Many of us that are getting into the sport of biking or that are interested in mountain biking just know that there are only a few types of bikes in general. There are street bikes with the skinny tiers­, those bikes that cruise around on the beach with large seats and then mountain bikes. Well to my surprise when I recently got a job at a bike shop I found myself very embarrassed and realized that bikes are not so simple. In just the mountain bike lineup there are many different types that have many different uses. Some categories to look at are: trail bikes, downhill bikes, cross country bikes, dirt/jump bikes and freeride bikes. When you are in the market for a new bike it is best that you know the different kinds available and what will be the best fit for you based on the bikes capabilities and what you are interested in doing.

Let's first start off with classifications. There are two main mountain bike terms which most people do not understand when they first walk into a bike shop looking for their next bike. People need to understand the different classifications that mountain bikes are divided into. They are:

Hardtail Mountain Bikes: This means that the mountain bike does not have rear suspension. Most mountain bikes nowadays have front fork suspension as a norm but some people prefer to not have rear suspension. There are many advantages to this category of mountain bike. First off is the price. You are saving considerable amounts of money due to the fact that you don’t have to pay for an expensive rear shock. Another appeal is that they weigh about 4-5lbs less than any given full suspension mountain bike. In racing or sprints you don’t lose pedal power due to the fact that the shock is not absorbing some of your energy so they tend to have good takeoff speeds. With all of those positives you also have less maintenance and another shock pivot point that you don’t have to worry about.      

Uses: For off-road trails with minimal obstacles and challenges. This kind of bike is mostly kept at low speeds during descents and inclines. The beginner all around bike that someone can enjoy on the street or on a hard packed dirt trail.

Frame Materials: Aluminum or Carbon fiber  

Suspension: Air Shocks; Front only or Front and Rear, minimal travel

Weight: Averages between 15lbs to 33lbs

Uses: This bike is a modified version of the Cross Country mountain bike. The suspension is very soft so that large obstacles can be dominated with ease. The tradeoff is that the rider will be required to work harder with pedaling due to the give that the softer suspension has. If you are looking for a bike to take more challenging obstacles, and be able to ride over medium size rocks than this bike is for you.   

Frame Material: Aluminum and Carbon Fiber

Suspension: Very soft air shocks (front and back mostly) for more aggressive riding, moderate travel

Weight: Averages between 15lbs to 33lbs

Uses: These bikes are for the most extreme rides that you could imagine. If flying downhill at the fastest speeds over rocks and ruts than this is the bike for you. They are designed for punishment and abuse in all components of the bike. The brakes upgraded and are modified to handle high speed downhill stops. Steel is seen used for frame durability. Due to the beefier frame and suspension the weight is considerable making these bikes difficult for uphill climbs. If you see yourself bunny hopping logs and landing steep drop offs than you should definitely look into a downhill bike.   

Frame Materials: Steel and Aluminum

Suspension: Most travel, large air shocks front and back

Weight: Averages between 40lbs to 45lbs

Uses:  The sister of the Downhill bike, this bike is made to be more versatile than the Downhill bike. This category of mountain bike has been created to be a cross over for functioning both as a Cross Country bike and a Downhill bike. Components on the bike are changed to lighter ones. This does limit strength but the tradeoff is a lighter more versatile bike. Pedaling is designed to be easier and uphill climbs are not as strenuous as on the Downhill bikes. This bike will not outperform the Downhill bike or Cross Country bike but is a good overall transitional bike. So if you are the type of rider that will be in many different kinds of rides and terrains this bike is worth taking a look at.    

Frame Materials: Steel and Aluminum

Suspension: Moderate Travel, Full Suspension  

Weight: Averages between 35lbs to 40lbs

Uses: This bike is mainly for one purpose and one purpose only. Hitting the dirt jumps like you were on a dirt bike. Many of these bikes are seen as funny looking due to the fact that they are relatively small bikes to save on weight but have extended forks for larger tires. They also have front suspension that is designed extremely soft to take the impact of the jumps. If your purpose of mountain biking is getting air and hitting the local dirt track than this mountain bike is for you.

Frame Materials: Steel and Aluminum

Suspension: The softest suspension that you can find (front only)  

Weight: Averages between 20lbs to 30lbs

Hopefully this has helped explain the differences in the many different kinds of mountain bikes that are available. It all depends on what you are looking for when it comes to a mountain bike and what conditions you will be riding in. Unfortunately another thing to think about is cost. Obviously the better bike you get (faster, stronger, lighter) the more expensive it will be. Mountain bike prices can range from $500 to $8,000. My suggestion would be to not buy the cheapest but not to buy the most expensive either. The happiest people that I see come in the bike shop on a daily basis are the ones that know the kind of riding they want to do and have bought a bike in the ranges of $900-$1,800. Do your research to match the perfect bike for you.

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