The Rockhopper has been a mainstay of Specialized’s product line longer than most mountain bikers have been alive.

The views are just as impressive as the unique trail systems. It’s one of the few locations in the world where the trails end at the sea.

Most recently, my husband and I traveled to Italy to explore trails in Finale Ligure on the Italian Riviera. Currently, I ride a Transition Scout which has been a great full suspension, all-mountain ride as a Washington native, I love supporting a Bellingham, Washington-based company. As someone who didn't start mountain biking until I was an adult, I hit the ground running and have tested and ridden countless types of mountain bikes over the years. I enjoy all things related to outdoor sports. The Expert: As a Pacific Northwest native, I grew up on the slopes of the Cascade Mountains and, not surprisingly, I’m an avid skier and, in the off-season, an experienced mountain biker and kiteboarder. Many factors are at play when determining which bikes are worth recommending, including value, quality of parts/components, our experience riding similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended rider. And those bikes not tested were selected based on our experience with previous models and familiarity with the bike’s components. Most of these bikes were ridden by Bicycling 's team of test editors. The mixed wheel or “mullet” mountain bike is configured with a 29-inch wheel in front and a 27.5-inch wheel in the rear. With a tubeless tire, you can run lower tire pressure making the tire more grippy for technical terrain and reducing your overall bike weight.įor those willing to try something unique, a new style of bike has emerged in the last few years. Many shorter/smaller riders prefer a 27.5-inch wheel, while taller riders might opt for a 29-inch, but the best guidance is to test both sizes before making a purchase.Īlso, note that tubeless compatible rims allow for a tubeless tire in the future. Generally, 29-inch wheels offer more speed and stability, while 27.5-inch wheels deliver a more responsive “snappy” feel as smaller wheels accelerate a bit faster. Most adult mountain bikes come in 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. Some brands also offer XS and XXL frames and custom sizing.Ī frame size chart is usually handy on brand websites to help select the fit best for you. Frame sizes typically run S, M, L, and XL and are determined based on height. Great-Priced Aggressive Trail Bike: Cannondale Habit HT 2įrame and wheel size are the most critical factors in finding the right fit for your mountain bike.Best Budget Full Suspension: Giant Stance.Solid Value Hardtail: Rocky Mountain Growler 20.Best Value Full Suspension: Marin Rift Zone 1.Most Dependable Choice: Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3.Best Aggressive Hardtail: Vitus Sentier 29.Lightweight and Balanced: Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29.

Here are some of the best mountain bikes under $2,000. Many brands offer at least one (if not many) affordable mountain bikes in their lineup. Whether it’s a full-suspension downhill shred machine or a hardtail cross-country bike, budget-friendly mountain bikes are abundant. The upfront cost of these bikes can feel overwhelming but affordable options exist for newcomers who want to dabble in a dirty ride. It's no wonder why so many riders want to hop on an MTB and hit their local trails. New trails and bike parks, improved bike geometry and components, and televised mountain bike events are making mountain biking more popular than ever.

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