Nowadays, mountain biking is a sport that is becoming more and more popular, and it is simple to see why. Who doesn’t like to venture outside into open spaces and enjoy a decent adrenaline rush?
The issue is that there is a bewildering variety of mountain bikes available to pick from, making it difficult for beginners to ride groomed green singletrack at a bike park, extreme enduro racers, or riders in the center. Choosing the right mountain bike can be difficult because there are so many different mountain bike models, brands, and designs.
Best Mountain Bikes 2023
Depending on how they are intended to be used, mountain bikes come in a variety of designs. A mountain bike for weekend trail riding is not the same as one for cross-country racing. As a result, the list of the best mountain bikes for 2023 includes champion models from a variety of mountain biking’s many sub-disciplines. The variations among disciplines will be covered later in this guide.
It’s also important to consider spending a little less than your budget and adding the best mountain bike modifications you can easily afford to any excellent bike to make it even better for you and your riding.
Read on to learn about the best mountain bikes to buy :
Ibis Ripmo V2 XT
Key Features
- Confident Descender
- Well-Balanced and All-Around Performance
- Efficient Climber
- 29-Inch Wheel Size
Overview
The best all-around trail bike we’ve ever tried, the Ripmo V2 won over our testers. Even while this long-legged 29er was previously a confident and competent descender, it now feels even more at ease in challenging terrain and stable at high speeds with increased big-hit performance. The suspension kinematics was modified to make it more progressive at the end of the stroke, and the geometry of the Ripmo was revised to make it lazier and longer. The short chainstays keep the rear end sporty, and the handling is snappy and accurate.
With its effective DW-Link suspension platform, sharp seat tube angle, and direct power transmission, the V2 maintains its exceptional climbing characteristics. With the Ripmo, one bike that can do it all and do it well, terms like “quiver killer” spring to mind.
A fantastic aggressive trail bike with outstanding uphill and downhill performance is the Ripmo V2. We think this bike is incredibly adaptable and suggest it to just about anyone. This one makes a lot of sense for the rider who wants a bike that climbs well without compromising performance on the descent.
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
Key Features
- Highly Adjustable Geometry
- Plush FSR Suspension
- Stable and Confident Descender
- Increased SWAT Storage
Overview
The new Stumpjumper EVO from Specialized is top-notch. One of the hardest charging trail bikes we’ve tried is this 150mm travel 29er with a 160mm fork. The updated FSR suspension platform is almost flawless, and this bike devours everything in its path as it descends. With a reasonably supportive pedaling platform and a nice steep seat tube angle, it climbs pretty darn well when pointed uphill.
This bike’s newly revised geometry is one of its most intriguing features. The bottom bracket may be raised or lowered by 7mm, and the head tube angle can be quickly and simply altered between 63.5 and 65.5 degrees in 1-degree increments.
The rider now has six different geometry options to choose from depending on the terrain, riding style, and preferences. You can choose to set it up steep and high for regular trail riding or low and slack for doing laps at the bike park. Specialized’s attention to detail and on-bike storage also continues to wow. You may avoid wearing a pack and stay hydrated thanks to the SWAT storage compartment’s addition of a 20 oz water bladder and a zippered tool sleeve that fits inside the frame.
The Comp build we tested is well-equipped, but in comparison to the more expensive construction options and the competition, it is relatively heavy. Given its extended travel distances and aggressive goals, this bike may feel a little cumbersome and uninteresting on easier routes. Due to its high degree of adjustability, we believe this bike is a fantastic choice for the aggressive rider looking for versatility.
Ibis Ripley GX Eagle
Key Features
- Playful
- Lightweight
- Well-Rounded
- Modern Geometry
Overview
Ibis just underwent a thorough redesign of the Ripley; their flagship 29-inch wheeled trail bike. Our favorite short-distance model before was the earlier iteration, thanks to its exhilarating ride and unmatched fun. The most recent Ripley still has a lot of that playful attitude, but it is also a much more complete ride with improved downhill performance and considerably more stability at high speeds.
Thanks to the Ripmo-inspired frame’s longer reach and wheelbase, slackened head tube angle of 66.5 degrees, and steeper seat tube angle of 76.2 degrees. The Ripley no longer has a speed limit but still encourages pops and trailside impacts. Even though it continues to be constrained by its low travel numbers, it is also significantly more self-assured on steep and challenging terrain.
For the majority of riders, the Ripley is a very smart trail bike. This compact bike is equally adept at climbing and descending. It is the greatest all-around short-travel bike we’ve ridden and offers unrivaled versatility. It is a great option for lengthy bike rides since it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and effectiveness.
Yeti SB130 TURQ X01
Key Features
- Incredibly Versatile
- Fun on Nearly Any Trail
- Excellent Climbing Performance
- Excellent Climbing Traction
Overview
The Yeti SB130 is a trail slayer with mid-travel that makes an excellent everyday driver or addition to your bike quiver. For a sizable portion of riders in various areas, this 130mm 29er makes a lot of sense. The Yeti has you covered whether you frequently travel on quick, rolling flow trails or go on long backcountry excursions. This bicycle offers exceptional efficiency while positioning you for climbing.
Except for truly enduro-grade tracks, the SB130 tears up practically any downhill with its aggressive angles and strong front end. The rear wheel tracks quite well through challenging and difficult climbs and has outstanding climbing traction. It handles well and has great downhill performance. It is undoubtedly expensive, but if you’re seeking the best of the best, it might be something to think about.
Purchase it if you want a well-balanced trail bike that climbs very well and becomes wild on the descent. The bulk of singletrack is a perfect fit for the SB130. It’s the ideal all-purpose bike.
Polygon Siskiu T8
Key Features
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Well-Rounded Performance
- Great Build for the Price
Overview
The finest bike we tested, the Polygon Siskiu T8, is around $3,000. This reasonably priced mid-travel trail bike has a 140mm fork and 135mm rear wheel travel. It has 29-inch wheels. Modern requirements are satisfied by Siskiu’s shape, which results in a well-rounded and adaptable performance. It is a smooth ride that accommodates riders of all skill levels and is pretty laid back. Both newbie riders and experienced riders may hop on this bike and have a blast. It has responsive handling, is agile, stable at high speeds, and inspires confidence when descending.
The Siskiu is a capable climber that is comfortable and efficient for any length of ride. The Siskiu’s distinctive construction is perhaps its most stunning feature. This bike performs better on climbs and descents because it is very well-equipped for the price.
Our criticisms about the Siskiu T8 are limited, especially given the affordable asking price. The saddle, grips, and touchpoints on this bike are where we have the most complaints. Similar to the handlebars, the saddle is oddly shaped and has a pointed tail that could catch on shorts or prick you in the pelvis on a fast downhill. The grips are thin and stiff, and we’d probably swap them out for something a little cozier.
Apart from that, there isn’t much to dislike about this incredibly versatile and reasonably priced mid-travel trail bike.
Giant Stance 29 2
Key Features
- 12-Speed Drivetrain
- Excellent Climber
- Balanced Suspension
- Affordable
Overview
The Stance 29 2 is a great illustration of Giant’s reputation for producing high-quality bicycles at costs that are extremely reasonable. This whole bike is comparable in price to many carbon frames on its own, but it performs remarkably well on the trails despite this. This reasonably priced trail bike has 130mm of fork travel, 120mm of rear wheel suspension, and 29-inch wheels. It climbs energetically and effectively, and while riding it, our testers recorded some of their best uphill times ever. The Stance demonstrated its comfort and capability on the descents, and the suspension seems balanced. The bike is an outstanding bargain, in our opinion, because the component specifications are high quality for the price.
Our issues with the Stance are not major ones. A dropper seatpost, which we believe would significantly improve this bike’s downhill performance, is not included. We believe that a set of tires that are more substantial would improve performance overall because the stock tires are fast-rolling and passive. Other than that, we think this is a fantastic entry-level full suspension bike for riding in general. Depending on your taste, 27.5-inch wheels are also an option.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8
Key Features
- Great Build for the Price
- Comparatively Reasonable Price
- 900 Wh Battery – Excellent Range
- Well-Rounded Trail Riding Performance
Overview
Canyon has updated their Spectral:ON models. The Spectral:ON CF 8 is a well-rounded trail e-MTB that also happens to be one of the best prices on the market. With 29-inch front wheels and 27.5-inch rear wheels, 150/155mm of front/rear travel, and a contemporary geometry that is ideal for its trail-oriented intents, this carbon-framed bike runs on mixed wheels. Despite weighing more than 50 pounds, we discovered that it handled effectively in all circumstances, with an outstanding balance of quickness, stability, and serenity.
With three programmable support settings, the ever-popular Shimano EP8 motor delivers up to 85Nm of torque to suit your needs. Additionally, it has the largest 900 Wh battery of any electric mountain bike we’ve tested, giving it the greatest range. Although it still costs three times as much as the best-rated commuting electric bike, Canyon’s consumer-direct sales approach makes it possible for this bike to have a decent build for the price. Although it’s still not insignificant, we believe the Spectral:ON CF 8 offers excellent value for the money.
Trek Farley 7
Key Features
- Dropper Post
- Front Suspension
- Well-Rounded
Overview
A suspension fork and dropper seatpost give the Trek Farley 7 a well-rounded performance and a high build quality. This versatile bike is at home, logging the miles on tight singletracks, groomed trails, and even some dirt trails thanks to its middle-of-the-road shape, which performs well on both climbs and descents. On snow, sand, and mud, enormous 4.5-inch Bontrager Gnarwahl tires offer tons of traction for both climbing and descending. However, on the descents, where it feels more like a mountain bike than the competitors, the Farley 7 distinguishes itself from the competition.
The dropper post lowers the saddle and moves it out of the way so you can maneuver around the bike while the 80mm of front suspension aids soften the impact of hard snow or chunky rocks. Compared to the other fat bikes we examined, this one is much more capable and enjoyable when riding on dirt trails and in variable weather.
At 36 lbs. and 11 oz., the Farley 7 is not lightweight. It is not the best option for racing because of its weight, which can be felt during hills or lengthy rides. Nevertheless, considering how much fun we had riding this bike, we didn’t mind the weight too much. We believe the Farley 7 is a good option to consider if you’re looking for a fat bike.
Final Words
This guide should make your major mountain bike purchase a little bit simpler. Being realistic about your abilities, objectives, and riding locations is crucial when choosing a mountain bike. The best bikes are those on this list. You can depend on My Bicycle Tips to keep this list up to date by continuing to purchase, ride, and evaluate the best mountain bikes available. You can read these reviews to learn about the best mountain bikes to buy .
FAQ
Do I Really Need an Expensive Mountain Bike?
Yes. Purchasing a pricey mountain bike is undoubtedly worthwhile if you have the money. More expensive mountain bikes are lightweight and have significantly more dependable parts. If you need to stop quickly, a high-end mountain bike will have excellent suspension and razor-sharp brakes.
Which is the Best Hybrid or MTB?
Hybrid bicycles are cozy city vehicles that easily handle gravel roads and woodland treks. On the other hand, MTBs should only be used on difficult terrain and trails. This is due to the changed geometry and noticeably thinner tires compared to mountain bikes.
Is Mountain Bike Good for Road Riding?
It is possible to ride a mountain bike on a public road. Because they like the flexibility of being able to ride off-road if they so desire, many people prefer to own a mountain bike over a road bike or a hybrid.
How Many Years Does a Mountain Bike Last?
A mountain bike can last for almost 20 years with proper care. Where your bike is and how much you ride will greatly affect how long it takes. Tires, chains, brake pads, and drivetrains are just a few of the things that will eventually wear out. For lifespan, meticulous maintenance is crucial.