Gear Up For Adventure With The Best Mountain Bikes Of 2024

Frame Material: Alloy | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 29 inches

The Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy might as well be dubbed the Goldilocks of mountain bikes. It can handle a variety of trails and conditions, from climbing rough terrain to gliding over rock gardens with ease. It’s lightweight, maneuverable and for less than three grand, you’re sported with just the right amount of stable and supportive suspension, even on steep descents.  

Gear editor Cam Vigliotta rode the Stumpjumper Alloy on a number of trails in the Pacific Northwest, and found this mountain bike to be a great value for those interested in an entry-level full-suspension bike. “Whether you’re bombing down the hill like a heat-seeking missile, sending it over jumps without a care in the world or toiling away on long climbs, this bike will happily accompany you through every high and low,” he writes in his Stumpjumper review.

If the Alloy doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are many other Stumpjumper models to choose from, including the Comp, Expert, Pro and S-Works versions. 

 Pros:

• Versatile
• Comfortable for long riding days
• Full suspension

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Basic componentry

Frame Material: Steel | Brake Type: V-brake | Wheel Size: 26 inches

For beginner riders interested in off-roading without breaking the bank on a new bike, the Huffy Stone Mountain can’t be beat. This entry-level mountain bike has a durable steel hardtail frame that can handle some serious abuse as you slowly gain confidence on the trails. A twist shifter on the right grip lets you toggle through 21 different speeds to make tackling hills a bit easier, while front and rear pull brakes ensure you can stop quickly and safely whenever needed. 

A slight rise in the handlebars puts you in a more upright riding position to ease the strain on your back and shoulders, which can be especially important for new riders who are still learning proper form. A front suspension fork, 1.95-inch tires and a padded saddle lessen the impact of all those bumps and dips in the road or trail to deliver a smoother ride. 

The quick-release seat post can be easily adjusted up or down on the fly to deliver the perfect fit for each rider. The Huffy Stone Mountain bike is available in both a men’s and women’s version and comes with all the required tools to assemble it, so there’s no need to hire a professional bike mechanic. That said, if you’re brand new to biking, it wouldn’t hurt to swing by your local shop to have them look over your work (and to maybe give you some tips on where to ride).

Pros:

• Affordable at less than $300
• Comfortable ride quality
• Multiple gears make pedaling more efficient

Cons:

• Some assembly required

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: Mechanical disc | Wheel Size: 27.5 inches or 29 inches

The Cannondale Trail 8 is often lauded as an excellent option for beginner mountain bikers seeking a capable and comfortable companion for building confidence while exploring trails.

So, what makes the Trail 8 such a compelling choice for newcomers? Firstly, its affordability is undeniable. Priced just above $500, it offers quality components at a budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to aspiring riders. Secondly, its versatility shines. With 75mm of front suspension and 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels (depending on frame size), it tackles both smooth singletrack and light off-road adventures with ease. In short, it’s a great bike for someone who wants to try a variety of terrain.

While not a top-of-the-line machine, the Trail 8 boasts solid components like mechanical disc brakes and a 14-gear Shimano drivetrain, ensuring reliable performance on the trail. The alloy frame features built-in flex points for added comfort, while the confidence-inspiring geometry and agile handling make you feel safe and secure when heading off-road for the first time.

Pros:

• Budget friendly
• Versatile with 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheel options
• Confident handling
• Reliable components

Cons:

• Limited suspension for more technical terrain
• Entry-level components might need upgrades down the line
• Heavier than more expensive bikes

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 27.5

When creating their in-house line of mountain bikes, the Co-op Cycles design team at REI took a fresh look at everything, from geometry and suspension to wheel and tire size. Never one to simply follow the latest mountain bike trends, REI turned to their own membership base to better understand what it was they were looking for in a mountain bike. The number one answer they found? Fit. To achieve this, the Co-op Cycles team designed a wide range of durable-yet-lightweight aluminum frame sizes, from XS up to XL, to accommodate many different riders. 

Besides fit, the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1’s suspension fork features 100mm of travel to help your ride stay smooth and controlled. A Shimano 3 x 7 drivetrain provides 21 gears to help you conquer a variety of terrain, and the hydraulic disc brakes quickly engage with just one finger. 

This mountain bike also has many 4- and 5-star reviews. “This bicycle is very well designed and does exactly what it is supposed to do without breaking the bank,” says one satisfied reviewer. I’ve personally tested the full suspension version of Co-op’s DRT mountain bike in Sedona and was impressed with its performance and specs, especially at the price points REI offers.

Pros:

• Great fit for any rider thanks to inclusive sizing
• 21 speed gear range
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• Only comes in one wheel size, unlike more expensive Co-op Cycles bikes

Frame Material: Carbon | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 29 inches

One of Santa Cruz’s bestselling bikes for years, the Tallboy is now in its fifth iteration. Lightweight and nimble with just enough suspension, this ride is your one-bike quiver killer that allows you to tackle a variety of trails and riding conditions.

Dubbed the “downhiller’s XC bike,” it climbs up steep technical terrain like a chamois while floating over the chunkiest of rock gardens thanks to its mid-level travel (120mm of rear travel and 130mm of travel up front) and 29-inch wheels. In addition to upping the travel on this iteration, Santa Cruz mimicked the geometry of its longer travel bikes in order to deliver a more confident and stable ride on those white-knuckle descents, or when navigating rough terrain. 

Santa Cruz bikes are designed not only to last a lifetime, but also for low maintenance—a key consideration when buying any mountain bike. The company ensures that parts, specs and other information are always available so you can fix any issue with your bike on your own. 

Pros:

• Excels downhill
• Superb climber for those troublesome hills
• Low maintenance if issues arise 

Cons:

• Sizes are currently limited at reputable retailers

Frame Material: Carbon | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 29 inches

The Canyon Strive CFR is a finely tuned machine built to dominate the aggressive and unpredictable world of Enduro racing. With its progressive geometry, innovative suspension system and top-notch componentry, the Strive CFR carves a path of confidence and control on even the most challenging descents.

At the heart of the Strive lies the Shapeshifter suspension system. This unique technology allows riders to adjust the bike’s geometry and suspension travel on the fly. In “Climb” mode, the shock stiffens and shortens travel, maximizing pedaling efficiency for conquering those quad-burning ascents. Flick the handlebar switch, and the bike transforms into “Shred” mode. Here, the suspension travel increases to a whopping 160mm, along with a slacker head tube angle and lower bottom bracket. This optimized geometry inspires confidence when navigating technical descents, allowing you to rail berms, tackle rock gardens and absorb drops with composure.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The Strive CFR is decked out with high-performance components that can handle the abuse Enduro riding demands. The SRAM X0 Eagle AXS drivetrain not only boasts butter smooth wireless shifting but also ditches the damage-prone derailleur hanger for increased durability. Powerful hydraulic disc b