Mountain bikes are one of the most popular categories of two-wheeled vehicles. The increased demand is due to the versatility of use: for cross country, downhill or off-road riding. Models may differ depending on the type of bike – hardtail or two-pod.
It is very important to choose the right mountain bike. The price to quality ratio often plays a decisive role, but you should also take into account the technical characteristics of a particular model, as well as the riding style and physiological characteristics of the rider. We have compiled our rating of mountain bikes, focusing on the manufacturer’s stated characteristics, owner reviews and expert opinions.
Characteristics of the choice of mountain bike
So, what is the defining criterion for choosing the right bike. Here we overheard the conversations of salespeople and came to the conclusion that most buyers pay attention to the design, color of the bike, the number of gears, the state of the wheels and only a few choose the bike in accordance with the appropriate size.
The length is the first parameter by which you should choose your bike. Manufacturers have already developed tables that help you orient to the cyclist’s height or the length of his legs. But that doesn’t mean that measuring your height and inner thigh length (from the foot without shoes to the crotch) will help you find the perfect fit for your bike. On it still need to sit down to assess the degree of comfort. Remember that the right fit – a guarantee of health of the musculoskeletal corset.
Frame material – another criterion of choice that should not be ignored. It determines the strength of the product, its weight and cost. Today frames are made of steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber. What material to give preference to – depends on the specific requirements of the cyclist, the conditions of use of the bicycle and financial capabilities. Carbon frames today are the most durable and the lightest possible, but these advantages are offset by one significant disadvantage – the cost of the product.
Wheels – an important selection criterion. A common diameter is 26 inches. These wheels are installed almost all MTB. Increase the size of the wheels of the mountain bike can be installed more fleshy tires. Recommended values:
- Cyclists with greater height should buy a model with 28-inch wheels or 29-inch niner.
- Teenagers should consider mountain bikes with 20- to 24-inch rims.
- Bicycles with 20-inch wheels are used in cycling.
As for the material of manufacture, the best option will be double aluminum rims. Tires of mountain bikes should have a pronounced tread to ensure the best grip on the surface.
Cushioning – this criterion cannot be neglected when it comes to mountain biking. Good shock absorbers soften shocks and reduce the impact on the bike frame. There are several types of mountain bikes depending on the type of shock absorbers:
- Hardtail. A common category of bicycles with a rigid “tail” and a shock-absorbed fork. In this configuration significantly reduces the vibration impact on the hands.
- Double suspension. This assembly includes front and rear wheel cushioning. There are also so-called softtails with minimal suspension damper travel.
- Rigid. This is not the most suitable option for mountain models. The basic configuration of the bike does not provide suspension, so these frames are often used only in trials.
If your choice fell on a bike with a shocked front fork, you need to pay attention to the size of its stroke – this parameter depends on the height of obstacles that it can easily “swallow”. Accordingly, the more difficult the track, the higher the figure should be.
Brakes – it’s hard to imagine a good mountain bike with bad brakes. The design of mountain bikes provides for a reliable system of stopping the bike, which should work clearly and fail-safe. Mountain models can be equipped with:
- rim brakes (with pads);
- disc brakes.
In turn, disc brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic. The latter are the most preferred due to their reliability and responsiveness, but at the same time, the hydraulic is difficult to repair and has a high cost.
Transmission – this parameter directly reflects the specifics of mountain bike use. The more gears, the more the cyclist has the ability to adapt to the changing terrain. Here you can be guided by the following criteria:
- The optimal number of gears is at least 21.
- For downhill and some other disciplines, the number of gears is not of fundamental importance.
- Trials bikes may have only one fixed gear.
Particular attention should be paid to the gear shifting mechanism: the more intense the load on the mechanism, the higher the transmission class should be.
Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes of 2021
The scope of mountain bikes is not limited to steep slopes, rocky surfaces, city streets, forest and country trails. Manufacturers consider the needs of cyclists, so they offer not just high-performance models, but stylish and maneuverable bikes that allow you to get around town and other trails.
We’ve put together the best mountain bike models on the Russian market and offer you the Mountain Bike 2021 rating.
Chalenger Genesis.
Our rating is opened by Chalenger Genesis, which is a two-suspended model with a heavy-duty steel frame and a powerful handlebar. It features a shock-absorbing fork with a shock-absorbing spring. The model is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, a reliable transmission for 18 gears and fail-safe suspension, which provides proper confidence and maneuverability on the road.
Advantages of the model:
- good Cross-country—what-it-is–nuances ability;
- impressive design;
- excellent brake responsiveness;
- reasonable cost;
- powerful wheels with a well-defined tread for maximum traction with the ground.
Disadvantages of the model:
- Relatively poor build quality (some owners have had problems);
- insufficient rigidity of the rims;
- plastic pedals, which is not at all thoughtful for mountain bikes.
Approximate cost – 11 000 rubles.
Corto Cliff.
Continues the rating of mountain bikes Corto Cliff – a model with 26-inch wheels and a solid aluminum frame. The design is well thought out to the smallest detail – the cyclist will feel comfortable in the saddle even after a few tens of kilometers. The equipment from Shimano provides flawless gear shifting, and Promax brakes and Kenda tires guarantee a stop on demand.
Advantages of the model:
- high build quality;
- easy repair and maintenance;
- possibility of use on any roads;
- reliability of the construction and its mechanisms.
Disadvantages of the model:
- absence of a trunk in the set;
- questionable quality of coating of handles.
Approximate cost – 22,000 rubles.
Merida Crossway 300
Another mountain bike that deserves your attention. This is a hybrid model that goes beyond the budget category. The bike has found its admirers among professional athletes – it is often used to hone the skills of aggressive riding or smooth gliding on the highway. The bike is above all praise – Tektro Vela brakes, Shimano Deore Alivia switch and shock-absorbing fork SR Suntour NCX-D-LO-700C with a pitch length of 63 mm. The Merida Speed 40 Reflex tires, combined with a double rim, are responsible for the Cross-country—what-it-is–nuances ability on particularly difficult sections of the road. It is regarded as one of the best sports bikes out there.
The advantages of the model:
- Technical equipment of the sports class;
- improved cushioning;
- lightweight frame design;
- transmission with 27 speeds, allowing you to select the optimal mode for a particular terrain.
Disadvantages of the model:
- Among the owners did not find those who would note the negative qualities of the bike.
The approximate cost is 45,000 rubles.
Merida Crossway 20 MD
Once again, a hybrid model from a fairly well-known manufacturer. In the development there was an emphasis on safety and usability of the bike. The design provides for a seatpost with shock absorption, which effectively absorbs shocks and small vibrations. This is not a bad option for off-road enthusiasts who have to get to difficult trails on ordinary flat roads.
Advantages of the model:
- comfortable seating for the cyclist;
- The effective transmission of 24 speeds;
- high-quality build;
- stylish exterior.
Disadvantages of the model:
- entry-level attachments.
Approximate cost – 32 000 rubles.
Corto Clori.
Corto Clori continues our top ten – a spectacular model for charming cyclists. The initial complete set provides the presence of brakes Tektro Drako and soft sports fork SR Suntour SF13-XCT-V3. It is quite enough for comfortable riding in the city, walks on the forest paths and overcoming the soft off-road. Not a bad version for athletes who maintain physical fitness.
Advantages of the model:
- excellent Cross-country—what-it-is–nuances ability;
- Resemblance to the professional models;
- Reliable 160-mm brakes;
- transmission with 24 modes.
Disadvantages of the model:
- at the moment have not been identified.
Approximate cost – 27 000 rubles.
Stark Goliath.
A model that is sure to draw attention. A kind of middle ground between the classic and BMX. Suitable for extreme bike-cross. The bike belongs to the top tier in the non-professional category. It comes with a reliable semi-professional suspension fork with a 160mm pitch and Avid DB3 sport brakes on the front and rear wheels.
Advantages of the model:
- low weight;
- reliability and durability of the frame;
- versatility (suitable for beginners and experienced riders).
Disadvantages of the model:
- unreliability of the carriage.
Approximate cost – 60,000 rubles.
Merida Juiliet 6. 40-D
Continues the rating of the best mountain bikes women’s mountain bike model with Shimano Altus suspensions, which being far from the benchmark perfection, can give a head start to more equipped equipment. The design is able to withstand serious loads and operation in rough off-road conditions. When it comes to level paved roads, the Merida Juiliet 6.40-D demonstrates excellent ride smoothness and increased comfort.
The merits of the model are:
- excellent responsiveness and maneuverability;
- optimal stroke of the middle fork – 100 mm;
- availability of 27 speed modes;
- reliable brakes (hydraulic disc);
- impressive design.
Disadvantages of the model:
- To date, have not been identified.
Approximate cost – 36,000 rubles.
Stels Miss 6000 V26.
Another women’s model of mountain bike, which we decided to include in our rating. The domestic manufacturer offers a fairly simple and reliable design, which will fit spectacularly into the urban landscape, and will look no less spectacular against the background of rugged terrain. The assembly is quite good, if not to focus on minor nuances. The owners note the poor quality of the switches.
The advantages of the model:
- cute design;
- good handling;
- reasonable cost.
Disadvantages of the model:
- heaviness of the bike;
- canopies of poor quality.
Approximate cost – 16 000 rubles.
Forward Apache 2.0 Disc.
Recreational model can (with a stretch, though) be considered a mountain bike, as it has proven itself in light off-road conditions. The SR Suntour XCT shock-absorbing fork smoothly smoothes out minor obstacles on the road. Here we should note one small detail: if you make a small tuning (change the spring to stiffer) – you can storm bumps and steep slopes. Shimano Tourey shifters in the basic set are not distinguished by a good assembly, according to the reviews of owners.
Advantages of the model:
- stylish design;
- comfortable saddle;
- reliable frame;
- responsive brakes (disk mechanics).
Disadvantages of the model:
- fast wear and tear of the derailleurs.
Approximate cost – 18 000 rubles.
Cube Aim 26.
Completes our list of mountain bikes worthy representative of the bicycle family, suitable for riding in the city and rough terrain. Basic equipment provides for front and rear light – the headlights are powered by a dynamo hub, which accumulates charge while riding. The obvious advantage is the fork with a 100 mm pitch, which is good at damping out shocks and keeping out small obstacles. 26-inch wheels with double rim and Schwable Black Jack tires allow you to traverse off-road and discover new trails.
Advantages of the model:
- comfortable fit;
- ergonomic design;
- the optimal pitch of the fork.
The disadvantages of the model:
- at the moment have not been detected.
Approximate cost – 27 000 rubles.
Which of the mountain bikes to choose
Decide to buy a particular bike is not so easy, especially when you just start to learn the world of mountain bikes – too much variety of models and parameters to assess their characteristics. We will not give advice to professionals – they already know how to meet the requirements of their iron horse. Let’s give only a few tips for those who are going to buy their first mountain bike:
- Versatility – so that both in the city, and on forest trails.
- Price. There’s no need to buy an expensive bike unless you’re competing internationally. Sophisticated customizable models with top-of-the-line professional attachments are suitable for professionals.
- Easy maintenance.
- Excellent quality brakes, shock absorption and drivetrain.
- Design – the bike must like its owner.
- Availability of additional equipment.
If you are just joining the off-road conquerors, pay attention to the products of Forward and Stels, represented by the budget models of solid assembly. In terms of quality, some copies are not inferior to expensive foreign counterparts.
Conclusion .
Summing up, we would like to remind you that the best mountain bike is a combination of endurance, reliability and convenience. Finding a faithful iron friend is not easy, but this process of studying and analyzing the market is worth the pleasure you experience when riding the first kilometers.
