiling as we ride! Their new design proved tougher than anything else on the market at that time; additionally, its new design also rode better, which was great news all around.

---

What Is A Mountain Bike?

Mountain bikes are made for mountain riding. They have wide, knobby tires that grip well on dirt and grassy trails or rocky mountain paths. Mountain bikes also have wider frames than road bikes to handle the bumps, jumps, and obstacles of mountain trails. They typically will have attachments for water bottles to keep you hydrated but most cyclists will carry an external hydration pack instead.

A mountain bike is typically heavier than a comparable road bike because it needs more durable components to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, such as rust-resistant steel or aluminum frames with thick tubes that can stand up to abuse while providing strength and stiffness when you need it most.

Mountain biking is an outdoor activity in which participants ride bicycles off paved roads, often over rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain biking can generally be broken into multiple categories: cross country, trail riding, all-mountain (or enduro), downhill.

Why Are MTB So Expensive?

It’s a myth that mountain bikes are expensive.

Mountain bike prices start at $500 and go up to $6,000 for the top-of-the-line models from Specialized and Trek. But you don’t need to spend anywhere near that much money to get a high-quality mountain bike with excellent components. You can find mountain bikes for as little as $600 or so if you know where to look and what kind of features you want in your mountain bike. The reason why they’re so expensive is that there’s such a wide range in price points depending on the model, size, material it’s made out of (aluminum or carbon), and other factors like suspension type and wheel sizes.

Mountain bikes have mountain bike suspension, which is different from the fork on a road bike. Mountain bikes are designed to handle various types of terrain and conditions, so they need mountain bike components that can do everything from smooth pavement riding, bumpy dirt roads or trails through forests and mountains. That means mountain bikes must have mountain biking components like disc brakes instead of rim brakes found on most traditional bicycles.

Mountain Bike Price Range

The price range for mountain bikes varies widely depending on what kind you get: hard tails (with front suspension only), dual-suspension models with front and rear shocks for greater control over rougher terrain, full suspensions – where both wheels move independently in response to bumps – plus top-of-the-line mountain bikes with carbon fiber frames. Even among mountain bike brands, substantial price differences depend on the features included in each brand’s different models.

For example, you can get a high-quality mountain bike for $700 made by an American company like Jamis Bikes. Still, you could easily pay up to $800-$900 for one overseas from manufacturers like Giant or G.T. because they have more advanced mountain biking components and their prices reflect that fact. 

Mountain Bike Size

The mountain bike size is another factor that affects the price of mountain bikes. Mountain bike sizing varies depending on the mountain bike manufacturer. Still, typically it can be broken down into three main categories: extra small (X.S.), small-medium (S.M. or S), and medium/large (ML). These are general guidelines, though, because mountain biking isn’t about being a certain height; it’s more about having the right body type for your particular model – shorter legs work better with smaller frames, while taller people should look at larger frame sizes to accommodate their long arms, leg length, etc., If you’re not sure what size mountain bike get, check with your local mountain bike dealer for assistance.

Mountain Bike Frames

The next mountain biking component that affects mountain bike price is the material used in its frame: aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber – all three are good choices depending on your needs and budget. Aluminum alloy frames are still considered top-of-the-line when it comes to mountain bikes because they’re lightweight but tough enough to stand up to rugged trails without adding too much weight. Carbon fiber mountain bikes have come down significantly in price since their introduction about a decade ago; you can get one now starting at around $2500 while high-end models go for more than $5000 like the Specialized S-Works Epic. Steel framed mountain (made from Chromoly) mountain bikes are the least expensive option, ranging from $300 to several thousand – again, depending on what features you want like suspension and rims.

Mountain Bike Components

There’s a mountain biking component for nearly every type of terrain or riding style: cross country (XC) mountain bikes have lightweight components that make them more agile and easier to ride uphill but less durable than downhill mountain bikes; most mountain bikers who race use this kind of mountain bike. Downhill (D.H.) mountain bikers need very tough frames and plenty of shock absorbency because they’re going down hills at high speeds; their entire purpose is speed, so durability isn’t as crucial for DH-specific parts such as handlebars, brakes, etc.

Mountain Bike Gearing

Another mountain biking component that affects mountain bike price is gearing: the more expensive mountain bikes have 21 or 24 gears, while cheaper mountain bikes usually only have one gear. In addition, higher-end models also come with a double shifter so you can switch gears quickly and easily without having to stop – something critical when going downhill fast! Mountain bikers who do lots of climbing will want fewer speeds because it’s easier on their knees. Still, those who plan to go down challenging hills will need as many different speeds as possible to optimize their abilities for each type of terrain they encounter along the way.

Expert Tip #1: It might sound obvious, but you don’t know what mountain bike components are available unless you know mountain biking! So take the time to do some research before buying your mountain bike so that you know what’s on offer and what price range is reasonable.

Expert Tip #2: Depending upon where you live, mountain bikes can be costly – especially if they’re made by one of the more well-known manufacturers like Trek or Specialized. If this doesn’t fit into your budget, consider getting a used mountain bicycle instead; many people sell their bicycles after only two years because they want something different (like an electric mountain bike), but it could save money if it fits within your budget.

Full Suspension

If you want to mountain bike in rough terrain, a full suspension mountain bike is the way to go. Full suspension mountain bikes will allow you to ride on any terrain and not feel like your hands and feet are going numb from the shock. The suspension system will keep your body comfortable and absorb all of the bumps along the way so that you can enjoy yourself instead of worrying about how uncomfortable you are getting. Some mountain bikes also come with disc brakes, allowing for better stopping power in wet conditions or when riding steep inclines.

Rear Suspension

Mountain bikes typically come with either front suspension only, rear suspension only, or both. The rear suspension has been around for longer than mountain biking as we know it today. Early mountain bikes had no front shock because the terrain they were designed to traverse was relatively flat and smooth. As mountain bikers ventured into rougher territory—boulders and roots that would jar your teeth loose on a paved road—the first mountain bikes grew rear shocks to help cushion the jarring impacts of the rough terrain they faced head-on.

It wasn’t until much later, when mountain bikers started venturing off-road, that manufacturers began adding front mountain bike suspension. The addition of the front mountain bike suspension system distinguishes a mountain bike from its road-going cousin, and it’s also one of the factors that have made mountain biking so popular today.

Full Suspension Bikes for Beginners

While full suspension systems are significant in being able to ride over rough terrain without feeling like you’re about to get bounced off your seat, they add weight, which means less energy when climbing hills or riding uphill.

Because entry level beginners don’t typically head straight into challenging terrains right away (they stick to more beginner trails), having a good rear shock alone is usually enough because there aren’t any big jumps yet! However, suppose you’re starting with mountain biking. In that case, you might want to consider mountain bikes with front suspension only (no rear mountain bike suspension system) because this will make it easier for you to maintain your balance and stay upright while learning how to mountain bike.

Bike Handling: Mountain Bikes vs. Road Bikes

Mountain bikers tend to ride at slower speeds than road cyclists, but they cover much more ground in a single day of riding – sometimes 40 or 50 miles in one session! If the trails are rough, mountain biking also requires good core strength since riders need stamina just as much as speed. A mountain bicycle’s gears help compensate for its lack of low-end torque by enabling pedal power over an extended range of velocities rather than simply generating high amounts of force at a few limited speeds.

Electric Bikes

Mountain electric bikes (also known as e bike or e mtb) are mountain bikes that have an electric motor to assist the rider. They have a mountain bike frame, mountain bike components, and mountain bike style. The frames are typically made of aluminum alloy or steel. The tires can be either fat tires or skinny tires, depending on what terrain the rider prefers.

Mountain electric bikes are great for people who want to ride but don’t have enough energy because they’re older, overweight, out of shape, recovering from injury, etc., as well as those who want to go farther than they could without assistance. These mountain e-bikes feature 750-watt motors that give riders up to 20 miles per hour pedal assist with a range of 30 miles before needing a recharge for 4 hours. They are mountain bikes that have an electric motor to help the rider.

Electric mountain bicycles use rechargeable batteries with lithium-ion cells or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which provide greater energy capacity than lead-acid equivalents, so they can go much farther without recharging. Lithium-ion cells offer some performance advantages over NiMH, for instance, a higher volumetric and gravimetric energy density while at the same time being lighter in weight despite comparable power densities if properly packaged.

However, these technologies still suffer from poor charge retention capabilities compared to other battery types due to their relatively low cathode potentials related mainly to Li+ intercalation/deintercalation kinetics associated with large volume expansions/contractions, sluggish electrode kinetics, and large overvoltage potentials needed to transform the cathode material. In this regard, lithium-ion batteries are far from being a perfect solution.

Electric mountain bicycles use rechargeable batteries with lithium-ion cells or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which provide greater energy capacity than lead-acid equivalents, so they can go much farther without recharging. Lithium-ion cells offer performance advantages over NiMH, for instance, a higher volumetric and gravimetric energy density while at the same time being lighter in weight despite comparable power densities if properly packaged.

Trail Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are mountain bikes with wider tires, more suspension, and a lower gear ratio. They’re designed for riding on rough terrain that may be too rough or technical for mountain biking.

Trail bikes have narrower tires, less travel, and higher gearing than gravel bikes. Trail bike riders typically spend most of their time at high speeds on well-maintained trails. The mountain bike category is much larger than the gravel bike category because mountain biking is so popular in North America and Europe, where many mountain ranges are explored. Gravel bikers tend to live in areas with lots of unpaved roads because it’s tough to find enough good dirt roads near big cities like New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago to keep mountain bikers entertained for more than a weekend.

Summary

Mountain biking is a great hobby that not only saves you money on gas and car maintenance but also provides an excellent opportunity for fresh air and exercise. If you are thinking about mountain biking, it is important to educate yourself on mountain bikes, wearing helmets for safety, and other MTB gear to help you decide what features will be most beneficial for your needs before hitting the trail.