Stop Guessing: How to Pick the Perfect Mountain Bike For You

Aluminium. Steel. Carbon Fiber. Titanium. In a nutshell those are the typical price points from lowest to highest, each with their pros and cons. Aluminium keeps things sturdy and relatively affordable; steel brings old-school durability. Carbon fiber brings down the weight but hits harder in the pocket, while titanium takes things up another notch: it's not only lightweight but gloriously rust-proof. And in some ways, despite the price tag, titanium can prove the best investment. Matteo Cigala, a multi-terrain, multi-title winning cyclist, suggests that beginners opt for a good carbon frame as you "can always upgrade wheels and groupset afterwards".

Ever ridden a bike that's too big for you? Then you probably learned a painful lesson. Indeed, finding the right fit can lead to better control, faster speeds, more efficient pedalling, and, most importantly of all, a comfortable backside. Factors to consider when looking at frame size include height, reach, riding style, and what sort of biking you'll be doing.

Downhill riders and anyone who likes their terrain supersized may prefer a longer reach for greater balance and a more comfortable ride – particularly taller riders. Prefer a bike that feels nimble and deals with tight, tekky trails? A shorter reach can help make maneuvering easier. Either way, have an expert check your setup in-store, including your seat angle, to make sure everything is dialled in as it should be.

Hungry for some real MTB action? Then you're going to need a fork - your first defence against rocky terrain and able to absorb all that shock. But which one is best for you? Air Forks, which use pressurised air as its spring, are popular due to adjustable spring rates and light weight. Whereas a Coil Fork is a metal spring, offering more consistency and more durable feel. If you're a perfectionist who wants to tweak every part of the setup to get the best gains, perhaps Air Forks are for you. If you're no-fuss, time-limited and just want to hit the trails, however, then perhaps the metal spring Coil Fork is a better match.

Choose gearing with your riding in mind: downhill bikes can get away with fewer gears, while cross-country bikes benefit from a broader range. Trail bikes sit somewhere in the middle, with a 1x drivetrain now the sensible default. If you're just looking to hit the trails for the odd weekend session, a 1x is a good bet. Compared with older 2x and 3x systems, it has just one front chainring (the gear at the pedals), so there’s no front derailleur (the mechanism that moves the chain between front gears) to operate or maintain.

Ronan Dunne might have overidden his natural urge to hit the brakes, making him one of the fastest downhill riders out there, but you'd be wise to get some good ones and use them. These should come as standard for any good mountain bike, but hydraulic disc brakes are your best bet when choosing a mountain bike. Brands like Shimano, SRAM and TRP are among some of the best brands out there.

The benefit of having tyres which don’t require an inner tube (using sealant instead) is that there’s much less chance of riding over something spiky and getting a flat. You will need tubeless-compatible rims, and the tyres will require checkups, but it’s the best way to ensure you don’t leave the trails feeling, well, deflated.

Drop it like it’s hot: if you want to adjust your saddle height without stopping your ride; a dropper post is a canny investment, allowing you to quickly tweak your position using a handlebar lever. It can add a little extra weight to the overall setup, but for mid-ride comfort and strategy on the trails (i.e. try lowering the saddle for better control on descent, or raise it up if you’re climbing or looking to maximise your cadence on the pedals) it could be a powerful ally.