Choosing your bike depends on your budget, and the type of riding you choose. Start by identifying where and how you plan to ride, then choose your bike type, suspension setup, and frame size.
1: Bikes for Trail Styles
Mountain bikes are categorized by the type of terrain they are built to ride. Choosing the right style of bike helps you to not carry unnecessary weight uphill or feel under-gunned on aggressive descents. I use my enduro bike as my all around bike. Choose what you feel comfortable riding!
Trail Bikes: Optimized for roughly 40/60 uphill-to-downhill split, these are the most popular and versatile bikes. They handle local singletrack, rocky climbs, and technical descents.
Cross-Country / XC Bikes: Built for efficiency, climbing speed, and smooth trails. They feature steep frame angles and shorter suspension travel for climbing.
Enduro Bikes: For aggressive, steep descents, massive rock gardens, and jumps, though they can still be pedalled back to the top. They use long suspension travel and slack frame angles for high-speed stability.
Gravel Bikes:are made to ride paved roads, gravel paths and single track seamlessly. They utilize elements from road, mountain, and cyclocross bikes to provide a highly adaptable ride
2: Hardtail vs. Full-Suspension
Suspension configuration directly dictates comfort, traction, maintenance, and your budget.
Hardtail (Front Suspension Only): Features a rigid rear frame and a front suspension fork. HT (hard tails) tend to be cheaper and are great bikes to start riding with. Riding HT bikes teach you to choose your riding lines wisely. They are fantastic for beginners, smooth trails, and budget-conscious riders
Full-Suspension (Front and Rear Shocks): Shocks on both wheels smooth out roots, drops, and rock gardens. They offer vastly superior traction and high-speed control. They are heavier, require more maintenance, and cost more than hardtails.
3: Wheel Size and Fit
Modern adult mountain bikes utilize two primary wheel sizes, alongside custom sizing methods.
29-inch: The (current) standard for most modern bikes. They roll over large obstacles easier, maintain momentum well, and offer high-speed stability.
27.5-inch: Wheels that deliver a snappier, more agile, and playful feel. Great to maneuver in tight corners and are highly popular for jumping or smaller riders.
Mixed / "Mullet": Combines the fast rolling, high-traction benefit of a large front wheel with the snappy agility and butt-clearance of a smaller rear wheel.
Frame Sizing: Frame fit is crucial for comfort and avoiding injury. Never compromise on frame size—always cross-reference the manufacturer’s size chart against your height and inseam.
Choosing mountain bike (MTB) apparel is all about durability, sweat management, and fit that accommodates your riding style and protective gear. Road cycling clothing tends to be more tight-fitting versus mountain bike gear is often loose or "baggy". MTB clothing is made to resist abrasions from branches and handle the physical demands of trail riding.
We Use RiderMTB for our apparel. Their clothing is high quality as well as customizable.
Protective Gear:
Deciding on the right mountain bike protective gear depends on your budget, the type of trails you will ride as well the level of heat and movement restrictions you are willing to handle. Choosing gear that fits perfectly and feels comfortable ensures that you will actually wear it on every ride!
Helmets:
The most important piece of gear is a helmet or as I often say a "Brain Bucket"! Selecting the right mountain bike helmet depends on your riding style, as different styles require different levels of coverage, weight, and ventilation. Newer helmets use advanced rotational safety technologies like MIPS (multi-directional Impact Protection System) as well as protection systems like Kineticcore by Lazer or Koroyd by Smith
Our Gear:
POC, Lazer, and Smith are helmets we use.
Fox Knee and Elbow pads - FOX are what I am comfortable with but there are many manufacturers.
Padded bike shorts - (Amazon have shorts that hold up well) are a little awkward feeling at first but will help significantly!
Accessories and Tools
Choosing mountain bike tools and accessories can be tricky and expensive. Focus on where you will use the tools. A compact kit for trailside emergencies is essential and a more comprehensive setup is handy for at home repairs. Prioritize items like multi-tools, tubeless or tube repair kits, and a shock pump to keep your bike dialed in.
1. Trailside Essentials Recommendation
Out on the trails, weight is a priority, but you need the essentials tools to get yourself home.
Multi-Tool: Look for a tool that includes a chain breaker, multiple hex keys (2mm to 8mm), and Torx bits (T25). Models like the OneUp EDC pump/EDC tools integration are great trail utility tools.
Tubeless Repair Kit: If you run tubeless tires, a plug kit (like Bacon strips) is necessary for larger punctures.
Tire Levers: Quality tire levers are essential for popping the bead on tires.
Inflation: Carry a high-volume mini-hand pump or a CO2 inflator for trailside tire inflation. Again OneUp pumps are great.
Spare Tube: Carry a spare tube sized correctly for your wheel (e.g., 29" or 27.5").
3. Smart Upgrades
Integrated Tools: Stash tools inside your steerer tube or handlebars (e.g., OneUp EDC stem tools to keep your multi-tool always on the bike without needing a backpack).
Digital Shock Pump: Allows you to accurately tune the air pressure in your suspension forks and rear shock.
