Whether you want a bike for relaxed park riding, or a fully-featured trail riding monster, mountain bikes are a great addition to anyone's outdoor recreational collection. Adapted for off-road enjoyment, they feature suspension, gears, brakes, and frame designs that provide riders with total freedom to explore – and a chance to see nature from a whole new angle.
One size doesn't fit all in the world of mountain biking, and finding the right price for leading brands can be tricky. So we've put together a quick buyer's guide to set out the features to look for, leading brands, and must-have accessories, along with plenty of advice about how to save money on your next biking purchase.
While bicycles themselves can trace their history back to Leonardo da Vinci (and sometimes beyond), specialist “mountain bikes” are a much more recent invention. In fact, the first custom-built mountain bike was created as recently as 1978, when American engineer Joe Breeze bolted together rugged frames, high-grip wheels, and sophisticated gears, producing the template for the bikes we know today.
After taking root in the outdoors-loving communities of California, the mountain bike took the world by a storm in the 1980s, as manufacturers like Ritchey realised that customers wanted bikes which could be used for off-road and urban uses. Capitalising on the inertia of established bike makers like Raleigh or Schwinn, these companies carved niches for themselves that many still occupy, as we'll see in a bit.
By the 21st century, mountain bikes had become a global phenomenon, with models for kids and adults, hybrid cross-country models that are favoured by serious downhill racers, alongside bikes which aren't that far removed from racers. So, whether you intend to head out in flat coastal terrain, or demanding mountain trails, there should be a mountain bike to meet your requirements.
Mountain bikes have several features which set them apart from standard road or racing bikes, and which make them ideally suited for off-road riding.
Unlike racers, which traditionally have curved-down handlebars, the systems on most mountain bikes have flat handlebars that stretch horizontally. This makes it easier to rapidly change direction, although it potentially makes mountain bikes less suitable for long stretches of flat riding.
Mountain bikes are fitted with variable disc gears, as they need to be able to switch quickly between different gear settings, to suit the terrain they encounter. So good mountain bikes will offer plenty of settings, with reliable mechanisms to engage them.
Importantly, good mountain bikes have rigid frames that can handle demanding terrain and drops from height. They tend to have wider frames than racers and are made with heavier, more durable materials.
Mountain bikes also need to change direction without slipping, so good models are equipped with high-grip tyres – or the option of switching to different tyre types easily.
All of these features set mountain bikes apart from standard models, and they allow them to perform well in mud, sand, on rocky terrain, grass – you name it. But there are quite a few variations in how mountain bikes are constructed and designed, so let's look at these buying factors in more detail to help you choose.
The prices of high-end mountain bikes vary considerably between retailers (and times of the year), and with the right feature set, your bike will be a lot more satisfying to use – and probably more long-lasting:
Suspension – All mountain bikes will have some form of suspension. This allows them to absorb the impacts caused by jumps and drops, as well as more minor changes in elevation – the kind of terrain you can expect to encounter when you head off-road Hardtail suspension features front-wheel shock absorption, tend to be cheaper and offer excellent performance for most riders. Full suspension pairs front and back absorption, and is favoured by professional downhill riders. You'll notice the difference when riding casually, but the price difference is considerable, and having back suspension isn't a deal-breaker in most cases.
Wheel size – Mountain bike wheel sizes vary as well. Typically, diameters will range between 26-inches and 29-inches (and rarely rise above that point). 26-inch wheels will be cheaper, and used to be the standard measure. However, larger wheels are often preferred for comfort reasons and tend to be better for negotiating tough terrain. They will be slower to reach full speed, but when cyclists are underway, larger wheel diameters will open up more advanced mountain bike trails (and often make off-road biking safer).
Frame materials – Modern mountain bikes have started to reduce total bike weight while retaining the core strength that cyclists demand. Generally, mass-market bikes will be made from some form of aluminium alloy, but variations do exist. For instance, carbon fibre frames are available and can be the lightest of all, while steel frames go in the other direction, beefing up weight, but offering greater stability. Aluminium tends to offer a good blend of strength and value though, so it's often the best material to choose.
Gears – As we noted earlier, gears really matter for mountain bikers, and they aren't an area where it's worth cutting costs. However, not everyone needs vast amounts of settings. If you know you'll be tackling steep climbs and gullies, or a wide variety of gradients, then 20-30 gear settings will be optimal. But if you are likely to ride less demanding trails or parkland routes, fewer gears (and lower prices) can be just fine. Fewer gears can also often mean lower weight, something which casual riders may appreciate.
Brakes – For most riders, the bike brakes you have onboard are as important as the gear system you have installed. In this case, you'll find two broad options. Firstly, disc brakes apply pressure to wheel discs (not the tyre itself) and use friction to slow bikes. Good hydraulic disc brakes are suitable for most riders, offering responsive braking and reliable performance. The alternative is to use rim brakes. These brakes apply pressure directly to tyres. Cheaper than disc brakes in most cases, they are cruder and tend to result in wear and tear for wheels. But they can easily be replaced, and riders can check at a glance when pads need replacing. So they aren't necessarily a bad option when keeping costs low is important.
Sizes – Mountain bike frames come in various sizes. These are generally described as “fits” - and bikes need to fit like a good suit if you want to ensure comfortable riding. Typically, bikes will be labelled as Small, Medium, or Large (or XX-Large in some case). But what if you are worried about the question of what mountain bike frame size? In that case, use this size chart to match up frame sizes with your height and build. Retailers should let you test ride models to get a feel for how they ride, and there's no obligation to buy there and then.
Hopefully you now have a more in-depth idea of what to look for when finding the cheapest mountain bike, which also meets your needs. But there are also some basic mountain bike categories to consider, and picking the right one can make all the difference:
Trail Bikes – Designed to allow riders to ride national parks, these bikes are fitted with suspension, keep weight low, and are very easy to manoeuvrer on demanding trails. They are well suited to ascents and descents, tend to have wheels over 27.5-inches in diameter, and are generally excellent all-rounders.
Cross-Country Bikes – Designed for standard mountain biking trails, cross country bikes will keep the weight as low as possible, and will probably offer more responsive handling and suspension than standard trail bikes. Intended mainly for high-level riders, and priced accordingly.
Fat Bikes – Fat bikes come with a distinctive profile due to their thickened wheels. The width of their tyres has huge advantages when it comes to tackling snow, mud, or tough terrain, and offer extra stability for entry-level riders as well. But there's a speed and handling sacrifice that not all riders will be willing to make.
Kids Bikes – A kids mountain bike will generally have a 24-inch wheel size, and be engineered to be light, but durable. Having vast amounts of gear settings aren't so important here, but comfort matters, so padded saddles are often part of the mix. Fitting usually matters quite a lot when buying kids bikes, as children have a tendency to grow – and buyers won't want bikes to become obsolete straight away. So pick models that are adaptable to different heights. And think carefully about brake types. Kids are often inexperienced and unused to powerful braking, so disc brakes can actually be a disadvantage or safety hazard here. Until they are used to using advanced brakes, it's often best to choose rim brakes instead.
Electric Bikes – As with road bikes, standard mountain bikes are increasing being fitted with electric motors to boost their performance when they aren't on the trail. Electric bikes come in various formats, and feature motors encased within the frame – often delivering a threefold power boost. Price also vary, with some E-MTBs available for £200 or so. However, you tend to get what you pay for, and cheaper models may not be as durable as premium options. Remember, bike engines will take a lot of punishment when used off-road, and premium models will also usually offer more reliable brakes – which can be a very important feature when you are flying along at top speed.
When choosing a mountain bike, it's often handy to be guided by brands – or at least to avoid unknown manufacturers who may not have the highest quality standards. In that case, here are some brands that will generally serve riders well:
Voodoo – Active for over 30 years, Voodoo started out as a boutique hardtail manufacturer but has branched out into almost all MTB varieties by now. Mixing value and quality capably, the brand offers excellent 29-inch models and simple drivetrains which will suit entry-level riders. The Bantu us a good Voodoo model to look out for.
Pinnacle – Manufactured by cycling retailer Evans, Pinnacle is a UK brand, whose Pyrolite and Arkose models have made waves since their introduction in 2006. However, the Kapur may be the brand's standout model, offering excellent hardtail performance for under £500 in many cases.
Vitus – French brand Vitus has been around since the 1970s and specialises in both road racing and off-road enduro riding. A key partner of hotukdeals merchant Wiggle, Vitus excels when it comes to frame design, mixing strength and lightness in all cases, but the Nucleus is probably its current highlight, offering excellent features for a bargain price.
Whyte – 100% British-based, Whyte gathers plenty of praise for the handling of its bikes, and has a dedicated off-road following across the country. Models like the 800 and 900 come with premium features that serious riders will adore, while the 605 is a good lower-priced alternative.
Calibre – Another long-term player in the mountain bikes market, Calibre pioneered budget MTBs with high-end suspension, with its hugely popular Bossnut model. Nowadays, it's a solid brand, with models like the Rake and Two Cubed delivering a good blend of low costs and strong features.
Cycling requires more than a bike and the energy to get out on the trail, and there are plenty of accessories that riders will want to pick up. Here are some essentials that can usually be found at hotukdeals:
Shoes – If you ride trails for any length of time, you'll come to appreciate the value of specialist mountain biking footwear. Mountain bike shoes tend to be lightweight, breathable, and very high-grip while providing protection against cuts and impacts from rocks or tree roots. They are also designed to fit into pedal clamps, which may or may not be preferred by riders. Shoes tend to come in rigid versions designed for clamping, or softer alternatives that can be used for hiking as well as riding. Which option you choose will depend on your needs, although high-level riders tend to prefer rigid versions. Brand to go for include Shimano, Scott, Five Ten, and Ion.
Helmets – Owing to the heightened risks involved, mountain biking helmets tend to cover more of the head than standard helmets, which aren't recommended for serious trail riding. Good helmets will combine reliable impact protection with visors which limit glare and keep the eyes protected while ensuring maximum visibility. Endura and Giro are two brands that always tend to come up with dependable, comfortable helmet designs.
Cameras – As you've probably noticed when browsing YouTube, some mountain bikers can't resist the urge to film their daredevil escapades. If that sounds like you, hotukdeals features plenty of GoPro deals, or offers from brands like Cycliq. Both companies make cameras that attach to helmets or frames with ease and can take plenty of punishment as you put them through their paces.
Car Rack – Very few people live right next to outstanding mountain bike trails. Instead, we rely on vehicles to transport bikes to trailheads, and this generally requires a reliable car rack. Try not to go for the cheapest racks available. The consequences of bikes becoming dislodged can be hazardous for you, your bike, and other cars. Instead, brands like Thule and Saris will do the job – and their racks can usually be found for less at hotukdeals.
Bike Lock – If you're planning to keep your mountain bike locked out on the street, the likelihood is that it's going to turn the heads of a more than one bike thief. Don't make the mistake of locking up your expensive MTB with a useless bike lock. You can find great deals on decent, secure bike locks right here on hotukdeals.
From Devon to the Highlands, the UK is crammed with incredible mountain biking destinations, but riders can enjoy their rides a whole lot more with a high-quality bike and all of the accessories that go with it. However, as you probably know already, good bikes come with hefty price tags, and budget bikes won't always be sufficient. In that case, what's the solution?
In some cases, retailers will bundle together helmets, lights, cameras, and bikes – so check for these offers. The best mountain bike deals will include warranty offers as well. With a generous warranty, you can make adjustments as required, and have experts fine tune your bike to make it as efficient as possible. Finally, time your purchase well to save money. November's Black Friday sales event is a good time to bargain hunt, but the offseason is a good time to pick up deals as well.
If you want to balance quality and value, the answer is simple: shop around for promo codes and money off discounts from leading UK bike retailers. The hotukdeals mountain bike listings make it easy to cross-compare different styles and brands. Merchants like Halfords, Evans Cycles, Wiggle, and Cyclerepublic regularly cut the price of major brands and product categories, slashing huge chunks off listed prices. And that goes for helmets and shoes as well.
Timing your purchase can also be a great way to save money. Shopping during Black Friday can be a great way to save if you're looking to buy a kids bike as Christmas gift. As a general rule, the price of bikes tends to sink dramatically in the winter when demand for them is lower, so beating the temptation to make a big summer bike purchase could save big time in the long run.
There's nothing like sitting at the top of a winding mountain bike trail, ready to put your handling skills to the test, and experience the adrenaline rush of jumps, turns, and downhill stretches. But as any experienced rider will attest, trail and off-road riding demands high-quality equipment. Pick up the best bikes and accessories for less, and make the most of your outdoor leisure by shopping at the hotukdeals mountain bike listings.
