Best Mountain Bikes
Leitner Cross X
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It's been amazing! The ride is smooth and responsive, perfect for both trails and city roads. The build feels solid and durable, and the design is sleek and eye catching. It handles hills and rough terrain effortlessly, making every ride enjoyable.
Ouch! If I put a drink bottle on this step through – Bought a step though second had and like it so far. When I put a Biden on, my crouch hits the carrier, not great for a male or female, I am the latter. What other carriers do you have available for this model? Show details
the bike – great bike i can do all the tricks i want Show details
Fluid Momentum Men's Mountain Bike
Cheap quality, battery/charger lasted just 12 months – Just riden 300km and battery/charger has failed (wont charge) just outside 12 months warranty period . Annaconda W. Burleigh Qld are no help. this is a budget bike, no suspension, 100kg max. Unable to find replacement parts online. Show details
Diamondback Overdrive29
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Diamondback design issue for 29" wheels – I bought the bike a few weeks ago, and when I started using it, I immediately realized a big design issue. the bike frame they used for the 29"… Read more
wheel is actually for 27.5". so they simply put the 29" wheels into 27.5" wheel frame. so when you want to turn, your shoe will be stuck into the wheel which makes it a very dangerous issue. this needs immediate attention of the DiamondBack group, otherwise, it will certainly hurt people.
DB team contacted for the issue I raised. with very helpful guidance. I did disassemble the front wheel last night and reinstalled it according to their guidance and it worked out well. I truly appreciate their support and apologize for my premature complaint about 29" wheel DB design. please see the updated photo after correcting the assembly.
NCM Prague Electric Mountain Bike
Great bike – I bought this bike 2 years ago and has been a great bike good build and reasonably priced picked up and adelaide shop was already assembled and charged ready to ride
A Rolls Royce compared to my last bike – Decided to replace my old bike when the chain kept slipping. This Apollo road bike is not only lighter and easier to pedal, but can go up hills I… Read more
used to have walk up before. Disc brakes are great too. Very pleased with it actually - can cycle for miles without getting tired. So a great way of exercising when you're retired.
I love love love this bike! – Bought from 99 Bikes back in 2012 it's given me no trouble at all on the trails on Mt Coot-tha here in Brisbane. My old boyfriend had one and… Read more
recommended I get one too. I'm pleased I did, cos 5 years later and it's still going strong.
Light, easy to get in and out of car, comfortable and easy going up hills. Very responsive bike.
Great set up & ride! – I just did an adventure race on my new bike on the weekend. The bike went well. The set up worked really well. Good control downhill when you wanted… Read more
to pick up the pace & really good traction on the climbs. The more you ride the better the response as you adjust to this great set up. Get the right balance when you are in the right gear & you get a great responsive ride. After deliberating over which bike to go for the guys at bicyclesonline have certainly put me onto a winner. Thanks & cheers Great set up. Shimano Deore XT set up at a value price. Fox shocks are good. It takes a little getting used to after riding an old hardtail. Better & more enjoyable with every ride.
Good begginer 29er bike – Just bought this bike. Rode it from Berwick to Lysterfield. I'm quiet satisfied for this bike. But not sure about the Suntour forks.It performs well… Read more
on paved roads and with the gravelly roads. However on hard rock surfaces it would struggle a bit. Not recommended on difficult trails. Still have to shred a bit to know her better. My little red ridin 29er.
Perfect Bike!!!! – This thing is so freaking good I sent it down Whistlers A-Line wench. The forks are really really good. All of the brakes are excellent. I got so much air on the jumps. Show details
Cool bike...Since partner changed this and that for me – My partner changed the handle bars, the seat and pedals for me on my outlook. Has totally transformed the riding experience for me. One of the… Read more
easiest most enjoyable rides. Having wider, higher handlebars has taken a lot of pressure of my back. Wider softer seat a joy! Bigger wheels! Totally customized it for my needs, but its still essentially an outlook! And i love it!
perfect – Just by it its perfect!!!! so good just buy it!!!
This mountain bike has been rock solid! – Had this bike for 16 years and it's been fantastic for bike trails and tracks. Such a reliable and dependable bike. Had to replace rear tyre and seat… Read more
but its been a great bike and now it tows my youngest behind with a tag along bike. Will upgrade soon and give this to my brother. Paid 600 dollars for it. It did have some upgrades like better wheels and mudguards. Apparently it was a special order bike for the Jehovah witnesses and was surplus. At the time it was great value. No longer make these bikes but wouldn't hesitate to buy another if they did.
perfect(cant live without it) – just paradise and you wont belive how comfy it you bacically sink into it and the wind on your face is like having soft cat along your face I brought… Read more
it recently and I cant leave alone 2 years ago I thought it was rubbish and then when I got it out and done stuff to it it worked a treat.
Amazing bike – I’m really happy with built quality and overall performance. Easy to maintain. Recommended Show details
Fluid Nitro
Anconda nitro Ebike conversion – I use these frames to convert to an electric road bike and had no problems ,I do replace the rear wheel with a motorised one and replace the crank… Read more
with a lite pro , and I put a wider more comfortable seat and all good for $399 and spending another $150 on the bike
Very good bike (2017 overseas model/ 2018 Aussie model) Full E+1 Pro – After changing h/bars & stem to highest avail. rise and fitting schwalbe 2.4 super moto-X tyres (easily accomodated with existing cables), we have a… Read more
versatile and comfortable general purpose bike. Steering geometry provides good stability with a neutral and confident feel in corners, still quick enough for emergency change of course actions.
Monster frame!!! – over all i rated this bike as exelent! very good price very strong frame and the components are good, but can be upgraded to create a super light and… Read more
strong bike. i definitly recomended this bike to my mates. great bike, good price, very strong, looks awesome, cool design, Love it!... =) Frame. Maybe the components. but then again for the price of the bike, they're pretty awesome.
Apollo Forza
Good – It's a slick, comfortable, fast and responsive bike. It rides well and is quite comfortable on longer rides. The responsiveness does mean you have to… Read more
watch out for a slight lack of stability if you're not paying attention but this is really nick picking. Overall I'm really pleased with this bike and happy to recomend it This is a light, slick looking, bike which rides smoothly and comfortably. Speed wise I've been able to easily keep up with my friend's racing bike on an 80km touring ride. I've also opened it up on long open roads and been really pleased with the result. It's a quick bike and have shaved minutes off my morning rides which are c45 to 60 minutes usually. Gear change is quite smooth and quick. Having the triple crank at the front is useful for hilly areas such as where I live. It brakes well and is very responsive. The carbon fork takes some of the bump out of the road and contributes to the overall light weight. The seat is quite conformfortable. Overall I'm very pleased with this bike, especially given the price range I've found it a little unstable i front but this is partly because I've come off a fatter tyre onto this bike. It generally rides really true but you just need to watch what you're doing. It's a minor issue but one I've noticed. It also needs to be wider in the corning than I'm use to but this is again partly a reflection of thinner wheels plus my limited experience
Excellent – Have had this bike for approx 9 years and use it for mountainbiking, commuting and shopping and it's only just starting to need a few repairs (gears… Read more
will need replacing). Very happy with the performance. I also find the riding position very comfortable. Bought it with Judy C front shock. Robust. Granny gear low enough to get you up the biggest hills. Runs out of gears on the road.
Scott Scale 960 – I have recently bought a Scott Scale 960, which is the 29" version of the 760. The bike has excellent build quality and feels solid with no loose… Read more
parts and no rattles. It rides smoothly and accelerates well. The brakes are outstanding with no fading. Occasionally the gear changes are not buttery smooth but this is a budget bike! The tyres supplied are quite noisy on bitchumen however you get used to it. Overall, it's a great bike and would recommend highly.
Trek Marlin 4
Cheap rubbish – Worst mtb on the market, be aswel going to halfords Show details
Completely defective on all levels – Firstly it took over 10 days to arrive. I had to chase this up after 5 days when it said it was delivered yet hadn’t been dispatched yet. Upon… Read more
arrival, packaging was notably very good and transported well. Putting this bike together was easy as this is my second purchase from bicycles online. After assembling, the problems began. Brakes very spongy and full travel will not lock. Rear shock had no air. Gears randomly change without input from lever. Finally was able to get enough air into rear shock to ride it. Lasts several hours then shock has lost all air. Today, rear axle completely worked its way loose on the trail and rear wheel twisted sideways and gouged inside of frame. Had to walk 2km back to my car to get tools to fix.
Have notified bicycles online and as I’m inside the 14 days free returns I have requested a complete refund all the while they insist I take bike to a bike shop to repair that has a three week lead time.
Do not buy from bicycles online unless your prepared ti be stuffed around and deceived
Very good money value – Good value...Good quality...Everything working as should..... I have ridden a lot more expensive bikes and find this bike measured up very well.... … Read more
Built strong enough to stand most rough terrain and suspension performed well ironing out most severe shock..
The gear change system is good, especially once you get used to it....
Soft as cheese – First time the bicycle got used the back got cut on glass and I noticed the front wheel had a noise on it when brakes are applied. I then replaced… Read more
the back tyre and tube with puncture proof tube and rubber.
I spoke to [Name Removed] at BigW Bundaberg and told him the front wheel has a noise and keeps touching the brake. He told me that the bike builder would look at it and if it is mechanical failure they will replace it. At home a 55kg boy used it and while on the lawn he changed gears and the back wheel spokes came loose locked the wheel up and bent the frame. I took the bicycle in to BigW Bundaberg for them to look at.
I was called today by a Guy from there and he told me that I damaged the frame and they will not fix or replace the bicycle.
I asked how much to repair the bicycle and was sarcastically told it will cost more then the price of the bicycle.
They still have the bicycle there today when I called customer care.
I fear this is a mechanical failure on the frame and not damage caused as it was used as intended and failed during gear change.
Keeps me active – I ride my fluid renegade for an hour every day and its great fun
The best bike – this bike is good for an entry level mountain biker or a person on a a budget it a good price for what it gives the fork is good and the gears. The only bad thing is the sqeaky brakes. Show details
Road riding on Avanti montari 2 – Great model bike ,am 57 yrs old,125 kgs,good solid vechile for road riding,got myself a comfy seat $95 AUD,I ride up to 65 kms some days,no… Read more
worries with weight loading ,bike cruises along nicely ,good workout ,am slowly shedding the kilos,,,would recommend shop service every 6 months,not cheap but worth it
Estate Electric Mountain Bike EST-EMB30
My first E-bike and I think it’s pretty good.I live in a hilly area and it handles most inclines easily except for the real steep ones which is… Read more
understandable as it only has a 36V 7.8AH lithium battery. Approximately 30k range which is ample for me. The mechanical 160mm rotor disc brakes are exceptionally good. Overall at $499 I love it and recommend it to anyone as a entrance to e-bike riding
Types of mountain bikes
Different mountain bikes are made for different terrains and riding styles. Whether you’re a trail rider, a cross-country or enduro racer, or seeking a thrill in downhill biking, there’s a bike out there for you.
Dual-suspension mountain bikes
Dual-suspension, or full suspension mountain bikes, have suspension in both the front and rear wheels that allow for travel and help the bike’s traction and rider’s comfort by absorbing trail impact.
The rougher the trail, the more suspension a bike needs, which is why bikes such as downhill mountain bikes need plenty of travel to give them extra support as they go down steep descents.
Hardtail mountain bikes
A hardtail mountain bike has suspension in the front of the bike and not the rear, hence the name ‘hard tail’.
Rigid mountain bikes
A rigid mountain bike doesn’t have any suspension, meaning their use is generally limited to less technical trails.
After something else?
Newer types of mountain bikes are becoming more and more common - even electric mountain bikes are gaining in popularity.
A fat bike is an off-road bike that’s designed for use on sand and snow, however now they’re being used more on a wider range of terrains, such as bogs, mud, and dirt - particularly where there’s no established mountain bike trail.
Fat bikes have oversized, ‘fat’ tyres that are suited for low ground pressure and riding on soft, unstable surfaces. There are also ‘plus bikes’, which have tyres in between the width of a fat and regular MTB.
What to look for in a mountain bike
Frame material
Mountain bikes are usually made from one or a combination of the following materials:
- Aluminium: Aluminium is the most common material used in frames, and makes for a light, strong, stiff bike. It’s easy to work with, making it more affordable than carbon fibre frames.
- Carbon fibre: Carbon fibre is the second most popular mountain bike frame material. It’s considered the standard for professional-level bikes. It offers a great stiffness to weight ratio, however it’s susceptible to cracking when sustaining excessive stress - if this happens, a repair or replacement is needed.
- Steel: Steel is commonly found in entry-level bikes. It’s durable and inexpensive but can corrode and is heavier than aluminium and carbon fibre.
- Titanium: Titanium is lightweight, highly resilient, and doesn’t corrode, however it’s difficult to work with and expensive, making it rarely used on mountain bikes - if it is, it often makes for a luxury ride.
Size
An ill-fitting bike will probably be uncomfortable and difficult to ride. You can move the seat position and adjust the handlebars as much as you like, but if the frame size is incorrect, then there’s not much you can do to fix it.
Mountain bike measurements generally refer to the horizontal distance from the top tube junction to the seat tube, or the ‘effective top tube length’.
Although you should always do a test ride of a bike to confirm whether it fits you, here’s a rough MTB adult size guide to help you get an idea of which bike may be right for you:
| Rider height | Frame size |
|---|---|
| 148cm - 158cm / 4'10" - 5'2" | 13" - 14" (XS) |
| 158cm - 168cm / 5'2" - 5'6" | 15" - 16" (S) |
| 168cm - 178cm / 5'6" - 5'10" | 17" - 18" (M) |
| 178cm - 185cm / 5'10" - 6'1" | 19" - 20" (L) |
| 185cm - 193cm / 6'1" - 6'4" | 21" - 22" (XL) |
| 193cm - 198cm / 6'4" - 6'6" | 23" - 24" (XXL) |
Note that going off small/medium/large sizes may not necessarily be a good way to figure out which bike is right for you, as different mountain bike brands have different sizing - a medium for one manufacturer may be considered a small by another.
Other relevant measurements include the stack and reach.
- The stack refers to the bike’s height as measured vertically from the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre point at the top of the head tube.
- The reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the centre of the head tube
Do I need a gender-specific bike?
You might come across ‘mens mountain bikes’ and ‘womens mountain bikes’: while some manufacturers may not offer gender-neutral bikes, remember that a ‘womens’ bike is really just a bike that a woman is riding.
Bikes marketed as for women will usually just have a shorter stack and reach to accommodate the fact that in general, women are shorter and have shorter torsos.
However, generalising fit by gender doesn’t work for everyone, so feel free to ignore marketing, try out different bikes, and go with what feels right for you.
Kids mountain bikes
Mountain bikes for kids are usually just scaled-down versions of their adult counterparts. Most kids models are suitable for children aged 7 and over, and they often have front-suspension forks, more reliable brakes, and multiple gears available.
Wheels
A wheel diameter of 27.5” is most commonly found on mountain bikes at most price points - they offer improved performance over the old 26” standard, while shedding some of the weight of 29” wheels.
Quick release wheels let you effortlessly remove your wheel when you inevitably have a flat tyre. Cheap mountain bikes often use nuts to lock in the wheel, which means you’d have to carry a wrench around with you - saving on costs in this case will mean more inconvenience and time spent when you do puncture your tyre.
Tyre quality will also make a huge difference to your riding experience. If you expect to mostly be riding on dirt tracks, look for a knobbly, pronounced design that offers more grip. Tyres with a lighter tread will roll faster on hard surfaces, so ensure you’re considering the terrain you’re riding when you shop.
It may also be a good idea to get tyres and wheels than can run tubeless, which make them more puncture-resistant.
Groupset
A groupset consists of the bike’s cranks, chainrings, chain, cassette, brakes, derailleurs, and shifters. Groupsets on entry-level bikes are often lower-grade alloys, while more premium mountain bikes will be made from high-grade alloys, carbon fibre, or titanium.
Disc brakes are now the standard for mountain bikes. Offering up superior stopping power, excellent speed modulation, and reliable braking in all weather conditions, disc brakes have pretty much replaced rim brakes, and although are generally more costly, are found on MTBs at all price points.
They can be heavier and sometimes more difficult to maintain than rim brakes, however if you opt for a bike with rim brakes, you can’t upgrade to disc brakes further down the track.
You can choose between hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes - the former has better stopping power while the latter is cheaper.
Saddle
A comfortable saddle is important because you’ll be sitting on it for long periods of time and it will help absorb the bumps and vibrations you’ll inevitably get on the trail.
When saddle shopping, you’ll likely have to make some kind of trade-off between comfort and weight. A broader, more padded saddle may be more comfortable, but will add weight.
Cross-country bikers spend a lot of time out of their saddle and races are generally short, so they can go for a narrower, more lightweight saddle. Endurance racers generally prioritise comfort in a saddle, while downhill bikers and freeriders often opt for a durable yet comfortable saddle, and can afford for their saddles to be a little heavier.
Pedals
When it comes to MTB pedals, you can choose between flat pedals or clipless pedals (also called clip in pedals). Clipless pedals essentially connect you to the bike for more efficient riding, however there may be a bit of a learning curve to getting used to them.
Some also have a clip on one side and a platform on the other, letting you choose how you want to ride - this can be great for those starting out their mountain biking journey.
Accessories
- Helmet: A dedicated trail helmet with greater head and face coverage, sturdier construction, and an extended peak helps provide extra safety, comfort, and protection against overhanging foliage. Some also allow a light or a GoPro to be attached to them.
- Footwear: You’ll need to match your footwear to your pedal - you can buy both flat soled and cleat (clip in) mountain biking shoes.
- Clothing: MTB clothing is more comfortable, breathable, and flexible so that you can move around while riding. It’s also made of tough material that’s more difficult to rip in the event of a crash.
- Pads: Flexible knee pads (some also offer shin protection) and elbow pads give you some extra protection on tougher trails.
- Gloves: Mountain bike gloves are usually full-fingered and only lightly padded to allow you better control over the handlebar.
- Glasses: Sunglasses offer sun protection, impact protection, and stop flying debris from getting into your eyes. Mountain bike eyewear curves around your head and fit with a helmet.
- Storage: A saddle bag, saddle wrap, or backpack lets you carry around essentials, such as a hydration bladder, tyre levers, and a mini pump.
Price
Mountain bikes can range anywhere from $300 to well over $10,000. Spending more generally means you’ll have a lightweight bike that’s more durable, comfortable, and has better suspension - so how much does a decent mountain bike cost?
Cheap mountain bikes are generally better for beginners or recreational riders who are taking on smoother trails. You can still find decent entry-level hardtails with hydraulic disc brakes starting from $600, which can let you tackle a wider range of trails.
With bikes starting at $2000 to $3000, you’ll start to see carbon frames and features like a dropper seat post and 1x drivetrains, the latter of which reduces weight and makes gear shifting easier.
The bottom line?
Going to a specialty bike shop and having a look through the mountain bikes for sale with a good idea of what you want to use your bike for is always a good place to start, and can help you tackle your next trail without a (major) hitch.
Taking apart the battery I found a 5Amp fuse had blown. I changed it to a 10Amp and now it works.