Mountain Bike Buying Guides

Mountain bikes also come in different flavors for different types of riding. Each category strikes a certain balance between speed and uphill climbing ability, versus toughness and ability to handle big jumps.

• Cross-Country (XC) Mountain Bikes: The lightest weight type of mountain bike, with the shortest suspension travel. They're used in cross-country racing. The focus is on making it as easy to cover ground as possible.
• Down-Country Mountain Bikes: "Downcountry" is a category between cross-country and trail invented half as a joke by Pinkbike writer Mike Levy. A downcountry bike can be thought of as a cross-country race bike beefed up with tougher, carefully chosen components so it can handle harsher terrain better, and maybe equipped with a slightly longer suspension travel.
• Trail Mountain Bikes: Versatile bikes suitable for a wide range of trail conditions, offering a balance of climbing ability and descending prowess. These are a great choice for many riders.
• All-Mountain (AM) Mountain Bikes: Versatile bikes that blend characteristics of trail and enduro bikes. They're typically going to be somewhat heavier than trail bikes with longer suspension travel.
• Enduro Mountain Bikes: Built for aggressive riding on technical downhill sections while still being capable of climbing. Enduro bikes are for riders who want to blast down the trail fast and hard, but still get themselves back up to the top under pedal power.
• Downhill Mountain Bikes: Highly specialized bikes designed for high-speed descents where the rider isn't even planning on trying to get themselves back up to the top. These bikes go uphill best in a van or on a chairlift.
• Freeride Mountain Bikes: Designed for riders who enjoy big jumps, technical descents, and riding features in terrain parks or natural landscapes, freeride bikes typically have durable frames and long suspension travel.