Top 20 mountain bikes

Mountain bike belongs to the class of sports equipment for outdoor activities. It is designed to ride mainly on the roadless terrain, but due to the excellent appearance and technical characteristics it is also purchased for city driving. The main differences of the mountain bike from the track and road models is a reinforced frame, a raised carriage to increase ground clearance, as well as a wide and tenacious tire tread.

Currently, there are hundreds of different models of mountain bikes. Each of them has the characteristic advantages and disadvantages inherent in a strictly defined line and manufacturer. Making a choice in favor of the best is not so easy. However, after studying the characteristics of mountain bikes, reading hundreds of positive and negative user reviews, opinions of recognized experts in this field, as well as people professionally involved in mountain biking, we selected decent models that should be given priority attention.

Top Mountain Bike Manufacturers

Like any other category, the mountain bike market has its own best manufacturers. There are not many of them, but the quality of the mountain bikes they produce is confirmed by thousands of happy users, including real professionals. Among the best manufacturers of MTB include:

• STELS. This is a Russian manufacturing company owned by a large holding "Velomotors", originating in 1996. Bicycles of this brand, including mountain ones, are very popular on the world market, which is confirmed by high sales figures.
• FORWARD. Another Russian manufacturer of bicycles, bicycle parts and their accessories. The start of mass production took place in 1999, and now the mountain bikes of this brand take part in elite mountain bike competitions, which speaks of their high quality and efficiency.
• CUBE. On the products of the company CUBE can only speak good. The German cycling giant is a permanent participant in the prestigious European exhibition Eurobike, and this best of all reflects the level of their products.
• Giant. The Taiwanese company is one of the largest manufacturers of bicycles. Since 1972, it has built more than 10 factories around the world and today is rightfully considered one of the best manufacturers, including mountain, bicycles in the world.
• Merida. This Taiwanese firm is Giant's main competitor for market share, not only in their own country, but also around the globe. Unlike its opponent, Merida actively sponsors cycling teams at prestigious competitions, which allows them to promote their products to the masses.

Useful video - how to choose a mountain bike

The best cheap mountain bikes: a budget of up to 12,000 rubles

4 Stinger Element D 26

An entry-level cross-country bike that shows moderate cross-country driving results. It is recommended to acquire those who are just beginning to master the basics of movement on mountainous terrain and off-road, without pretending to competitive disciplines. The equipment of the transmission part consists of Shimano entry-level switches and STG walking carriages - a body kit that is not able to survive frequent trips to strong off-road conditions. The brakes are a bit more serious, however, they are also not sharpened for aggressive use.

According to the first sensations, it seems that the price of the Stinger Element D 26 is somewhat overestimated: consumers attribute the model to the category of ordinary ones and more often than they feel like it, they notice minor malfunctions in it. Of course, all this can be solved by user upgrades, but additional financial investments are not what you want to get from the mountain bike. Model 2019 received a new type of mounting bearings - aheadset or, otherwise, bezrezbovy, considered more durable in comparison with the threaded. The brakes have also changed - instead of vibrays, the developers have put in more modern disc brakes. The wheels have become much stronger due to double rims. It seems that the company took into account the wishes and heeded the criticism, refining the previous design and thereby providing it with much better technical characteristics, however, without increasing the price by about 1,000 rubles. not done.

3 Novatrack Shark 20 6 (2017)

Spirited cycling rides in the yard, fun rides in the park and outside the city, exciting trips with parents on easy off-roading - just what adventures are available to a child who has become the happy owner of a real mountain bike! We are sure that the best way to attach your child to the sport, as soon as he was 7 years old, is in the gift of a Shark bicycle from the company Novatrack. Why this particular model? Firstly, it looks unreal cool whether it be in the blue-green or white-red colors, so that the child will definitely be proud of it. Secondly, it is a two-suspension bike, that is, it is provided with depreciation on both wheels, which means it will be much easier to manage it on uneven surfaces.

The next advantage is that the 20-inch wheels with adjustable height of the steering wheel and saddle give an appreciable stock of bicycle service taking into account the rapid growth of its owner: at least up to 10 years, you can not even think about a new bike. Pleases and equipment for the full program: 6 speeds, 2 brakes, good-quality rubber, plastic wings and protection of the switching mechanism. All elements work flawlessly, so the quality in the reviews do not complain. The only thing you should pay attention to before buying is 14 kg of weight, and if there is no elevator, then physical loads are provided for parents too.

2 Desna 2610 V

In the 70s, millions of Soviet boys dreamed about Desna bicycles, and still the mention of this brand evokes a feeling of light nostalgia. With the purchase of the Zhukovsky plant by the Velomotors company, the former glory returned to him with the only difference that the bikes began to be produced by modern robots from the pipe-rolling of their own production and painted with enamels on unique production lines for Russian companies. Still remaining in the budget segment, the company was able to offer several dozen successful cycle models, including Desna 2610 V.

For a very modest amount, the buyer does not receive some kind of “Ashanbike”, but a functional mountain bike with an exhaustive bundle, which is not necessary for upgrading trips. A classic steel triangle frame, perfectly welded and painted in 3 layers, cables laid inside, threadless steering column, cartridge carriage, tires with increased width - all the prerequisites for trouble-free and long-term operation are provided. You can find fault with the quality of the brake rotors, you can blame the lack of wings and seat rigidity, but the fact that the bike is inexpensive, reliable and able to serve its owner faithfully for many seasons is an indisputable fact.

1 FORWARD Sporting 27.5 1.0 (2019)

Despite a certain amount of criticism, the bicycles of the Russian brand Forward are popular, especially for the Sporting model, which received new wheels 27.5 "in 2019. Not that it was the best, rather, it is bought for further improvement - it’s good that all parts can be purchased from previous collections with good discounts.But in the basic delivery the bike at this price leaves a pleasant impression: it has a catchy design, light enough, despite the fact that the steel frame, rather than aluminum, comes on almost fully assembled - you only need to put the steering wheel and wheel on the eccentric and fasten the pedals.

One of the main reasons for buying this particular bike is that it is a good quality for both the budget category equipment and non-poor equipment. The company does not allow any nouneyma: microSHIFT shafts (this brand is called the Shimano killer, its products are used by cyclists like Giant and Cannondale), Tourney switches (for real mountain bikes are not the best option, but for trips around the city are quite reliable), KMC circuit and etc. Of the minuses, users mention a rather unpretentious linkage 1.0 and a regular saddle, although comfortable, but the quality of the upholstery is below average.

26 inch best mountain bikes

26 inches - standard size wheels for mountain bikes. This is due to structural features, as well as a direct influence on the patency of the road. In professional sports, wheels of different diameters are used for different mountain bike disciplines. In mountain biking, 26 inches are the default size.

4 STELS Navigator 650 D 26 V010

Another representative of the mountain bike for the “Catalans”, who do not claim to participate in the Tour of Switzerland in the Alps, but are happy to open new routes in their native lands. The park, the forest, the ground, the roadway, snow and even ice - thanks to studded rubber with an aggressive tread, “Stealth” tolerates all kinds of roads, despite the fact that not all attachments belong to well-known brands. For example, hydraulic brakes Nutt, though made by the Chinese trademark, but provide a slower motion smoothly, without pressing all the way.

The manufacturer set the front and rear switches to a very decent level - Shimano Altus FD-M310 and Acera RD-M360, and the bike is delivered to the buyer with all the necessary settings, and they switch like a clock. In general, the device turned out to be universal - for traveling on business and "pokatushek" is quite suitable and durable. A little cheaper would cost, and in a set would be such necessary trifles as keys and wings, would occupy the first positions of a rating.

3 Giant Revel 2

With the popularity of the mountain bike Giant Revel 2 can argue, perhaps, the most budget models of simple urban bikes. Where such demand came from is unknown. In character, this is a rather modest pleasure bike, intended more for beginners than for amateurs or professional athletes. But in terms of driving around the city, it turns into a comfort-class mountain biking. In particular, many users note smoothness, fast acceleration and ease of control, even at high speeds. The only really serious drawback is the unfortunate admission of developers - since the 2013 model, the rear canopy of the Shimano Alivio has been replaced by the Shimano Tourney.

Advantages:

• construction weight 14 kg;
• good handling;
• great design;
• speed dialing

Disadvantages:

• annoying replacement of a good rear derailleur with a less cool one.

2 Stinger Caiman 26

The Caiman line is available in 4 sizes and 4 color options and serves as the basic idea: to stay in the budget category, but at the same time to ensure a proper level of comfort and reliability during the trip. The model is completed on the basis of a strong and rigid high-alloy steel frame and includes an 18-speed transmission from Shimano components, a shock-absorbing spring-elastomer fork STG with a stroke of 50 mm, wheels on double aluminum rims of Felgebeiter. In order not to list all the elements, we describe them as follows: a good initial level.

Let's be frank, this bike is unsuitable for dropping dust in the eyes - this is not a trotter for racing, but rather a workhorse for comfortable movement to the cottage, to the office and home. However, the novice cyclist model is quite fit to learn the first thousand kilometers of minor irregularities, and then, most likely, he will visit the idea of ​​an upgrade. If, on the other hand, the bike is not required to drive the impossible, driving around mountainous areas, she faithfully and truthfully, in the rain and snow, will work every penny spent.

1 Merida Matts 6.15-MD

"Merida" refers to those firms that guarantee the excellent quality of even the most cost-effective models, including Matts 6.15-MD. Its frame is made of a strong aluminum alloy, which allows reducing the weight of the bike to 14.6 kg. The technical characteristics of the Suntour XCT suspension fork are enough to overcome the rough terrain of medium complexity, and the Jake J8 disc brakes provide a short stopping distance, are easy to operate and do not need regular tuning.

The 24-speed transmission system, which, judging by the components, runs long enough for the model to annoy its owner, deserves commendable assessments. If such an opportunity happens, no need to rush to get rid of it - absolutely new sensations from the trail are provided by replacing the complete plug with an air plug. In general, the model turned out to be quite universal - it suits both beginners and more advanced cycling bikers who plan to upgrade it later.

29 inch top mountain bikes

The Niners gained their fame quite recently. Of course, the size of the wheel has long been no surprise to anyone, but in this case, the emphasis was not on the appearance. The fact is that larger wheels have better throughput than standard 26-inch wheels, are more stable, and also perceive a roadbed differently.

4 STELS Navigator 930 MD 29 V010

The 930th model appeared on the market in 2014 with a very low price tag of 14 thousand rubles. But in 2016, it took off almost to 40 thousand, and with all the merits of Niner from “Stealth”, the hunters bought it diminished. Now “Navigator-930” can be acquired, stocking up about 25 thousand, and this price is considered reasonable both by potential buyers and owners of the device for several years. They like the opportunity to transfer to 29 ", accelerate to 60 km / h at a speed of 3-10, use hydraulic brakes - after 26" and V-brake such skating is felt quite differently.

Aluminum frame with male geometry is welded reliably, road obstacles withstand long without cracking and accumulation of fatigue. Suspended delivered from "dura-Ace" series "Tournai". SUNTOUR XCT suspension fork (stroke length from 100 to 150 mm) and ergonomic saddle allows you to ride on small bumps without harm to the body. If we compare the price of a domestic mountain bike with a foreign-made analogue with the same technical characteristics and a complete set, the purchase of “Stealth” will be much more profitable.

3 Merida Big.Nine 40-D

Merida Big.Nine 40-D can be safely attributed to the category of sports mountain biking.The spring-and-oil plug of a sports level provides a stroke of up to 100 millimeters, which is acceptable even for the passage of difficult off-road sections. Its resource without additional adjustments is enough for three thousand kilometers, after which it becomes much tougher. Despite how calmly the bike perceives off-road, the test of mud, he passes just disgusting. After a series of such rentals, you can expect a deterioration in the overall condition and ride quality. In general, for such an assembly, the price of a bicycle looks slightly overpriced.

Advantages:

• good sports bike;
• comfort when driving on dry off-road;
• 27 speeds;
• pitch fork in 100 millimeters.

Disadvantages:

• requires immediate maintenance after a “mud test”;
• high price.

2 Cube AIM Pro 29 (2019)

The German company "Cube" produces a huge range of bicycles, the most popular among which is the AIM Pro model with 29-inch wheels. Professionals refer it to the initial amateur class, but recognize that its capabilities abound to develop speed indicators and maintain good physical condition in cycling. The mountain bike is mounted on the basis of an aluminum frame with internal cable lining, equipped with an updated version of Tektro sport hydraulic brakes, a 24-speed Shimano transmission of the initial amateur level, Suntour shock absorber with a stroke of up to 100 mm.

Bike easily overcomes ups and downs, provides perfect pedaling on any terrain, at the same time a good reel and impeccable grip due to high-quality Schwalbe tires. The manufacturer also took care of the comfort of the rider by offering the Cube Active 1.1 sport saddle in stock. The filler in it is Flex Foam - a flexible structural foam that easily takes the desired shape, and the coating is made of waterproof synthetic material that provides adequate strength. A steel frame with an applied adjustment scale makes it easier to install the seat.

1 Specialized Men's Chisel Comp

Specialized is the undisputed leader of the bicycle market, famous for its constant desire to develop. This is practically the only company that develops and introduces new materials, structures and technologies into production. Moreover, the company has created many professional mountain teams that not only advertise the trademark, but also constantly run in its products and contribute to its improvement. “Spesh” was the first to notice the advantages of twentviners and achieved great success in their improvement, expressed in the latest 2019 model Chisel.

The comp version is a purebred mountain bike, the youngest brother of the fastest bike in the world, Epic HT, but without an extreme factor, and therefore fully suitable for country walks in the “look-ahead” style. From the "relatives" mountain bike inherited the geometry of the frame, which is made of aluminum rather than carbon, while the patented welding technology D'Aluisio Smartweld provides amazing strength and rigidity with a minimum weight - frame size M weighs 1.35 kg, and the entire bike assembly - A little more than 11 kg. The hinged was chosen in good faith: RockShox Judy Solo Air fork, Deore MT500 hydraulic disc brakes, rims with an internal width of 25 mm, and Gripton tires. The result was a transport, well-managed, predictable at speed, stable on the slopes and definitely worth the money.

Top Women's Mountain Bikes

The division of mountain bikes into male and female occurs only in terms of appearance and overall dimensions. As a rule, they use softer and more delicate tones for coloring women's bicycles, and their size range often ends on 20-inch frames. For technical equipment, they are not inferior to men's mountain bike, and the price level of the model is about the same.

4 ALTAIR MTB HT 26 1.0 Lady

The fact that the model is female, except for the name, suggests the configuration of the frame. Its upper tube is somewhat understated, which makes the whole structure much more convenient and safer. In other aspects, the mountain bike is no different from the male: it has a bright sporty look, modern equipment (shock absorber, multi-speed transmission system, rim brakes), as well as the ability to replace and upgrade it if desired.

Despite its low price, no name components are missing in the design, and the indicated trademarks, although Chinese, are quite popular and are often used on bicycles of the same class. According to users, the quality of the model is acceptable, you can only complain about the complexity of the assembly, and even in the absence of little experience and a set of keys. And if you consider that along with ALTAIR, almost all the necessary accessories like reflectors and wings come in the box, then the claims are completely removed.

3 STELS Miss 6000 V 26

STELS Miss 6000 V 26 is the simplest and at the same time the most demanded female bicycle. It was created exclusively for cycling around the city and easy off-road. Speed ​​dial is low, as well as its maximum value. The overall build quality is acceptable, but without any frills. Shimano canopies are working properly, but after some time, any of the switches may fail, and this, alas, is not a one-time event.

Advantages:

• nice appearance;
• travel comfort;
• good handling;
• low cost

Disadvantages:

• heavy (14.8 kilograms);
• not very good quality canopies.

2 Stinger Latina 26 (2018)

According to popular women's magazines, the best way to keep yourself in good shape - more often ride a bike through the park at a fast pace. Mountain bike "Latina" - a great addition to the subscription to the fitness club. Fast, agile, nakatisty and, finally, just beautiful, he confidently overcomes the bumps and rushes forward, delivering a lot of pleasure to the cyclist.

The design of the bike provides a simple and reliable velomechanika entry level from the global brand Shimano. It is installed in a steel frame, the geometry of which is designed for daily trips in a comfortable rhythm. Z-AXIS tires are versatile and fully functional both on asphalt and on the ground. Mudguards, trips and reflectors are also supplied with the bike itself. A model is sent in a box with a total weight of 19 kg in a disassembled form, but the assembly is intuitive, and even elegant women's hands can handle it in half an hour.

1 FORWARD Seido 26 1.0 (2018)

The mountain bike “Seido” is distinguished by its low frame, convenient for planting, light weight, elegant forms - the Forward company knows how to attract the female half. And externally, the model with white wings and a stylish saddle is very remarkable whether it is in blue (rather, turquoise), pink, yellow or green.

From a technical point of view, the quality of the bike is also quite high: the gearshift works clearly, there are no complaints about the brakes, the front shock absorbers provide a soft exit from the curbs. The installed equipment belongs to the first class, while, as it should be, Japanese Shimano works out more than 500 km of the resource. If there are any questions related to the cycle mechanics, then they are quickly, within 2–3 days, solved by the service center. His work is often noted in a positive way in the reviews.

The best mountain hybrids

Mountain hybrid bikes are a cross between mountain and road bikes. They combine the characteristic features of the one and the other, therefore they are ideal for mixed runs. Of course, hybrids cannot afford to carry class bikes, and this is their main drawback.

4 Author Classic

Proud representative of the new line of bikes from the Czech company Author, based on the use of recreational equipment. The main advantage of Classic is that it squeezes the maximum out of a not very advanced body kit, showing good results in amateur and semi-professional competitions. You were not mistaken: this bike is really considered to be used by semi-professionals due to the successful construction, ease of repair and the possibility of personal refinement.

The disadvantage of Author Classic as a pleasure hard-tail can be called the fork stroke shortened to 60 millimeters. According to users who had time to check the bike in action, this nuance significantly changes the strategy for overcoming terrain with a variable landscape. The cost of the model, taking into account all aspects, seems to be slightly overestimated, but in terms of applicability it is simply impossible to insist on this.

3 Merida Crossway 20-D

Merida knows its business very well. Creating a mountain hybrid with not the most outstanding components and technical characteristics, they very deliberately decided to play on the ergonomics and comfort of the model. Having, to put it mildly, medium-sized canopies for durability, the hybrid offers the user adjustments to the steering column for take-away and lifting, as well as a shock-absorbing seatpost that makes an already soft seat a kind of vibration damper. This is a great amateur bike, designed for fast trips on the roadway and aggressive off-road exits. But to the title of sports, he, alas, does not reach.

Advantages:

• exceptional comfort;
• good workmanship;
• nice appearance;
• 24 speeds.

Disadvantages:

• availability of entry level sheds.

2 Giant Roam 2 Disc

Giant Roam 2 Disc is a hard tail designed for driving on highways and difficult off-road landscapes. In general, the users of this bike are satisfied with both the handling and the safety margin during the passage of difficult sections, and the appearance that is not devoid of trademark refinement. Despite the average dodgers of the pleasure level, the mountain hybrid shows itself from the best side, and the price for such a model is quite acceptable. There are no particular drawbacks.

Advantages:

• good roll, handling and feeling of the road;
• high reliability, marked by users;
• good appearance;
• availability of 27 speeds.

Disadvantages:

• not found.

1 Merida Crossway 40-D (2019)

The first thing in this model that catches the eye of a person who is familiar with the Merida bikes is the unusual Crossway Speed ​​frame construction. It is made of aluminum, and there are no innovations in this, but the developers have thoroughly worked on the molding of pipes and thereby improved not only the aesthetic component, but the overall driving characteristics. After upgrading the device has become much more versatile with respect to speed and at the same time travel comfort.

The bike is equipped with a reliable plug from the Suntour brand with its full lock on the right “leg.” This means that the transport can be adapted to road conditions or provide a decent acceleration rate close to that of the road workers. In addition, the hybrid got a wheel size of 28 "from the road bike with all their advantages: maximum reel, stability and the almost complete absence of shaking on the potholes.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of mountain bikes?
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CUBE

FORWARD

STELS

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Giant

Merida

Corto

Stinger

Another variant

Specialized

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