A Complete Guide on How to Choose A Mountain Bike

man on a mountain bike riding in a forest

Mountain bikes are a great way to explore the great outdoors while challenging yourself to a high-intensity ride. Our guide walks you through key features to consider, the different types of mountain bikes suited to various riding styles, and sizing details to help you choose a mountain bike that fits and suits your next journey. Whether you're selecting your first mountain bike or considering an upgrade from your current one, our SCHEELS Bike Experts are here to explain everything you need to know about finding the best mountain bike for your upcoming adventure!

What Our Experts Will Cover:

What Is a Mountain Bike?

Mountain bikes (MTB) are strong-performing bicycles designed to keep your journey smooth and effortless while riding on rough terrains. They often feature wide tires that provide better grip and control, and strong frames that handle mixed surfaces. The handlebars are usually flat and wide for steady steering, and the bikes also typically include sturdy gearing and durable brakes set to ride various trails and terrains.

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Key Features to Consider When Choosing A Mountain Bike

Frame Material

The material you choose for your frame determines its overall weight and durability. Most MTBs use either aluminum or carbon fiber as frame material. The difference? While a lightweight carbon frame makes climbing and maneuvering much easier, it will typically come at a higher price point than a heavier aluminum frame.

Tire Size

Tire size in a mountain bike is the diameter and width of a bike's tire measured in inches. Depending on what model you use, the tire size of your bike can impact the grip and overall obstacles faced on your ride.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tire Size

Frame Size: This is the physical size of the bicycle’s body. It is based on your height and inseam, and usually ranges from 15 to 21 in. (or Small, Medium, Large). Getting the right frame size ensures a comfortable fit.

Tire Size: This refers strictly to the diameter of your wheels, which dictates how easily you roll over obstacles and maintain speed. The most common mountain bike tire sizes are much larger numbers: 26, 27.5, and 29 inches.
Depending on what you're looking for in a ride, each tire size carries a different purpose.
- 26 in: Simple tire made for easy maneuverability. It’s quick and highly responsive when it comes to tight turns; however, it can struggle over larger features, occasionally leading you to feel ‘stuck’ on big roots or rocks.
- 27.5 in: Perfect tire for smaller riders and riders that simply want a maneuverable bike. It provides decent traction, is easy to steer, and is quick to accelerate well; however, they’re only good for small to medium trail obstacles and can be pretty weak to large ones.
- 29 in: Highly efficient and fast-rolling tires that easily roll over large obstacles like rocks, roots, and logs without sacrificing a smooth ride. Ideal for all skill levels— offering beginners obstacle clearance while giving advanced riders maximum speed and efficiency. It does, however, require significant effort on sharper turns.

Suspension

Each bike carries either a hardtail or a full suspension system to make the ride more comfortable. Unsure of the differences between the two systems? Check out our article on the pros and cons of each one!

Geometry

Geometry simply means the way a bike is designed. Compared to road bikes, mountain bikes are designed for stability and control on rough terrain. To ensure that, mountain bikes typically feature a slack, or laid-back head tube angle, a shorter reach, and a higher stack to keep you more upright on technical trails.

Gearing

Understanding what gears and drivetrains a mountain bike has can help you stay prepared for the time to replace them. Modern mountain bike gear setups are called 'one-by' (or 1x), which simply means they have a single-chainring in the front and a cassette in the back. Older models typically include two or more chains and are relatively inexpensive, and provide a wider variety of gears.

Types of Mountain Bikes

Every mountain bike is built differently to handle different terrain and riding styles. Knowing the types of mountain bikes will make it simpler to pick out one that best fits your riding goals.

Trail Bikes: Considered the most versatile option, trail bikes are a highly recommended mountain bike for beginners. They offer a balanced mix of suspension and efficiency, making them perfect for riders who want an all-around bike to handle both steady climbs and fun descents.
Cross Country (XC) Bikes: Built for speed and endurance, XC bikes are lightweight and prioritize pedaling efficiency. They are ideal for riders who want to go far and fast on smoother trails and love a good climb.
Enduro Bikes: If you love steep, technical downhills but still need to pedal to the top, an Enduro bike provides the best of both worlds. They feature more suspension than trail bikes to comfortably absorb rough terrain and big jumps.
Downhill Bikes: Downhill bikes feature massive suspension to handle rough rock gardens, drops, and high speeds. Because of their heavy build, they are meant strictly for descending and are highly inefficient for pedaling uphill.
Electronic Mountain Bikes (e-MTBs): If you want to cover more terrain with less fatigue, an electronic mountain bike is a fantastic option. These bikes feature a battery-powered motor that allows you to easily tackle tough climbs and stay out on the trail longer.

What Size Mountain Bike Do I Need?

Finding the right-sized bike is crucial to ensuring a comfortable fit and an enjoyable outdoor experience. Mountain bike frames are measured in inches (such as 15 in., 17 in., or 19 in.) or by standard sizing letters (S, M, L). Finding the correct frame size for your ride is vital for the best comfort and control on the trail. If you are wondering how to measure for a bike frame size, follow these three simple steps:

Step #1: Measure your height

The easiest starting point for figuring out your size is noting down your height. Knowing your height is crucial to having a more precise fit.

Step #2: Consider Your Inseam

Your inseam helps determine the stand-over height needed for clearance and safety. To know how to measure your inseam accurately, follow this guide below:

Take your shoes off and stand with your back against the wall
Place a ruler between your legs. This acts like a bike seat, so make sure it stays level
Using a measuring tape, measure from the floor to the top of the ruler; this measurement is your inseam

Step #3: Consult the Mountain Bike Size Chart

Finally, you'd want to compare your measurements to a size chart to lock in the perfect fit. Below is a standard bike size chart. Sizing may vary by bike brand.

Rider Height	Inseam (in)	Frame Size (approx.)
5’2-5’5”	29”-31”	S
5’5”-5’10”	31”-33”	M
5’8”-5’11”	32”-34”	ML
5’10”-6’2’’	33”-35”	L
6’2-6’5”	35”-36”	XL

Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Bikes

Not always. Most modern mountain bikes have unisex geometry, so the right fit usually matters more than whether a bike is labeled men’s or women’s. However, some riders prefer women’s-specific touchpoints, such as a narrower handlebar, a shorter stem, or a saddle shaped for their anatomy. Since body proportions vary from rider to rider, it is smarter to focus on frame size, standover height, reach, and overall comfort. If a bike fits your height and inseam well, and it feels stable on the trail, it can be a strong choice regardless of the label.

It’s always important to know exactly what you’re looking for when shopping for your next mountain bike. Knowing the key features of an MTB, your correct frame size, and deciding what type of bike to ride are all important factors to look for when shopping for your next ride. If you have any questions or inquiries about mountain bikes, please visit your local SCHEELS store to speak with a Biking Expert!

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