Explore hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes from leading brands including Trek, Santa Cruz, Merida, Cube, Whyte, Marin and Yeti, with options for beginners through to experienced riders.
Looking for pedal assistance? Explore our Electric Mountain Bikes, or learn more below about MTB types, sizing and choosing the right mountain bike for your riding.
Mountain bikes are designed for riding off-road, with wide tyres, powerful brakes and geometry built to provide control and confidence over uneven terrain.
Different types of mountain bike are designed for different styles of riding. Hardtail mountain bikes combine front suspension with a rigid rear frame, while full suspension bikes use both front and rear suspension for greater control and comfort over rougher terrain.
From cross-country and trail riding to enduro and downhill, choosing the right mountain bike starts with understanding where you want to ride and the type of terrain you want to tackle.
What type of mountain bike should I choose?
The best mountain bike for you depends on where and how you plan to ride.
Hardtail mountain bikes have front suspension but no rear suspension. They’re efficient, relatively lightweight and can offer excellent value, making them a great choice for recreational riding, cross-country and less technical trails.
Full suspension mountain bikes add rear suspension for increased traction, comfort and control over rougher terrain. They’re well suited to trail riding and more technical disciplines including enduro and downhill.
If you’d like pedal assistance for climbs and longer rides, explore our Electric Mountain Bikes range.
What is the difference between a hardtail and full suspension mountain bike?
A hardtail mountain bike has a suspension fork at the front and a rigid rear frame. This simpler design can make hardtails lighter, more efficient and more affordable.
A full suspension mountain bike has suspension at both the front and rear, helping the tyres maintain traction over rocks, roots and rough terrain while improving comfort and control.
Neither is automatically better. Hardtails are a great choice for cross-country, smoother trails and riders looking for simplicity and value, while full suspension bikes generally offer greater capability on rougher and more technical terrain.
What type of riding are mountain bikes suitable for?
Mountain bikes can be used for everything from recreational off-road riding and cross-country to technical trail riding, enduro and downhill.
Cross-country riding typically prioritises efficiency and climbing, while trail bikes balance climbing ability with confidence on descents. Enduro bikes are designed for steeper, rougher terrain and more demanding descents, while downhill bikes focus primarily on descending performance.
You don’t necessarily need the most capable mountain bike available. Choosing a bike designed for the terrain you ride most often will usually give you a better overall experience.
What should I look for when buying a mountain bike?
Start by considering the type of riding you want to do and the terrain you’ll encounter most often. This will help determine whether a hardtail or full suspension bike is the better choice.
Frame geometry, suspension, wheel size, brakes, gearing and tyres can all affect how a mountain bike performs. As bikes become more focused towards technical terrain and descending, you’ll generally see changes in geometry, suspension and components designed to provide greater control and capability.
Fit is equally important. A well-sized mountain bike that’s appropriate for your riding will usually be a better choice than simply choosing a bike based on specification alone.
How much should I spend on a mountain bike?
The right budget depends on how often you ride, the terrain you want to tackle and the level of performance you’re looking for.
As you spend more, you may gain lighter frames, higher-quality suspension, more powerful brakes, improved drivetrains and stronger or lighter wheels. Full suspension bikes also tend to cost more than similarly equipped hardtails because of the additional frame and suspension technology.
Rather than focusing on price alone, prioritise the correct type of mountain bike, fit and components for the riding you intend to do.
How do I choose the right size mountain bike?
Start with the manufacturer’s recommended size for your height, but also consider your proportions, reach and how you want the bike to handle. Mountain bike geometry varies between brands and models, so you shouldn’t assume you’ll always need the same frame size.
Every bike product page at WHEELBASE features our SmartFit sizing tool. Enter a few measurements and SmartFit will recommend a suitable size for the bike you’re viewing, using sizing and geometry data provided by the brand.
It’s a great place to start if you’re unsure which size to choose, and our team can also help if you’d like further advice.
Why buy a mountain bike from WHEELBASE?
WHEELBASE offers mountain bikes from leading MTB brands, with hardtail, full suspension and electric options for everything from recreational riding and cross-country to trail, enduro and downhill.
Our experienced team can help with bike choice, sizing and setup whether you’re buying online or visiting us in store, with workshop support available to help keep your bike performing at its best.
