Mountain Bike Guide
For The Love of Dirt
Whether you're seeking adventure, a break from your routine, or a challenging workout, mountain biking is a perfect fit. There’s been plenty of research suggesting that outdoor activities can improve mental and physical health. Maybe that’s why mountain biking fosters such a fun and inviting community.
Mountain bikes are made to ride off-road for adventure, fun, and competition. They’re characterized by wide, knobby tires for increased traction on variable terrain, but there is a great deal of variation between models. Hardtail or full suspension? 29er or 27.5”? Aluminum or carbon? From suspension to frame design, finding the bike that’s right for you depends on where you’ll ride and the type of riding you want to do.
Most styles of mountain bikes are designed to be versatile and perform effectively on a wide range of trails, but the sport has evolved into many different disciplines/riding styles over the years, and determining which style of bike fits your goals is the first step in identifying the bike that you’ll most enjoy riding.
Trail Bikes
These bikes are the Goldilocks of mountain bikes—not too much, and not too little. A trail bike climbs well and descends well. Their relaxed geometry balances climbing efficiency with confident descending prowess.
Cross Country Bikes
These are the efficient, go-fast bikes of the mountain bike world. Cross country bikes generally have more efficient travel. They feature steep head and seat angles which gives you more power for climbing.
Enduro Bikes
These bikes are built to go fast in the direction that gravity pulls you, down. These bikes give up some climbing efficiency by including more squish than other bikes along with a more relaxed position for confident handling at speed.
Trail
Trail Bikes
Trek trail bikes are your do-more ride. They're versatile, light, and exceedingly capable, climbing as well as they descend, conquering trails from the Dolomites to Durango. These 29er and 27.5? mountain bikes have the MTB suspension capabilities for anything from a quick stint on the trails to a brutal day of enduro racing. No other bikes offer this level of no-compromise performance, any-situation versatility.
Ultimate Versatility.
Trail bikes are the most versatile type of mountain bike, and are the best choice for riders who want to enjoy a wide variety of terrain on a bike that’s confidence inspiring, but not cumbersome.
Confidence Inspiring.
Trail bikes are ready to take on difficult terrain with forgiving suspension and multiple tire and wheel size options that give you the courage to push yourself with more challenging rides
An Option For Everyone.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, Trek has the perfect trail bike for you. Our wide range of trail bike models means both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts can take their ride to the next level.
Cross Country
Cross Country Bikes
These are the efficient, go-fast bikes of the mountain bike world. Cross country bikes generally have more efficient travel. They feature steep head and seat angles which gives you more power for climbing.
Unrivaled Efficiency.
Cross country bikes are the most efficient type of mountain bike. Their light weight and relatively modest amount of suspension make them apt climbers and strong sprinters.
Race Ready.
Cross country mountain bikes were developed for racing, and even though they are an excellent choice for beginners, their speed and simplicity make them a natural fit for competition.
Responsive Handling.
Quick, precise handling defines the experience of riding an XC bike. Responsiveness is appreciated on easier trails, but it does come at the cost of some stability.
Endure/Downhill Bikes
Downhill Bikes
Downhill bikes are built to go big and shred hard, whether you're ripping a World Cup downhill or charging through the gravity park. Exclusive MTB technologies, from incredibly advanced suspension to frames that let you fine-tune your mountain bike geometry for better control, make these the lightest, toughest DH bikes on the mountain.
Exceedingly Capable.
Unique suspension designs and frame geometry allow downhill bikes to take on the steepest and most treacherous trails. Shuttle to the top, and then let it rip.
Get Off The Ground.
Defying gravity is fun. Our downhill lineup includes ultra-maneuverable bikes specifically designed for dirt jumps and stunts.
World Champ.
DH bikes are the only option for downhill racing, and the best riders in the world have piloted Trek downhill bikes to record-breaking World Cup victories and multiple World Championships.
Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric-assist mountain bikes amplify your pedaling power while amplifying the amount of fun you'll have on the trail. Go farther, go faster, and go more places on an e-MTB. These are the e-bikes that let you enjoy more of everything that makes mountain biking great.
Faster. Faster.
Pedal-assist mountain bikes boost your pedaling power with an electric motor. You pedal them like any other bike, but you can stay fresh and keep up speed no matter what the trail throws at you.
Crush the Climb.
Mountain biking involves an awful lot of climbing, but with the extra power of an e-MTB, climbs will be anything but awful.
Ride With Anyone.
Electric mountain bikes allow riders of varying fitness levels and abilities to ride together, and anyone can appreciate the additional possibilities that come with adding power to your ride.
View All Mountain Bikes
