Hardtails dominate this category, but there are some accessible full-suspension options, too.
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Mountain biking requires agility, power, and, most importantly, a reliable bike. While the high cost of mountain bikes can feel overwhelming, knowing which bicycle to start with is key to dabbling in a dirty ride. If you’re new to MTB and have no idea what the difference between cross-country and trail riding is, or you need general guidelines for finding a bike to ride outdoors, these beginner mountain bikes are likely a good fit. We’ve got recommendations for specific models, plus expert tips and info to get you started.
Looking for more MTB recommendations? Check our picks for the best mountain bikes, hardtails under $1,200, and cheap mountain bikes.
Frame and wheel size are crucial to finding the right fit for your mountain bike. Bikes come in standard frame sizes of small, medium, large, and extra-large. Some manufacturers offer XS or XXL frames and custom sizing, too. Your bike sizes is based on your height, so refer to sizing charts on the brands’ sites to find the best fit—but some people prefer a different size based on their torso-to-leg-length ratio, so we recommend trying before buying.
Adult bikes come standard with either 27.5- or 29-inch wheels, the former offering a snappier, more responsive feel (smaller wheels accelerate more quickly) while the latter offers stability and a smoother ride, especially over rough terrain.
The newer subset of mixed-wheel or “mullet” mountain bikes combine the best of both worlds, with a 29-inch in the front and 27.5-inch in the back for stable steering and maneuverability.
There are two types of suspensions for basic mountain bikes: hardtail and full-suspension.
Hardtail mountain bikes only have a front fork suspension, whereas full-suspension bikes have both a front fork and a rear suspension. Generally, hardtails are lighter, easier to climb with, and better for cross-country (also known as XC) mountain biking—that includes forest paths, singletracks, and fire roads.
Full-suspension bikes offer comfortable riding over trails and varied terrain with a cushier feel. They’re also better equipped for any downhill riding that involves jumps or drops, as the rear suspension can soften the impact upon landing.
The decision—hardtail or full suspension—depends on the terrain and your budget. A full-suspension bike is much more expensive than a hardtail, and usually requires more maintenance, too. A hardtail is better if you stick to less technical XC trails.
Suspension travel refers to the total amount the fork or rear shock compresses when absorbing bumps and uneven terrain. It’s measured in millimeters and can vary from 80 to 200 on a mountain bike. If a fork is 100 millimeters, for example, that means it can compress 100 millimeters vertically.
The right suspension travel for you depends on your experience level and the terrain you’re riding on. The higher the number on the fork, the more give it has to eat up bumps like rocks and tree roots—but keep in mind that more suspension doesn’t always equate to a smoother ride, especially if you aren’t used to the responsiveness of your shocks. An overly cushy fork can be a hindrance with steep climbs as it can compress while you’re mashing on the pedals while heading uphill, at the expense of some forward momentum and power.
Most mountain bikes have a 1x drivetrain, meaning there’s a single chainring on the bike’s crank. These are quieter, require less maintenance, and are less likely to drop the chain compared to 2x and 3x drivetrains. They’re also lighter, which is beneficial when taking on steep climbs. At the rear, most 1x drivetrain bikes have 10, 11, or 12 speeds, offering more range and tighter jumps between gears, which means less chance of dropping a chain.
Standard seatposts are manually adjustable so that you can raise and lower their height. Usually, this is adjusted via the seatpost’s C-clamp, which doesn’t require any tools to use.
Mountain bikers lower their seatpost when riding downhill for increased maneuverability—a lower center of gravity keeps you from flipping over handlebars and the bike from slipping underneath you—and raise it when climbing uphill for optimized pedaling for further extending their legs.
To make things easier, a dropper seatpost allows the rider to quickly adjust the saddle height with a lever while riding. Generally, that lever is an integrated button on the handlebar connected to the seatpost by a cable. It also adds to the bike’s price.
Droppers come standard with some bikes, but they aren’t a given. If you’re unsure if you’d like one immediately, but may change your mind as you gain MTB experience, we recommend opting for a dropper-compatible bike.
While you can certainly pick up an e-mountain bike, we don’t recommend them until you’re comfortable riding XC or trails. E-bikes are much easier to get the hang of on pavement and flat roads, where pathways are reliable and your only concern, if any, is traffic. Because mountain biking is more technical than road biking, the added speed and weight of an e-bike can make it tough for beginners to master. If you’re fairly comfortable with your riding ability, by all means, browse our picks for the best electric mountain bikes. If you’re new to the terrain, however, learn the basics before you go electric.
To find the best mountain bikes for beginners, we consulted Bicycling test editors Matt Phillips, Dan Chabanov, and Tara Seplavy to get their thoughts on models they know to be accessible, easy to ride and tweak, and comfortable on trails and XC, based on prior testing experience. We also asked Bicycling columnist and assistant reviews editor Adam Schram, who has years of experience as a bike mechanic and a competitive cyclist under his belt, for his recommendations.
We researched other publications and messages boards like GearLab and Reddit, and dug into our archives to find value-forward, beginner-friendly mountain bikes with low barriers to entry. We gathered quotes from each of those editors and included full reviews of each mountain bike when applicable. For the bikes we haven’t officially tested—the Specialized Stumpjumper, the Surly Karate Monkey, and the Specialized Chisel—we asked our colleagues what they thought of each, and if they had any impressions based on brand reputation, word-of-mouth (i.e., lots of cyclist friends), and reliability. Finally, we made a well-rounded list based on value, performance, and type of riding for those interested in cross-country, XC, or general MTB riding.
A mainstay in Specialized’s catalog, the Rockhopper Elite is a tried-and-true XC mountain bike that offers an outstanding balance of performance and affordability. During testing, we found its brakes felt great, plus, if you wish to add one, the frame has routing for a dropper post. The bike’s cables route internally on the front triangle, and it also has plenty of mounts for a pannier or rack.
Of course, these specs are just fine, but if you’re a beginner and want to dabble on the trail, the Rockhopper Elite 29 is likely the catalyst you need.
“It climbs efficiently, is quite capable on singletrack, and isn’t too nervous when descending,” says Seplavy. “It does everything decently—a quality many buyers in this price range want and expect from a mountain bike.”
This budget-friendly full-suspension bike is agile and comfortable on the trail, with decent brakes, excellent performance, and solid geometry. Its big wheels can confidently roll over rocky terrain, and its gear range is wide for comfortable climbing. At its price, weight, and build, it’s one of the most accessible bikes on the market.
Our former associate features editor, Taylor Rojek, tested this bike and called the sum of its parts incredible. “It’s some kind of alchemy, because individually, the parts choices on this bike all fall into the ‘fine but nothing special’ category,” she wrote. “It’s only when you mash them all together that you get something amazing.”
It lacks a dropper, unfortunately, which could be a dealbreaker. But if that’s vital for you, consider the Stance 29 1 instead.
The Surly Karate Monkey is a reliable hardtail with a sturdy (and heavy) steel frame and balanced geometry, making it ideal for trails or even long-distance bikepacking—if that’s in your future. It’s also built with customization in mind, with enough clearance for 29- or 27.5-inch tires, and mounts to haul enough cargo for a week’s worth of camping.
Its steel frame makes it burly, or, as Phillips puts it, “The Surly is a Surly: heavy, practical, and durable.” But if you’re looking to take a bike out for long distances, or even to beat up through plenty of camping trips, the Karate Monkey will do some good.
The Stumpjumper Comp Alloy eats bumpy terrain with its cushy fork and rear suspension. Paired with its durable frame, excellent geometry, and responsive handling, it’s a comfy ride for steep climbing and hitting the roughest trails.
Schram highly recommends the Stumpjumper for any newcomer looking for a reliable ride: “Its build is squeaky clean, its suspension is velvety, and it can keep up with your peppy friends clambering uphill just as easily as it can rip downhill. Would I race XC with a Stumpy? Perhaps not, but people have beaten me in races on one—even in ultra-distance mountain bike marathons.”
While our test team hasn’t formally tested it, we’re familiar with Specialized and trust its ability to make accessible models for any rider. “The Stumpy Comp Alloy is a bike we should get in and test, and I’m actually embarrassed we haven’t yet,” says Phillips. “The build looks freaking great—though the NX stuff has been hit or miss—as does the geometry. It’s got good tires, too! Solid FSR design with Fox suspension.”
If you’re looking for speed, excellent handling, and balanced XC performance, the Chisel is a solid mountain bike for beginners. Packed with solid components, it’s easy for mechanics to fix and supercharge as it doesn’t rely on an excess of moving parts. It’s also a great price.
“I’d happily grab a Chisel with my own money,” says Chabanov. “Great bang for the buck in a bike that can easily be a great zippy XC race bike.” Meanwhile, Phillips says he’s heard how excellent the Chisel is from other riders in the past.
“I love the Chisel’s slim profile, which makes it marginally easier to maneuver your body without banging your knees on the top tube,” says Schram. “It’s unquestionably bred for racing, and it can ride a little harsh as a result. But I managed to knock out a rocky 100-mile race on mine without losing feeling in my hands. That’s high acclaim for an alloy MTB.”
Its only downside is a potentially harsh ride on technical trails, as Schram points out above; stick to easy rides and you’ll do fine.
The Talon 29 1 is a surprisingly competent mountain bike, given its price. It has an excellent ride feel all thanks to its fork, says Saplavy. “The house-brand 100mm travel SXC-32-2 RL fork features 32mm aluminum stanchions, an alloy steerer, and an air spring. These shave weight off the bike while improving stiffness and steering precision. The fork’s rebound adjustment and air spring help you tune the fork for your weight and local trails. It is a big plus for a bike at this price.”
That said, its Tektro M275 brakes are lackluster, with a poor hand feel that doesn’t relay feedback well. While great on the trail, its drivetrain is a pain while climbing uphill. If you stick to easy, straightforward rides, the Talon will do you just fine. It’s a solid beginner bike, but also one that can lend confidence on the trails.
Swift and comfortable, the Mahuna is a smooth, big-wheeled XC bike with a fork that’ll cushion bumps on mild technical trails. It has responsive handling for easy riding, and according to former test editor and Bicycling contributor Riley Missel, it performs best on “steady, consistent climbs free of big rocks and step-ups.”
Like other Kona bikes, the Mahuna is a great value that would benefit from potential upgrades—bigger cogs on the cassette, for example, would help it get up to speed while ascending. Downhill, though, the Mahuna performs solid, even with just a 100-millimeter fork.
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer.
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling, Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race.
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