Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Brands of 2018
And you can’t help but have your hands glued to those comfy handlebars.
Whether you love cycling downhill, uphill, cross-country, along with the mountain trails or love performing those acrobatic twists, biking is truly irresistible.
However, don’t forget that for an unforgettable mountain biking you need a great buddy—mountain bike.
Unlike other types of bicycles, mountain bikes are designed for cycling in tough and rocky terrains.
They come with firmly fitted frames and specially designed tires to handle bumpy terrains.
There are two varieties of mountain bikes, i.e. full suspension (have both front and rear suspension on its frame) and hardtail (with no rear suspension).
Mountain biking has been around for over three decades. At first, avid bikers and other enthusiasts were restricted to only a few options.
However, things have changed. Depending on your biking preferences, you can now narrow down your options to get a bike that suits your biking style.
Regardless of your riding style factors such as size, weight and more are paramount when looking for a mountain bike.
These types of bikes are now available in different names or brands and come with advanced features most of which we never thought.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of top 10 best mountain bike brands in 2018 to guide you in your shopping experience.
1. Mongoose
This is another hard-to-beat mountain bike brand that carries a full range of hardtail, youth and dirt jump mountain bikes.
They have mountain bikes for all skills levels and prices.
Their bikes come with exclusive features such as aluminum frames that provide support while drastically cutting down on weight.
SRAM grip shifters and front fork shock absorbers help to reduce quakes when you are riding on uneven trails.
One of their high-end and highly priced bikes is the Teocali Expert.
This bike comes with a standalone Horst Link design and 150mm wide rear wheel travel that makes it versatile to ride on all types of terrains.
You can also find other cheap models like Mongoose Ledge 2.1.
Interested in fat tire bikes? Check out this Mongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike.
2. Specialized
Just when you thought you’d hit a dead end, Specialized comes to the rescue with great mountain bikes packed with nice riding features.
Specialized mountain bikes are designed with performance in mind.
Whether you want to descend downhill or climb up the mountain effortlessly, they have a bike that suits your needs.
They have unlimited options ranging from World-Championship FSR suspension bikes to the trendy ultra-lightweight XC hardtails.
There is always an appropriate bike design for any imaginable riding style.
With easy traction, suspension and control, Specialized remains one of the best mountain bike brands in the world.
Specialized bikes are fairly expensive and the most expensive model in their line is the S-Works Epic mountain bike.
With carbon fiber frame, this bike combines strength, stiffness, and lightweight to bring you utmost riding efficiency and speed.
They also utilize RockShox Brain Shock for added comfort and easy handling in bumpy terrains.
3. Cannondale
Cannondale is another division of Dorel Industries (Canadian conglomerate). It was established in 1971.
Cannondale is a pioneer mountain bike brand that designs lightweight, innovative and feature-packed bikes.
Their bikes are stable, easy to control and suitable for both male and female bikers.
They also come with cutting-edge frames to warrant you full functionality and versatility. Their bikes are high-quality and ideal for both downhill and uphill riding.
Cannondale manufactures quality bikes that fall within any price range both cheap and pricey. One of their iconic mountain bikes is the Cannondale Catalyst 2.
This bike is lightweight and comes fitted with lightweight alloy frame, broad gearing range that lets you ride comfortably on any terrain.
Additionally, with a 100mm travel and 27.5’ wheels, this bike can maneuver tight spots.
4. Gravity
Gravity is another legendary mountain bike brand that leads when it comes to performance.
Their bikes are distinct in terms of suspension travel. They offer a full range of mountain bikes that fall in different price ranges.
For instance, if you have less than $500 and want a reliable bike, then consider FSX 1.0.
This bike comes with a full quality suspension that enables it to take out on any trail.
Although it may not possess an aggressive appeal, this bike delivers nothing less than quality performance.
The aluminum alloy frame with flawless welding points gives it added strength and reinforcement.
Gravity has also given great attention to the weight of their bikes.
FSX 1.0 has an impressive weight of 26lbs making it easy to handle and maneuver around. It is a rider-focused mountain bike company.
5. Vilano
Although it is still growing, Vilano has expanded to be one of the best mountain bike brands.
They manufacture mountain bikes that fall in different prices, types and sizes.
The company focuses on making bikes that every single mountain biking enthusiast can afford.
Their bikes come with efficient and effective designs tailored to fit into any riding style. Their bikes are mid-level and under.
You can find a great Vilano bike at a price less than $400. Vilano Ridge 2.0 MTB is one of the best mountain bikes in their line.
It has a double-butted aluminum that improves its strength. The wheels are all-purpose and perform great on all types of terrains.
6. Cyclamatic
Cyclamatic is another decent mountain bike manufacturer that delivers quality and durable bikes.
They have a creative foldaway design that makes their bikes distinct from those of their competitors.
What makes Cyclamatic prosper is their desire to deliver amazing results and convenience to every avid cyclist.
Their bikes are diverse and include both manual and electric.
They also feature modified pedals and frames to give the rider ultimate convenience and efficiency. One of their iconic bikes is the CX1 Bike.
However, Cyclamatic bikes are a bit expensive, but performance is guaranteed.
7. Kent
Kent is the name synonymous with dependable bikes at great prices. According to this company, every ride is a great ride.
Their century of experience in the cycling industry enables them to deliver incredibly performing mountain bikes.
They craft their bikes with the highest safety and quality standards. They utilize smart components with innovative frame styles.
Kent Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension bike is one of their top picks.
They’ve incorporated floating beam suspension design, disk brake system, strong aluminum frames and high-flange hubs for greater performance.
8. Merax
The company was founded in 1995 in Los Angeles, California. It prides in making innovative bikes that provide enhanced performance.
They are among the best mountain bike brands in the world making stunningly beautiful bikes.
They use dual suspension design that smoothens bumps and other rough terrains.
For enhanced stopping power, their bikes come with linear pill braking system.
Regarding gear shifting, they utilize the fabulous Shimano 21-speed derailleurs. Their bikes are not so expensive.
One great model is the Falcon Mountain Bike. Merax isn’t that expensive but mid-level bike brand.
9. Stowabike
If you’re gearing up for serious competition and want a great bike for the job, then Stowabike has it all.
They use quality components, dual suspension, and strong build quality.
Their bikes look not only great but also deliver unrivaled performance when it comes to the real mountain riding.
They’ve incorporated foldable frame designs that help to save space. They can be stored in tight spaces. MTB V2 is one of the best bikes made by Stowabike.
They’ve added Shimano Components to allow riders to have fun and ride even in small and confined spaces. Their bikes are mid-range and can fit all budgets.
10. BEiOU
BEiOU is a brand that combines durability and lightweight in their bike frames.
Although it was deemed to be for the high-end bikes, Beiou especially uses carbon fiber frames without inflating their prices.
Their mountain bikes are sturdy, supportive and best suited to handle the rigors of extremely rough terrains.
They also utilize other excellent features like Shimano speed shifters, disc brakes, and low-weight high-durability wheels.
One of their best mountain bikes is the MTB T800 29er bike.
This bike provides a great balance of speed and traction making it an excellent pick for off-road riding.
Bottom Line
Mountain biking is a fun and exciting activity.
If you are a beginner or a pro rider, you’ll always want a good mountain bike that meets and exceeds your riding expectations.
Depending on your budget, riding needs, purpose and style, there is an appropriate mountain bike brand to consider.
The above are the top 10 best mountain bike brands in 2018.
In case you’re planning to buy a new bike with excellent features and a budget of $1500 or less, then check this: Best Mountain Bikes Under 1500: Here’s What You Can Get
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