There’s never been a better time to get into mountain biking. Bikes ride better, are cheaper, and more available than ever before. But with so many options in the marketplace, it can be tough to decide which is the best beginner mountain bike.
This blog aims to help you choose the bike that is best for you. The list has been split up into two categories, hardtail, and full suspension. Hardtails are listed first with my favorite at the top and full-suspension second following the same order.
Hardtail mountain bikes tend to be cheaper than full suspension mountain bikes because they require fewer parts and engineering. They are a great option if you are looking to spend less than $1,500 on a new mountain bike.
Full suspension bikes are more expensive but offer a better ride feel. However, these bikes come with a higher price tag and you will pay at least $1,500 to get on a full-suspension bike.
Here are, in my opinion, 10 bikes that are great options for the best beginner mountain bike.
Beginner Hardtail Mountain Bikes
1) Trek Roscoe 7
The Trek Roscoe 7 tops the list because of its sorted parts spec and trail-ready geometry. This bike costs $1,300. It comes with a dropper post, extra-volume plus-sized tires, disc brakes, and a RockShox Judy fork sporting 120mm of travel. This bike is a great value and because it is a Trek you will be able to find parts for it easily and get it serviced anywhere.
Who is it best for?
The Trek Roscoe 7 is great for someone who wants to experience the full spectrum of mountain biking on a budget. It will pedal well and be able to ride all the trails found at your local trail center.
2) Trek Rockhopper Comp 29er
The Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29er is a great value for the money at $750. This bike would’ve topped the list if it came with a dropping seat post. That aside, this bike comes with a 1x drivetrain with a good range and powerful Shimano brakes. This bike is the best value out of all the hardtails and would be a great platform to upgrade as you go.
Who is it best for?
This bike is best for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of cash but wants to experience mountain biking. It’s a great platform to upgrade. Smaller riders might want to look at the Trek because the 29-inch wheels work better on sizes M-XL.
3) Giant Fathom 2
The Giant Fathom 2 has all the components you want on a modern hardtail. With a $1,200 price tag, the 1x eagle drive train and the Maxxis tires are the highlights of this bike. The 27.5-inch wheels make it easy for a newer rider to handle. Pair this with the Giant brand dropping seatpost and this bike is sorted.
Who is it best for?
This bike is the best option for someone who does not want a plus-sized wheel or a 29er wheel and instead wants a standard 27.5.
4) Cannondale Cujo 3
Coming in at $1,100 the Cannondale is another great trail hardtail. This bike has all the kit including a dropper post, disc brakes, and plus-sized tires. The TranzX dropper post is the highlight of this build.
Who is it best for?
This bike is best for someone looking for a no-nonsense trail hardtail. However, my first choice would be one of the top three bikes before the Cannondale.
5) Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 Bike
It’s always nice to see an outdoor retailer come out with a private bike brand. The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 Bike is REI’s pass at a trail hardtail. This bike comes in 5th because it does not have a dropper post or a 1x drive train. While the Specialized doesn’t have a dropper post this bike is more expensive.
Who is it best for?
This bike is the best for someone with a lot of REI dividends who wants to get into mountain biking.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
1) YT Jeffsy Base 27 or 29
At the top of the list is the YT Jeffsy Base at $2,300. This German company is direct to consumer which allows them to put great value into their bikes. This bike comes in both 27.5 and 29-inch wheel size. The 27.5-inch bike has 160mm of travel and the 29er sports 150mm of travel. Highlights of this build include the RockShox suspension, 12 speed 1x drivetrain, dropper post, and four-piston brakes. The only downside to this bike is that you can only use YT’s special Fidlock water bottle with it.
Who is this bike for?
This bike is great for someone who wants their first real full suspension bike or a great valued bike. This bike can handle anything from mellow xc trails to bike park flow trails.
2) Giant Stance 1
The Giant Stance 1 is second on the list. This bike comes in at $1,800 and is ready to shred. This bike has good suspension, drivetrain, and tires. It beat out the Bossnut for the second spot because it comes with a dropping seat post. Giant is also a great brand to own because they are sold everywhere and can be serviced with ease.
Who is this bike for?
This bike is a great introduction to full suspension mountain biking. While not as refined as the Jeffsy it is a great value. Taller riders might want something with 29-inch wheels.
3) Calibre Bossnut
Coming in at third is the Calibre Bossnut. This bike is a steal at £1,500 approx. $1,800 at the time of this article. This bike has RockShox suspension, Sram disc brakes, and quality WTB tires. Even though it doesn’t have a dropping seat post this is still a great deal for those looking for a serious full suspension bike.
Who is this bike for?
This bike is great for someone who will mainly just do trail riding. It doesn’t have as much suspension as the Jeffsy but it has plenty for your average trail ride. Add on a dropper post and you have a reliable stead for seasons to come.
4) Trek Fuel EX 5
The Trek Fuel EX 5 slots into the fourth position on the list at $2,100. It has a similar build to both the Giant and the Calibre. But it comes in 4th because it does not have a 12-speed drivetrain and because it’s more expensive than the Giant and Calibre with not as many features. But the geometry is solid and makes for a bike that can be ridden hard.
Who is this bike for?
This bike is a great all-around trail bike. It might have come in 4th but it is still a great option if you’re willing to spend a little extra money for a brand name.
5) Cannondale Habit 6
The Cannondale Habit 6 rounds out the list at $2,100. This bike has great rear shock and it’s Fox Suspension’s only appearance on this list. But the 10-speed drivetrain, lack of a dropper post, and the higher price tag don’t make this bike the best value. Don’t get me wrong it can still be ridden quite hard and jumped well, just check out Josh Bryceland on the same frame.
Who is this bike for?
This bike is for someone who wants a through and through trail bike, but more specifically wants a Cannondale.
What is the Best Bike?
What is the best beginner mountain bike? Well it depends on how much money you are willing to spend and the type of terrain you will be riding. I recommend going to your local bike shop and looking in-person and going for a demo ride. This will help you narrow it down to the best choice because the best beginner mountain bike is the one that works best for you.
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