Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes aren’t just the perfect off-roaders for outdoor adventurers. They glide over roads and footpaths as easy as they tackle rocky terrains.
Read MoreAnd, with a full range of mountain bikes suited to all riding styles and ability levels, we guarantee to have the perfect bike for you. Whether you need beginner kid’s mountain bikes, feature-packed downhill bikes or eco-friendly electric mountain bikes, we’ve got you covered.
What Mountain Bike brands are you selling?
At Bicycle Superstore, we source mountain bikes from the world’s most revered manufacturers that push the boundaries of innovation and performance. The most popular brands in Australia include Giant, Liv and Scott, with many riders calling the latest Giant Trance and Reign models the best-in-class. While Scott’s Spark cross country claiming multiple world championships. Follow the links below to view all the latest models that compete for the title of the best mountain bikes:
What type of Mountain Bikes are you selling?
Whether you’re exploring your local trails for the first time, shredding the double black or racing the stopwatch, our MTB range will enable you to overcome any obstacle. Designed to provide the ultimate in durability and performance, mountain bikes are tough, agile and thrilling. Our most popular mountain bikes include:
- 27.5 Ladies Dual Suspension
- 27.5 Ladies Hardtail MTB
- 27.5 Men's Dual Suspension
- 29 Men's Dual Suspension
- 29 Ladies Hardtail MTB
- 29 Mens Hardtail
- 29 MTB
- Electric Mountain Bike
What size of Mountain Bike are you selling?
We have downhill, electric, hard-trail and dual suspension bikes for riders of all sizes. For youngsters interested in getting started with the sport, we have kid’s mountain bikes or if they’re just that bit too big for a kids bike have a look at our small and extra-small sizes. Regardless of their age we have a bike to suit budding pros. For more information and to browse a range of bikes by size, follow the links below:
What should I look for when buying a Mountain Bike?
Choosing the right mountain bike largely comes down to your size, riding style and ambitions. As you progress through the ranges, you’ll be accustomed to the components you need to enhance your skills and make mountain biking as thrilling as it can be. But when deciding which starter bike to go for, you need to consider:
Size
Frame size is arguably the most important factor to look at when searching for a MTB. Ensuring you choose the right size bike is critical to the comfort and enjoyment of your riding. Not all brands measure their frames the same way so be sure to check our size charts to determine the right size frame for you. If you already have an idea of which size road bike best suits you, you should consider choosing a mountain bike with a slightly longer reach. This will help when traversing challenging terrain.
Wheel size
Traditionally, mountain bike wheels just came in 26 inch sizes. However in recent years two additional diameters have been introduced that have become the most dominate; 27.5 and 29 inch. Each have their benefits with 27.5 inch wheels accelerating faster thanks to their slightly weight and lower rotating mass and provide a more responsive manoeuvrable feel. Whereas 29 inch wheels keep their momentum better, provide more traction due to a larger patch of rubber being in contact with the ground, roll over rocks and obstacles easier due to their larger size, providing a smoother ride. Fit and frame size is the other important factor when looking at what wheel size will be best for you, with many manufacturers now produces their smaller sized models with a 27.5 inch wheel and their large models with a 29 inch wheel offering the best wheel size and geometry for your specific sized bike.
Hard-tail or full suspension
Compared to hardtail mountain bikes, full-suspension bikes – also known as dual-suspension bikes – require additional components such as rear shocks, bearings and linkages. Because they’re more complex to manufacture, top-spec dual-suspension bikes tend to be pricier than top-spec hardtail bikes. With fewer components also comes the benefit of reduced maintenance requirements. However, full-suspension bikes are a more than worthwhile investment for those looking at riding rougher terrain with steeper descents. For entry level riders or cross country racers hardtail bikes are a great option thanks to their cheaper price, pedaling efficiency and lightweight.
Weight
Generally speaking as you spend more on a bike the weight will decrease thanks to more advanced manufacturing techniques and materials. The benefit of a lighter bike is that it requires less effort to ride at the same speed particularly uphill.
Components
Components refers to all the parts of a bike excluding the frame, these include parts such as wheels, handlebars, derailleurs, shifters etc. These components have a large impact on how the bike rides and one of the reasons top-spec bikes come with a higher price tag than their entry-level counterparts. For one, they’re generally manufactured with higher quality materials that are lighter and stronger, but they also feature more advanced technology than what you’ll find on entry-level bikes. This higher quality build results in a bike that will be smoother over rough terrain and more reliable, but might also offer additional features like a dropper seat post. These features can allow you to take on bigger challenges and remain a top off-roading companion for years. If you are looking for an exceptionally high-value mountain bike to get started, you’ll find something within your budget here at Bicycle Superstore.
Budget
Budget is naturally going to play a major role in determining which mountain bike you buy. At Bicycle Superstore, we stock a broad range of affordable bikes for beginners that are built with safety and ease-of-use in mind. Our kid’s mountain bikes are budget-friendly, and they can take as much of a beating as many of our bikes for adults. If you’re a seasoned professional that fears no challenge, you’ll find plenty of top-spec dual suspension, hard-tail and downhill mountain bikes here at Bicycle Superstore along with plenty of models offering both fantastic specs and amazing value for money.
With so many mountain bikes to browse, narrowing down your options can be difficult. If you need advice, our biking enthusiasts are just a phone call away, ready to answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction. We can provide advice on size, style, and components requirements. You can also trust us to recommend the best mountain bikes for your budget.
Full suspension vs. Hardtail mountain bikes
Whether or not to choose a full-suspension or hardtail bike is one of our most frequently asked questions. Both hardtail and dual suspension bikes come with their pros and cons. Here they are at a glance:
Hardtail mountain bikes – pros
- Affordability – Because hardtail bikes don’t require as many components as full-suspension bikes, which also makes the manufacturing process more efficient, they’re generally more affordable.
- Simpler maintenance – With a full-suspension bike, you’ve got lots of components to look after and occasionally replace, such as the rear shock, bearings, linkages and pivots. There are far fewer parts to maintain on a hardtail mountain bike, which reduces the cost of upkeep and the need for constant tinkering.
- Lightweight – The simpler design of the hardtail combined with the fact it has fewer parts than the full-suspension makes it lighter, even when fitted with similar parts.
- Power efficiency – Modern suspension kits are highly advanced. Still, you lose some pedalling power due to the compressing of the suspension on a dual-suspension mountain bike, which means hardtails are often more efficient.
Hardtail mountain bikes – cons
- Many adept mountain bikers argue that hardtail bikes are much less capable than full-suspension alternatives.
- Without rear shocks, hardtail bikes don’t offer as smooth a ride as full-suspension bikes over rocky terrains. This can be tough on your body and bike as well as cause rider fatigue.
- The lack of rear shocks also means you’ll have less traction on rough trails.
Full suspension mountain bikes – pros
- Enhanced manoeuvrability and ride smoothness – With a dual suspension bike, you’ll be able to tackle technical trails and tracks at faster speeds with more confidence. You’ll also feel a smoother ride thanks to having a bike that absorbs shocks much better than a hardtail mountain bike.
- Improved traction – Full-suspension bikes stick to the ground much better than hardtails do. This gives you more control over challenging terrains and when climbing and descending. You should consider the type of terrains you wish to cover carefully when deciding whether to buy a hardtail or a dual suspension bike. Dual suspension bikes aren’t as good as the alternative when it comes to rough climbs, but they’re often better on smooth rides and simple trails.
Full suspension mountain bikes – cons
- Higher initial cost – As mentioned above, manufacturing a full-suspension bike is complex compared to the hardtail alternative. And because they also use more parts, they can be more expensive to purchase than hardtails.
- Maintenance – All those additional parts on a full-suspension bike need taking care of, which requires time and money. You have fewer upkeep worries with a hardtail bike.
Deciding on whether to purchase a hardtail or a dual-suspension mountain bike depends on your riding style and hobby. But you also need to bear in mind your experience level. Our advisors are here to offer honest recommendations and as much information as you need to buy a mountain bike with confidence.
What frame material is best for my mountain bike?
Mountain bike frames tend to be made from either carbon, aluminium, steel or titanium. Some riders choose carbon bikes for their unbeatably lightweight and impressive strength. Other mountain bikers prefer titanium frames that offer an exceptionally smooth ride, making them great for covering long distances. Here’s a brief introduction to the good and bad of the most used bike frame materials:
Carbon
Carbon is famously lightweight, enabling manufacturers to craft sturdy mountain bikes and designs that are impossible to make with most other materials. And even though it weighs a little, carbon can withstand a lot. A top-spec frame can be stronger than aluminium or steel and carbon also doesn’t corrode or rust. However, all those benefits come at a price. Carbon frames can be among the most expensive bikes available, but many experienced riders deem the price tag a more than worthwhile investment.
Aluminium
Because it’s affordable compared to many other bike frame materials, aluminium is the most commonly used material for frame manufacturing. It’s not as light as carbon, but it beats steel in the weight category. And even though carbon is strong, aluminium is often better at withstanding impacts from sharp edges and rocks that can puncture carbon. Top-range aluminium dual suspension, downhill and hard-trail mountain bikes can be comfortable on most terrains, but you might feel the bumps on tough tracks.
Steel
Steel was once the most commonly used material to manufacture bike frames. And, even though many manufacturers have dropped it for aluminium, some small brands still create steel frames due to their riding quality, strength, minimal maintenance requirements and low cost. Steel can remain intact for a lifetime, and it’s one of the most straightforward materials to repair.
Titanium
Titanium is considered more boutique than steel and is largely admired due to its undeniably cool appearance. And, in addition to having good looks, titanium offers a smoother ride than carbon or steel in many cases, and it’s also much lighter than steel. Titanium frames can be expensive – it’s a difficult material to work with. If you’re a rider that wants to look the part when off-roading on a bike that’s comfortable and durable, a titanium frame mountain bike might be just what you need.
What type of brakes do I need for my mountain bike?
Just about all modern mountain bikes, whether they’re dual-suspension mountain bikes or electric bikes, are fitted with disc brakes. These braking systems work by squeezing a rotor between two pads that provide stopping power and reduce stopping time especially in wet conditions. Most disc brakes are either:
Hydraulic
Most of today’s mountain bikes are fitted with hydraulic brakes, which means that instead of pulling a cable to squeeze the brake pads, they use hydraulic hoses and fluid, which offer much more power. They also self-adjust as you wear down your brake pads. It’s hard to find a downside with hydraulic brakes, though they can be more difficult to service and maintain, and you’ll need to bleed them occasionally. Bleeding in this context means removing a build-up of air from the hydraulic hoses, which can reduce your bike’s braking power. Unless you know what you’re doing, you’ll likely need a professional to replace your hydraulic brakes as you’ll need to use specialist tools when cutting and routing hoses.
Cable-Actuated
For the most part, cable-actuated disc brakes are now only found on entry-level mountain bikes thanks to their low cost and simplicity. They’re not as advanced as hydraulic brakes, but they’re easier to maintain and repair, which could come in useful on long journeys. However, compared to hydraulic brakes, cable-actuated brakes don’t provide as much modulation or power, and, due to their tight tolerances, they’re not always easy to adjust.
Most of our latest bikes come with hydraulic brakes as standard. If you want to know more about the benefits of hydraulic brakes and how they compare to cable-actuated alternatives, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll make sure you choose the right brakes for your sport, whether you need a downhill racer or a hard-trail warrior.
How much should I spend on my first mountain bike?
Top-of-the-line mountain bikes can cost upwards of $10,000, which – admittedly – is much more than what you’d pay 25 years ago (as much as five times). However, the price increase is warranted when you look at how much the bikes and their components have improved in that space of time. Nevertheless, you don’t need to spend tens of thousands on a brand-new starter bike if you’re new to mountain biking. We recommend spending somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500 on a hardtail bike. Add an extra $500 to $1,000 to that figure if you want a full-suspension mountain bike. For specialist advice based on your unique requirements, give our experts a call.
Does mountain bike weight matter?
Overall, the weight of a bike shouldn’t be the most important factor to consider when deciding which to purchase. A bikes specs and something that’s best suited to your size and riding style should be the first things to look at. Weight and price are usually linked quite closely. As you look at higher quality bikes with better spec’d components the weight will generally drop.
Call us!
At Bicycle Superstore, our range includes downhill mountain bikes, kid’s mountain bikes, dual suspension bikes, hard-tail mountain bikes and even electric mountain bikes, and they’re all available to order online and collect at your local store. Learn more about our delivery policy and guarantees. Or, call us, and we’ll tell you more about our vast collection of the world’s best mountain bikes.