What type of mountain bike is right for me?
First, think about where and how you want to ride. Do you want to ride easy trails with the kids? Challenge yourself on steep, rocky terrain? Or maybe you want long days on big mountain adventures. Are you an aspiring racer? Do you want to crush the climbs, or are you saving energy for the descent?
Your local terrain and style of riding will determine the type of mountain bike you want.
Cross-country mountain bikes
Cross-country bikes are built for efficient pedalling and quick handling. They’re lighter than other bikes and have parts chosen for speed, like shorter-travel suspension and faster-rolling tyres, making them great for racing or riding light trails.
Rugged country mountain bikes
Downcountry bikes combine snappy XC bike handling with a little extra suspension. They can handle trails that are rougher than what a pure XC race bike can handle comfortably, but they're still more focused on speed than a true trail bike.
Trail mountain bikes
Trail bikes keep you stable and in control on rough terrain. They’re heavier than XC bikes, but the longer-travel suspension and bigger tyres deliver more traction and comfort. They're a blast on descents and great on the widest variety of trails.
Fat bikes
Fat bikes, also known as snow bikes, let you ride over loose terrain like snow or sand. Their extra-wide tyres make them harder to pedal than bikes with standard tyres, but they deliver tank-like traction and stability so you can go almost anywhere.
Downhill mountain bikes
Downhill bikes are built with the most suspension travel for tackling the steepest terrain, gnarliest features and biggest jumps. They’re not intended to be pedalled uphill – instead you'd use a chair lift or shuttle truck to get to the top.
What kind of mountain bikes are there?
Now that you know what type of riding you want to do, let’s narrow your choices down. The most common types of bikes – trail and cross country – can either be full suspension bikes with both front and rear shocks, or hardtails with no rear shock.
Full suspension mountain bikes
These bikes have both front and rear shocks. That makes them more comfortable and easier to control over rough terrain. Rear suspension helps keep the back wheel tracking the ground, so you get better traction. However, the rear shock and the hardware that goes with it usually make the bike heavier. The additional movement from the shock can often make pedalling less efficient, especially on sprints and smooth climbs. Plus, more moving parts means more maintenance.
Shop full suspension mountain bikesHardtail mountain bikes
These bikes usually have front suspension, but no rear shock. That makes them lighter and easier to maintain. They are usually faster to pedal, especially in sprints and on smoother climbs. However, with no rear shock to absorb bumps, it takes more effort to stay in control over rough terrain. It’s also easier to lose traction, especially on rougher climbs. That’s why Trek hardtail trail bikes have wider tyres with more grip.
See hardtail mountain bikesAre there women-specific mountain bikes?
Every rider deserves a bike that fits and feels great, whatever their gender, body type, style of riding or level of experience. Most of our line-up is gender-neutral, so we can offer more models in more sizes and colours to ensure that everybody gets more choice. For that reason, we recommend starting your search by checking out types of bikes (cross country, trail, etc.) instead of simply starting with a women-specific bike.
Learn more about women-specific mountain bikesWhat about electric mountain bikes?
Electric-assist mountain bikes boost your pedalling power with a small electric motor. You pedal them like any other bike but can go further and explore more places than you could on a regular bike. Whether you’re a cross country or trail rider, an e-MTB will give you more of everything you love about mountain biking.
Shop electric mountain bikesWhat size mountain bike do I need?
Humans come in a wide range of sizes, and so do our mountain bikes. We make bikes for short people, tall people and everyone in between. Choose the right mountain bike size for your height to get the best comfort and the most fun.
View the sizing guideWhat wheel size is best for me?
Mountain bike wheel size can seem complicated, but it’s not. Most of our cross-country and trail bikes come with 29-inch wheels because they carry more speed and roll over obstacles more easily. The smallest sizes on some models come with more proportional 27.5-inch wheels that give shorter riders a better fit and easier handling. Since smaller wheels are more nimble and easier to throw around, we also use them on Remedy – our trail bike built for playful riding and extra style points on jumps.
Learn more about wheel sizeWhere do I ride?
Learn how to find your local trails, people to ride with and basic trail etiquette.
Find places to rideHow to set up mountain bike suspension
Learn how to adjust your mountain bike suspension for the best ride.
Learn more about suspension set-upLearn how to maintain your mountain bike
Learn how to keep your mountain bike rolling smoothly and safely.
Learn about at-home maintenance