If you've figured that a mountain bike is best suited to your cycling needs, whittling down the options can be quite the daunting task. Luckily, there's plenty of options out there to suit every rider and every kind of adventure.
First and foremost, if you're looking for a sweet and compact bike you can zip around town in - you probably don't want a mountain bike. They're physically heavier and have a more robust build, helping to withstand harsh terrains and to easily manoeuvre trails.
If you want a premium mountain bike you can expect to pay a little bit more compared to a commuter or hybrid bike; although, with added features like suspension and specialist tyres, it's an investment that's worth it to enhance the quality of your journey.
Our guide below outlines the best mountain bikes for easy off-road cycling.
Best mountain bikes to buy
1. Ammaco Evo IV 29" Wheel Mountain Bike
The Evo IV from Ammaco is a great starting bike if you're keen to keep costs low, it's also got some pretty useful features like chunky 29 inch wheels, perfect for tearing down hills and muddy trails.
The frame is lightweight but sturdy giving you decent handling over the bike and zoom front suspension forks to absorb impact.
There's also a quick release seat clamp, which is a great feature for convenient adjustments whilst you're on the go.
Price: £329.99, Amazon - buy here now
2. Trek Marlin 5 2020 Women's Mountain Bike
This trail-worthy rider from Trek is a women's specific mountain bike, boasting design touchpoints like the saddle, bars and grips for a comfortable experience that is up for the challenge, on and off trail.
There's 21 speeds making steep inclines and hills a breeze and with the added bonus of hydraulic disc brakes, there's peace of mind you're in control too.
It's lightweight and made from silver aluminium making it one of the better mountain bikes for commuting.
Price: £400, Evans Cycles - buy here now
3. Calibre Bossnut Mountain Bike
The Calibre brand is one to know about if you're looking for a quality performance, with all of the style to match.
Renowned as being one of the best entry level full suspension bikes on the market, the Bossnut is super versatile and suitable for a variety of journeys on and off the road.
The updated frame has a lower standover with longer reach for comfort, 27.5 inch wheels and a full 12 speed groupset - ideal if you're after a trailing bike.
Price: £1100, Go Outdoors - buy here now
4. Pinnacle Ramin 1 2020 Mountain Bike
The Pinncal Ramin 1 is a new model to the brand with some amazing features to make it one of the best 'all-rounders' out there.
It's most recommended for trails and day riding and features a heat treated alloy frame for ease of handling on the tougher rides. There's also a Shimano Deore 10 Speed Drivetrain, which will allow you to climb as high and as wide as you want.
With the added extra of hydraulic disc brakes, you'll get a nice and efficient stop that's powerful, yet controlled.
Price: £775, Evans Cycles - buy here now
5. Gunai 1000W Electric Fat-Tire Folding Bike
This electric folding bike is perfect for those who want to crank up the speed on the demanding trails, with three cycling modes for full ease of use.
With thickened wear-resistant rubber tyres and a four-link absorber to resist most of the impact, you'll sta nice and comfortable even on the rougher terrain.
A night mode LCD display ensures visibility at night and it'll also tell you the mileage, speed and level of battery remaining - with an update when you're close to charging time. One of the best features is that the bike is completely foldable, making it a superb option for whizzing around on all terrain.
Price: £1490, Amazon - buy here now
6. Grand Canyon AL 6.0
The Grand AL 6.0 from Canyon is one to consider for the full trail-package.
It's nice and quick thanks to a lightweight aluminium body, and weighs only 13kg which won't hold you back or slow you down when you're off-road exploring or fine-tuning your trail skills.
29 inch wheels allow you to tear up trails but still manage to climb a steep hill and the Shimano MT400 disc brakes ensure fast stopping power.
Price: £949, Canyon - buy here now
7. Norco Rampage 2 2020 Mountain Bike
If you're looking for a purpose-built bike that was crafted with slopestyle and indoor bike parks in mind, this is it.
The Rampage 2 from Norco has a cool design that's tough and boasts some pretty cool features that enhance the dirt jump experience.
and everybody out at the jump trails that they’re looking for something lighter and stiffer than steel can provide – so we went with aluminum for the Rampage. Light. Strong, and looks great!
It's made from aluminium which is nice and light but super sturdy giving you full control and manageability.
Price: £695, Evans Cycles - buy here now
8. Specialized Fuse Comp 2020 Mountain Bike
Specialized's Fuse Comp has an ultra-minimalist look, formed of M4 aluminum chassis which is light in weight but most importantly, a robust frame that can withstand off road riding like a breeze.
There's 12 gears that shift nice and smoothly for a comfortable experience, with the means to give yourself a substantial boost when required.
Boasting hydraulic brakes as well as chunky tyres with aggressive treads, you'll be able to conquer the tougher terrain with full confidence in a controlled and comfortable stop.
Price: £1300, Evans Cycles - buy here now
9. Canyon Neuron AL 6.0
Canyon's Neuron AL 6.0 is one of the pricier models on our list, but by no means the dearest out there. Premium quality often comes as an investment and this is one well worth price tag.
Weighing just under 15kg, the bike is nimble but still strong thanks to its aluminium frame. The Neuron AL 6.0 ranks as one of the best bikes for first-time full suspension riders who are keen to hit the more challenging trails.
The Shimano gear shifting pairs with a 12-speed cassette that gives you a huge 510% gearing range, ultimately keeping you pedalling and rolling(comfortably) for much longer.
Price: £1749, Canyon - buy here now
