Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Brands
Do you remember the nostalgic days of your childhood, when you would hop on your bike and race through the streets, jumping off curbs and splashing through puddles? Those sweet memories are still alive and well, but nowadays, you can take your biking game to a whole new level. With modern technology, you can now experience the thrill of hitting big jumps and speeding down hills that you never could have imagined tackling back then.Of course, to tackle these new challenges, you'll need a ride that's up to the task. Fortunately, today's mountain bikes are engineered to the highest standards, with incredible strength, lightweight designs, and smooth functionality that make riding a breeze. By investing in a quality mountain bike, you'll enjoy a ride that works with you rather than against you, giving you the confidence to tackle any trail with ease.
However, choosing the right bike can be a daunting task, especially with so many quality brands and models to choose from. It's important to find a bike that fits both your budget and your individual riding style. While this list of the best mountain bike brands is a great starting point, it's important to remember that the best way to choose a bike is to test-drive a variety of models and find one that fits you perfectly. With the right mountain bike in hand, you'll be ready to hit the trails and experience the thrill of the ride like never before.
Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major bicycle and cycling product manufacturer and distributor under brand names Trek, Electra Bicycle Company, Gary Fisher, Bontrager, Diamant Bikes, Villiger Bikes and until 2008, LeMond Racing Cycles and Klein. I may only be a lightweight girl but in my opinion it makes a bike harder to fit me properly. I tried a Mongoose, Diamondback and a Huffy and they could not be adjusted to give me a good ride. My Trek came to me perfectly tuned for my frame and weight. Believe me I am hard on it and it gives me a smooth ride without wearing me out. The Huffy especially gave me blisters and made me sick of riding I never thought a brand of bike would make so much difference but I learned that fit is everything. Even after many miles of hard riding I want to keep going. Trek sold me, I love mine and will never own another brand if they paid me to ride it.
I own a Trek. Sadly I am poor so I own a Marlin 4. It's meant to be a rugged commuter but I use it for free ride and downhill. Black diamonds, jumps, and just plain abuse, It has survived. No, it's not nearly as good as it was when I bought it, it's not super comfortable to ride downhill, the suspension is a joke but it has survived. The only parts that have broken were parts that wear out anyway like the chain, tires, derailleur, that kind of thing. I am looking to get a bike suited for the kind of riding I am doing and plan to do. For now, it works. That's why I voted for Trek on this top ten. The entry level bike that I own has survived things that generally aren't considered entry level. So kudos to the team at Trek bicycles for making a beginner hard tail that survives advanced level abuse. All it needs is a new suspension.
I'm from Philippines, I have a great experience with this two brands the specialized and trek, both hardtail. First, I own specialized which gives me a smooth ride. But, after using for 1yr 4mos and 8days, I notice that the base part of my specialized body has a small crack, which is not good for me. Then I planned to buy a new one to replace my specialized body, I choose two brands trek and bianchi. I ask the owner of the store, which one has a good quality. He said, that both body have good quality in terms of weight. Bianchi, is like your biking in the mud. While trek has a good performance and high quality. No doubt, I choose trek 6500. And I never regret choosing my trek, now I'm using it for 2yrs and 22days.
Thank you trek bicycle company, you are the most reputable company in the whole worldwide... Keep up the good work guys...
By the way, I'm 5'8", 23y. O and male...
Last January 2014 my brother is itching to buy a bike so he took me along, he had his eyes on Cannondale Trail 6 while I opted for a more cheaper brand (SGM). We have no idea what to look for in a bike. We basically judge it by the way it looks.
When we got to our LBS we asked for the bikes we had in mind. The Cannondale sure look awesome while the SGM is somewhat pale in comparison. I don't know maybe it's just the color. I hesitated. I could not fully convince my self that this is what I want. May gaze wondered around the shop, and there she is perch above in a corner, she looked so bright. Her yellow frame looked so fresh amids the blacks, whites, blues, and reds of the other bikes around her.
The shop owner then said that the Trek 3500 is a good entry level bike and that she have a 3500 for her self. She also added that the brand it self is a guarantee that it is a good quality bike. I was sold.
It has been months since I first got my 3500 we have been to many ...more
Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer that is recognized as the world's largest bicycle manufacturer. Just got the 2014 Giant Revel, and compared to my 2012 Revel, it takes my cycling to an Amazing level, I could never imagine. For the price of only R4999 I could not have asked for a more amazing piece of machine than this bike, smooth on the incline, and super fast on the descend, if you don't believe me, try out giant, there's no comparing... My first bike as a GT Avalanche 1.0, great bike, but giant's smooth feel, smooth acceleration, I just don't want to drive any other bike.
Have owned a Giant Mountain Bike since 1995, and have Never had any problems with it. Have ridden it in Michigan on Ski trails in the Spring and Summer, and I have suffered more than the bike ever did. Also have ridden it in light snow in the winter, and it is great. Yes, it was expensive, but am glad I spent the money. If I had purchased a less expensive bike, would have had to of replaced it at least once, if not more.
Own both a Trance bought new and a used Reign (8yrs old). A bike is best judged at an old age. New bikes are always pretty and fine. Build quality is in the top ranks. Maestro suspension is impeccable. For the 8yr old Reign, I only had to change the linkage bearings and the bike feels 100% again. Giant bicycles are the kind that can be kept as long as the interest of the rider still remains.
I purchased this bike for my nephew. As he is autistic, riding a bike is one of the few things he enjoys. For the first few days he was loving it, you could hear him a mile away going nee nor nee nor. But one day... He fell off and threw a tantrum, what he did next amazed me. He took a huge bite out of the seat. He tore it apart like an angry shark. Next he bit the stabilisers. Giant, you bikes are easily consumed
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Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc., more commonly known simply as Specialized, is a major American brand of bicycles and related products. I bought my first mountain bike in 1991, specialed rockhopper with no suspension. Put a lot of mikes on that bike. Upgraded to a specialized comp elite with full suspension in 2010. WOW What a Revelation. should have upgraded to full suspension bike a decade ago. Riding position is more upright and I go down trails faster with less fatigue. Have put several thousand miles on bike with only a broken spoke. Never left me stranded. Only one flat! Hit a rock too hard. Will buy another specialized and recommend one for my son. by the way does anyone like the new 29ers? I rode one and is not as much fun? It is faster but I feel disconnected from the trail. It will roll over rocks that would send me over front of the bike.
If we're talking hard downhill, I would never choose anyone else other than Specialized, the bikes are quality they maintain a level of durability while staying mobile. Another factor to consider is Specialized, growing in popularity is now producing more parts, it seems irrational to pay higher for labour fee's and what not when getting your bike repaired, parts can be bought cheaply through websites such as ebay, you could save yourself a large amount of money in the long run.
Been on a specialized since I was 7! Hot rock to rock hopper to another rock hopper, they just took all the abuse and crashes as I was growing up and acting reckless, then I finally got a full suspension stumpjumper and that's when my riding really took off! I completely thrashed my stumpjumper from 7th grade to my freshman year in college! And nothing ever broke! Just kept going and going, dominating trails. That's when I realized that specialized bikes are bulletproof. Now I'm on a Pitch pro and it is the best bike I've been on, besides the 2011 Enduro (trying to get one soon haha) My buddies have Santa Cruz, Yeti, Giant, and Trek but my specialized feels like it climbs better and descends like a champ! They still can't keep up;) Specialized knows how to engineer bike frames! There's a reason so many people have them and love them. People that don't like specialized bikes probably never owned one.
When a good-condition Enduro Comp 29 came on the second-hard market through a good friend of mine, I gave it a long thought. I must admit I was very reluctant to buy a 29" but after doing some research, I decided to go for it. What an awesome bike! It can really haul up and down hills. Runs very stable and predictable! Thanks to Specialized for creating such a demon of a machine.
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Santa Cruz Bicycles is a manufacturer of high end mountain bikes based in Santa Cruz, California. They sponsor the Santa Cruz Syndicate, a downhill racing team. I have a fully customised Superlight. The frame is a decade old now and still commands admiration from many people. I have some high end kit bolted to it and with a total weight of just a fraction over 11kg it flies along dirt track and climbs like a mountain goat. Killer bike and still smashes many newer models from the bigger manufacturers.
The Quality and Engineering put into my Santa Cruz is incredible and when you look at the Design and Style this bike has over the competition, there is no competition. Anyone can attach the best components to there frame. Santa Cruz's frames are in the top 4!
Santa Cruz all the way. I've also got a Marin, a Giant & trek but nothing comes close. The geometry of the 2013 Superlight frame is superb & single pivot is easy to maintain in the muddy slop here in Yorkshire UK. Don't be fooled by the name it's built like a tank!
Top 10 here reflect mainstream--e.G. ignorant--perspective. Nearly all serious mountain bikers would put Santa Cruz near the top (if not the top), while Marin and Kona make very mediocre product, to say nothing of the industry giants who put out a lot of crap, besides their top of the line bikes.
The Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, is an American division of Canadian conglomerate Dorel Industries that supplies bicycles. I have a Cannondale Trail SL4, love it love it love it! You can't beat the frame. It does so much more than hold the parts together. It makes you comfortable which is what I checked with diamond back, specialized, Giant, GT, Scott, Marin, Novarra, and so many more. Cannondale jumped out at me as being so comfortable and rugged. I have so much control and feel like I am on a magic carpet ride. Parts are from good to great. No regrets.
American company that actually makes all its own bikes rather than outsourcing to other brands for manufacturing. They innovate and break the mold whenever possible in a meaningful and well thought out way. Stick to their roots and don't chase the fancy new trend just to jump on sales. They stick to tradition and what works for them.
Trigger-1 (29r). Efficient climber and smooth DH rider; all with a flip of a switch on the handle bars and push of a button on top of the Lefty. In addition, can change seat position from full extension on a climb to 'down in between the front and rear wheel' with a push of a button; sense of lower center of gravity.
Started with a Cannondale Super-V Full Suspension for 'donkey's years'. All aluminum and great bike for it's time; AKA - Old Faithful.
I Just got a SL 5 Great bike for only 700. Way better than the Trek that I owned. It can ride over just about anything. It's disk Brakes are Really nice and it handles great since it is a 29er and it has rigid Kenda Tire big ole fat tires. Better than Trek no Doubt. Almost bought the Trek Wahoo instead but I upgraded.
GT Bicycles designs and manufactures road, mountain, and BMX bicycles - originally in the United States, and now as a division of Canadian conglomerate, Dorel Industries, which also markets Cannondale, Schwinn, Mongoose, IronHorse, Dyno, and RoadMaster bicycle brands; all manufactured in Asia. Each frame look beautiful, switches between gears seemlessly, is perfect for just enjoying some wonderful trails, and has a version for everyone. they are true mountain bikes with high quality statistics and I don't understand why anyone would prefer another brand. I worked at a bike shop and had to fix up to 30 bikes on the daily, most from crappy walmart brands and never once did I see a GT in for anything other than upgrades or a simple tube change. We also hosted trail rides and the moiuntain bikers I knew only had good things to say about this brand. If you know your bikes, you choose GT.
I have an 8 year old Avalanche 3.0 and its barely gone wrong, when it has it has been due to me neglecting it a bit. Everything bar the seat (for comfort reasons) is the same as it was when I bought it. The colour and decal design hasn't really dated much and the shape of the frame is the same as it is on the new bikes.
Despite being made from aluminium I find it noticeably (but not much) heavier than my friends Giant bike of similar specification.
Would happily recommend this brand to anyone
I have a 2006 Aggresor, it has done me well and it is a great bike. Despite using it to tackle full sus trails, it is still in great condition and normally runs smoothly.
I am soon receiving a GT Avalanche (Hardtail) which I am hoping since it is a higher end model, which will perform even better than my trusty Aggresor does.
If you were to buy an MTB with as good specs say from the likes of Specialized, you would have to pay almost twice the price. Great value for money.
GT are a great bike make and I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys Mountain Biking.
I have owned 3 GT mountain bikes since late 1993. The frames on each of these have been fantastic and have never let me down once. I've replaced and upgraded components as required and to my preference. I recently done a complete rebuild of my 2001 GT idrive which I just couldn't bear to part with. The fact that it's served me so well for so long is testament to the quality of this brand.
Kona Bikes is a bicycle company based in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1988 and still owned by Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron in Vancouver, BC, their World Headquarters are located in Ferndale, Washington, with Canadian distribution offices in Vancouver, and European distribution offices in Geneva, Switzerland. I have ridden mountain bikes since '95, and my first real bike was a Kona Cinder Cone. Since then I have had a lot of bikes in between and went back to Kona after being not impressed with other brands. The difference is Kona is very careful on the geometry of all their bikes, and often the only difference between a lower end bike, and top end is the componants, but the rest of the bike is the same. This makes for amazing value. The big guys like Trek and Giant make crap bikes on the low and.. And no matter how much you try to upgrade them.. They will will always be crap bikes. This is not so with Kona. You can take a $800 bike, and change the drivetrain and fork, and have the exact same bike as a $1300 race ready bike.
This is the best brand. I'm from Mexico and it's complicated to get a Kona, but once you have get it you're gonna love it. This brand offers the best relation price - quality product, you should check what offers Kona in the same range of price before buying another bike, because you always gonna find a better bike por the same price. Also Kona always is innovating, and other brands only copy the designs that Kona and others are doing. Oh and don't forget the Africa programs that Kona is making. Sorry about my English writing. I hope it works for new cyclist.
I have had the privilege of riding top brands like Specialized, Trek, GT, etc and once I bought a Kona, I have never turned back. In fact, I have bought 3 since then. Great bikes! I do my homework before I buy anything and if you're the same, do yourself a favor and shop a comparable Kona to the style of bike you're looking for in other brands. You'll see that quality, fitment options, price, mean a lot to this company.
I recently bought a 2005 Kona Kula Deluxe frame to use as a second bike. Built it to a good spec with a more modern twist.. 10speed,shorter stem with wider bars etc. WOW.. What a frame, if it where an animal it would be an Antelope or a Gazelle. It accelerates super quick and I can feel everything through the bike from what the tyres are rolling over. It is so good I've just fitted,at great expense, a set of 2014 Rockshox SID 100mm forks as it was crying out for something better than I had in the
Parts bin. Now it is fantastic, I don't think today's hardtails come close to the performance of what was made 10 years ago. I can't comment on the later frames(2008 on), mine is the Easton Ultralite Race alloy. Well done
Kona.
I compare and narrow things down before buying anything. I've had all different brands over the years and recently bought a SCOTT. The Quality and the components you get way exceed a lot of these in this list. 2 of these brands shouldn't even be on this list let alone the top 5.
Great bikes. I am supprised how light they could make a alloy full supsension large frame 29er clocking in at 12.7kg (the Spark 950 2014 model), the stiffness is also remarkable. This really amazes me as my previous 26er hard tail (also alloy) weighted 15.6kg large frame (Titan Sport 2013). They definitely know how to produce great quality products their customers can be proud of riding.
I spent 3 weeks searching for the perfect bike and Scott and Giant seeming strides above the rest! The Scott edging it due to the utter smoothness and perfection of gear changing. Not suprised to see Trek up there cus I hear Giant are making their frames? But yeh Scott gets my vote!
I decided to buy the Scott 720 given its smooth ride and clean lines. Love the 3 stage handlebar control lever. Also enjoy having a brand that is not to high production like Trek or Specialized or Giant...
Very happy with Scott Bikes
I've had tons of bikes over the years, Giants, Specialized, Scott, and more; Yeti is in a class of its own. This list is based on votes.. most widespread appeal based on price, accessibility, popularity etc: not Yeti. Best premium hand built mountain bikes made: Yeti all day long.
I have owned Giant, Bridgestone and multiple Specialized bikes - all good, but once I owned a Yeti there was no turning back. I am on my second Yeti and they are simply amazing - I can do things on that bike that I could never do on mass produced brand bikes.
Probably 8th on the list because the general public knows the high production brand names before they know the high quality brand names. (More people have heard of McDonalds versus McCormick and Schmick's, but I know where I'd rather eat).
Yeti is truly the best mountain bike out there. High quality parts compared to Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized. Yes, the price is out of the ball park but your paying for the quality.
There are many "top" bikes / brands out there now. In each price point or category its hard to find a bad bike. And often bikes appeal to different people for many reasons. After almost 50 years of riding, I have found the Pivot brand to be my go to equipment for everything from DJ to XC to trail, park and DH. Quality, technological advancement, and customer support have been stellar. Would be top of the list for me, as I owned, ridden, and enjoyed almost every brand on the list. But for the past several years they have remained my favorite overall ride.
Being a smaller and more boutique brand pushes Pivot down such lists whereas on the merit of technical brilliance, workmanship and most of all, riding experience, it should be sitting on the very top.
I know this list is bad. Pivot needs to be up there with Santa Cruz. They have great quality bikes. Top 1 and 2 brands out there for sure. Obvious that giant is a top mfg of bikes, but that doesn't make them #1. Maybe like 6th.
Pivot's always on the tech forefront. Wonderfully engineered bikes with few compromises. And the company's run by a founder who rides and knows his stuff.
I have a Cube AMS 130 SL (2013) and it is without doubt the best all mountain bikes I have ever ridden. Although not cheap, it's frame and rear linkage is beautifully made and creates a responsive ride that absorbs small and big hits with ease giving you the confidence to go faster than you would think possible! Awesome components for the money, seriously lightweight and looks amazing! Highly recommend Cube and their German engineering and manufacturing.
After having driven a Merida for 7 years, I went ahead and tried on a Cube Reaction GTC => Man, what a killer machine! Love it, every time I drive it, and haven't seen many known brands offer the same specs for the money! I won't go into comparing my Merida with the Cube since lots has changed in 7 years and my Merida never let me down either. But they were much more expensive to get the same quality parts as on my Cube, so I switched brands
I bought a Cube Acid 2013 to see if I wanted to get into mtb rather than road cycling. I have a Trek FX 7.9 full carbon hybrid for my road cycling. I must say my Cube for far less money has made me smile more and has truly got me into Xc riding. This bike is very well built with great components where required and all you need to have a great ride. Would highly recommend a look and test ride.
Fantastic bikes, incredible value for money. My "reaction" is very stable, predictable and comfortable. I also bought some cube clothing and accessories and the attention to detail is perfect. Can say enough about them, highly recommended. (2014)
I recently bought my Merida Big Nine 20D and I'm absolutely in love with the bike because of the ride quality it provides. It's indeed a marvelous piece of engineering: Ultralight, 29" tires makes you feel like a king, superb ride quality. And the 29" tires give a sort of confidence I've never had on a bicycle. I tried other brands before buying it but the big nine completely blew me away with the ride quality.. Big fan!
From 2014 Merida mountain bikes are as good if not better than big name Brands. I've owned many different brands and Merida are now my personal favorite. The quality and performance you get for your money is beyond compare. If you want a great bike buy a merida. If you're a brand snob buy something else for more money and lower quality components.
I have bought 3 Merida bicycles till now and I only have to say that this brand is awesome... You pay the money but you get the quality and equipment, not the name... For example if you choose between the best 2-3 brands and Merida, for same price bicycle,... With Merida you will get better equipment for sure.
After having crashed 3 bikes since the last June, in my 56 years of life, from the last two months, I'm a happy owner of a "Big Nine 40D", and I really love it. Every day it pushes me riding more and more. It is the most I could buy for the money I spent. Very smooth riding. Useing it mostly for city treking, I changed the chainwheel with a 48-38-28, and the bike became awesome even at relatively higher speed.
Best STW-ratio of any frame (including Trek, Specialized and Cannondale), excellent value, consistent quality components throughout, anodized frames, great geometry. To sum up, the best bikes in class.
These brand give you TOP equipment and frames for a beautiful price. I have a Canyon AL 6.0 with 3 years of punishment and works perfect. I love it.
Best looking and quality bikes on the market. The reason they aren't higher is because you can't order them in the US yet. But they are coming.
I'm thinking of buying a torque frx downhill bike. Cheaper than other brands but gives you top quality equipment and excellent quality components, amazing looks too.
Rocky Mountain Bicycles is a Canadian bicycle manufacturer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company was incorporated in 1981, its name a reference to the mountain range that stretches from eastern British Columbia to the southwest United States. I just bought a soon to be 17 yr old 1999 Rocky Mountain 'Soul' Core series. Color: Magic Yellow.
It was a garage find and it's pure eye candy. It's been stored away and riden very little. All original except the saddle. Literally no dings scrapes or scratches no rust or pitting & that includes under the BB etc. I had to repair a front flat and dial in the front derailleur. Even has the OEM grips with Rocky Mountain embossing, in near mint condition. All stickers are mint and intact including the bike shop sticker from where it was purchased. I'm so in love with it right now. It rides like it has a heart beat of its own. It's such a vintage Jewel that It will be stored in a room where I'll be able to stare at it and admire its beauty. I can't bring myself to ride it and bang it up now after it surviving all this time.
I've riden specialized for years. When I decided for a new 29er I couldn't find a geometry I felt fit. Charles at Trailhead bicycle company in Cleveland Tn. Suggested a rocky mountain vertex, he didn't have my size so I tried the trailhead 29er. It fit so well it could have been made just for me. Because of my size I upgraded my wheels and switched to tubeless for riding here in east tn. I'm 310lbs and I'm 6', when I ride thunder rock at 28 to 35 mph this bike is everything I wanted. Rocky mountain is top shelf!
Bought a 2013 altitude haven't even need any new parts only thing was a brake bleed. Its lasted 4 years nearing 5 without any major adjustments. I'm thinking of upgrading to an either 2017 altitude, 2016 or 2017 element, thunderbolt is considerable Trek remedy is up there too just don't know which one? Price is the only issue with these bikes. Otherwise very well made take it over a giant anyday.
Rocky Mountain Fusion - cheap first bike - strong as an ox, not scared of rocks. I rode mine for 12 years on 3 continents in everything from snow to torrential downpour in a tropical typhoon. Also featuring a non-trash Silent Clutch rear hub that lasted 30,000km and several rims, still going strong.
Rocky Mountain ETSX - one of the few truly unique suspension designs not simply ripping off Horst.
RM7, RM8 etc... - just plain wow.
See the above 2 comments.
If you have ridden Turner downhill once, you will agree it is the top 5 bike brands. if you haven't, it may be because you are intimidated by the brand. It is like going to a Ferrari dealership and ask to test drive a 458. Not many people have the guts to do it. But once you have driven a Ferrari, you will understand why it is always the pinnacle in the auto world. Turner is the same as Ferrari, but in the Downhill/ Mountain bike world.
Giant / Trek/ Specialized. Top 3. Bull -shirt! Maybe the one's with the most politicians paid off. Give me a break. You said " BEST MNT BIKE EVER". Not the most affordable. Turner. Ellsworth. Marin. Three best frames. And with top components. Best mnt bikes on the market. Ya! How do you like the truth :corporate "advertising ".
Best bike ever WHAT! Number 88. Right? No corporate paying off. I guess because Target and Wallmart don't have your bikes. RIGHT? Wow. When can we ever trust advertisement? I guess never!
Litterly the best bike I have ever ridden. The geometry is elderly but fantastic and the only reason it isn't in the top ten is because it is not well know.
I'm stationed in Japan and the NEX sells is stocked with $300 Mongooses. Had 2 and each went bad. They both easily rusted and neither one had a chance to to taken out on the trails (Which is a shame because there are some good ones out here). I decided to go to a bike shop off base was will to shell out more money for the Kuma. A year later, I'm still in love with this bike and it still looks almost new even though I use it for daily transit and occasional trail riding
I ordered a Kuma 29.1 and it should be here Monday. So after a few rides, I'll give a review. I considered other brands such as Ghost, Centurion, Bergamont, and a few others. But it seems the name on the bike is superficial. Most bike frames are made in China or Taiwan. And the rest is SRAM, Shimano, or chapy. So for about $900 dollars, bikes in that price range are pretty much the same.
Not known for MTB's, but Bianchi have not shown a lack of knowledge when it comes to their frames. Been riding a Methanol for 2 years now, and it has blown me away. Easily the best bike I have ridden.
It has a solid frame you can imagine. Just purchase the frame standalone and then equip with the best components out there in the market. Those who are looking for clone bikes can consider...
I've riden for about 20 years. Just recently bought high end TF01 and it's the best bike I've ever had! Climbs like a goat, turns on demand and the attention to detail is like no other bike I've ridden. You get what you pay for and it's worth it. But you wont' appreciate the bike unless you've had the displeasure of riding other bikes. So take your time and get to know what you like. then give them a try, you won't regret it.
Superb mountain bikes. I've had a Sportelite SE01 SLX for over a year now and it has seen plenty of tough action with no problems. Mine is not top of the range either. The paintwork remains new looking and nothing corrodes. Best balanced bike I've ever ridden. 3 year frame warranty also, 5 if registered within 30 days... reassuring.
I ride a teamelite... This thing begs me to pedal harder, just wants to go fast. Acceleration is fantastic, does not lose a bit of energy in the chainstays. Very good handling also. overall I have been compensated for every single hard earned euro I spent. Does what its made for. And the trail is its natural environment, you can feel it as soon as you step on it
Really surprised that BMC isn't in the top three. They have the best mountain biking team in the world, and they are the best bike component makers in the world. Their bikes are just gorgeous.
I own 2 Norco bikes. A 2014 Norco Fluid 7.2, and a 2015 Norco Range 7.3 Carbon. Easily the best bikes I've ridden, and I've spent a fair amount of time on Trek, Specialized, La Pierre, Rocky Mountain, Giant, and Merida. Norco are HANDS DOWN the best I've ridden.
I owned a Norco Rampage and it was a great hard tail bike, I was able to get into jumps, go down on mountains and also use it on the city to go everywhere. Very strong frame and build quality! I would recommed anyone to try a Norco, they should be above on this list!
I had a Norco women's hybrid for a while. That was the best ride, best geared bike I've put my behind on before or since. It went almost 7000km with me over 10 years with almost no maintenance before I broke it's frame. I should have fixed it and gone another 7000km.
I owned a Norco wolverine, and until it was stolen, it was the absolute most fun bike I've ever owned. I haven't had too awful many. But I've owned a trek, specialized, giant, and that Norco.
I had Tahoe and now Reveal. They both are great bikes. Better than GT (I had this too). I waugh 270 and am 6.1.
Fuji never had any issues, rides perfect. Very sturdy yet smooth and makes you confident while riding.
I got a Fuji bike when I was 6 and now I am 12. I have been mountain biking and also bike a whole lot on the road. I have not replaced anything, and it still runs PERFECT! Best bike I have ever had
My old fuji still runs amazing and I haven't done like any upgrades and throw this thing around. IT is like seven years old and runs like I bought it yesterday.
I can't believe this isn't number one. I have recently got a fuji and everything is nice clean and smooth. my favorite part is probably the ability to with gears to 1 -7 on most bikes. fuji is amazing and that's the bottom line. this should at least be in the top 5. WOW
Best is different for everyone but just so everyone's aware- Gary Fisher is Treks "High End Line"- similar to Audi Vs Volkswagen.
Regardless, it took me years to realize how great Gary Fishers geometry is, and Gary Fisher himself was the father of the 29er- don't buy these bikes for specs- buy these bikes cause the company actually knows what its doing and delivers bikes ahead of their time.
I've had two Gary Fishers' across thirty years one if his first and a remake of the same (still have them), and both have been more responsive and had better geometry for climbing and maneuvering than any other mountain bike I have ever ridden after racing for several years and leading bicycle tours all over the country. My colleagues and guests have had the same experience when we would arrive in a destination and given the opportunity to ride a Fisher and then other brands; and the only reason its not #1 in this survey is that other folks haven't ridden them and compared them head to head; as well as, sadly, the brand got subsumed under Trek.
My girlfriend big sur has fallen down more mountain and cliffs than I can count. But when it ripped itself off my bike rack at 60 mph on the freeway and suffered only a couple scratches - then I knew it was immortal.
Giant is cheap Asian crap made in a sweat shop by 11 year old laborers. Please buy a quality American Make that supports our Economy. Be cheap with your underwear and your hair plugs. INVEST in your bike.
Ibis make remarkable mountain bikes, they have won many awards and come top of many comparison reviews in the popular MTB magazines and press. The reason they don't feature highly here is because they are more of a "boutique" brand, and are out of the reach of many riders.
I proudly own an Ibis Mojo HD. It's a jem and all I've done is put wider carbon bars, shorter stem, and offset bushings for the rear shock. It works just as well downhill as it does up. I wouldn't get any other bike.
Ibis can't win in this, they don't make enough bikes and they aren't in every corner bike shop. They are, however, the best there is.
My IBIS is FULL XTR and full FOX suspension. Despite being on my 4th derailler hanger, my only worry with the bike is theft. The mojo sl is overkill for the non competitive rider that I am. If I did ride competition I would look to something lighter in weight.
I have worked for a number of bike shops and companies, and spend a lot of time riding. That said, I have tried numerous bikes: Raleigh, Kona, Specialized, GT, Haro, etc. And of all of them, K2 is definitely right at the top. Sometimes they get a bit of a bad rap because of some of their economy lines you find at places like Sports Authority and Dicks. Those are ok introductory bikes made specifically for those companies. However, their primary lines that they sale via The Hub, and other K2 shops is definitively a legit bike.
Ya k2 is really good. They make strong durable bikes and have pro detail and you can tell a lot of attention is put in to them, if you don't believe me go buy one for yourself.
Can't complain never had any problems in my opinion. My K2 should by I the top 5 not sure what model I have but it's like 5 yrs old and has everything the the other top ten have and is light my top 5 bikes are trek. Giant. Specialized. Yeti and then my K2
I love my new K2 for it's age it is still contending up to the new ones on my mtb team. I race XC for my high school and I have to say it is a blast riding with them.
I have a 2014 Pioneer Trail (Bolinas Ridge 6.2) - it's a well engineered bike (I am a mechanical engineer); the shot-peen process on the hydroformed 6061 aircraft aluminum alloy has created a very strong and durable frame. The component mix although inexpensive is good quality (Schwalbe Tires, Alex Rims, Shimano Drive train, Suntour XCT suspension fork). As an engineer I know how much things cost to manufacture and this bike is a great value and it has great performance as a cross country bike (it weighs 30 lbs). I am impressed by Marin's well thought-out designs combined with proven in-field testing.
Bought a Jamis Dakota in 1993 and rode it for about 5 years. Quite riding when my back starting hurting badly due to herniated disks. My prayers were answered to ride again when I bought a 2013 XC7 Rift Zone (full suspension). I'm 53 and can shred the trail again with my 20 and 22 year old sons. All of us are riding Marins. Very fast and comfortable. I love it! Been riding two years now and my back is feeling better than it has in the past 20 years. Great bike. No problems.
I have a Bolinas Ridge 29er and could not be happier! I am a beginner with the desire to use mountain biking as a way of getting back into shape after packing on quite a bit of weight after smoking. This is my second bike and straight out of the box it is an extremely comfortable and smooth ride.
I bought the CXR team 29er, and I love it! It rides very well, the float 29 front fork is incredible and makes the ride so much easier. It climbs no problem then descends very quickly. It has given me the confidence that I have never had with any other bike. Marin, you guys aced it with my bike! Hopefully it lasts me ten years!
This is the first 'branded' bike I own, (I would not consider Wal-mart bikes as 'branded'... More sort of generic) and I have had very good rides on it, both in paved and dirt roads, being the longest a 50 mile ride along the baja coast, it performed excellent going up hill, very light, and on the way down it it zoomed up to 45MPH very smoothly, no vibration, no shakes... Very pleased with mi bike, wonder why it's so up in the rankings...
Raleigh's are on the comeback. They slipped a little in the past but the bikes are top notch now and still priced well. The Euro pro team is going to help with the dated perception some people may still be hanging onto.
Their bikes are very long lasting, I had a Mountain Bike from Raleigh brought in 1990, and till today, it's still running well with its upgraded components!
Just purchase a green and black 2014 raleigh I'm 6 2" 220lbs and it fits me good, smooth ride, nice and easy to use gear shifter, with a good price for my budget. This mtb should be in the top 10 for overall the best!
Bought a Felt MTB for my son after comparing specs. It was between Felt and Specialized. There was a misunderstanding at the bike shop so they gave me an upgraded model for a lower price on the Felt which helped me decide. We're in SF Bay Area so all brands are available. 6 weeks, he loves the ride but only on streets and light trails so far. And that my friends is how we Felt.
I love my Felt. The best ride for the best price as someone else said without selling a kidney to own one. I got mine on sale because it was a year old and they were trying to get it off the showroom floor. I couldn't pass it up for the money.
Best bike selection at great prices. I love Felt I got mine at live4bikes.com live 4 bikes in bellflower I love it. Best bike I have ever had. Its Edit pro full carbon, full suspension full Awesome!
Felt is a better racing bike then over half of the bikes on this list. I love my Doctrine 3 and wouldn't trade it for anything.