What Type of Mountain Bike Should I Buy?

Choosing the right mountain bike, with so many options out there, can feel impossible. So many choices!

Full suspension? Hardtail? Lightweight? Maybe something cheap, but not too cheap. And all the jargon – MTBs, downhill mountain bikes, trail bikes – it’s a lot.

Let’s strip it down and make sense of it all…

Your riding style shapes your bike

First question: What type of mountain bike rider are you? Because that’s where it all starts.

Picture you’re bombing down a trail, loose rocks flying, trees whipping past. If that’s your vibe, you’ll want something sturdy – maybe one of the best bikes for downhill or a downhill full-suspension MTB. These bikes are heavy-duty. Big tyres. Lots of suspension. Built to take a beating.

But maybe you’re not all about adrenaline. Maybe you’re into smooth trails, steady climbs, and occasional technical bits. Then MTB for trail might suit you better. These are versatile – good at a lot, great at none. And that’s their charm.

Cross-country riders? You’ll want something light and fast. Think good XC bikes or even a lightweight MTB. These make climbing a breeze. However, downhill isn’t their strong suit.

Hardtail vs. Full Suspension

This one’s always fun. Hardtails have suspension only in the front. Full suspension, as the name suggests, has it in the front and the rear.

• Hardtails: Simple, lighter, and usually cheaper. If you’re after the best starter MTB or a good mountain bike under £1000, this is your best bet. They’re fantastic for smoother trails or learning the ropes. Less to go wrong, too.
• Full Suspension Bikes: A dream on bumpy, technical terrain. They soak up roots, rocks, and drops like nothing else. Looking for the best affordable full-suspension mountain bike? Expect to spend more, but it’s worth it if your rides get rough.

Here’s the kicker: If you’re riding mostly smooth trails, a full suspension might feel like overkill. But hit the big stuff, and it’s exactly it!  

Weight and materials

Some riders obsess over weight. Others don’t even think about it. If you’re the former, look for a light full suspension MTB or a lightweight MTB. Carbon fibre frames are the lightest but can cost as much as a decent used car. Aluminum is a solid middle ground – light, strong, and way more affordable.

Downhill riders don’t stress about weight as much. For them, durability comes first. But if you’re pedalling uphill (and let’s be real, most of us do), lighter bikes feel easier.

Budget: what can you spend?

Let’s get practical. You’ve probably seen bikes that cost more than your monthly rent. And then there are good cheap mountain bikes that make you wonder, “Can this even survive one ride?”

For beginners, start simple. The best mountain bike under £600 or a decent cheap mountain bike can do the trick. Hardtails dominate this price range, and there are solid options from brands like Trek or Specialized. Looking for a deal? Check out affordable mountain bikes for sale at the end of the season.

Want more? Stretch your budget into the £1,000 – £2,000 range, and you’ll find some excellent Mountain Bikes with full suspension. These hit the sweet spot for value and performance.

Brands: The Good, The Cool, The Pricey

What’s the best make of mountain bike? It depends on who you ask. Big names like Trek, Specialized, and Cube dominate for a reason—they’re reliable and offer models for all budgets.

But if you’re chasing the coolest MTB or niche brands, check out Whyte or Santa Cruz. Pricey? Yes. Cool factor? Off the charts.

FAQs people don’t ask (but should!)

1. Do I really need suspension?
   If you’re on smooth dirt or gravel, maybe not. But if you’re hitting roots and rocks? Yes, you do.
2. Can I use a trail bike for downhill?
   Technically, yes. Should you? Not if you value your spine.
3. What’s mountain biking without spending big?
   It’s still mountain biking. Start small. Upgrade later!

Just pick one, to begin with

You’ll never find the perfect bike. That’s the secret. There are too many options, from different types of mountain bikes to good and cheap mountain bikes and everything in between. But the best one is the one you’ll actually ride.

Pick something. Ride it. Learn what you like – and what you don’t.

Then? Start eyeing your next bike. Because, spoiler alert, there’s always a next one!