Having a mountain bike is one of the dreams of all avid bikers. From switching to one gear from another and customizing your bike's suspension, nothing beats the thrill of having complete control of your ride.

However, it can be difficult for beginners to find the perfect mountain bike. Even though you own a commuter bike, going through the specifications of various mountain bikes is an entirely different chore.

If you're one of those having a hard time choosing the best mountain bike, this blog is for you. We've come up with a quick guide on the five different kinds of mountain bikes. 

1. Cross-country Bikes

One of the most popular kinds of mountain bikes is the cross-country bike.

Photo: Bike Radar

Cross-country bikes are specifically designed to help you go through long periods of rides and rough trails without being uncomfortable. It can withstand almost all kinds of deterrent roads such as back turns, mud, gravel paths, etc.

The ability of a cross-country bike to withstand various road obstacles comes from its single suspension and a longer stem length of 90mm-100mm. This combination allows the biker to lean forward for enhanced grip and easier maneuvering.

Because they are relatively the easiest to handle among all kinds of mountain bikes, cross-country bikes are the best choice for beginners. It would also be best to pair them up with the best bike front light especially if you're going on trail rides.

2. Enduro Bikes

Enduro bikes are designed to withstand even more challenging terrains than cross-country bikes. These bikes will allow you to do jumps and drums safely.

Source: MBR

Enduro bikes are made of full suspension and bigger tires. They also come with sturdy chains for greater riding precision.

However, enduro bikes could be challenging to maneuver because of their full suspension when going downhill. Aside from this, it won't allow you to ride at maximum speed. So if you always prefer speed, it's best to go with downhill bikes.

3. Downhill Bikes

As mentioned above, if you're looking for speed, then downhill bikes are for you.

Source: Dirt Mountain Bike Magazine

Downhill bikes are designed to go through trails through speed and not endurance. Compared to other mountain bikes, they have lower seating areas than their forks.

Downhill bikes are made with full suspension, acute angle heads, and fewer gears to attain full speed. They are also relatively bigger and heavier compared to other mountain bikes.

But here's the thing about using downhill bikes: they can be dangerous. This is why they're used mainly by professional bikers wearing full protective gear and with a complete set of biking accessories.

4. Dirt Jump Bikes

Next on our list are the dirt jump bikes. From the name itself, it allows you to go through rugged trails and crooked roads by jumping instead of speed.

Source: Single Tracks

While you can still use dirt jump bikes for everyday riding, they are mainly used for doing stunts on dirt roads. Their design can give you enough floating to do bike tricks in the air. To achieve this, they mostly come with lightweight and agile styles. 

Dirt jump bikes are mostly customized versions of other mountain bikes. This is why they tend to be the most expensive. And just like downhill bikes, they can be dangerous when misused. So it's best to always use full protective gear when riding a dirt jump bike.

5. Freeride Bikes

Last but not least are freeride bikes. Their design is the marriage of downhill and dirt jump bikes. So they can give you both speed and air time to do bike tricks.

Source: Viral MTB

Freeride bikes are made of lightweight frames and average-sized tires, which gives them high agility. However, this agile design makes it harder to handle, especially for beginners. It also tends to be less durable compared to other mountain bikes.

When it comes to mountain bikes, there is no best option. You have to find the type that will suit your riding habits and personal preference. So, which one will you get? Let us know in the comment section below!