Choose the right bike for your riding style

There are as many types of bikes as there are types of riding. If you can’t collect bikes the way some people collect shoes or golf clubs, then you need to pick one that suits your typical riding style. Every bike manufacturer has a unique interpretation of mountain bike categories, but some universal types exist.

Hardtail bikes. Hardtails cover the entire performance spectrum, from entry-level rides to high-end racing machines. The layout and geometry have been perfected over the years. If you’re a smooth-course racerhead, a hardtail is the weapon of choice. If you ride lots of pavement with occasional smooth trails, a hardtail will work for you, too.

Cross-country race bikes. Do you want to cover off-road miles as fast as possible? With 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) of travel, steep angles, and a weight-forward riding position, cross-country race bikes track well on moderate terrain, handle quickly, and pedal like the dickens.

Cross-country trail bikes. Cross-country trail bikes are hot tickets for all-around trail riding. They climb well and cover distance with maximum comfort and efficiency. Travel ranges from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm); 5 inches has become the standard. If you want to enjoy a wide variety of rides, this is your bike.

All-mountain bikes. If you’re willing to climb a mountain, but only if you get a rad descent, sign up here. Compared with the geometry of trail bikes, all-mountain bikes’ slacker geometry and more rearward position provide greater stability in the steep and rough. Travel is usually about 6 inches. All-mountain bikes can handle light stunt work, and they truly excel on rough natural terrain. They work well for downhillers and freeriders who want to ride trails.

Freeride bikes. More travel and greater durability qualify heavy-duty freeride bikes for mega stunts and punishing flat landings. Precise low-speed handling helps you stick to skinnies and nail narrow lines. Travel ranges start at 6 inches (15 cm) and go up from there. Many freeride bikes have dual front rings so you can pedal, rather than push, to the top.

Downhill race bikes. Downhill race bikes want to flow down rough trails. They’re perfect for riders who prefer speed rather than violence and jumping to backside rather than landing flat. You can certainly sprint to clear a gap, but think twice before you tackle that 10-mile (16 km) climb. Burly frames with 7 or more inches (18+ cm) of travel handle speed well and endure a decent pounding, but they won’t endure stunts as long as purpose-built freeride bikes.

Dirt-jump hardtails. Dirt-jump hardtails—the unruly cousins of XC hardtails—are burlier and slacker, and they have more front travel than XC hardtails. Their go-for-it handling traits make these the bikes of choice for dirt-jump varmints, urban cowboys, purist bikercross racers, and pump trackers. For many urban-based riders, especially those on budgets, a dirt-jump hardtail is an affordable, versatile all-around bike.