Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes

Cross-Country Bikes

These are basically short and robust travel bikes which are great at offering efficient suspension and even sharper handling. Moreover, they are great marathon fits and can also be used for XC racing. When it comes to the physical structure of these bikes, they are added with sharper tube angles which can go as high as 70 degrees. Moreover, most of them are fitted with 29 inch thick wheels, offering a rear suspension that’s second to none. Last but not least, the 90mm to 120mm travel is an enviable inclusion.

Trail Bikes

Be it the rowdy downhill or the intricate XC trails, these bikes are great choices for handling diverse terrains with ease. Most importantly, the bike geometry is completely in sync with the user requirements as the head angles vary anywhere between 68 to 65 degrees. Most importantly, the longer wheels are extremely comfortable and offer travel of almost 120 to 150mm even in the most challenging conditions.

Downhill Mountain Bikes

These high-end cycles are precisely designed for bike parks and downhill races as they are added with ultra-long and thick wheel bases. Moreover, with a travel of more than 200mm these mountain bikes are extremely efficient when it comes to assisting users rip down a steeper slope in a straight line. Most importantly, the dual crown forks added into the scheme of things are great at rendering stability to the mountain bikes in case of massive jumps.

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that the Ibis Rimpo is already in the contention for the best mountain bike in this supposedly long list of powerful vehicles, especially in the trail category.

Firstly, this is one product precisely designed for an aggressive rider which also boast of powerful maneuvering and climbing abilities.

Although, the rider needs to be equally strong, this bike is the one that’s more than capable of treading difficult terrains with seamless ease and precision.

Moreover, even the slowness of the ride is taken into consideration as this bike is capable of climbing hilly terrains even when mid-level crowd is present.

When it comes to the downhill performance, the Ibis Rimp GX 2018 is extremely potent and offers a steady performance.

While on paper, the rear wheel offers a decent enough travel of 145mm, the athletic nature of the same isn’t compromised a bit.

Most importantly, the tube angles are slack and tis bike has a wheelbase that’s second to none.

The best part about this kind of wheelbase on the Ibis Rimpo is that the stability is excellent even at a higher speed and the bike doesn’t show any signs of instability even during a sharp descent.

When it comes to the enthusiasts who prefer this best mountain bike over others, it is the descent performance that scales above any other trait.

Moreover, this excellent bike is equally competent in regard to the climbing skills where it feels like home. Moreover, even the rolling terrains cannot deter the power and competence of this bike.

This mid-travel bike is a more than decent cycle that has all the attributes of an eye pleaser.

While this slayer is probably the best option for a daily mountain rider, the 130mm travel also makes a lot of sense in regard to the all-round capabilities of this product.

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that the Yeti SB130 is a great mountain bike for flow trails and even day-long mountain missions.

Moreover, bikers who are looking to frequent the fast lanes can easily go with this powerful cycle.

When it comes to the technical specifications, this one of the best mountain bikes is a great choice for climbing the most difficult of terrains.

Moreover, the efficiency of this vehicle is also great to say the least. Therefore, the climbing traction associated with this cycle is excellent whereas the rear wheel is precisely designed for handling rough climbs with considerable ease.

Moreover, when it comes to the downhill performance of this mountain bike, the Yeti SB130 is also a good choice as compared to some of the other mountain bikes in the market. 

The downhill performance of this bike is exceptional and even the handling is sharp, even for lower speeds.

Last but not least, the angles are extremely aggressive and this bike is a perfect fit for the truest Enduro trails.

While the exceedingly higher price point can be an issue, every feature set validates the price tag on display. 

Most important, this is nothing less than a balanced trail bike which delivers the best ever performance and that too even during the downhill journey.

Moreover, this bike feels extremely competitive when used for competing on single tracks.

Here is the much-anticipated Ibis Ripley that comes across as the 29-inch flagship. This trail bike is extremely competent and best known for the unrivaled playfulness.

Moreover, this is one of the most well-rounded mountain bikes, known for the enhanced downhill efficiency and a crafty demeanor.

Most importantly, this mountain bike is capable of remaining stable even at higher and lower speeds.

While we did talk about the Ibis Rimpo in the previous sections, the Ripley also comes forth with an inspired design.

This feature also makes way for an increased reach and even decent wheelbase measurements, which render athletic capabilities to the same.

If technical specifications are concerned, the slack yet efficient 66.5 degree tube angle is a decent enough addition followed by the steep 76.2 degree seat angle.

This feature makes it easier to combine bigger wheels with this mountain bike besides adding a special flexibility during the climb. 

Strictly based on features, the Ripley readily encourages trail slides and pops and even doesn’t come with a speed limit.

This makes sure that riders can continue riding with confidence even in rougher and steeper terrains.

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that this is a very sensible bike that is meant for a more generic riding population.

Moreover, this is a light-weighted entity that is as good during the climbs as it is during the descents. The unmatched versatility on offer is actually the best for any short bike that we have tested, in quite a long time.

In the world of minimalistic trail bikes, the Santa Cruz Hightower comes across as an aggressive version with feature sets second to none.

Needless to say, this is an upgraded model that comes forth with a real-wheel travel of 140mm. The 150mm travel fork is a decent addition which is perfectly complemented by the slack and long design.

The VPP suspension is a near-perfect inclusion and the existing flip-chip is one feature that allows an individual to adjust the cycle geometry on the basis of riding style and trail.

In simpler words, the new Hightower is more of a downhill crusher with more than satisfactory climbing feature. 

When it comes to the performance, this mountain bike inspires confidence even at higher speeds.

Most importantly, this bike remains stable when a person is coming down a slope and that too at higher speeds. Even the more intricate trial sections are handled with ease. 

The technical aspects of this mountain bike include the comfortable and roomy cockpit followed by the extremely comfortable pedal platform, and the steeper angle of seat tube which makes climbing easier than usual.

It wouldn’t be wrong to consider this as a pure trail mountain bike which wins the race in terms of overall performance. Last but not least, this is a complete mountain bike that is perfect for a trail rider who is aggressive.

However, during certain instances the downhill performance for this bike overshadows some of its other attributes.

Any discussion regarding the best mountain bikes would be incomplete without mentioning this Women’s trail bike that is currently selling like hot cakes.

Firstly, this Stumpjumper Comp Carbon comes forth with a 150mm trail travel that still gives it an athletic performance.

Therefore, this mountain bike is a great choice for someone who is looking to cruise on a flowy trail or even climb up a steeper one with equal ease.

In regard to the geometrical considerations, this powerful cycle packs in slackest of aesthetics, clubbed with 150mm rear and front wheel travel.

While this gives excellent high speed stability to this product, it also makes room for an aggressive descent. Moreover, as tested by our female experts, this mountain bike is also extremely maneuverable despite the girthy tires and rim on display.

Needless to say, this is a powerful cycle that is suitable for almost any trail length, regardless of the surrounding conditions. 

Other technical and physical details include the availability of a wider bandwidth and ability of this bike to showcase multiple skill levels, depending on the expertise of the person who is riding the same.

Therefore, for a woman searching for unicorn, this best mountain bike is an automatic choice.

Be it a casual ride across the hilly terrains or a seasoned shredder looking to nail down her opponents in a race, the Stumpjumper is the perfect ally for every situation.

While we previously talked about the most suitable trail bikes, the time is appropriate to take the fat bikes into account.

For the more snowy terrains, this fat bike would allow an individual to steamroll right across the snow clad roads with ease and precision.

While most individuals who own trail bikes would sit and home, the person owning a Pivot can easily work his or her way through the misty terrains, just to satiate the adventurer inside.

When it comes to the technical specifications and physical attributes, this fat bike is exemplary, precisely for its light chassis.

The limitless demeanor on offer is an additional trait. To be exact, the Pivot makes room for hollow-core bike molding, just to make way for a stiffer, stronger, and lighter mid-section; something that’s usually missing in typical fat bikes.

Moreover, there is a decent follow up of carbon fiber that assists further in weight shedding.

The triangle at the rear comes equipped with the dropout system which was a hit in the Swinger II series from the same company.

This feature makes sure that different tire sizes and certain combinations can be accommodated with ease. Moreover, for someone looking for a more playful ride, this Pivot allows the inclusion of shorted chain stay.

However, when stability is required while maneuvering at higher speeds, longer chain stays can be accommodated with equal comfort.

Needless to say, the front portion of this bike is the one that supports adjustability and makes way for dual headset options at the lower point.

If we would have only three words to describe the Maverick, we would categorize the same as unbelievable, unconventional, and unlimited in its offering.

While there are many mountain bikes in the marker that are fast and offer aggressive riding capabilities, this one is one playful option that is perfect for the steeper climbs.

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that this mountain bike was precisely manufactured while keeping the Enduro trails in mind. 

In regard to the technical aspects of this product, the 140mm VPP suspension is a great addition and allows the rider to scale beyond any significant obstacle.

Moreover, the geometry is slacked out which renders additional stability to the same.

There is the integration of the flip-chip feature which allows the rider to alter the bike geometry on the basis of terrain, trail, and preferences. 

Moreover, the 29-inch wheels and decent depth also makes this a great riding experience, courtesy of the stability on offer.

The pedals here are equally efficient which makes way for better support and extended levels of road traction on the more challenging of terrains.

The RockShox technology is positioned at the rear wheel for absorbing all the vibrations while offering exceptional levels of tune-ability to this premium product.

Last but not least, the suspension at the lower link is a visionary change from the previous models which makes this a maneuverable bike in most environments. 

This version of the Alchemy Arktos is more of a complete mountain bike that is further validated by the exceptional price tag on display.

Most importantly, this product features the top-grade, carbon-infused fiber technology for offering an aesthetic covering to the riders.

Moreover, the existing Sine Suspension technology is also a great addition that pairs up perfectly with the modernized trail geometry and more.

With a real travel of 140mm and 160mm front travel, the Arktos is a great ally for any trail and the slack chassis helps the rider and company validate the claims.

As per the technical specs sheet, the carbon frame is a revolutionary addition followed by inclusion of a light-weighted chassis for better riding conditions.

Besides the exceptional frame and chassis construction, the Arktos is also known for Super Boost+ technology for guaranteeing a supportive bike stroke.

Moreover, the fork length on this cycle is somewhere in the 150 to 160mm ballpark which renders added stability to the bike.

The existing Turbine Cockpit makes maneuvering easy and the SRAM X01 drive train makes sure that this bikes fires off and glides across diverse terrains.

The XT blinders on offer from Shimano are there to slow down descend as this can be a pretty aggressive bike trait.

Last but not least, the Swiss 1700 wheel set renders additional strength and grip to the Maxxis tires, regardless of the trail condition.

For an ardent mountain biker who is looking for exceptional downhill and climbing performance, the RKT 9 from Niner is probably the most reliable companion.

Needless to say, bike enthusiasts would know that this is an upgrade from the XC, precisely manufactured for increasing the race-centric capabilities of the bike.

While the frame still remains as impressive as the predecessor, the 29-inch tire frames are more like revolutionary additions. Moreover, the boost axle has been included for additional pace and to minimize the chain stay length to 439mm at max.

Some of the best feature sets courtesy of the minor improvements include better acceleration, aggressive cornering, an d agile translations.

When it comes to the technical aspects of this best mountain bike, the RDO carbon frame steals the show. Most importantly, the CCS or Carbon Compaction System is available which in a way renders stability at higher speeds.

The stiffness is evident and all the structural imperfections as seen in the preceding model have been eliminated. 

Most importantly, this mountain bike makes room for the much-anticipated CVA suspension that makes it a low-travel and certainly a high-speed cycle.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to state that CVA makes room, for better climbs and helps the rider of the rockier terrains. Apart from that, this is a massively capable bike that comes forth with significance rear wheel athleticism courtesy of the tight triangle.

Quite fittingly, we saved the best for the last with the Pivot Train 429 coming across as the best mountain bike, regardless of the trail or terrain.

Firstly, from a more abstract point of view, this bike comes equipped with exceptional levels of speed, power, adaptability, and versatility. While the redesigned structural components make room for a steeper seat and slacker geometry, this bike is way better for climbing hills as compared to the predecessors.

Moreover, the Super Boost technology, in the form of decisive rear spacing is also an innovative yet powerful addition. This feature makes sure that the DW link suspension pertaining to this bike works effectively and it can reach exceptional speed levels without having to worry about stability.

Before moving onto the technical aspects, we need to talk about the structural redesigns in details. Firstly, the Trail 429 is known for the progressive geometry, courtesy of the restructured frame and angular additions.

The slacker tube gives an elongated shape to this mountain bike and the steeper seat allows the rider to push through the punchy switchbacks with ease. The internal cable arrangement or routing is yet another feature that needs added description and makes room for a better arrangement of wires.

The Super Boost technology as mentioned previously makes room for a 157mm wheel width that aims at stiffening up the bracing angle. This feature makes room for better bike control, increased maneuvering responsiveness, and unmatched power when it comes to making difficult climbs.

Moreover, this feature also assists the bikers who have difficulties at the blind trail corners. From a more technical perspective, the wider wheel hub makes room for better bike clearance which eventually allows the rear wheel to remain closely tucked to the seat tube.

This physical modification makes room for a more responsive biking experience which eventually goes a long way in improving the confidence of the biker.