Types of Mountain Bikes

Front Suspension Only

Hardtail

Bikes that are equipped solely with front suspension forks are called “hardtails,” the name arising from the absence of a rear shock (as in a full-suspension bike). The models we sell are priced between $350 and $1400, covering everyone from the casual dirt road rider to the Vermont 50 racer. If you compare a hardtail to a dual-suspension bike outfitted with a similar parts group, the hardtail is always less expensive and of a lighter weight. Though they are quite capable of tackling technical, rooty and rocky terrain, most people prefer to ride them on trails that are less rugged. Their weight and quick handling characteristics make them fast on the climbs. They are sold with either rim brakes or disc brakes and the front fork has 80mm – 100mm of suspension travel (3 to 4 inches).

Full-Suspension

Cross-Country

This category has a similar attitude to its hardtail neighbors; in design, both are light-weight, stiff and quick on the uphills. The addition of rear suspension allows the bikes to perform significantly better on the downhills without much of a weight penalty. XC bikes weight in between 23-26 lbs and are the bikes of choice for XC (cross-country) racers, or anyone with a competitive streak. Again, they are either disc- or rim-brake equipped, and have 3 to 4 inches (80mm to 100mm) of front and rear travel.

Trail

Built for trail riding. They have more suspension than cross-country bikes, a slightly more relaxed upper body position (for more stable descents) and are equipped to make riding natural trail features fun. Still very light (between 26-28 lbs), they make short work of both the ups and the downs. 120mm-130mm (5 inches) of travel front and rear is the norm and it is smoother and more plush than the stiffer cross-country setups. Most trail bikes come with disc brakes.

All-Mountain

These are moderately beefed-up bikes but still worthy to wend through our typical New England trails. These are made for people who enjoy trail riding (both up and down) but ride more aggressive terrain, including built features like drops and jumps. Though the frames are designed to create a more relaxed, upright position that favors descending, the bikes still climb well and thus sport three chain rings in front. All-mountain rigs are built with 6 inches of suspension travel (150mm) and tip the scales at 29-32lbs. These bikes are exclusively sold with disc brakes.

Freeride

With these bikes the balance tilts firmly away from the cross-country side of the equation--climbing performance is bluntly traded for the ability to absorb bigger hits on the downhill. They usually come with just one or two smaller chainrings so you can still climb a hill (when you’re not taking the chairlift), but the primary design goal is to have a bike that does not break and rides well through the burliest terrain, including huge manmade airs. They come with bigger disc brakes and 7-9 inches of travel. Any decent freeride bike will weigh over 35 lbs.

Downhill

These bikes do just what the category implies: They go downhill fast, and that's it. One big chainring, 8 to 9 inches of travel, the biggest brakes available, 4 pound tires, and a fork that would look good on a motorcycle make for a confidence-inspiring machine.



Products: Mountain Bikes Buyer's Guide: Mountain Bike Basics Mountain Bike Types Mountain Bike Demos Year of Free Service brands we carry:		Types of Mountain Bikes Front Suspension Only Hardtail Bikes that are equipped solely with front suspension forks are called “hardtails,” the name arising from the absence of a rear shock (as in a full-suspension bike). The models we sell are priced between $350 and $1400, covering everyone from the casual dirt road rider to the Vermont 50 racer. If you compare a hardtail to a dual-suspension bike outfitted with a similar parts group, the hardtail is always less expensive and of a lighter weight. Though they are quite capable of tackling technical, rooty and rocky terrain, most people prefer to ride them on trails that are less rugged. Their weight and quick handling characteristics make them fast on the climbs. They are sold with either rim brakes or disc brakes and the front fork has 80mm – 100mm of suspension travel (3 to 4 inches). Full-Suspension Cross-Country This category has a similar attitude to its hardtail neighbors; in design, both are light-weight, stiff and quick on the uphills. The addition of rear suspension allows the bikes to perform significantly better on the downhills without much of a weight penalty. XC bikes weight in between 23-26 lbs and are the bikes of choice for XC (cross-country) racers, or anyone with a competitive streak. Again, they are either disc- or rim-brake equipped, and have 3 to 4 inches (80mm to 100mm) of front and rear travel. Trail Built for trail riding. They have more suspension than cross-country bikes, a slightly more relaxed upper body position (for more stable descents) and are equipped to make riding natural trail features fun. Still very light (between 26-28 lbs), they make short work of both the ups and the downs. 120mm-130mm (5 inches) of travel front and rear is the norm and it is smoother and more plush than the stiffer cross-country setups. Most trail bikes come with disc brakes. All-Mountain These are moderately beefed-up bikes but still worthy to wend through our typical New England trails. These are made for people who enjoy trail riding (both up and down) but ride more aggressive terrain, including built features like drops and jumps. Though the frames are designed to create a more relaxed, upright position that favors descending, the bikes still climb well and thus sport three chain rings in front. All-mountain rigs are built with 6 inches of suspension travel (150mm) and tip the scales at 29-32lbs. These bikes are exclusively sold with disc brakes. Freeride With these bikes the balance tilts firmly away from the cross-country side of the equation--climbing performance is bluntly traded for the ability to absorb bigger hits on the downhill. They usually come with just one or two smaller chainrings so you can still climb a hill (when you’re not taking the chairlift), but the primary design goal is to have a bike that does not break and rides well through the burliest terrain, including huge manmade airs. They come with bigger disc brakes and 7-9 inches of travel. Any decent freeride bike will weigh over 35 lbs. Downhill These bikes do just what the category implies: They go downhill fast, and that's it. One big chainring, 8 to 9 inches of travel, the biggest brakes available, 4 pound tires, and a fork that would look good on a motorcycle make for a confidence-inspiring machine.