MTB Bikes

When choosing a mountain bike, you need to be clear on how you’re going to use it and choose the appropriate bike and components: initiation, routes, XC, downcountry, trail, enduro or downhill. There are bikes designed for all of these disciplines, as well as ebike versions. There are also mountain bikes designed specifically for women. Mountain bike prices vary widely, from a few hundred euros up to thousands of euros for high-end MTB models. Our recommendation is that your investment should be appropriate to how and how much you’re going to use it. You shouldn’t overspend unnecessarily, but you should also spend enough so that you won’t have to change bikes after a short time. Below are some tips on how to choose a mountain bike according to your level and riding style.

There are three wheel sizes: 26”, 27.5” and 29”. 26” wheels are going extinct and are generally used now only for kids’ bikes or low-end models. The rest of the MTB market uses predominantly 29”. 27.5” wheels are still used, but generally for smaller frame sizes, although some enduro and downhill models still use them due to their superior agility. It’s also common in these disciplines to to combine wheel sizes, with 27.5” in front and 29” in the rear, for the so-called “mullet” bikes.

For shorter rides through relatively easy terrain, as well as use in the city or groomed paths, you can go for a mountain bike with an aluminum frame, coil-spring shocks, rim or mechanical disc brakes and transmissions with 7-8 speeds and a triple chain ring. Always with a reasonable level of quality so you can enjoy your first outings as an MTB rider.

In order to take on all types of terrain and go for longer rides with the guarantee of reliable mechanics and comfort, we suggest you take a step up and look for a bike with components in the Shimano Altus range or better, with 9-10 speeds, a double chain ring and hydraulic disc brakes preferably.

For a more performance-focused use, whether long routes or technical terrain, we suggest you choose a bike with air shocks and hydraulic brakes. In the 800 – 1,000€ range you can find interesting hard tail options, with mid-range groupsets, including even Shimano Deore and Sram NX or SX. At this range you’ll have a bike that will keep up with your as you progress.

And as you progress, you will likely start setting tougher goals, with longer and more technical rides, events and races. At that point you’ll start looking for a lighter bike with higher quality groupsets and a single front chainring. You’ll start to look at full suspension (FS) mountain bikes and considering travel and other technical questions. And you may even go farther and get into highly technical disciplines such as enduro or downhill.