An adult mountain bike (MTB) allows you to ride off-road with relative ease due to the design features that differ from city, track and road bikes. Good mountain bikes don’t come cheap, but the payoff for buying a bike like this is great: you’ll be able to ride it in the mountains or off-road.
Mountain bike: differences and features
A mountain bike has many features:
- high strength frame with large mud gaps;
- tires are wider than in other models, and their pattern is off-road or combined (depending on the need for movement in a particular area);
- durable wheels are made with a diameter of 26”, 27.5”, 29”;
- men’s and women’s mountain bikes have suspension on the front or both wheels with travel of 80 mm or more;
- external gear shifts are made in the transmission;
- almost all mountain bikes have disc brakes, as vibrakes are only found in cheap or older models;
- steering wheel – straight or with a minimum rise.
The weight is from 7 kg or more when it comes to a professional mountain bike, which is the difference between top carbon models. The heaviest mountain bikes don’t exceed 18 kg.
Types of mountain bikes by shock absorbers
The bikes appearance is determined by whether a mountain bike will be with or without shock absorbers. At the moment, there are four types of mountain bike frames, the design of which directly affects the “narrow specialization”.
Rigida
There are no dampers at all. Can be an urban model or an initial mountain model. This includes professional mountain bikes for competition or entry-level two-wheelers that have the fork removed to save money.
Softtail
Or—“soft tail”, which means the presence of a front suspension fork. Visually recognizable by the especially lined spokes of the rear triangle for enhanced cushioning. Less often, short-stroke shock absorbers are used instead of feathers. These are always only high-quality mountain bikes, as their specialization is cross-country. Riding them under normal conditions due to the high price is almost a crime.
Hardtails (single suspension)
These models do not have a rear shock absorber. You can ride them for relaxed walks over rough terrain or go to competitions on:
- country cross,
- trial,
- straight,
- bike cross.
But in this case, be prepared that the mountain bike will have a high price-quality ratio: cheap ones for professional sports simply do not. There are also products on sale that do not have a front shock absorber, or contain a suspension fork. To improve driving performance, aluminium alloys are used.
Double suspended
A full suspension mountain bike has shock absorption on both wheels. The result is the damping of vibrations and shocks when driving over rough terrain. It is noteworthy that in this category there is an internal classification, albeit not so obvious:
- a mountain bike with a rear shock absorber designed for city riding;
- two-suspension one with a small stroke of the shock absorber for participation in cross-country;
- large mountain bikes, “strands”, designed for downhill.
In the first case, the mountain bike does not come with wings, but the design allows them to be installed as needed. The most popular mountain bikes are those models that have a front shock absorber and a classic frame.
What is the difference between a city bike and a mountain bike: explaining the details
Here we are talking about such parameters as landing, depreciation, wheel features, gears, and brakes.
- What makes a mountain bike different from a road bike in the first place is shock absorbers. Due to the fact that its purpose is off-road driving, they are provided for by the design. But in the city, they may not be placed since the impact is softened by a spring under the saddle.
- If you look at a photo of a mountain bike, you can’t confuse it with anything due to the shape of the handlebar: it has downward and twisted handles that allow you to make an upper or lower grip. And the city ones have the same familiar form that is found in the city almost every day.
- Have you seen how athletes practically lay down on a bicycle in an effort to become one with it? This is a classic sporty fit, and this is exactly what you need to ride the Pitmen. But for a quiet movement around the city, especially for older people and girls, this is not required: a direct landing, which urban specimens have, will do.
- The standard diameter of a “sitic” is 28″, while in the mountains, 26″ is considered a classic. The tires themselves are always made with a pronounced tread, which guarantees excellent grip on pavement, sand, or even ice.
- Why complicate things if you don’t need a shifter for a smooth ride? Urban models do not have transmission or their minimum number. But for the mountain bike, this aspect is critically necessary in order to adapt to the changing terrain.
- With regard to the frame, everything is also clear: mountainous bikes have a higher one, urban ones have a lower one, which makes it easier to dismount. Add to this the fact that urban ones are foldable – for ease of transportation and storage.
All these differences should be taken into account in the selection of a suitable model, since the comfort and pleasure of operation will directly depend on this.
How to choose: a good mountain bike or a great city bike?
If you buy a mountain bike, what will it give an ordinary city dweller? And why not take a closer look at urban models? These are logical questions, the answer to which lies in the plane of understanding the differences, and most importantly, the purpose of each of the listed species.
The main thing you need to understand is that the urban model is not suitable for overcoming rough terrain, but the design features of the mountain bike will allow it to perfectly cope with asphalt riding. And if you also take a mountain bike with a trunk, then the issue of transporting personal items will be completely solved.
Therefore, the expediency of buying a mountain bike from a well-known company depends only on what plans you have:
- Are you just starting your bike trips and are you not going to leave the city limits? A city bike or an inexpensive mountain one will suit you. In the second case, we recommend choosing a model that has wings and where it is possible to mount a trunk.
- Is it possible that you will go with friends to ride around the area or even go on a long trip? Choose a mountain bike for men or women with full suspension: it will provide the comfort of riding over potholes and other bumps so that you hardly feel them.
In the first case, a mountain bike without speeds (single speed) will be enough, since on smooth roads it makes no sense to switch them, in general. For comparison: professional MTBs have 21 to 27 gears.
Best mountain bike manufacturer: pros and cons
Among the best models of mountain bikes, there are both inexpensive ones and those corresponding to the price of a used foreign car.
Discovery Flint AM Vbr 24
The top 10 mountain bikes are opened by the entry-level model with a steel frame. An advantage is the presence of the guard on the chain in a basic configuration, wings, and a comfortable footrest. The low cost is due to the lack of depreciation.
Pros:
- well-known, proven brand;
- switching 7 speeds;
- excellent frame.
Cons:
- no depreciation;
- coverage leaves much to be desired.
Formula Electra 26
If you are looking for the best mountain bikes for girls, then pay attention to this product. Users note a comfortable descent on difficult slopes. There is depreciation and 21 speed switches.
Pros:
- attractive design;
- quality tires;
- expensive parts;
- Shimano Tourney TZ50 derailleurs.
Cons:
- exclusively for women.
GT Racer M-2508 2021
Even for a pretentious eye, the design looks very attractive, and 21 speeds will appeal to beginners with the opportunity to experiment. Frame of steel, will withstand active driving around the city.
Pros:
- there are several configurations;
- top build quality;
- fine steel frame.
Cons:
- not a new model.
Formula Dragonfly 27.5
The Formula brand mountain bike can be considered the best in value in the 2022. The manufacturer uses high-quality transmission equipment from Shimano, albeit the initial Tourney series. Suitable for those whose height does not exceed 175 cm.
Pros:
- big wheels;
- normal weight for this class;
- comfortable sitting.
Cons:
- not found.
Merida Crossway 20-D
This unit already belongs to serious bikes, as evidenced by both the cost and the used components (Shimano). It has spring-oil damping, 24 speeds, and an aluminium frame.
Pros:
- many speeds;
- price-quality balance;
- long service life;
- excellent cross.
Cons:
- Shimano EF505 shifters.
Trek Marlin 6 Women 29
Here, too, Shimano noted. But there are fewer speeds – only 16. There is a suspension fork and an aluminium frame. Weighs less than 15 kg.
Pros:
- comfortable steering wheel;
- quite a lot of speeds;
- light weight.
Cons:
- minimum design options.
Scott Scale 970
In 2022, it was named the best, comparing its cost with the analogues. Only available in red or grey. Given the amount that will have to be paid for it, it makes sense to purchase only for competitions on racetracks.
Pros:
- really qualitative details;
- big wheels;
- expensive and reliable elements.
Cons:
- not found.
Merida Crossway 40
It was created for active cyclists who want to conquer off-road. The tires and wheels themselves are medium-high class, and the saddle is just gorgeous. There are expensive Shimano derailleurs, and cranks from the same company.
Pros:
- 27 speeds;
- comfortable seat long;
- elements from Shimano;
- suitable for active use.
Cons:
- an expensive purchase.
Giant Roam 2 Disc
You can’t forget about children in this rating. For them, there is this lightweight example with an aluminium frame, Shimano Alivio drivetrain, running at 27 speeds. Buyers note the excellent performance of hydraulic brakes.
Pros:
- wheel size;
- air shock absorber;
- Thoughtful shape of the saddle and quality materials.
Cons:
- not found.
Comanche Indigo FS
For teenagers this is exactly what you need. The reviews note that this model will be a great addition for family trips outside the city, and the presence of excellent fenders and a guard on the chain will be a plus. 24 speeds as well as Shimano front and rear derailleurs complete the picture.
Pros:
- many speeds;
- light weight;
- additional accessories.
Cons:
- too simple a seat for this configuration.
When choosing an adult or children’s bike, consider the diameter of the wheels: the larger it is, the better the roll, but then the maneuverability will decrease. To move over bumps, take a device with a good suspension to dampen bumps. A well-executed hitch means a rare visit to the repair shop, which will save you transport maintenance.
You will also be interested in articles about the features of sports bikes and how to choose a bike helmet.
