This guide will help you decide which bike is the best mountain bike for you based on your experience and riding style (good news, there’s something for everyone).
We tested about 15+ MTBs for you and trimmed the list down to the top 7. Let’s jump straight to it.
Best Mountain Bikes for 2023
#1: Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp
If you are a mountain bike rider that loves to be in the saddle all day long and looks forwards to descents, the Stumpjumper Evo Comp is tailor-made for you. Here’s why.
Specs
- Forks: 140 mm/160 mm travel
- Shock: 130 mm/150 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Carbon/Alloy
- MTB Type: Full Suspension XC and Trail bike
It’s not only the most popular model they have, but it’s also Specialized’s quiver killer. Every brand must have a quiver killer, which is a bike that rides at rocket speed.
The 2021 model came with a lot of changes, including the suspension design. Instead of the Horst-link design used before, the 2021 model came with a single-pivot system.
Other noticeable changes about the Stumpjumper are the progressive geometry with a slacker head angle and seat angle. The bike is no longer available in 27.5. Sorry to the affected.
The bike’s geometry can be switched with the flip chip’s help and carries a multi-tool in the headset known as SWAT.
The Stumpjumper is for the type of person who wants a bike that lives up to its name by jumping stumps and can climb and descend hustle-freely.
This is going to be a bike you’ll appreciate on how fast it rolls, and you can try different terrains with it.
#2. Trek Marlin
Specs
- Fork: 80 mm/ 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail
Another budget Trek MTB is the Trek Marlin. It consists of different series, the most expensive one being the Marlin 8, going for about $1200.
There are other more affordable bikes in the series, including women’s going for less. Marlin 4 is the most affordable bike in the series. These hardtail bikes are suitable for hobby cyclists and first-timers alike.
Another great budget bike is the Trek Marlin 6 which is best suited for beginner cross-country riders.
The Marlin comes with knobby tires and disk brakes for effective braking. If you are on a tighter budget and looking for a bike that will offer you the thrills or looking for a commuter bike that will take you around the suburb, Marlin is the right bike.
#3. Cannondale Cujo
Specs
- Fork: 100-120mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”+
- Frame Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy
- MTB Type: Hardtail
The Cannondale Cujo and Scarlet are budget hardtails but with plus-sized tires for a smoother ride. They are best suited for off-roading. They offer better traction than Trail. Most of them are long-travel bikes due to the conditions they ride in.
While Trail is fast and the trails and rides better than Cujo on-road, Cujo is stable and confidence-inspiring offroad.
Besides, its long-travel features favor many bikers looking for comfort on the trails even though they are on a budget.
Cujo is a unisex bike, while Scarlet, as you guessed it, is women-specific. Both are excellent bikes that are equipped with 27.5+ wheels with tires of up to 2.8” width, although you can downscale.
Did you know that you can also ride this bike downhill without any stress?
Yes, with the 120mm fork, you can run over rocks and drop downhill like a DH racer. Cujo is just one of the best and most affordable hardtails out there.
The bike is also equipped with a set of hydraulic brakes and a 1x drivetrain. Though lightweight, Cujo, and Scarlet have the firmest aluminum frames capable of taking any technical rides as they come.
Just like the Trail, this bike is not suited for very rocky or steep conditions. There’s only one Scarlet available in the series, and Cujo 1, 2, and 3. Cujo 3 is the most affordable in the lot. You can upgrade the parts for a smoother and better ride.
#4. Scott Spark 2022
Specs
- Forks: 130 mm or 140mm travel
- Shock: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29er
- Frame Size: M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full suspension
There goes another Nino Schulter’s favorite toy. The Scott Spark RC is one of the bikes that have won the World Cup titles, and looking at it, you will understand why.
It’s a masterpiece and a quality build. If you are an avid follower of Scott Spark, you have probably heard about the 2022 model.
Some of the latest features are the integrated cables going into the frame through the stem and the head tube.
There’s “TripletLoc,” if that’s going to be the new name of what used to be the TwinLoc technology.
The dropper post-trigger was moved from the top of the bars to the bottom. The Spark is also the first full-suspension bike to come with room for two bottle cages inside the triangle. Wondering how?
The selling point of the Scott Spark 2022 is the rear suspension going inside the frame. The internally situated shock will prevent dirt from damaging the links and also reduce the cost of maintenance.
The Spark remains the favorite of all Scotts because of its vast choice. It’s suitable for trail riding, XC, and any other kind of riding you want to do, making it a very versatile bike.
The Spark starts at Trail 900 and RC and scales down to the 970, which is the most affordable of all the bikes in the Spark category.
The Contessa models and the 27.5” bikes have 130mm and 120mm fork and shock travel combinations. Spark models also take extra-sized tires.
#5. Giant Talon (Budget Pick)
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Bike Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- MTB Type: Hardtail
Giant Talon 3 is an entry-level Giant MTB, and for some reason, most of us started here when we knew almost nothing about bikes. At the time, we thought, “why so much money for a bike?”
Talon comes in five different models, so you have a few options within the category. This is the type of bike to buy if you want to hit lighter trails, ride on the road, or run some errands.
Talon 0 is the most expensive bike in the category, and it has a higher-quality component combo than the other Talon bikes. It features a 1x drivetrain and an air fork. It runs on either 29 or 27.5 wheels, based on what you may choose.
The most affordable bike in the lot is the Talon 4, which is less than $500. These bikes are not suitable for bumpy terrain or rocky patch. Only ride them on soft terrain.
#6. Yeti SB130
Specs
- Fork: 150 mm travel
- Shock: 130 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension Trail Bike
Every bike company has its own quiver killer, and Yeti’s version of it is the SB130. This model is versatile and features shock extenders, something you’ve never seen in other bikes.
The feature allows the rider to tweak the leverage ratio of their bike to create more shock allowance and make it easy to replace a shock.
The SB130 is the do-it-all trail bike that will fill your heart with love and leave you with a lot of excitement. With the slack geometry and the large 29er wheels, this bike will crown you the king of the bike park.
Some sellers say this is the most loved Yeti, as the SB130 has a lot of customers. Most riders prefer this bike to any other Yeti because of its insane capabilities.
The SB130 is the bike you need to hit the trails. You can force it on an XC race, and when an enduro event is held in your state, don’t be shy to show up with the SB130.
It will make you proud. It also has uphill capabilities than any enduro bike, and that gives you the courage to show up.
The whole intention behind creating the SB130 by Yeti was to create one bike that would excel across various disciplines, and they must have called out the best bike engineers and testers in the US.
The results were a trail destroyer with courtesy to hold on its own regardless of where you are on the mountain.
It’s a bike of gravity and a bike against gravity, always ready to face an adventure-packed day. It’s impossible to find a bike that does it all, and the SB130 will never disappoint you.
A Must-Have Accessories for Your Mountain Bike
The Helmet
The helmet is an essential accessory. It’s for your safety, and you should always have it on when riding.
Before testing riding your bike, the first thing to do is wear your helmet. We recommend you should always have it on. If you crush in your helmet and it remains intact, you’ll still have to replace it.
A Multi-tool
A multi-tool is a must-have in your saddle bag or backpack. Most of the nuts and bolts on a bike can be opened with a set of Allen keys.
Other parts don’t use the Allen key but hex keys. A multi-tool will save the day if you face an issue on the trails.
Clothing
Mountain bike clothing is meant to make your rides more comfortable. The clothes are also tough and breathable. In fact, MTB shorts have pockets with zippers where you can carry some of your stuff.
Water Bottle
And yes, your bike should have water bottle cages to hold the water bottles for you. You’ll need to hydrate after a few miles. Alternatively, you can carry a camel backpack, what others call a hydration pack.
Mini Pump
Whether you are running on a tube, you should never leave a pump behind. If you are running tubeless, always carry a tube and a pump.
You don’t want to get a flat in the middle of nowhere and start kicking the sand out of disappointment.
Computers
A bike computer will show you the distance covered, and the GPS function will let you know the map and elevation gain. These computers also have supporting apps that you can download and use on your phone.
Food
Suppose you cover 60 miles plus and sit on the saddle for over 90 minutes or so, your body will start running out of energy.
Your cycling engine will demand more fuel, and that’s where food comes in. some energy chews and bites will keep your energy level up and going.
Eye Protection
Riding sunglasses protect you from harmful sun rays and debris. They are designed to curve around your head.
Bike Shoes
There is a good chance that you’ll end up with blisters after spending an hour or two on your mountain bike.
A good pair of bike shoes can be really helpful in preventing it from happening. Comfort is another reason why you should get a pair of mountain bike shoes.
You will feel more comfortable pedaling your bike if you are wearing something comfortable on your feet.
FAQs
Q: Between a hardtail and a full suspension, which one is better for me?
A: Either of the bikes can be good for you. The most important thing to remember is their difference. The hardtail has a front suspension only, while a full suspension has both front and rear suspension.
Q: Should I buy aluminum and carbon mountain bike?
A: The type of frame you want can only be determined by your budget. Carbon bikes are more expensive. Also, consider which material is better suited for your riding style.
Last Remarks
Purchasing a bike is not hard, but getting exactly what you are looking for can be challenging.
If you have no idea of the kind of bike you want, you will get just any bike, and it will likely be a normal pushbike.
This guide will help you make a more informed decision. For any questions, please contact us.
