Popular Mountain Bike Brands
Popular Mountain Bike Brands
You may be looking for a new mountain bike, or you may need some inspiration for something to save up for. Therefore, I am going to go through some of the most popular mountain bike brands right now. The brands I am going to cover, make proper mountain bikes for proper mountain biking. However, some will also build entry-level mountain bikes that are cheaper but are great value for money to get you on the trails.
Specialized
Specialized have been in the mountain bike game since 1981, when they released the first mass produced mountain bike, the Stumpjumper. Specialized are still a big name in mountain biking, but they also build bike for all types of riders including commuters and road bikes. Their range now includes some excellent electric mountain bikes, like the Kenevo Turbo.
When it comes to traditional mountain bikes though, they have something for everyone. Their entry level bikes, such as the Rockhopper, are a popular gateway into the sport.
Trek
Trek has been around for many years, and are well known for their entry-level bikes, but they do produce some very nice enduro and trail bikes too.
Their entry-level hardtail bikes, such as the Trek Marlin are their biggest sellers. The Marlin is a good bike for commuting and fairly mild off-road trails, but if you want to ride more technical terrain, you will need something more up to the job.
Giant
A close competitor to Specialized and Trek, is Giant. Giant is another company that has a wide range of mountain bikes to suite all types of riding, including the Giant Reign, which is a long travel enduro bike.
The entry-level bikes from Giant are usually priced lower than their competitors, so they are worth considering if you are looking for a bike that will get you out on the trails for less.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz makes a small range of high-end mountain bikes. All of their frames are carbon fibre or made from a very lightweight alloy.
The Santa Cruz range of mountain bikes covers everything from gravel bikes to an electric enduro bike. But, they are mainly known for their trail, enduro and downhill bikes, thanks to their great reputation.
Santa Cruz bikes are not exactly cheap, but their design and components are very high-end, and they ride beautifully.
Vitus
Vitus are rapidly becoming one of the most popular mountain bike brands. They make excellent bikes for the money you pay for them. Their bikes feature components that you will find on much more expensive bikes.
The Vitus Sommet is their long-travel enduro bike the packs a punch, while the Nucleus is a multi award winning hardtail for under £500.
We are going to see more Vitus bikes out on the trails in the coming years, as they are excellent and offer value for money.
Nukeproof
I own a Nukeproof Mega, and my wife is on her second one. We absolutely love our bikes and they live up to their name. They are very reliable and extremely capable, as proven by Sam Hill by winning the Enduro World Series on one.
But you don’t need to buy a hard hitting enduro bike to enjoy the benefits of Nukeproof ownership. Their Reactor trail bike is great fun, as is the Scout hardtail.
These are some of the most popular mountain bike brands right now. I hope this has given you some inspiration for you next bike. However, if you need some help deciding what type of mountain bike to buy, check out my guid on how to choose a mountain bike.
If you have any thoughts or questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
