Standing in a bike shop with endless options is overwhelming. Here is how to choose a mountain bike: pick the terrain you ride most, then match suspension, wheel size and fit to it.
This guide is part of our wider look at mountain bike gear.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Dominant hardtail wheel size | 29″ wheels |
| Wheel size often used on XXS to S hardtails | 27.5″ wheels |
| Wheel size for dirt jumps and pump tracks | 26″ wheels |
| Rear suspension on a hardtail | None |
| Rear shock service on full suspension | Annual |
These figures come from Canyon’s hardtail buying guide and its hardtail versus full suspension article. Bike designs and recommendations change, so check the source before you rely on them.
How to choose a mountain bike starting with your riding
The best bike is the one that suits your terrain, not the one with the longest spec sheet. Before you look at any bike, write down what you actually do on a typical ride.
- Do you ride smooth gravel-style singletrack, or rooty and rocky descents?
- Do you mostly climb and cruise, or chase the descent?
- Will you ride a few times a month, or most weekends?
- How much can you spend, including a helmet and basic tools?
Honest answers narrow the field quickly, and they stop you paying for features you will never use. A rider who wants relaxed loops needs a different bike from one who wants steep, technical descents.
Cariboo riding spans many styles, from flowing forest trails to rougher backcountry routes. Look up the trails near you before you buy, so you shop for the riding you will really do.
Hardtail or full suspension?
The first big choice is suspension. Canyon explains that hardtails get the name because “they have no suspension at the rear, and to differentiate them from rigid mountain bikes with no suspension at all.”
A full-suspension bike has a more complex frame. In Canyon’s words, such frames “allow the rear wheel to move out of the way of obstacles and absorb vibration.”
What a hardtail offers
A hardtail is simpler. Canyon says “the frame has no moving parts, so there is less maintenance with fewer parts to service or wear out.”
Canyon also describes the modern hardtail as having big tires, disc brakes, wide handlebars and a broad range of gears. The one thing it lacks is rear suspension. That makes it a sensible first bike for many riders, and it leaves more of your budget for good brakes and tires.
What full suspension offers
Full suspension adds comfort and traction on rough ground, but it asks more of you in upkeep. Canyon notes that these bikes “will need annual servicing for the rear shock and over time the bearings and other hardware will need replacing.”
Canyon also says that as designs have become lighter and more efficient, “the trade-offs for taking front and rear suspension have been getting smaller.” If you plan to ride steep, rough trails often, it can be worth the extra cost and care.
Picking a wheel size
Most current bikes come in a few wheel sizes. Canyon says that for hardtails “the landscape is dominated by 29″ wheels”, and that these are a natural choice for cross-country and trail riding.
Smaller riders may feel more at home on a smaller wheel. Canyon notes that “many of our XXS through S sized hardtails roll on 27.5″ wheels.” Its guide also says that “there isn’t really a ‘best’ wheel size, only what works best for you.”
At the other end, Canyon says that for dirt jumps, pump tracks, tricks and trials you will want 26″ wheels. Most trail riders will not need those.
Getting the right fit
Fit matters as much as the parts. A frame that is too big feels cumbersome, and one that is too small cramps your riding position.
Do not rely on a size letter alone. Brands measure differently, and a medium from one maker may feel unlike a medium from another. Use the maker’s geometry chart and compare reach, the distance from the bottom bracket to the handlebars, along with your height and inseam.
Then test it where you can. A short ride in a shop car park, or a demo day, tells you more than a chart. Standing over the top tube, pedalling and braking will quickly show whether the bike feels natural.
Parts worth checking before you buy
Once the frame type and size are settled, look at the components that affect safety and enjoyment.
- Brakes: Canyon says hydraulic disc brakes predominantly handle braking on hardtails, and that four-piston brakes are generally more powerful but usually found on more expensive bikes.
- Fork: a suspension fork is common on hardtails, and its quality shapes how the bike handles rough ground.
- Gears: a wide range makes steep climbs more manageable.
- Tires: grip and volume suit the surface you ride most.
Budget for the extras too. Read our advice on how to choose a mountain bike helmet, and learn the basics of trail safety before your first ride out.
A simple order for making the decision
Choices feel easier when you take them in a fixed order. Settle each step before you move to the next, and you avoid being swayed by a shiny spec sheet.
- Decide the kind of riding you will do most, and be honest about your skill and fitness today rather than a year from now.
- Set a total budget that includes a helmet, gloves, a pump and basic repair kit.
- Choose hardtail or full suspension, based on terrain, upkeep and cost.
- Choose a wheel size that suits your height and the trails you ride.
- Check the geometry chart for the right frame size, then try the bike if you can.
It also helps to think about upkeep. A simpler bike that you can keep running well often beats a complex one that sits unused because servicing feels like a chore.
If you are torn between two bikes, choose the one with better brakes and tires. You can upgrade many other parts later, and good stopping power and grip make every ride safer and more enjoyable.
Finally, buy from a shop that will help you set up the bike, including the saddle height, the handlebar position and the suspension settings. A bike that is set up for your weight and style rides far better than the same bike straight out of the box.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hardtail good for a beginner?
Show answer
Often, yes. A hardtail has fewer moving parts, so there is less to maintain, and it still has the disc brakes, wide handlebars and gears of a modern mountain bike.
Do I need full suspension?
Show answer
Not necessarily. It helps most on rough, steep trails, but it costs more to service. Canyon says the rear shock needs annual servicing.
Which wheel size should I choose?
Show answer
Many riders choose 29″ wheels for trail and cross-country riding. Smaller riders may prefer 27.5″, and Canyon says there is no single best size.
Can I rely on the size letter on a frame?
Show answer
No. Compare the geometry chart for the exact model and, where possible, try the bike before you buy.
