In its early years, Hess recalled that about 600 frames per day were produced at its Chatsworth, Los Angeles location. If you want to google for a term, look for clydesdale / athena riders; bikeforums.net and other places have sections devoted just for them (clydesdale being heavy men, athena heavy women). We found the Massif to be a mongoose fat tire bike very capable kids’ bike that turns heads and should encourage youngsters to get off the couch. Used sensibly on flat or rolling, paved bike trails, the Massif is going to provide your youngster with a lot of great memories not soon to be forgotten. The seat top separated from the seat rails any time the bike was lifted by the saddle.
On smooth flat surfaces, the Massif gets going better than you would expect from such a fat-tired creation. One or two out-of-the-saddle crank rotations and the Massif is rolling with a momentum that allows the rider to back off the power and still maintain a nice clip. Luke found the twist shifter action to be easy and accurate, and it took no time at all to get used to the stopping power of the mechanical disc brakes. This item is offered by one of our Exchange Plus partners – a trusted, third-party company that ships directly to you when you order on ShopMyExchange.com.
It created an emotional connection strong enough to form an indelible memory that will probably be there long after you’ve forgotten your best day of mountain biking. Santa Cruz’s Highball Cross Country Bike stands out for its speed-focused design. Ready for racing straight out of the box, its unique build and handling are ideal for anyone seeking a competitive edge. The carbon wheels and frame weigh just under 25 pounds—much lighter than many of our other top picks. Best for riders of all skill levels—this is a go-anywhere, ride-everything mountain bike. Specialized’s Stumpjumper Comp Alloy wins us over with its exceptional features and design.
Consider gearing up with one of these top mountain bikes to conquer all the thrilling routes you love to explore. Take the road less traveled on the Mongoose Temissor 29 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike. The Microshift 21-Speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters allow for fast, easy shifting, and the suspension fork absorbs shock for comfort. Huffy’s Stone Mountain Bike has a budget-friendly price but doesn’t compromise on performance or features, making it our favorite option for younger riders looking to get into mountain biking.
We love how easily we can fine-tune our ride to match the different terrains we ride on. It smooths out rough trails and absorbs bumps effortlessly, providing comfort and control whether we tackle rocky paths or just cruise. As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. Best for intermediate or advanced riders who want to tackle their whole mountain ride—from uphill climbs to downhill drops—with the highest-end tech. We like that this cross-country bike climbs hills efficiently and can easily take on quick descents.
With years of experience in BMX, gravel, road, and mountain biking, Jarrod Nobbe brings an authoritative opinion to product recommendations in outdoor sports and gear. His knowledge and experience allow him to research dependable products from trusted fitness brands. Both types of cycling are challenging in different ways—one isn’t necessarily “harder” than the other. When mountain biking, you can expect to encounter steep inclines, rugged trails, and quick turns. But while road biking, you may have to navigate stop-and-go traffic, slick city streets, and ample obstacles (like cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists). From technical descents to challenging climbs, the Stumpjumper performs exceptionally well, offering a pleasant ride that adapts to our ever-changing adventures.
When it comes time to select your mountain bike, there are a few key features to consider, like height and weight capacity, seats, materials, brakes, and wheel size. To simplify the process for you, we’ve consulted cycling experts and hit the trails to test dozens of bikes in the real world. We evaluated our top picks based on their ease of assembly, stability, performance, comfort, adjustability, and overall value.
Pivot’s Switchblade Pro XT/XTR Carbon Wheel Mountain Bike is the best multipurpose mountain bike we’ve found. It pairs a shock-absorbing suspension with wheels from Reynolds Blacklabel, another trusted cycling brand. When we tested it, we appreciated how precisely it handled, enabling us to ride confidently across diverse terrain.
Trek’s Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 6 is our favorite electric mountain bike by far. Its sturdy suspension is anchored by a solid rear shock, ensuring stability and control on uneven ground. Paired with a carbon frame, this bike can navigate off-road with precision around large obstacles and tight turns.