How to Choose a Mountain Bike: A Buying Guide

The Different Types of Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are built to ride on unpaved paths. The way they are built helps them traverse rather rugged terrains covered with dirt and rocks. The aspects that differentiate the various mountain bike models are their suspension system, the travel suspension they provide and the size of their wheels.

Suspension Types

Rigid or Suspensionless

So-called rigid, or suspensionless, bikes do not have a suspension system. This means that the bike absorbs less shock than a bike with suspension. Some bikes, like fat bikes, compensate for this with their oversized tires, which absorb a large part of the shock.

Simple Suspension

Located on the front fork, simple suspension systems are light, easy to maintain, less expensive and provide excellent efficiency on uphill climbs. However, this type of suspension is less effective against vibrations and shocks, and it forces you to walk when you run into more rugged terrain. Simple suspension bikes offer better energy efficiency than a dual suspension bike would. For those who prefer to ride fast on more even paths, a simple suspension bike is all you need. Hardtail and cross-country bikes usually use a simple suspension system.

Dual Suspension

Dual suspension bikes have a simple suspension system on the front fork, as well as a suspension system on the rear fork. This system allows for even better shock absorption on very rugged terrain. However, they are not as effective at converting energy when pedaling uphill. Some models can lock the back suspension when climbing uphill in order to conserve energy. They also add substantial weight to the bike. Trail and enduro bikes usually use dual suspension.

Travel Suspension

Travel suspension is the maximum range of motion for various suspensions. Therefore, rigid bikes have zero travel suspension. Essentially, the higher the bike’s travel suspension is, the better adapted the bike is for very rugged terrain. This also means that just as less energy transfer will be optimal. Quickly explained, a rigid frame can more easily transfer your pedaling power. The more suspension the bike has and the better this suspension is able to move, the more energy will be intercepted from pedaling by the suspension system.

To give you an idea, here are the bike categories going from the lowest travel suspension to the highest:

• 0 suspension, 0 débattement: rigid, Fat bike
• 1 suspension, 100mm average travel: cross-country bikes
• 1 suspension, 100mm to 120mm average travel: hardtail bikes
• 2 suspensions, 120mm to 150mm average travel: trail bikes
• 2 suspensions, 145mm to 180mm average travel: enduro bikes

Head Tube Angle

The head tube angle is another aspect of the bike’s mechanics that may be important to some riders. Mountain bikes generally have a 62 to 72 degree head tube angle. The higher that angle is, the steeper it will be considered.

Cross-country bikes have a steeper head tube angle. The advantages here are better control, better reactivity, improved ability to turn quickly and more ease with climbs. On the other hand, a higher head tube angle makes descents more difficult and can give you that feeling like you’re about to go over the handlebars. This is why some bikes are better with the descent, such as enduro bikes have a small head tube angle. This improves stability and makes descents much more comfortable.

Wheel Size

26" Wheels

Older than other sizes, these wheels are more reactive, solid and light-weight, but less effective on technical and rocky paths.

29" Wheels

All but replacing the 26 inch, 29 inch wheels offer better traction (larger contact area between the wheel and the ground) and more efficiently overcome obstacles on the path compared to any other wheel type. Their downside is their heaviness and more difficult handling.

27.5" Wheels

These wheels overcome some of the difficulties of 26 inch wheels, and are very dynamic and very reactive (able to somewhat spring during long trips). However, they do not build traction as much as 29 inch wheels and are less effective when it comes to overcoming obstacles.

The Different Types of Mountain Bikes

At Cadence, we categorize mountain bikes into 5 different types. According to the size of their wheels and their suspension system, certain bikes fall into certain categories. In the end, amateur bikers are left with a vast range of options.

Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

Cross-country mountain bikes are generally lighter, accompanied with a simple suspension system and relatively low travel suspension (80 to 110 mm). You can still find dual suspension variants, particularly performance category models. This type of bike is easy to handle, quick and suited for all the endurance and physical requirements of cross-country riding.

Who this bike is for: The competitive rider. Those who like uphill climbs and cardio challenges. If you like speed on your climbs and descents, cross-country bikes are a great option.

The Scalpel SI Carbon SE from Cannondale and the Element Alloy 30 from Rocky Mountain are great examples of cross-country bikes. Click here to see all our cross-country bikes.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Loved by all-mountain and cross-country cyclists, hardtail mountain bikes are mainly characterized by their unique front suspension. This allows them to more efficiently absorb shocks to the front wheel and, at the same time, improves the bike’s ergonomics on rugged terrain (since the rear tire has no suspension).

Who this bike is for:The recreational rider. If you like taking wider, less rugged paths. If you are looking for something active and for the whole family, hardtail bikes are a great option.

Cannondale’s Trail 5 2020 as well as Devinci's Riff Deore are two great examples of hardtail bikes. Click here for a complete list of our hardtail mountain bikes.

Trail Mountain Bikes

Offering excellent stability and control on rugged terrain, trail mountain bikes generally have dual suspension. With a slightly less aggressive build as well as a higher travel suspension (from 120 to 150 mm), it absorbs shock during descents better, even if it is heavier than most cross-country-focused bikes.

Who this bike is for :For the rider who loves uphill climbs but loves coming back down even more. Those looking for pleasure on the descent rather than coming down in record time.

The Troy Carbon 29 GX from Devinci, the Instinct Alloy 50 2020 from Rocky Mountain and the Yeti SB130 C1 2020 are all great trail bike models. Click here for our complete list of trail mountain bikes.

Enduro Mountain Bikes

Very widespread, enduro mountain bikes are designed to offer excellent performance (comfort, stability, control) for long-distance rides. Its wide wheelbase and 150mm to 180mm travel suspension provide it better shock absorption. It does just as well on aggressive descents and provides riders with smoother pedaling. On the flipside, it features a moderately larger weight as well as less reactivity.

Who this bike is for:The rider who loves descending at any speed. The more competitive riders who love pushing their bike to its limits on the descent.

Rocky Mountain’s Slayer Carbon 50 and Devinci’s Spartan 29 GX are two examples of enduro bikes. Click here for a complete list of our enduro mountain bikes.

Fat Bikes

Instantly recognizable due to their giant wheels, fat mountain bikes are mainly used in the winter, i.e. on snowy terrain. They also handle very well on muddy ground during spring or fall, and they can be used year-round by those who aren't too worried about speed.

The Fat CAAD from Cannondale and the Blizzard from Rocky Mountain are two fat bike models from this year. Click here for the list of our fat mountain bikes.

Electric Mountain Bikes

More a functional classification than a type of mountain bike, electric mountain bikes are gaining in popularity. There are many reasons, and they vary from rider to ride, but one thing is certain, every time a customer tests an electric mountain bike, during our demo events, they fall in love. Are you interested in electric bikes? Take a look at our complete guide on electric bikes. If not, click here to take a look at our electric mountain bike comparison table

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Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table