How to choose a MTB: complete guide

The MOUNTAIN BIKE is a type of bicycle and is also the name of a cycling discipline. It is characterized by the fact that it involves cycling on dirt paths of various kinds, from dirt roads to mountain paths, uphill and downhill.

We have prepared some tips for you to better orient yourself in the vast world of MTB, to guide you in choosing the MTB bike best suited to you and your needs. Our goal is to entertain you and make you fall in love with this discipline.

There are different types of mountain bikes (MTBs), each designed to tackle specific conditions and terrain. When choosing the most suitable MTB, it is essential to consider the differences between the various categories. Based on the MTB usage specifications, the following subcategories can be defined:

• Trail - Enduro: Trail bicycles are the most basic MTBs, they are versatile and adapt to different types of terrain and routes. They can be both front and full. Enduro bicycles, on the other hand, are for those who love to have fun on difficult and adventurous trails, in competition or in their free time, which involve climbs, but above all steep descents, quick changes, tight curves and jumps! They are full suspension bikes with wide suspension and a telescopic seat post for quick changes in gradient.
  
  
• XC: indicates a specific competitive specialty recognized by the UCI. These are circular races on short routes to be repeated several times, characterized by technical climbs and descents usually on single track. XC or cross-country bikes are therefore designed to tackle these competitions. They usually feature front-only suspension, 29'' wheels, a carbon frame and a geometry designed to offer reactivity and speed.
  
  
• Downhill - Freeride: these are bicycles for those who pedal exclusively downhill and want to do it at full speed! Extremely rigid, they have double suspension and very wide fork expansion.

If you are approaching the MTB world for the first time, our advice is to try to understand which specific type inspires you most and feels closest to you. You could take advantage of our bike tests to try different models or start with a so-called standard mtb bicycle with front-only suspension, 29 wheels. Some examples could be the Marlin range by Trek or the Trail range by Cannondale: ideal mtb bikes, even in price, for those who want to approach off-road with a fun, safe and quality product.

We also recommend that you consult our catalog of USED bicycles where you can find second-hand mtb bike models, perfect for trying this sport and... let yourself be conquered!

The enthusiasm for the electric world has not excluded any discipline, not even the MTB world. Thus, for some time now, the best bicycle brands have offered a vast range of electric mountain bikes, also called e-mtb, in their catalogue. They generally have the characteristics of mountain bikes in terms of frame geometry, fittings, dimensions and type of wheels and tyres, but they also have the engine that allows you to activate pedal assistance. This way the cyclist will be able to reach that breathtaking peak that he would struggle to reach with a muscular mountain bike or he will be able to pedal with more trained friends without always being the last.

There are different types of engine and autonomy, the perfect e-mtb for you must also be chosen based on your level of training and the use you intend to use it.

Finally, you can set the level of help you want and you can enjoy the adventure!

Pedaling on a MTB, and therefore on off-road routes, exposes the biker to various risks of falling based on the difficulty of the route and the presence of obstacles such as rocks, tree roots, hedges, water drains. To avoid getting hurt it is important to always wear a helmet, choosing the full-face one in case of down-hill, and protections.
We also recommend that you bring a protective backpack or a bum bag with you, to have water and food reserves at hand, a spare inner tube and replacement/repair kit and a multi-tool in case you need to do an small maintenance on your bicycle.