Mountain bikes feature knobby tires and beefy frames, for increased traction and strength in off-road conditions. If you're looking for a mountain bike, it's probably because you'll be riding on unpaved roads, dirt-tracks or trails.
Mountain bikes are too heavy to be practical or efficient for commuting or road-cycling. For a bike that can perform both on and off-road, you might want to look at a 'hybrid' bike, or any of the newer 'do-everything' bikes, that feature racing-style drop-bars and tires with increased tread.
Maybe you enjoy weekend trails or journeys over mountainous terrain. Perhaps you have your eye on high-speed, fast-paced domination of cross-country trails. It could even be that your sights are set on bombing gnarly descents or conquering dirt jumps. For all these reasons, you'll need a mountain bike.
20/24/26inch full suspension folding mountian bike
26/27.5/29inch mountian bike
Front Suspension / Hardtail: A mountain bike with front suspension and a rigid, suspension-free rear-end is known as a 'hardtail'. Hardtails can vary widely in price; from heavier, entry-level aluminum bikes with entry-level components – up to high-end carbon-fiber race bikes.
Full Suspension: When buying a full suspension bike, all the considerations listed above for front suspension, should be taken into account. Rear suspension usually has more options for adjustability, especially as quality and price increases.
Do you Need Disc Brakes?
Disc brakes are not essential. However, they've become standard on new mountain bikes in recent years, due to their increased stopping power and all-weather responsiveness. A lot of new road bikes still use rim-brakes (the older-style brakes that apply rubber pads to the outer rim of the wheel). These bikes use rim-brakes because they conserve weight and are sufficient to stop a lighter bike.
Mountain bikes are much heavier than road bikes, and are likely to be stopping in looser or muddier conditions. Importantly, disc brakes are more consistent throughout wetter weather.
There are two main types of disc brake; 'Mechanical' and 'Hydraulic';
Hydraulic Brakes use fluid, while mechanical brakes use cables. Hydraulic brakes are more powerful and require less maintenance, but in event of breakdown are more complicated and difficult to repair.
Mechanical Disc Brakes are still very powerful, but may require more frequent maintenance. However, they are easier to repair without assistance from a professional bike mechanic.
20/24/26inch mountian bike
A mountain bike with front suspension and a rigid, suspension-free rear-end is known as a 'hardtail'. Hardtails can vary widely in price; from heavier, entry-level aluminum bikes with entry-level components – up to high-end race bikes.
More details about the mountian bike