Wet and windy weather defines the landscape of this small island, and it only gets more intense as you travel northward. Even as the summer months roll around, torrential downpour accompanied by a constant, chilly breeze is to be expected. Yet this certainly does not prevent mountain and Munro lovers from donning their walking gear and packing up the car to head for the lakes and beyond.
All year round, outdoor enthusiasts will flock to their favourite trails across the UK to experience sublime views and reward themselves with some brilliant pub-grub at a hiker’s inn situated at the bottom of a gruelling, yet highly rewarding eight-hour stint.
Seasoned hikers, at some stage in their endeavours, will have come across mountain bike trails. Watching safely from afar as these seemingly fearless off-roaders bounce between rocky cliff edges and soar through the air on two wheels, we question whether we might be able to experience trails in the same adventurous, muddy and high-intensity manner. But where to start?
Cycling is a notoriously intimidating sport, no matter whether you’re a casual commuter, seasoned road biker or velodrome viscount. That’s why we’re here to help demystify the world of mountain biking for those looking to explore the adrenaline-inducing sport.
What to look for in a beginner’s mountain bike
Size
The first and most important element to consider is the size of your mountain bike. Rather than buying blind, we highly recommend going into your local bike shop for some first-hand advice – especially considering the recommended fit for an MTB is slightly different to that of a casual road bike.
MTBs are measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. To give the rider more standing height, MTB top tubes slope down to meet the seat tube at a far lower point than road bikes. A general guide for beginners to follow is to ensure that there is a gap of approximately two inches when standing over your MTB frame with your feet on the floor.
As you get to grips with mountain biking, the size of your next bike might be determined by your personal style of riding.
Suspension – hardtail vs. full suspension
Suspension is another key element when it comes to choosing an MTB. Bike suspension, just like in cars, provides comfort and control on rockier terrains. Though essential for mountain biking, you will also often get front fork suspension in hybrid bikes. When it comes to mountain biking, you’ll be presented with a choice between hardtail or full suspension.
- Hardtail: Rather than offering suspension at both the front and the back of the bike, hardtail MTBs only have a front suspension fork which absorbs front-facing impacts. This makes the bike easier to manoeuvre and is often preferable to tricksters and fast riders. Hardtail suspension offers more efficiency when pedalling, is lightweight, easy to maintain and serves as a fantastic option for beginners looking to start on easier terrains.
- Full suspension: Notoriously more expensive when it comes to first-hand purchase and general upkeep, full suspension mountain bikes nevertheless have an array of benefits. They offer greater versatility for seasoned mountain bikers, as they provide better stability on fast and rocky downhill rides. However, full suspension can also be beneficial to new mountain bikers as it provides a greater sense of safety and control.
Gear system
The most popular gear system for mountain bikes is an external 1x drivetrain. This is because, unlike older 2x and 3x drivetrains, it offers a weight and wallet-saving solution to consistently clogged and noisy gears as well as better chain retention. On the other hand, a 2x drivetrain will help with closing the gaps between gears and making it easier to find the right resistance for your style and cadence of riding.
Brake system
Disc: Lightweight yet powerful and easy to maintain, disc brakes offer the stopping equivalent of a 1x drivetrain. Commonly powered by hydraulics rather than cables, disc brakes provide control and progressive braking in all weather conditions. Disc brakes are the natural choice for mountain bikers, over-rim or V-breaks.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best mountain bikes for beginners on the market. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
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Carrera Vengeance Men’s Mountain Bike
Designed for everyday riders and weekenders alike, the durable and lightweight Carrera Vengeance features 16-speed Shimano Altus gearing and mechanical disc brakes for smooth and controlled stoppage.
This newer model has been made even more lightweight thanks to a drivetrain upgrade, which is now a 2x chainset instead of a heavier, high-maintenance 3x. The 27.5” wheels offer a perfect middle-ground and have been reinforced with double walls for added durability. Puncture protection tires are standard for Carrera, and this bike is even equipped with a memory foam saddle for supreme comfort.
Also available in a women’s model.
Buy now £308.00, Halfords
Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29" Mountain Bike 2023 - Hardtail MTB
The wide and versatile gear range afforded by the 2x9 seed drivetrain paired with powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes makes the Specialized Rockhopper a brilliant option for first-time mountain bikers discovering their riding style. The lightweight alloy frame has been designed with dialled trail geometry for optimum off-road performance. Equipped with tough 29” wheels and available in a variety of colours, the Rockhopper is any beginner’s dream.
Buy now £525.00, Tredz
Apollo Twilight Womens Mountain Bike - S, M, L Frames
A hardtail, budget option for those looking to try out mountain biking without making too big of a financial commitment, the Apollo Twilight has decently sized 26” wheels and an 18-speed Shimano gear set within a durable alloy frame.
The only downside to this model, and the reason why it’s on the cheaper side, is that it utilises V-brakes rather than hydraulic gear brakes. While experienced riders won’t have any trouble with the less powerful stoppage, it poses a higher risk for beginners who find themselves on intermediate trails. V-brakes can also be negatively affected by wet weather conditions, so it’s best not to take the Apollo Twilight out in the rain.
The Apollo Slant is the men’s version of this bike.
Buy now £144.00, Halfords
Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7
“This is your perfect everyday trail bike,” claims Canyon. With a lightweight full-carbon fancy frame, long reach and steep seat angle, this bike’s very up-to-date shape and geometry make it fast both up and down the mountain. Easy to ride and stable over the largest of bumps, there’s also an impressive ‘Flip Chip’ on the rear suspension – which means you can alter the bike’s geometry to suit your particular riding style. The Spectral is a versatile all-rounder – ready for anything and just plain old fun.
Buy now £3349.00, Canyon
Trek Marlin 7 Mountain Bike
If ‘marigold to radioactive red’ doesn’t make you want to tackle some cross-country trails, we’re not sure what will. For aspiring cross-country racers, this reasonably priced hardtail bike is great for beginner mountain bikers. In fact, hardtails are ideal for recreational mountain bike riders in general as they tend to have fewer moving parts than full-suspension bikes (read: also cheaper). Although, once you’ve experienced how much fun the trails are, you’ll likely seek an upgrade to satisfy your needs as you grow as a rider.
Buy now £500.00, Evans Cycles
Boardman MTR 9.0 Mountain Bike
Boardman’s MTR 9.0 is their flagship bike in the range, providing a balanced and confident ride for all-mountain riders. The new 29er platform features full suspension with a RockShox fork and rear shock, 145mm of plush travel and a ââShimano SLX drivetrain. Happiest heading downhill, the Shimano SLX four-piston brakes provide serious stopping power. It’s great on the downs, and its unique look makes it pretty eye-catching too.
Buy now £2225.00, Tredz
Trek X-Caliber 7 Mountain Bike
This high-performing yet affordable cross-country mountain bike is also an ideal entry point into riding off-road trails and mountain bike tracks. The light, responsive aluminium frame looks smart with its neat internal cable routing and features a RockShox fork, Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. The Trek X-Caliber is your one-way ticket to adventure – from fast-flow trails to weekend mountain excursions, the choice is yours.
Buy now £699.00, Leisure Lane Bikes
Verdict
A versatile all-rounder which combines top-notch technological elements with an easy and aesthetically appealing ride, the Carrera Vengeance is our top beginner’s mountain bike.
