I can understand how difficult it is to find the best mountain bike for trail riding, as I have been there myself a couple of years ago.
Search online, and you may yourself lost in several options available. Here I hope to give a comprehensive answer to your question.
Top 4 Best Mountain Bikes For Trail Riding
If you are in a hurry, I have chosen 5 mountain bikes that I recommend you definitely check out.
- If you are a pro rider, planning to update your bike to the best in the market, and have made up your mind to care less about the budget, the Mongoose Tyax Comp would be the best option.
- If you are looking for what is the best mountain bike for trail riding for women, my choice would be the Huffy Hardtail Mountain Trail Bike, which is available in 24”, 26” and 27.5”.
- If you are looking for a bike for a young adult, a teenager, or a person who is not very tall, I would suggest a Schwinn High Timber 24.
- If you are looking for a precise and efficient hardtail mountain bike on a budget then I would suggest that you go for a Diamondback Bicycle with 27.5” Wheels.
Mongoose Tyax Comp Specs
This is one of the most balanced mountain bikes for trail riding available today. Available in 27.5” and 29” wheels and tires, the Mongoose Tyax Comp caters to riders who ride on varied trails.
This mountain bike is easily maneuverable through tight terrains; thanks to the one-of-a-kind geometry of the bike.
The bike has a durable aluminum frame, and the tires are tubeless-ready. The bike consists of hydraulic disk brakes that engage quickly.
In addition, it has lock-on grips that provide great comfort for most riders. The drivetrains are capable of smooth shifts, and I think they are build using Shimano drivetrains.
This bike is lightweight and offers great value for money. The bike has a premium-looking body and has a great gear range that will help you fly on trails. The assembly is quite easy if you follow the user manual diligently.
Pros
- Multiple size options in tires and wheels.
- Suitable for wide range of mountain bikers.
- The aluminum frame is durable.
- The tires are tubeless-ready.
- Highly efficient SRAM drivetrains.
- Easier to ride through tight terrains.
- Comparatively lighter than other entry level bikes.
Cons
- May need a chain guide to prevent the chain from jumping.
- Runs small in size.
- Riders looking for in-between sizes are recommended to size up.
Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike Specs
This bike from Huffy Store comes in a 15-inch frame and is extremely lightweight. With a durable aluminum frame, this is perfect for trail riding with 21 speeds.
This is an adult mountain bike with front suspension and is easy to assemble. Thanks to the oversized tires, you can ride the bike in conditions, irrespective of dry, wet, dirt, or gravel paths.
Let me give more light on this if you are a technically inclined person; this bike comes with a Shimano Revoshift and Shimano TY-300 indexed rear derailleur and has got superior stopping power.
This mountain bike for trail riding has a suspension fork that efficiently absorbs shock and uneven terrains, giving a comfortable experience to the rider.
Moreover, the handlebar which allows upright riding is appropriate to minimize shoulder pain and back pain. The front suspension of the bike is known to provide the right response, irrespective of the kind of trail you ride.
Pros
- Well made, sturdy bike.
- Easy to assemble.
- Light weight.
Cons
- Loose handlebars.
- Chain falls off when pedaled backwards.
Schwinn High Timber Specs
This 24” wheeled MTB trail bike with a steel frame is an adult hybrid bike, with 21 speeds. The frame has extra durability, and the wheels encompass alloy rims, which ensures that your bike would need less maintenance and offers steady gearing.
The bike comes with twist shifters with a rear derailleur which promotes an easy change of gears when you are riding down the trail.
The tires of Schwinn High Timber 24 MTB are wide knobby, made exclusively for mountain riding, and offer more stability since they are placed on light and durable alloy wheels.
Weighing only a meager 14.14 kilograms, this lightweight bike has a quick-release seat post that makes height adjustment easier.
Pros
- Vast range of wheel sizes available.
- Riders find it easy to shift gears.
- The ride quality is smooth according to many bikers.
Cons
- Bikers with shorter height found it a bit difficult to reach the brake lever.
- Slightly heavier than most other best mountain bikes for trail riding.
Diamondback Overdrive Bike Specs
“Is the Diamondback Overdrive a trail bike?” is interestingly a question that many people have. The answer is yes, this is a perfect mountain bike for trail riding for comfort on a budget.
This hardtail mountain bike is perfect for beginners and comes with an aluminum frame. The frame offers great stability from the 2.25” wide tires.
The bike has a varied range of gears and consists of Tektro mechanical disk brakes. The geometry of the Diamondback overdrive bike makes it easier to overview the trail ahead.
The drivetrain used is a 2×9 Shimano drivetrain and the disc brakes are hydraulic Shimano disk brakes. However, pros may find it less enthralling, since the components used are basic and entry-level.
For entry-level riders, it gives superior performance while riding on tough trails and while climbing up the mountains.
Pros
- This mountain bike has great geometry.
- Riding over obstacle is easy on both the wheel sizes.
- Manageable weight.
- Good value for money.
- Works well on both climbs and descents.
Cons
- Bike’s tires perform better on cross country rides than on aggressive trails.
- Bikers are not satisfied with the pedal’s grip
Best Mountain Bikes For Beginner Trail Riders
If you are a beginner, you must be wondering what is the best mountain bike for trail riding for beginners.
I have compiled information on 3 performance-oriented mountain bikes which are ideal for beginners.
Hiland 26'' Mountain Bike
While this is not a Hiland mountain bike review, I will provide some information on the specifications of the Hiland mountain bike.
This is definitely a great bike for beginners as the Hiland mountain bike price is very economical, compared to many high-end bikes available today.
This is a dual suspension bike, which means you will have suspension at the front and the rear side of the bike.
The light-weight bike has 26” wheels, which is easily maneuverable. However, if you prefer a bigger size wheel, Hiland mountain bike 29 inch is also the best.
The frame size is 17”, is made of aluminum, and has multiple spokes. The suspension fork travel is 100mm and has disc brakes.
The manufacturer has made use of the SHIMANO 21 Speed drivetrain and suspension fork, which makes this bike ideal for beginners.
The sellers claim that the bike is 85% assembled, and the rest can be easily assembled referring to the user manual.
Pros
- The bike offers great shifting performance.
- Good quality steel used for production.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- Uncomfortable handle while riding fast.
Eurobike Bicyce X1 Mountain Bike
If you have decided to experience the extra adrenaline rush that hardtail mountain bikes are popular for, the 27.5” hardtail mountain bikes from Eurobike is one the best hardtail mountain bike for beginners that you can buy.
The front derailleur of this mountain bike for trail riding is Shimano TZ30, and the rear derailleur is Shimano TZ50.
The bike’s high-quality Shifter is Shimano EF. The bike, made of carbon steel, comes around 75% assembled.
Pros
- This bike is easy to assemble.
- The aerodynamic frame makes it easier to maneuver.
- Offers great suspension on wide range of terrains.
- Commendable stopping power.
Cons
- Need to tune the brakes properly for maximum efficiency.
- Some riders find the seats to be stiff.
Joystar Contender Kids Mountain Bike
For children who are looking forward to experiencing the trails, the 18 and 20-inch Joystar mountain bike is an ideal candidate for boys and girls alike.
This bike comes in a small steel frame and dual suspension feature.
This downhill type bike is made specifically for trail riding, with the front and rear linear-pull brake offering superior speed control.
This mountain bike features a 1-speed drivetrain, and kickstand that is mounted in the middle of the bike. The bike also has mud fenders at the front and rear.
An 18-inch wheel size would be typically ideal for children aged 5-9 years and a 20-inch wheel size would be ideal for 7-13-year-old children.
However, the wheel size would also depend on the height and weight of the child.
If you decide to buy this bike, follow the seller’s detailed size-chart that would give you an idea about the size that would best suit your child.
Pros
- Shock absorbers and fenders give great riding experience to kids.
- Makes a great gift for kids.
Cons
- Suitable only for kids of 5-13 years age.
What Makes A Good Trail Bike?
While certain common factors make a trail bike the go-to bike for riders, the choice of a mountain bike for trail riding would certainly depend on one’s personal preferences and choices.
For example, while a person may find a 29er very easy and comfortable to use on trails, some prefer a 26-inch or even a 24-inch wheels for trail riding.
This would depend on one’s height, proficiency in riding, weight, the kind of trails that one prefers to ride on, and so on.
Below are 3 things you could consider when you are looking out for buying the best mountain bike for trail riding.
1. Make Sure You Get The Right Frame Size
Riding a mountain bike with a frame size that is appropriate for your height, size, and the shape of your body will give you more control and as a result, a hassle-free experience.
In earlier times, manufacturers used to list out the bike sizes simply as a small, medium, and large.
However, it has changed over the years and manufacturers now provide the exact frame sizes along with other specifications.
I highly recommend you check the bike frame size guide from Bikeradar.
2. Choose Between Full Suspension And Hardtail Mountain Bike
Beginners often get confused with the terms hardtail and full suspension. Full suspension bikes have suspension on both the front and rear, while the hardtail has suspension only in the front.
If you ask me if a full or rear suspension is better, in short, I would say, full-suspension bikes may be easier for beginners, but learning how to ride a hardtail mountain bike on trails can help significantly in improving your skills on the trail.
Full suspension bikes may be easier for beginners, but learning how to ride a hardtail mountain bike on trails can help significantly in improving your skills on the trail.
A hardtail is also great if you are looking for a budget-friendly bike, or if you are likely to venture more on smooth trails. Typically, hardtail bikes also weigh less than their full-suspension counterparts.
A full-suspension bike would be a great choice if you ride mostly on technical trails, and if you are willing to invest a bit more in your bike, and if you need a lot of speed.
Full-suspension bikes are also great at absorbing bumps, giving a more comfortable riding experience to the rider.
However, it is up to one to decide whether to choose a hardtail or full suspension bike for trail riding in the mountains.
3. Focus On Strength
While the weight of the bike needs to be considered before buying a mountain bike for trail riding, it is even more imperative to focus on its strength.
While it would be easier to maneuver a light bike, a strong bike would keep you safer and would help ride over bumps more effectively.
What Is The Difference Between A Road Bike And A Trail Bike?
The main difference between a mountain bike and a trail bike is in the purpose for which each of these bikes is made.
Road bikes are made to ride on smooth pavements, while mountain bikes, used for trail riding are made to ride on bumpy surfaces.
Both the bikes comprise different types of gears and parts, according to the purpose for which they are built.
A road bike is typically used to travel really long distances, where there’s a need to maintain speed.
A mountain bike, on the other hand, is not generally used for long-distance traveling, but for riding trails, and dirt.
So, what happens if you take a road bike on your trail riding?
The chances are, your bike will get damaged too soon as it may not have the endurance to take the impacts off-road, causing untimely wear and tear.
Also, a road bike does not normally have the minimal suspension required to ride on mountain trails.
Road bikes weigh much lesser than even the lightest mountain bikes. This is because road bikes are designed for speed.
The posture in which the rider sits on a road bike is also different from how one should sit while riding on the trails.
Mountain bikes are great for trail riding since their tires are wider, and have knobby profiles which efficiently enhances their grip on dirt and rocks.
While you may be able to use a mountain bike on the road, it is not at all recommended to use a road bike on the mountain trails.
You may not have a comfortable ride, and you may find it difficult to handle a mountain bike on the road, but there is little chance that it would cause any damage to the bike or you, without external intervention.
Apart from the damage, it can cause to your bike, riding a road bike on trails can also lead to painful strain in your neck and wrists.
| Road Bike | Trail Bike |
|---|---|
| Lightweight when compared to a mountain bike | Heavier when compared to a road bike |
| Road Bike lacks suspension | Comes with a front or dual suspension |
| Sleeker tires, suitable for riding on pavements and asphalt | Wider tires suitable for riding on rough terrains |
| Easily prone to wear and tear if rode on trails | Knobby tires made exclusively to endure mountain impact |
Start Trail Riding Today
If you are serious about riding mountain bikes on beautiful trails, this guide can be used as an effective point to start with.
I hope this article has solved your question of what is the best mountain bike for trail riding, whether to choose hardtail or full suspension mountain bike for trail riding and why road bikes cannot be used for trail riding.
Have more questions? I have got you covered. Check out what are the key difference between a trail bike and an enduro bike.
References:
- https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/sizing-and-fit/mountain-bike-sizing-what-size-bike-do-i-need/
- https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/full-suspension-vs-hardtail-mountain-bikes
- https://mtbspace.com/diamondback-overdrive-review/
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.redbull.com/in-en/best-full-suspension-trail-bikes
- https://www.bikinguniverse.com/differences-between-a-mountain-bike-and-a-road-bike/
- https://www.bikinguniverse.com/differences-between-a-mountain-bike-and-a-road-bike/
