2018 Best Mountain Bikes

The best mountain bike in 2018

PICTURECATEGORYMODELHIGHLIGHTS
Kent Thruster mountain bikeBest Mountain Bike Made in USA

Kent Thruster KZ2600

• Aluminum Frame
• Full Suspension
• 21 Speed
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Mongoose Impasse 29Top Affordable Aluminum Mountain Bike

Mongoose Impasse 29

• Alloy wheels with quick release front
• Alloy front & rear disc brakes
• 21 Speed
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Merax Mountain Bike 26 for saleBest Mountain Bike for The Money

Merax Mountain Bike 26

• Dual Aluminum Rim
• Disc Brake
• 21 Speed
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Schwinn Protocol 1.0Best Schwinn Mountain
Bike

Schwinn Protocol 1.0

• 24 Speed
• Aluminum Full Suspension Frame
• Alloy Rims which can support knobby mountain bike tires
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Vilano Ridge MTBBest Mountain Bike for Beginners

Vilano Ridge MTB

• 21 Speed
• Alloy Mag Wheels
• Mechanical Disc Brakes for Maximum Stopping Power
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How to buy the best mountain bike

For any cyclist, aspiring or expert, the challenge of searching through all of the the best mountain bikes for your own needs can be tough. So much has to be considered that it can become a bit of a pain of to come up with the solutions to these issues. Therefore, if you are looking to make sure that your next mountain bike purchase for 2018, is going to be as good value, as is possible, here’s the place to start.

We’ll take a look at the major factors that can help determine the success – or failure – for choosing the best mountain bike.

Best Mountain Bike Frame 2018

The first part of the mountain bike that you want to think about is going to be the mountain bike’s frame. The framing of a mountain bike is very important. Typically, you will get the best mountain bikes made in either steel or aluminum; however titanium is becoming more popular.

Steel vs. Aluminum Mountain Bike Frame?

While aluminum has become the most popular option for mountain bikes under $1,000, some people still prefer to pay and get a steel bike. Aluminum mountain bike frames are very popular on road bikes, as then you aren’t being punished as much for the weight side of things.

Much heavier than aluminum, steel tends to be a much more durable frame for mountain bikes that need to endure dings, scratches, and not bend. Aluminum mountain bike frames are generally stiffer, creating a harsher ride and perfect for shaving time off of performance, however a ride down to the market, steel framed mountain bike may give you a perfect ride.

Are Aluminum Mountain Bikes Good?

Many people, naturally think aluminum frames are lighter than steel mountain bike frame, and make the best mountain bikes.  However, to make aluminum frame sturdy, the amount of aluminum needed for the same sized tube, may just outweigh a steel frame. Shop for both, and read reviews.

Is Titanium The Best Mountain Bike?

Of course, you could also pay more than $1,000 for a titanium mountain bike, or buy a frame, and build your own. While rare, the titanium mountain bikes tend to be some of the best mountain bikes, from a design standpoint.

Best Mountain Bike Sizing

Mountain bikes typically come in only two styles, which plays a big part of your decision, on what size mountain bike to purchase.  Determine if you are purchasing a heavy duty mountain bike vs. a fat tire mountain bike, now get measuring. 

 

How do I know what size of mountain bike to buy?

Always check the manufacturers recommended sizing, as mountain bikes come in very different styles and may have sloping tubes, and depending on your preferred position, for long rides, or fast rides, these recommendations may vary. Use these as a good rule of thumb for knowing what size of mountain bike to buy.

Typically, the main thing you should be looking at is the size charts on any bike that you are looking at. The basic rule is that you can stand atop the frame, with around 2cm of space between you and the top tubing of the bike. Without that, you are too close and thus you need to find a smaller bike.

Height   Inseam Length   Bike Frame Size    
4’10”-5’1″ 147-155 cm 25.5″-27″ 65-69 cm 18″-19″ 46-48 cm XX-Small
5’0″-5’3″ 153-160 cm 26.5″-28″ 67-71 cm 19″-20″ 48-50 cm X-Small
5’2″-5’5″ 158-165 cm 27.5″-29″ 70-74 cm 19.5″-20.5″ 50-52 cm Small
5’4″-5’7″ 163-170 cm 28.5″-30″ 72-76 cm 20.5″-21″ 52-54 cm Medium-
5’6″-5’9″ 168-175 cm 29.5″-31″ 75-79 cm 21″-22″ 54-56 cm Medium
5’8″-5’11” 173-180 cm 30.5″-32″ 78-81 cm 22″-23″ 56-58 cm Medium+
5’10”-6’1″ 178-186 cm 31.5″-33″ 80-84 cm 22.5″-23.5″ 58-60 cm Large
6’0″-6’3″ 183-191 cm 32.5″-34″ 83-86 cm 23.5″-24.5″ 60-62 cm X-Large
6’2″-6’5″ 188-196 cm 34.5″-36″ 87-91 cm 24.5″-25.5″ 62-64 cm XX-Large

Best Mountain Bike Builds

Typically, your mountain bike assembly, will be made by one of Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo models. The build of the bike is something that many underrate, so take the time to look into the pros and cons of each of the functions that your potential bike carries. The build matters: from the use of electronic shifting to how the brake levers are managed, you can soon find that you have a major preference over one or the other – it’s worth taking the time to investigate, though.

So, with this in mind, you should find it much easier to locate that high-end bike that is going to suit your needs and functions perfectly.