Although heavier wheelsets are favored in the freeride and downhill disciplines, advances in wheel technology continually shave weight off strong wheels. This is highly advantageous as rolling weight greatly affects handling and control, which are very important to the technical nature of freeride and downhill riding. Less expensive mongoose racing bike models may have heavier frames and aren’t as precise, but they offer a great way for beginners or younger riders to try mountain biking without making a large upfront investment. The only things that would be notably different would be the tyres (larger volume and knobblier), fork (more travel) and seatpost (much, much longer).
Solid, stable, and less expensive than many of our other picks, it’s a great mountain bike for riders seeking a dependable ride. The widest wheel/tire widths, typically 3.8 in (97 mm) or larger, are sometimes used by icebikers who use their mountain bikes for winter-time riding in snowy conditions. The critical angles in bicycle geometry are the head angle (the angle of the head tube), and the seat tube angle (the angle of the seat tube). These angles are measured from the horizontal, and drastically affect the rider position and performance characteristics of the bicycle.
Mountain biking can be challenging for beginner cyclists, but don’t let that scare you off—look for mountain bike paths that are relatively flat, straight, and smooth to help you get started. One of the best downhill bikes we’ve found, Yeti’s SB 160 T1 GX/X01 Eagle Mountain Bike handles easily without compromising on climbing ability. The suspension creates a smooth ride, cruising effortlessly over different routes and providing control on almost any trail. Built to handle the most craggy, rugged routes, it’s designed to reduce vibrations for a fun ride. Pivot’s Switchblade Pro XT/XTR Carbon Wheel Mountain Bike is the best multipurpose mountain bike we’ve found.
To be honest, I don’t think my son has ever used a front derailleur until now. One-by systems have all but taken mongoose bicycle over the mountain bike market. Taking the Argus out was a different experience than the norm and we both had fun.
BIkes like the Mongoose Fireball Moto are close enough to a mountain bike so as not to be wholly perplexing (like an actual BMX is) but different enough to be interesting. This bike is the sort of machine that aging BMXers acquire because they can’t help themselves. They can try and rationalise it as a ‘skills sharpener’ or a bike to ride when it’s not suitable to ride a mountain bike (whenever that might be). The Mongoose Fireball Moto isn’t a retro mountain bike. Or, in my instance, a street bike cum pump track bike.
These bikes are well-developed and can tackle most terrains, making them an excellent all-around option for most riders. The Switchblade Pro’s stiff, strong, carbon frame fits a water bottle and a Pivot dock to keep must-have tools close by. Overall, we like that this mountain bike’s construction promises a stellar riding experience, earning it a spot on our list.