Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes

A mountain bike, or MTB has a reinforced frame, wide and grippy treads, a raised carriage that increases ground clearance. Sports bikes are designed for off-road riding, but have proven themselves well when riding on city streets. In this article, we will look at the key characteristics MTB and rating of the best mountain bikes.

Main characteristics of a mountain bike

Most mountain bikes never “see” the mountains. They are made very strong and reliable, resistant to impacts and damage, created specifically for riding on snowy roads, mud, gravel. Like any sports equipment, they are characterized by many parameters that should be paid attention to when choosing.

Frame

Material of manufacture:

• Steel. Budget option, but much heavier than other analogues.
• Aluminum. The best option in terms of price and quality. Weighs less than steel.
• Carbon/carbon fiber. The feeling of greater lightness that the material brings will be felt only by experienced and professional cyclists.
• Titanium. The most durable, reliable and expensive due to the complexity of welding. MTBs with titanium frames are very rare on sale.

The size is determined in three ways:

1. Table. Presented below and allows you to select the frame size.
2. Measurement. Stand against a wall and measure the distance from the floor to the crotch area. Multiply the result by 0.57 and divide by 2.54. The formula is designed to obtain a value in inches.
3. Special calculator. Some manufacturers and online stores offer to use online calculation to determine the frame size.

Height in centimeters	Frame size, cm	Frame size, inches	Size designations
130-145	33	13″	XS
135-155	35.6	14″	XS
145-160	38.1	15″	S
150-165	40.6	16″	S
155-170	43.2	17″	M
165-178	45.7	18″	M
170-180	48.3	19″	L
178-185	50.8	20″	L
180-190	53.3	21″	XL
185-195	55.9	22″	XL
190-200	58.4	23″	XXL
195-210	61	24″	XXL

The table will help with the purchase, since most MTB descriptions indicate the letter value.

Geometry has a direct impact on maneuverability and the ability to overcome obstacles:

• Rigid allows you to move at a high pace on flat surfaces. It is similar to road and city models.
• Hardtail with sharper angles is suitable for comfortable riding on rough terrain. Most often equipped with a front shock-absorbing fork.

The frame geometry is selected taking into account the riding style.

Groupset

General name for gear shift components:

• crankset with one, two, three leading stars;
• front and rear derailleurs;
• carriage;
• chains;
• gear shifters.
• shifters.

The most common systems are those with three leading stars (3×9) due to their availability and reliability. “Doubles” are lighter and allow you to use the front derailleur much more often, but 2×11 and 2×10 are very expensive. Single systems are even more expensive.

The most popular are groupsets with three leading front and large rear stars. Sometimes, bodywork from different manufacturers is combined, but it is better to give preference to models where the parts are made by one manufacturer. The best mountain bikes are equipped with Shimano and SRAM groupsets. Models with MicroShift have also started to appear on sale, but these bodyworks have not been “studied” much yet.

Wheels

MTB has wheels of three sizes:

• 26 inches are gradually becoming a thing of the past and are becoming less common in the model range of top manufacturers. A great option for people whose height is below 170 cm.
• 27.5 inches is a happy medium that suits almost everyone. The perfect choice for agile riding.
• 29 inches is designed for a smooth ride at a high pace on smooth roads without sharp changes in height.

Models with 29-inch wheels are mainly represented by mountain bikes for people of average and tall height.

Brake system

Bypass brakes are extremely rare in mountain bikes. They are often equipped with disc brakes, which come in two types:

• Mechanical. Dependent on operating conditions, as they can become clogged with dirt and sand. If they are not used for city, park and dirt driving, they will require frequent adjustment and cleaning. With a quiet ride, the pads must be replaced every 1000 km. Good mechanics will not require frequent adjustment under appropriate operating conditions.
• Hydraulic. An excellent option for those cyclists who do not want to understand the brake settings. It is carried out no more often than the need to replace worn pads or bleed the hydraulics. The latter is carried out only in a workshop.

The only downside of hydraulics is that you won’t be able to fix a breakdown that occurs during a trip on your own.

Equipment level

The soft fork has four levels:

• Initial. The simplest, without special adjustment. They acquire softness or hardness. Good for areas without a road or a leisurely trip around the city.
• Walking. The fork pitch is 60 mm. Allows you to adjust the rigidity and some other options. Suitable for comfortable movement in off-road areas.
• Sporty. Lots of options and settings. With quality and timely maintenance, it will last a very long time.
• Professional. Extensive set of settings with options allowing for targeted training. Suitable for trips on impassable terrain.

The rear derailleur has similar levels:

• Initial. It is distinguished by average quality of parts. The reverse gear must be switched every 150-500 km.
• Walking. High cost and slightly higher quality. Adjustment is required less often – every 3,000 km.
• Sports. Durability and affordable cost, the ability to cover a distance of up to 5,000 km without add-ons on off-road (not extreme).
• Professional. The highest degree of wear when passing the most difficult routes. Without adjustment, they also travel 5,000 km. They are distinguished by the highest cost.

The best option for beginners in terms of price-quality ratio is a recreational one. If you are not sure that mountain biking will become a real hobby, you can opt for basic equipment, but it will cause a lot of trouble. Sports equipment is suitable for those who are serious about riding.

Type of mountain bike

Women’s models differ in frame sizes within 20 inches and coating. Delicate and soft shades are used. Technically, they are practically no different from men’s models, which are a unisex option. In most cases, it is recommended to purchase this model, and not a special one.

Hybrid models are a combination of mountain and road. They demonstrate themselves perfectly on mixed-type routes. The disadvantage of hybrids is that they cannot fully compete with class MTBs.

TOP mountain bike manufacturers

The best mountain bikes are produced by the following manufacturers:

• STELS. The Russian brand has proven itself well. Some components are of its own production (wheels, forks, steering units, frames, etc.). The remaining elements are installed from foreign manufacturers, including the previously mentioned Shimano and Microshift. The main achievement is the X6 aluminum alloy, which is used in the production of only top MTBs.
• FORWARD. Another Russian manufacturer that produces mountain bikes primarily for non-professional cyclists. Closely cooperates with many foreign companies, so some of the equipment is installed from foreign brands. They are actively working on the implementation of new advanced technologies.
• CUBE. The German manufacturer designs mountain bikes that meet the price-quality ratio. Has a large test lab. A characteristic feature is the BMW painting technology, which distinguishes the models from others.
• MERIDA. A Taiwanese company that has grown from a small shop into a real giant. It produces bicycles of absolutely all categories. Racing models are used by many professional cyclists.
• GIANT. The manufacturer owns factories in the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, Hungary. Some components are their own, and some elements are from other manufacturers, but the quality of the products is high.

Each manufacturer’s lineup includes mountain bikes that are ideal for both beginners and experienced cyclists.

Rating of the best mountain bikes

A huge number of characteristics, which are difficult for a beginner cyclist to understand, makes it difficult to choose. To make your purchase easier, we present to your attention the best MTB bikes in various variations, from budget to premium from the manufacturers listed above.

MTB Bike Rating

The price range of the models presented in the rating varies from 200 to 600 dollars. Depending on the place of purchase. Professional models cost from 3,000 dollars and up.

CUBE Aim Pro 29

German-made MTB with aluminum frame of the middle price range. The assembly unit is elements of all levels, from beginner to sports, but not professional.

Advantages:

• fast acceleration
• good build
• attractive appearance

Flaws:

• wide wheels that make it difficult for some cyclists to control

Stels Navigator700 MD

 

A great budget model, well suited for beginners and advanced cyclists. It features a reliable frame and is equipped with a Shimano groupset.

Advantages:

• availability
• reliable groupset

Flaws:

• heavy frame
• need for regular maintenance

Format 1413 29

A mid-priced mountain bike with a 24-speed touring shifter. Shimano Acera groupset with hydraulic discs. Kickstand not included.

Advantages:

• excellent handling
• beautiful appearance
• adjustment-free hydraulics

Flaws:

• no footrest
• 29 inch wheels, not suitable for everyone.

Giant Revel 2

A great option for beginners in the mid-price range. Ideal for trips around the metropolis.

Advantages:

• light weight (14 kg)
• good speed gain
• ease of management

Flaws:

• Changing the rear canopy from Shimaco Alivio to Shimano Tourney

Merida Big Nine 40-D

Sport mountain bike with spring-oil fork design. Guaranteed to give up to 100 m of travel. Perfect for riding on difficult terrain. Can go up to 3,000 km without adjustments.

Advantages:

• good sport MTB in the middle price segment
• convenient for off-road driving
• 27 speeds

Flaws:

• requires maintenance after riding on dirt

STELS Miss 6000 V 26

 

Women’s model for riding in rural and urban areas. The speed and acceleration limit is quite low. Groupset from Shimano.

Advantages:

• affordable price
• ease of management

Flaws:

• big weight
• awnings quickly become unusable

FORWARD Apache 2.0 Disc

A recreational MTB for the city and light off-road. Very responsive shock-absorbing fork allows you to smooth out potholes.

Advantages:

• comfortable seat
• reliable frame
• stylish look

Flaws:

• Shimano Tourney, considered not the best assembly

Corto Cliff

Lightweight and reliable model with aluminum alloy frame. The model’s special feature is a guaranteed stop in an emergency.

Advantages:

• availability of spare parts
• versatility
• independence from weather conditions

Flaws:

• no trunk

Merida Crossway 20 MD

A hybrid from Merida, perfect for amateurs, but not quite up to the level of a sports bike, as the equipment is entry-level.

Advantages:

• high control comfort
• good quality
• modern look

Flaws:

• entry level attachments

Cube Aim 26

An excellent mountain bike for riding on rough and urban terrain with a fork pitch of 100 mm, allowing you to overcome obstacles well.

Advantages:

• convenient movement
• 24 speeds

Flaws:

• are absent

It is not recommended to save on the purchase of a mountain bike. It is also not worth buying a professional model right away if you are not sure that you will ride an MTB constantly. You should stop at a high-quality “mid-range” one, which must be chosen taking into account the braking system and the terrain you plan to ride on.