Best Mountain Bikes for Men(Intro)
An introductory mountain bike is often thought of as “hybrid”. But it would be a big mistake to substitute an off-road bike's performance and quality for an upright riding position and an aversion to technology. The mountain bike's high tech features have just as much benefit for a new rider as a seasoned vet. A well-performing bike will keep the new rider riding. And almost as importantly, it will definitely impress all the buddies at the coffee shop.
I feel the best introductory mountain bike should be full suspension. It actually takes a lot more skill and finesse to ride a more “basic” hard tail. Beginners usually just want to ride, not wrench. So for a maintenance free cross-country experience, look for all Shimano drive train. Also, every well-designed bike should be able to carry two water bottles. You never know when you're going to get lost out there!
The most authoritative article on mountain bikes for men from a professional expert.
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Best Mountain Bikes for Men (Intro) by Marla Streb
The Best You Can Get
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Marla says:
Drawing on their deep knowledge of composites and alloys, Orbea (an 80+ year old company!) has created a 3” rear wheel travel speed machine that weighs pounds less than the competition. Its smooth, active travel is courtesy of its U-Flexion carbon composite pivot. This allows for a low-maintenance, well-tracking bike that keeps the frame feather light.
- The efficient front triangle is built from a proprietary Scandium-enhanced tube set, an alloy that has a terrific strength-to-weight ratio
- In the back is a crazily-light carbon chainstay with one-way flex
- The natural properties of carbon minimize drivetrain and brake influence on the suspension
- Fox shock below the saddle makes for easy lockout adjustments on the fly
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Marla says:
The Blur XC is one of those bikes that breaks the rules. It doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance. This is probably one of the supplest bikes on the market as far as wheel tracking, yet it pedals uphill like a hard tail. The chassis is bomber without adding too much extra weight. A stretched out cockpit ensures fearless descending.
- Featuring Santa Cruz's patented Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension and offering 115mm of plush rear wheel travel
- Taut handling courtesy of a respectably light 6069 aluminum frame and swingarm
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Marla says:
This take on a classic is a super light, brave trail rig for the uncompromising rider with deep pockets. Despite a “For Racing Only” tag on the top tube, it's still an all-around comfortable trail bike. A special Trim-To-Fit seat mast that comes with own cutting jig (which may be converted to normal post) is truly a nice touch from this boutique bike company.
- Neutral geometry, feels casual despite the twitchy weight
- Low stand over height, generous mud-clearance
- Pivot bearings are practically maintenance free
- Carbon ?dogbone' bridging seat stays inhibits swing arm flex and prevents sideways warping of shock
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Marla says:
This bike goes where you want it to, fast or slow. Compared to Fisher's existing Genesis Geometry, the G2 Geometry has an increased fork offset, making it steer quicker during slower riding. With an increased offset, reduced reach to the handlebar allows the rider to weight the front wheel more accurately.
- Platinum Series 6066 and 6061 butted and hydro-formed aluminum tube set
- Nifty asymmetric swing-arm with four-barrel dropout pivots provides 120mm rear wheel travel
- Decked out with Shimano components and Avid brakes for reliability
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Marla says:
The first big name in mountain biking has gotten better. This completely redesigned Stumpjumper FSR is now more efficient and lighter, and continues to be one of the best handling bikes on most trails.
- Features a lower, sweeping stand-over height, which also improves rigidity
- M5 manipulated alloy frame with ORE TT/DT, sealed cartridge bearing pivots and 120mm travel
- AFR rear shock with remote Trail Tune inertia valve, adjustable rebound and Brain Fade
You will be happy with any of these
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Marla says:
This beautiful trail bike offers the control, versatility, and comfort new riders need for every condition. It climbs like a billy goat with the Fox Pro Pedal, and it's reliable enough to let it fly on the descents. The Aluminum w/R1i Trail Tuned Suspension system has oversized sealed bearings has 120mm rear wheel travel to complement its 130mm front wheel travel, so it makes for a very balanced ride.
- Very relaxed cockpit
- Special Active Braking Pivot (ABP) reduces compounding compression during high speed braking
- Fox Talas RL air pressure travel and custom tuned Fox Float RP23 (Pro Pedal)
- One piece, aluminum EVO Link adds stiffness and reduces weight
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Marla says:
Ellsworth has been working on this legendary bike for 16 years, and they've really gotten the geometry dialed. But that's only one of the many features that gives Ellsworth its loyal following.
- The proprietary ?Zero Energy Loss Instant Center Tracking' suspension system is impressive
- 4? rear wheel travel, Easton aluminum tubing, shot-peened and anodized finish
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Marla says:
Kona adds four inches of rear end travel into their world cup proven 4-bar frame design. These bikes are built around input from World Class athletes, and it shows.
- Kona Race Light Scandium butted tubing
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Marla says:
This bike allows the experience of mountain biking to be enjoyed without a steep price tag. Its five-inch travel is a bit more than the typical trail bike, but the Fox Float suspension guarantees a solid pedaling platform.
- The DW-Linkage eliminates feedback and improves pedaling mechanically, rather than relying on a platform rear shock
- Mixes a Sram drivetrain with Shimano hubs and brakes
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Marla says:
This bike is perfect for all day trail rides, with its lightweight and relaxed geometry.
- Lightweight design features super light ALUXX SL butted alloy aluminum frame and 4.2 inches of Maestro travel
- Fox 32 F100RL, 100mm suspension fork, and Fox Float RP2 rear shock
Comments
The Orbea Oiz XT is one nice bike!
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