Best mountain bikes 2025: Top 5 best-selling MTB models to watch in 2025
Are you wondering what the best mountain bike to buy in 2025 is? If you're looking to invest in a mountain bike that has already proven itself, these best-sellers of 2024 stand out as safe bets for the coming year. In this article, we review the 5 best mountain bikes that will continue to dominate the market in 2025. Whether you're interested in buying your first mountain bike or replacing the one you currently have, you'll find the information you need to help you choose your next ride.
The best mountain bikes from 2024 that will continue in 2025
Without further ado, discover our selection of the 6 best mountain bikes from 2024 that you will find in 2025:
- Trek Procaliber 9.7 3rd gen: the softest of hardtails
- Santa Cruz Hightower 3 Carbon
- Rockrider 940 S: Performance and accessibility
- Orbea Oiz M-PRO: Lightness and performance
- Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Comp: Versatility
- Scott Spark RC Comp: The ultimate weapon
Those bikes, highly praised in 2024, will continue to be reliable choices for the upcoming year. Discover their features and the small updates they will have for even more fun and enjoyment on the trails.
Trek Procaliber 9.7 3rd gen: the softest of hardtails
The Trek Procaliber is an iconic mountain bike in the Trek lineup. It stands out for its comfort and ability to absorb vibrations without compromising speed. Ideal for cross-country, this Trek mountain bike will continue to impress with its innovation and reliability in 2025. The brand has also revamped the IsoSpeed system this year, replacing it with the IsoBow, an even better vibration filtration system. Highly praised in 2024, this bike will be one of the best-sellers of 2025.
This 3rd generation semi-rigid Trek Procaliber is definitively aimed at cross-country practice. No, hardtail mountain bikes are not dead in 2025! While recent years have seen the rise of fully suspended mountain bikes in XC, there has been a notable return of semi-rigid bikes in World Cup races.
With a controlled weight, unwavering rigidity, and lower maintenance, these are just some of the advantages of the semi-rigid mountain bike. The Trek Procaliber has long seduced many enthusiasts, and this 3rd generation continues the brand's legacy. The fork is now at 120mm compared to 100mm in 2024, which will delight the most demanding among you.
Santa Cruz Hightower 3 Carbon
The Santa Cruz Hightower continues to be a versatile and high-performance option for mountain biking enthusiasts. Known for its ability to excel on both technical trails and longer rides, the Hightower remains a favorite among riders who value durability and precision. For 2024, Santa Cruz introduced subtle design updates, enhancing the bike's capabilities without compromising its signature style and functionality.
With the Hightower, Santa Cruz continues to set benchmarks for trail bikes. Its updated VPP suspension design ensures efficient climbing and smooth descents, while its mixed-wheel configuration enhances agility and stability on varied terrains. Riders who prioritize quality and performance will find the Hightower to be a solid investment.
Santa Cruz's commitment to innovation and rider experience shines in the Hightower. Whether you're tackling steep climbs, technical descents, or long-distance trails, this bike is built to perform without compromise.
Rockrider 940 S: Performance and accessibility
The Decathlon Rockrider 940 S is a model that combines performance and accessibility. Voted the best cross-country mountain bike of 2024, this bike with a carbon frame offers optimal responsiveness and excellent handling in all conditions. Its 120 mm front and rear suspension ensures comfort and control on technical terrain. In 2025, this new Decathlon mountain bike will continue to attract enthusiasts for its excellent value for money and will be available in a new less flashy black/black color instead of red.
With this model, Decathlon makes performance accessible to a wider audience. "We wanted to create a competitive and high-performance frame that could be offered to the largest number of practitioners," explains Luis Moro, product manager at Rockrider, responsible for developing the 940 S.
The 940S is equipped with RockShox suspensions that include 3 positions allowing you to switch from an open mode for descents to a “Pedal” mode for climbs and a complete lockout for the most rolling sections.
With this mountain bike, Decathlon is changing categories. Long known as a consumer brand, with this 940S, Rockrider caters to both competitors and amateurs looking for a light and efficient bike. A mountain bike whose results speak for themselves, having already achieved several podium finishes in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup under the Ford Rockrider team colors.
Orbea Oiz M-PRO: Lightness and performance
The Orbea Oiz remains one of the reference models thanks to its lightweight design and performance on XC courses. With its adapted geometry and high-end components, the 2025 Orbea Oiz mountain bike will continue to meet the demands of many.
Present in Orbea's catalog for many years, the Oiz has become a staple of the brand, and there is no doubt that this will continue in 2025. Some minor adjustments will be made for this new year, including the introduction of a new one-piece carbon stem and handlebar combo.
The Orbea Oiz stands out with one of the lightest carbon frames on the market, weighing only 1,740 grams. Nevertheless, this bike does not compromise on performance and boasts a strong character, with a front and rear suspension offered at 120mm, making this bike a true XC race beast, as noted on Orbea's website.
Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Comp: Versatility
The Specialized Stumpjumper remains a must-have for trail enthusiasts in 2025. Its legendary design combining lightness and resistance makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy technical descents and challenging climbs. With its modern equipment, this 2025 Specialized mountain bike will continue to stand out in 2025 for its versatility.
The Stumpjumper is THE iconic bike from the Californian brand Specialized. It was the first mass-produced mountain bike, launched in 1979. Over the years, this bike has evolved and reinvented itself, continuing to live up to its reputation as the ultimate "do-it-all" bike. Whether you're looking for an enduro, trail, or all-mountain bike, the Stumpjumper will take you on any trail.
The magic of this bike lies in its Genius! Yes, that’s the name of the shock technology featured on this Specialized Stumpjumper 15. This suspension combines the linearity of a coil spring with the progressive nature of an air spring. In short, this bike offers smoother performance and keeps the rear wheel in contact with the ground longer, resulting in better traction and greater efficiency.
Scott Spark RC Comp: The ultimate weapon
The Scott Spark will remain a favorite choice for long rides and competitions in 2025. Its reworked geometry and effective suspension make it a full-suspension mountain bike that excels on varied terrain. The integration of high-end components and its lightweight design make it ideal for cyclists seeking performance and reliability.
The Scott Spark is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and decorated XC bikes in the World Cup, in the hands of Nino Schurter. The first version of the Scott Spark dates back to 2008, and 16 years later, this mountain bike remains as popular as ever for its performance, making it a best-seller for the brand.
The Scott Spark stands out with its integrated rear shock, allowing the bike to have a lower center of gravity, which enhances maneuverability and provides more intuitive handling. Like some of its peers, the Spark comes with 120mm front and rear suspension, making this XC bike a true climber. Just as comfortable on technical sections as it is on rolling terrain, the Spark remains agile and efficient, with the Twinlock suspension system making climbs easier. No doubt, this bike's dominance will continue into 2025.
If you're considering purchasing an MTB, these five iconic models will remain reliable choices in 2025. Whether you're into XC, trail riding, or All Mountain, these bikes adapt to all riding styles. Whatever your needs, these 2024 best-sellers will continue to dominate in the coming year.
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