Mountain bikes: which brand should you choose?

To enjoy off-road riding, it is important to choose the right bike model. For such rides, manufacturers offer mountain bikes. They are relatively heavy, providing excellent stability even when driving on dirt and rough terrain. Since today the market is replete with numerous brands, it is difficult to make a choice. We invite you to get acquainted with the brightest representatives of the industry.

General rules for choosing a mountain bike

First, let's look at the purpose and subspecies of a mountain bike. Before buying a mountain bike, you should decide what it is for. Since the models are structurally different, depending on what style of riding they are intended for.

✅ Downhill or freeride - for extreme descent from the slopes
✅ Cross-country - for fast off-road driving
✅ Street - for ski jumping and extreme driving
✅ Dirt - for aerial bike acrobatics
✅ Trial - to overcome difficult obstacles

It will be possible to correctly find a successful modification by answering the following questions:

? What is your style of riding (which one do you want to master)
? How much money can you allocate to buy a two-wheeler?

If you are planning active walks with friends, a hardtail will do. This is a lightweight alloy bike with a rigid frame and a front shock absorber. It accelerates well and maintains speed for a long time.



If you want to master downhill or freeride, preference is for two-suspension. The model has shock absorbers front and rear, which provide comfort even during high-speed driving on rough terrain.

Rigid has the greatest controllability. It is not particularly comfortable, as it is devoid of shock absorbers, but it maneuvers perfectly. Therefore, this subspecies is used for the development of trials and aerial bicycle acrobatics.

Leading brands

It should be noted right away that a quality mountain bike cannot be too cheap. To give it the desired characteristics, engineers experiment with designs, manufacturers select high-strength materials, while trying to lighten the bike. Therefore, the starting price can be considered $ 200. This is a model that will withstand the loads typical of cross-country driving and provide minimal comfort.

A mid-range bike - in the range of $450-700 - is a reliable vehicle designed for many years of operation. Models that belong to the premium price category are additionally equipped with auxiliary equipment, which is designed to provide maximum comfort. In their creation, components are used that weigh less and wear out longer.

Giant

The Taiwanese enterprise is a world-famous concern with the largest production capacity. It produces 55% percent of the total number of branded bicycles. The company offers various types of transport, including mountain bikes. In the assortment of the manufacturer there are models of all price categories - from inexpensive to premium.

Mountain bike (MTB) Giant Fathom 2

This is one of the latest developments of the brand, released in 2021. The lightweight aluminum alloy bike sits on 27.5" wheels.

✅ Massive rubber effectively absorbs bumps on bumps
✅ Wide tires provide excellent grip
✅ The frame is designed with off-road riding in mind: the geometry is adjusted for comfort



With the seat tube angled at 75 degrees, it helps the rider save effort when pedaling, even when going uphill. The light weight of the frame is the key to simplified handling and confident maneuvering.



True, the cost of transport is tangible. Mostly such a mountain bike is recommended for experienced cyclists who are able to appreciate all its differences.

Mountain bike (MTB) Giant ATX 27.5

The Taiwanese brand pleases with the fact that it offers transport for any financial opportunity. And bikes still last a long time, even if they are cheaper. As a budget alternative to the aforementioned model, you can consider another novelty for 2021.

The Giant ATX 27.5 features the following features:

✅ Aluminum frame
✅ 27.5 inch wheels
✅ Front shock absorber
✅ 21 speed transmission
✅ Front and rear V-Brake



The bike is light and strong enough. Of course, simpler components are already used here. But buyers note the build quality - it is high, there are no complaints about loose connections or backlash.

Of the shortcomings called a short stem. In addition, there are delays in the operation of the switches. Experienced cyclists believe that the model is more suitable for beginners, as it clearly cannot withstand an aggressive riding style and jumps.

Dewolf

In search of a successful mountain bike, you can turn to the products of a young manufacturer from Germany. The company was founded in 2012, and during this time it managed to prove its worth. This is not surprising, because the origins of the German athlete and team doctor Dietrich Wolfgang. Having conceived the enterprise, the creator of the brand set the goal of offering a folk bike - affordable, but of high quality. And it succeeded: the transport of this manufacturer has well-thought-out ergonomics, modern design. The rider feels a high degree of safety and confidence in driving. The cost of production is facilitated by the location of production facilities in Taiwan and China.

Mountain bike (MTB) Dewolf Grow 30

This bike stands out with bright colors, which is interesting and attractive. But not only its design is worthy of attention: the mountain bike has good technical and operational characteristics.

✅ The frame is made of durable and lightweight aluminum alloy
✅ The wheels are "shod" in wide tires with an expressive tread pattern
✅ The manufacturer has well thought out the shape and size of the seat to provide the rider with comfort during the trip



This model belongs to the middle class, so the appropriate components are used here. Transport is perfect for a beginner, but an experienced cyclist can also count on faithful service.

Mountain bike DEWOLF Ridly 10

This model also looks nice, but is made soundly, to the conscience. The key difference, which predetermines a more affordable price, is that amateur-level equipment was used for transport.

✅ The bike frame is light and strong, with good torsional stiffness
✅ For this model, the manufacturer chose 26-inch tires, so the transport is convenient even when driving on the highway
✅ And in this case, the ergonomics of the saddle are pleasantly pleasing, so riding a mountain bike is a pleasure



Mountain bike inspires confidence - you can learn to ride on rough terrain with it. But for riders with experience, it is better to look after something more expensive.

Stels

The Russian manufacturer also offers an extensive selection of bicycles on which you can conquer the vastness. Since mountain bikes produced under such a brand are domestic - from development to assembly, they show themselves perfectly in our realities.

Mountain bike (MTB) STELS Adrenalin D 27.5 V010

The model looks concise, but not boring, thanks to several color accents. The frame of the bike is aluminum, the shock absorber is provided in the front. For STELS Adrenalin, the manufacturer opted for hydraulic disc brakes both front and rear.

Buyers highlight the following advantages of a bicycle:

✅ Excellent work, do not fail the brakes
✅ Good handling and maneuverability
✅ Excellent combination of price and quality



Experienced cyclists warn that for comfort, you will probably have to change the saddle. Otherwise, the transport shows itself perfectly, demonstrates reliability.

Mountain bike (MTB) STELS Navigator 700 MD 27.5 F010

In search of inexpensive transport for a beginner, you should definitely look at this model. It was developed in 2020, has already managed to show itself well in operation, as evidenced by customer reviews.

Why mountain biking is valued:

✅ Good quality for its price range
✅ Good permeability



True, the bike is heavy, as its frame is steel. It is the only one of all the above analogues that weighs more than 17 kg. Buyers also warn that such a mountain bike doubly needs timely and regular maintenance so that it rides longer, delighting and not breaking.

In addition to choosing a brand and model, it is extremely important to find a bike that fits your height and other parameters. Since a cool and fancy bike will seem uncomfortable if it doesn’t suit the rider. Don't forget about customization, which will help ensure maximum comfort and guarantee pleasure.