New to Mountain Biking? These 7 Bikes Are Great for Newbies (2024)

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Mountain biking requires agility, power, and, most importantly, a reliable bike. While the high cost of mountain bikes can feel overwhelming, knowing which bicycle to start with is key to dabbling in a dirty ride. If you’re new to MTB and have no idea what the difference between cross-country and trail riding is, or you need general guidelines for finding a bike to ride outdoors, these beginner mountain bikes are likely a good fit. We’ve got recommendations for specific models, plus expert tips and info to get you started.

Looking for more MTB recommendations? Check our picks for the best mountain bikes, hardtails under $1,200, and cheap mountain bikes.

The Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall Hardtail: Rockhopper Elite 29
• Best Overall Full-Suspension: Giant Stance 29 2
• Best Budget: Giant Talon 29 1
• Best for Technical Trails: Stumpjumper Comp Alloy
• Best Steel Bike: Surly Karate Monkey

What to Consider

Sizing

Frame and wheel size are crucial to finding the right fit for your mountain bike. Bikes come in standard frame sizes of small, medium, large, and extra-large. Some manufacturers offer XS or XXL frames and custom sizing, too. Your bike sizes is based on your height, so refer to sizing charts on the brands’ sites to find the best fit—but some people prefer a different size based on their torso-to-leg-length ratio, so we recommend trying before buying.

Adult bikes come standard with either 27.5- or 29-inch wheels, the former offering a snappier, more responsive feel (smaller wheels accelerate more quickly) while the latter offers stability and a smoother ride, especially over rough terrain.

The newer subset of mixed-wheel or “mullet” mountain bikes combine the best of both worlds, with a 29-inch in the front and 27.5-inch in the back for stable steering and maneuverability.

Suspension, Terrain, and Forks

There are two types of suspensions for basic mountain bikes: hardtail and full-suspension.

Hardtail mountain bikes only have a front fork suspension, whereas full-suspension bikes have both a front fork and a rear suspension. Generally, hardtails are lighter, easier to climb with, and better for cross-country (also known as XC) mountain biking—that includes forest paths, singletracks, and fire roads.

Full-suspension bikes offer comfortable riding over trails and varied terrain with a cushier feel. They’re also better equipped for any downhill riding that involves jumps or drops, as the rear suspension can soften the impact upon landing.

The decision—hardtail or full suspension—depends on the terrain and your budget. A full-suspension bike is much more expensive than a hardtail, and usually requires more maintenance, too. A hardtail is better if you stick to less technical XC trails.

Suspension travel refers to the total amount the fork or rear shock compresses when absorbing bumps and uneven terrain. It’s measured in millimeters and can vary from 80 to 200 on a mountain bike. If a fork is 100 millimeters, for example, that means it can compress 100 millimeters vertically.

The right suspension travel for you depends on your experience level and the terrain you’re riding on. The higher the number on the fork, the more give it has to eat up bumps like rocks and tree roots—but keep in mind that more suspension doesn’t always equate to a smoother ride, especially if you aren’t used to the responsiveness of your shocks. An overly cushy fork can be a hindrance with steep climbs as it can compress while you’re mashing on the pedals while heading uphill, at the expense of some forward momentum and power.

Gearing

Most mountain bikes have a 1x drivetrain, meaning there’s a single chainring on the bike’s crank. These are quieter, require less maintenance, and are less likely to drop the chain compared to 2x and 3x drivetrains. They’re also lighter, which is beneficial when taking on steep climbs. At the rear, most 1x drivetrain bikes have 10, 11, or 12 speeds, offering more range and tighter jumps between gears, which means less chance of dropping a chain.

Seatposts

Standard seatposts are manually adjustable so that you can raise and lower their height. Usually, this is adjusted via the seatpost’s C-clamp, which doesn’t require any tools to use.

Mountain bikers lower their seatpost when riding downhill for increased maneuverability—a lower center of gravity keeps you from flipping over handlebars and the bike from slipping underneath you—and raise it when climbing uphill for optimized pedaling for further extending their legs.

To make things easier, a dropper seatpost allows the rider to quickly adjust the saddle height with a lever while riding. Generally, that lever is an integrated button on the handlebar connected to the seatpost by a cable. It also adds to the bike’s price.

Droppers come standard with some bikes, but they aren’t a given. If you’re unsure if you’d like one immediately, but may change your mind as you gain MTB experience, we recommend opting for a dropper-compatible bike.

E-Bikes

While you can certainly pick up an e-mountain bike, we don’t recommend them until you’re comfortable riding XC or trails. E-bikes are much easier to get the hang of on pavement and flat roads, where pathways are reliable and your only concern, if any, is traffic. Because mountain biking is more technical than road biking, the added speed and weight of an e-bike can make it tough for beginners to master. If you’re fairly comfortable with your riding ability, by all means, browse our picks for the best electric mountain bikes. If you’re new to the terrain, however, learn the basics before you go electric.

How We Selected

To find the best mountain bikes for beginners, we consulted Bicycling test editors Matt Phillips, Dan Chabanov, and Tara Seplavy to get their thoughts on models they know to be accessible, easy to ride and tweak, and comfortable on trails and XC, based on prior testing experience. We also asked Bicycling columnist and assistant reviews editor Adam Schram, who has years of experience as a bike mechanic and a competitive cyclist under his belt, for his recommendations.

We researched other publications and messages boards like GearLab and Reddit, and dug into our archives to find value-forward, beginner-friendly mountain bikes with low barriers to entry. We gathered quotes from each of those editors and included full reviews of each mountain bike when applicable. For the bikes we haven’t officially tested—the Specialized Stumpjumper, the Surly Karate Monkey, and the Specialized Chisel—we asked our colleagues what they thought of each, and if they had any impressions based on brand reputation, word-of-mouth (i.e., lots of cyclist friends), and reliability. Finally, we made a well-rounded list based on value, performance, and type of riding for those interested in cross-country, XC, or general MTB riding.