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    The buycycle mountain bike guide

    Sophia Willmes
    Sophia Willmes
    Mar 4, 2024 17 min
    The buycycle mountain bike guide

    Everything around the MTB

    Do you feel like exploring the world off the asphalt, and the next adrenaline kick on endless trails in the bike park tempts you? Or do you want to lose yourself in breathtaking nature? Then a mountain bike is the right adventure companion for you. There is a suitable mountain bike type for every purpose, including an off-road biker. You can find out everything you need to know about the wilderness hero on two wheels in this blog post:

    1. What is a mountain bike?

    Who wants to go beyond paved roads to the full with road bikes, trekking bikes, or gravel bikes, misses one thing: The Suspension. It is the central unique selling point of a mountain bike, allowing us to lift off the ground meter by meter with both tires, to easily overcome sticks and stones in any terrain and climb uphill without much effort.

    2. What are the types of mountain bikes?

    The Hardtail

    Only the front wheel in a hardtail is equipped with a suspension fork. The greater suspension travel, hardtails are fitted with suspension forks under 120 mm travel, which conquer smaller obstacles and are still comfortable. It is a learner-friendly beginner: inside MTB, perfect for bike tours over field and forest paths.

    The Cross-Country Bike

    Cross-country bikes ("XC bikes") are designed for bike races on gravel, dirt or forest roads. Their suspension travel is around 100mm, but they come in full suspension variants. To maximize speed, they are kept as light as possible, often by a carbon frame. One also ensures excellent rolling characteristics through 29-inch wheels.

    The Dirt Bike

    The Dirt bike is the hardtail of acrobats and tricksters. It has the highest 100mm travel, the suspension fork should only cushion and landings. Striking are the small wheelbases and frame sizes, which, along with the small wheels (24-26 inches), allow spectacular jumps in bike parks. Mostly, the gear shift is missing entirely. They are completely unsuitable for transport, but that is not what these trick bikes are intended for.

    The Fatbike

    Name-giving for this MTB is the impressively wide and robust tires. Fatbikes are available as hardtail and fully, but sometimes suspension is dispensed with entirely because the thick tires, usually not fully inflated, achieve a similar effect. They also grip particularly loose surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. They are somewhat sluggish, but you can still get around with them.

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    The Fully

    As a collective term, it stands for "full suspension", so all MTBs are suspended both front and rear. There is often a hydraulic seatpost, thanks to which the saddle can be raised at the touch of a button depending on the terrain. According to the requirements, the grip is increased by larger lugs on the tires. Mullet bikes designed for downhill riding have larger wheels at the front than the rear, allowing you to combine the best possible traction with maneuverability.

    The All-Mountain or Trail Bike

    The all-mountain or trail bike is (surprisingly) the all-rounder among MTBs. Thanks to the lockable suspension elements, they can climb any terrain, even uphill. The front suspension travel varies between 110 and 140mm, and even if these MTBS are available as hardtails, they are usually full suspension. As an all-rounder, it is ideal for weekend trips and versatile tours.

    The Enduro Bike

    With a suspension travel of 140-180mm, enduros roll over rough scree and are ready for deep drops and long jumps. Thanks to long frame geometry with a flat steering angle, you sit upright, so you can pedal independently up the mountain, while rough descents are also no problem. At a massive 13 kg, however, it's not for weak calves or long distances on flat terrain. The Enduro is the all-rounder for the brave.

    The Freeride Bike

    The Freeride Bike offers a spring travel of 160-200mm. This can absorb long jumps, meter-deep drops, and rolling over large stones. Very stable components are used for these massive loads. You ride on highly demanding terrain, so the freeride bike is worthwhile for experienced riders. Uphill riding is fun with very few models, but downhill all the more so.

    The Downhill Bike

    Hard to believe, but the Freeride looks next to the downhill bike, but quite pale. A whole 180-250mm is possible with it, and the very flat steering angle and a lowered saddle shift the body's centre of gravity to the rear, maximising. The resilient frame and the stabilizing double-bridge suspension fork weigh neatly, so driving uphill is impossible. Everything is designed to cope with rough slopes at high speeds.

    3. Which mountain bike is right for me?

    A somewhat more budget-friendly and less maintenance-intensive option is the hardtail. You have a faithful companion with him for the long tours on slightly uneven ground, the summit adventure and the rapid descent afterwards.

    If you are looking for more adrenaline, dare to go to the bike park, and if you like it a bit rougher, you should reach for the Fully. It is more expensive, but do not worry. Often, you tend to travel more than you need, and thus also pay for the more stable components. So here, you can save without a guilty conscience.

    All the models presented are mountain bikes primarily built for easy riding. You rarely make a bad purchase if you use the bike and have fun with it.

    4. Where can I find my next mountain bike?

    At buycycle. It's obvious. Safe, uncomplicated, with free shipping and return policy. Browse through our website. We are sure to have a bike for you for every wish. If you need some advice or still have questions, you can contact the buycycle team anytime. Until then, we wish you: Happy browsing, happy cycling!

    And if you want to sell your mountain bike on buycycle, that's possible too! Sell your mountain bike easily online, starting now.

    What types of mountain bikes are there? | buycycle

    You want to explore the world off the asphalt? Are you looking for the next adrenaline kick on endless trails in the bike park? Or the breathtaking nature in the regional forests? In any case, an MTB is the right companion for you. It will take you to the most exciting places and support your exploration tour.

    The right type of mountain bike is produced for every purpose. Here you can learn everything about the different types and the questions about them: What is a mountain bike? What is the difference between a trekking bike and a mountain bike? There are different bikes for different purposes. With a road bike, long distances over flat ground are no problem. Road bikes are bikes with thin tires and a sporty geometry.

    These bikes are made for fast riding on the road and are not meant for off-road adventures. Who is also off the road and would like to explore more, so they rely on an all-road or off-road bike. There, you can distinguish between trekking bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes. Trekking wheels have wide tires, which also stabilize meadows and gravel. However, they are hardly suspended, so they are nothing for trips on narrow trails. Gravel bikes are reminiscent of road bikes but have much wider tires.

    The tires allow you to ride alongside the road. However, gravel bikes also have no (or minimal) suspension. If you want to ride faster, you should go for a mountain bike. Through your physical strength, your mountain bike lets you climb mountains in the terrain and overcome hills and dales without any problems. You can take off with both tires meters from the ground. Mountain biking is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    A leisurely after-work tour over country lanes, many meters of altitude on a crossing of the Alps or riding technique and action on the trails - everything has its charm. Your project will be enjoyable with appropriate support. Different demands on a mountain bike require different types of construction. The right model is waiting for every area of use.

    Whether all-mountain, cross-country or enduro, the special feature is the suspension. A downhill ride over scree requires more suspension travel than an excursion over nearby forest trails. A distinction is made between mountain bike types with simple suspension on the front wheel, or full suspension, i.e. a further suspension element in the rear. The frame geometry is also crucial. It changes the seating position. For steep descents, for example, it is suitable to shift the body's center of gravity over the rear triangle of the mountain bike.

    The design of the MTB frame helps with this. The wheel size or the mounting of the bike components also influences the seating position. What are the types of mountain bikes? Here, we look at the different types of mountain bikes and their features. The hardtail. A hardtail is a bike with a suspended front wheel. It does not have a rear shock. The suspension fork is lockable on most models.

    The fork's suspension travel can vary greatly. Most manufacturers install suspension forks with under 120 mm of travel in hardtails, which allows for rolling over more minor potholes and roots. The greater the suspension fork's travel, the more upright the rider's seating position. However, to still be able to sit comfortably when riding uphill, one forgoes higher suspension travel. The most common frame materials are carbon or aluminum.

    Carbon frames can achieve particularly low overall weights for MTBS, which is reflected in the usually higher price. A fall can lead to cracks in the carbon fibers, but before the frame finally breaks, it can still withstand quite a bit. Aluminum frames are tried and tested and robust. They are heavier but cheaper. The frame can bend in crashes, but it does not usually break. Hardtails can be purchased with wheels in different sizes.

    Rims with a diameter of 27.5" or 29" are standard. While wheel size 27.5 "allows particularly agile driving, 29-inch wheels are considered smoother running, which better compensates for vibration caused by bumps. In practice, the maneuverability of 27.5" tires is minimally better. 29" offer significantly better rolling characteristics and longer ground contact, leading to increased traction. Practical accessories such as luggage racks are usually dispensed with to save weight.

    Of course, you can still retrofit it. The hardtail is particularly popular for cycling tours over field and forest paths. Due to the low weight, uphill riding is also easy. More extended tours can be easily managed due to the comfortable seating position. Nevertheless, the hardtail is often underestimated as a piece of sports equipment. Due to the lack of a shock absorber, it is only considered suitable for limited off-road use. It does not roll over larger obstacles as smoothly as a Fully. Thus, more attention should be paid to the driving technique.

    For beginners interested in riding on dirt roads, it is ideal for learning the technique. Technical riding also makes challenging trails possible with the hardtail. It is less maintenance-intensive than the Fully, because it contains fewer suspension elements. Cross-country bikes are also called XC bikes. Their suspension fork usually offers a suspension travel of around 100mm. There are also variants with full suspension, i.e. an additional shock absorber.

    The overall weight should be kept as low as possible. Carbon frames are often used. As a rule, the XC bike comes to about 10 kg. The seating position is slightly bent forward. The cross-country bike allows you to get everything out of a ride. For this purpose, installing 29-inch wheels is common to combine speed with excellent rolling characteristics. This mountain bike is particularly popular for off-road races, such as so-called cross-country races. The surface should not be too rough, on gravel, dirt and forest roads, the XC bike is unbeatably efficient.

    This MTB is also designed for long climbs and descents. The relatively low suspension is ideal for long tours. For the bike park or stony trails, the XC bike is not designed. The dirt bike. An unusual hardtail is the dirt bike. It has the highest 100mm travel; the suspension fork is strongly pumped. It should only cushion tough landings. Tend dirtbikes have smaller wheelbases than other mountain bikes.

    The frame size is intentionally chosen to be smaller. Material for the frame is usually aluminum or steel. Thus, the bikes are very robust. The small wheels are conspicuous. Regardless of the rider's size, 24" or 26" are installed. This determines the seating position significantly. The dirt bike does without much technology. Gear shifts are unusual. In addition to a suspension fork, there is a coaster brake. With only one rear sprocket and one front chainring, the bike is always ridden in the same gear.

    Bicycles with one gear are called "Singlespeed" or "Fixie". The two variants of the 1-speed bicycle are distinguished by the wheel hub. In the case of the fixie, the hub is immovable, so each wheel rotation moves the pedals. The dirt bike's range of use is also unusual. Whether in fun parks like the dirt or skate park, on pumptracks or in the city.

    This MTB is excellent for spectacular tricks and jumps. It is designed for acrobatics and is only conditionally suitable for transport. By the way, the BMX bike is similar to the dirt bike in many respects. However, it has no suspension and does not count as a mountain bike. Typically, BMX bikes are still smaller, more maneuverable and robust. For beginners who want to dare to do tricks, the BMX is particularly interesting. In terms of price, it is usually below the dirt bikes.

    The Fatbike. The fat bike is available both as a hardtail and with full suspension. In some cases, suspension elements are dispensed with completely, as the tires provide a similar effect. It stands out due to particularly robust and wide tires. In addition, these are not fully inflated. The rider's body weight is distributed over the wider contact surface on the ground, which provides grip on particularly loose surfaces such as snow, mud, or sand.

    Due to the tires, the MTB moves rather sluggishly. However, you can still get around on asphalt with the fatbike. The FullyFully stands for "full suspension", or translated "fully suspended". These mountain bikes have a front wheel with suspension and a rear shock. The suspension fork's suspension travel varies wildly, depending on the type of mountain bike. A hydraulic seat post is often installed. It ensures that the saddle can be driven up at the touch of a button. Depending on the terrain, the seating position can be adjusted.

    Also important for the seating position is the steering angle, also called the steering head angle. The steeper downhill you ride, the flatter the steering angle should be. Obstacles can also be rolled over better. It applies, the more suspension travel, the heavier the total weight of the Mtbs by robust components and stable frames.

    Also, in the Fully, both carbon and aluminum are used as frame materials. The tires increase in weight according to the requirements in grip by large lugs. Fullys, which are designed for downhill riding, are sometimes built with wheels of different sizes. So-called Mullet or hybrid bikes have 29-inch wheels at the front; the rear wheel measures 27.5". This makes the steering and seat angles even flatter.

    In addition, the idea behind these designs is to combine the best possible traction with maneuverability. This is precisely what is noticeable in practice, but the feeling uphill deteriorates due to the changed geometry. Due to the components, full-suspension bikes are usually above a hardtail in terms of price. Entirely is a collective term for other mountain bike types with full suspension.

    The most common types are explained below. The mountain bike or trail bike: As the name suggests, the all-mountain bike is as versatile as possible. Trail bike is a frequently used synonym. These wheels can climb any terrain, both uphill and downhill. There is also the all-mountain bike with simple suspension. It is traded chiefly with full suspension. The front suspension travel varies normally between 110 and 140mm.

    It is based on a lightweight construction, and aluminum and carbon are common frame materials. Mainly, it is found with 29-inch wheels. Due to the mostly lockable suspension elements, uphill riding is possible, even if there are faster alternatives on MTBs. Downhill, the all-mountain bike is designed for light scree and small jumps and drops. As an all-rounder, it is ideal for the weekend trip to the bike park, the Alps crossing in summer or the active vacation in the bike mecca of choice.

    For the landscapes within Germany, the suspension travel is sufficient in the vast majority of cases to roll over damped obstacles. The Endurobike. Between all-mountain bikes and free-riders are the enduros. With a suspension travel of 140-180mm, they roll over rough scree. Deeper drops and further jumps than are familiar with the all-mountain bike are compensated for.

    One relies on long frame geometry with a flat steering angle, which results in an upright riding position. Thus, the mountain can be pedaled up independently, while rough descents are also no problem. Due to the comparatively higher weight of about 13 kg, many Enduro riders use a shuttle service or the gondola to start the chosen trail. The Enduro is the all-rounder for bright characters.

    If you will, the big brother of the all-mountain bike. However, you should reach for a mountain bike with a stiffer frame to cover long distances on flat terrain. The following models are also designed for alpine terrain. The Freeridebike offers a spring travel of 160-200mm. Thus, very long jumps, meter-deep drops and rolling over large stones can be absorbed.

    Very stable components are used to cope with the massive loads of a full-blown freeride adventure. Mainly, you ride the Freerider in the bike park or on very rough trails. Uphill riding is fun with the fewest models. For this, steep slopes can be overcome all the better. Since this terrain is technically very demanding, the Freeridebike is worthwhile for competitive athletes, cycling professionals and amateurs with years of experience.

    Rarely do you go on excursions on surfaces that require such suspension travel. The downhill bike, the freeride bike, can still be surpassed in suspension travel. A whole 180-250mm is possible for downhill bikes. A very flat steering angle and a lowered saddle ensure that the rider's center of gravity is shifted as far back as possible. Downhill bikes are also subject to high loads. A lot of weight goes hand in hand with the frame's high load capacity. The suspension fork has a double bridge.

    This also provides stability. Riding uphill is hardly possible with a downhill bike. Everything is designed to cope with rough slopes at high speeds and to compensate for deep drops. Professional athletes, therefore, use this type of mountain bike for downhill races. The e-mountain bike. Various types of mountain bikes are now available with an electric motor.

    This is a relief, especially uphill. E-mountain bikes are excellent support for reaching unique mountain peaks and viewpoints that would require great effort under their own power. Fully are particularly popular. Getting assistance uphill from the motor can save the trip to the gondola or shuttle service.

    Standard, fully equipped are often too heavy to reach the high-altitude starting point of a trail several times under their own power. The e-full allows a higher number of descents. Due to its usually very high total weight, it has a pleasant grip on the ground, which enhances the downhill riding fun. If the battery of the e-motor is empty, it becomes troublesome to ride uphill due to the high weight.

    The fun is limited - until the next battery charge. Which mountain bike is right for me? Do you want to do long tours on slightly uneven ground or reach the top of the mountain independently? In addition, should the way down be fun and lead over rooty trails? Then the cheaper and less maintenance-intensive hardtail can be the perfect choice for you. Do you feel like adrenaline, bumpy descents, and having fun in the bike park? Then look around at the fulls of your favorite manufacturers.

    Often, you tend to have more suspension travel and more stable components than you will ever use. Here, you can save without sacrificing driving fun. Ultimately, all the models presented are mountain bikes that are built primarily for riding. You rarely make a bad purchase as long as you use the bike and have fun doing it.

    Where can I find my next mountain bike? Basically, you can buy mountain bikes. There are two ways to buy a bike: offline or in a store. The classic variant involves going to the bike store, testing bikes, and ultimately taking one home. The significant advantage is that you can test and try the bikes. With some luck, you also have a competent advisor who helps with the right choice.

    The disadvantage is that you are always limited to the selection in the store and, therefore, see only a fraction of the mountain bike models. In addition, you usually pay a dealer margin on the wheels from the store. Online: This variant is becoming increasingly popular for buying a bike. You choose the right bike online and buy it. The bike is then conveniently delivered to your door, and if you don't like it, you can return it within 14 days of receipt.

    The big advantage is that you can choose online from all models from any manufacturer and benefit from the experience of other buyers. The disadvantage is that you can not physically sit on the bike before buying. Whether offline or online, the bicycle market is booming, and many models are out of stock. In addition, manufacturers are responding to the boom with steadily rising prices.

    Therefore, the used mountain bike market is becoming increasingly attractive. But platforms such as eBay classifieds and Co. offer little security when buying a high-quality mountain bike. The team of Buycycle has eliminated these uncertainties and established a platform for used premium bikes, where both selling and buying work safely and easily. One profits from a European-wide dispatch and return right. In addition, one profits from a secured payment. This can also be paid in instalments, so financing is possible.

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