Top 13 mountain bike brands

Ratings of the best sports and leisure goods

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Mountain bikes are now becoming increasingly popular not only among cyclists, but also among amateurs. Manufacturers, seeing the increased demand, responded to it by creating and releasing similar models for both professionals and beginners. Already in stores there is a huge selection of mountain bikes in the entry, middle and premium price segment, so everyone can buy a product to their taste and wallet.

Experts studied the market, selecting 13 best mountain bike manufacturers for the rating, which have proven themselves from the best side, thanks to which they are most popular with consumers.

Rating of the best mountain bike manufacturers

Nomination a place manufacturer rating
Rating of the best mountain bike manufacturers 1 Cube 5.0
2 Giant 4.9
3 Merida 4.8
4 TREK 4.7
5 Silverback 4.6
6 Specialized 4.5
7 Kellys 4.4
8 Scott 4.3
9 Author 4.2
10 Ghost 4.1
11 Schwinn 4.0
12 STELS 3.9
13 FORWARD 3.8

Cube

Rating: 5.0

Cube

A well-known German manufacturer of bikes and accessories has its own design and technical center and conveyor, so the developers vouch for the quality of the products. The production of the models begins in the test laboratory, where innovations such as the Active Brake Cooling and the Dual Trail Control suspension have been invented. Engineers and designers use workshops equipped with the latest equipment. Cube also collaborates with scientific institutions. The Technical University of Munich develops quality control technologies for components for the company. Each model undergoes repeated testing for all parameters and characteristics, after which adjustments are made. Bicycles are assembled in Waldershof, and dyeing technologies are used for coating BMW. The peculiarity of the models is the unique style and colors. The fork, wheels, saddle, frame and other units are made in a single color scheme. This makes the Cube bikes stand out in the crowd. Thought-out pricing policy, German assembly, high quality are the three main components that give buyers confidence that they are buying a decent bike.

It is worth highlighting the Cube AIM Race 29 (2018) model, designed for people who have already mastered mountain bikes quite well. The well-equipped AIM Race 29 will be a great companion on the trails and won't let you down when your skills start to grow. There are 24 speeds, Shimano high power hydraulic disc brakes, Suntour fork lock, Size Split frame and 24-speed transmission. The Aluminum Lite frame has a masculine geometry and is not afraid of the most aggressive cross-country trails.

Another bike deserves attention – Cube Attention 29 (2018). It is available in 27.5 and 29 inch versions, so you will definitely find one for yourself. The Shimano 3×10 drivetrain, soft, comfortable RockShox fork, and hydraulic disc brakes mean the hardtail is capable of handling any ride, from a quiet long ride to a short speed ride. The frame is made from 6061 aluminum with mechanically formed top and bottom tubes and integrated cable routing for a neat look and long smooth shifting.

Giant

Rating: 4.9

Giant

The Dutch brand is rightfully called one of the largest in the field of bicycle production in the world, since more than fifty-five percent of the top models are manufactured at the company's factories. Giant produces over five million bikes annually, featuring high build quality and stylish design. The popularity of Giant either waned or increased again, the reason for this was not everyone's clear pricing policy and the transfer of distribution from hand to hand. The main production facilities are located in China. Many brands that do not have their own factories place orders with this brand, which indicates a trusting relationship. When creating products, the company uses its own elements: braking systems, tires, frames made of carbon and aluminum, steering units, and more. But some of the components are purchased, for example, transmission elements from Shimano and SRAM; suspensions from Fox Racing, RockShox, SR Suntour; chains from SRAM and KMC. Among the models there are both city, road, road and mountain bikes.

Noteworthy is the Giant Talon hardtail. It is suitable for beginners, as it is intended for people who prefer walking on simple off-road sections and asphalt. The geometry is purely masculine. Installed hydraulic drive and disc brakes; butted frame; wheels with double rims made of aluminum in 27.5 or 29 inches; SR Suntour spring-elastomer fork with remote locking; semi-integrated steering column; speeds can be from 20 to 27 or even 30.

It is also worth highlighting the Giant Trance model. This bike is full suspension and is classified as an advanced bike. Designed for men who love extreme travel in difficult off-road conditions. Also suitable for sports trials. The default is hydraulic disc brakes; transmission with Shimano equipment, the number of speeds – from 10 to 20; integrated steering column; aluminum frame; Fox Racing or RockShox rear shock, Fox Racing or SR Suntour front fork; 27.5-inch wheels with double rims.

Merida

Rating: 4.8

Merida

Initially a small store selling bicycle parts with varying success, it has grown to a large-scale production. At the moment, the Taiwanese company is the second largest after Giant, with which the competition has been going on for a long time. For decades, Merida has been creating and producing bikes of various categories in the entry and middle price segment. Recently, the brand has made great strides in the production of racing models. On the bicycles of the brand, athletes competed at the World Cup in cross-country, where they took gold, and today these products help the professionals from the Lampre team achieve victories. The philosophy of the developers is to bring the best bikes, including hardtails, to the market. Merida is based on the point of sale, so the design takes place not at its headquarters in Taiwan, but in Germany, where its own European center is located. The combination of Western design and efficient, high quality Asian manufacturing allows the company to remain in the lead. The brand once again proved that Taiwan can make more than just second-class goods. The popularity of bicycles is high all over the world, including Russia. Mountain models are especially in demand among pros and beginners.

Of the hardtails, the Merida Matts 6.15-MD (2019) is worth highlighting. The entry-level bike is ideal for amateurs for city driving and light off-road driving. The model is equipped with Shimano equipment, reliable mechanical disc brakes, suspension fork, 24 speeds. F-Mount technology is responsible for the integrated fender mounts to make installation quick and easy. The rack's attachment points are strategically located using C-Mount technology, which guarantees greater reliability and convenience. Features include the minimal use of 6061 aluminum, making it possible to produce lightweight frames. Additional heat treatment and butted tubes with different wall thicknesses are used to create rigid and light frames.

TREK

Rating: 4.7

TREK mountain bike

The famous American company began its activities in the late seventies. Initially it was a small workshop with five workers, but the enthusiasts managed to get a good profit after the first released line of bicycles, which they successfully invested in development. The lightweight frames and hardened spokes that are now widely used in cycling were created here. TREK is now a large bike factory for all popular categories. The headquarters is located in Wisconsin, Waterloo. Factories are located in America, some European countries and Asia. The development and design of the models rests on the shoulders of legendary people – Greg Lemond, the creator of the first suspension fork; Gary Fisher, the father of mountain biking; Gary Klein, maker of high-end bicycles. The reliability and quality of the products is confirmed by a high level of consumer confidence, as well as the sporting achievements of such masters as: Wade Boots, Roland Green, Vyacheslav Ekimov, Lewis Armstrong.

Of the hardtails, the Trek 4700 (2014) model stands out. This lightweight mountain bike (14.4 kg) is ideal for cross-country riding. Equipped with Shimano entry-level professional grade equipment and has 30 speeds. The technical features include an Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, Shimano M395 hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager AT-850 double rims, SR Suntour XCR-RL suspension fork. The bike can cut both on asphalt roads and on difficult terrain on rough terrain, thanks to 26-inch wheels.

Also noteworthy is the Trek Fuel EX 6 26 mountain bike (2014). The full suspension trail ensures flotation on even the most challenging trails. The high-tech Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame is lightweight. The RockShox Monarch RL rear shock has a rebound damper and travel lock. The RockShox Sektor suspension air / oil fork also controls rebound. In addition, there is a Shimano 3×10 drivetrain, 26-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes involved.

Silverback

Rating: 4.6

Silverback

The company created at the beginning of the 2000s is not lagging behind in popularity. The head, Dion Retif, already had twenty years of experience in the cycling industry as he embarked on the vision. He focused on the current reports and analyzes of marketers, reviews of hundreds of dealers from more than forty countries, in each of which he himself visited. The efforts have paid off – today Silverback is a major manufacturer of bikes. The brand looks to the future with confidence, develops and uses modern technologies, implements scientific research findings into its products. The design and development laboratory is located at headquarters. Unlike other brands, Silverback is not limited to North American and European countries, but is aggressively pursuing marketing efforts to secure a presence in a variety of global markets. Bicycles are especially popular in South America, New Zealand, Australia and the island of Mauritius. At the end of the 2000s, there was a breakthrough that allowed the company to rise to a new level. Another research center was built in Germany as a recognized location for innovative engineering ideas.

Among the manufacturer's hardtails, you should pay attention to the Silverback Stride 20 (2015). Stride is a series designed for mountain bike enthusiasts. The installed hydroformed aluminum tube frame is lightweight, and the sporty geometry is responsible for confident handling on any road. The frame provides space for attaching a roof rack, special fender, bottle cage and disc brakes. The model belongs to the entry-level price segment. It has 24 speeds and impresses users with its high-quality German assembly, stylish design, a metal switch, and good roll-off.

Another mountain bike Silverback Sphere Expert (2017) is expensive. Today the model can be purchased for 98 thousand rubles. The hardtail is designed for cross-country riding. There are 27.5-inch wheels with wide tires and deep tread Maxxis Rekon, which provides passability on the most difficult sections of the track without applying serious effort. Shimano BL-M315 high-performance hydraulic disc brakes will quickly stop the bike when needed.

Specialized

Rating: 4.5

Specialized

The company is famous for its bicycles, as athletes have won the most awards in racing with them. Since the mid-seventies, an enterprising graduate who adored bike bikes and walks on them, decided to sell vehicles and set off on a trip across Europe on his beloved two-wheeled friend. In Milan, he met the man, the founder of Cinelli, who changed his life by encouraging the young man to start importing his high-quality components into the American market. After several years of founding the company, Mike focused on top-end components, which is why the company has such a self-explanatory name. Hardtails were just starting to appear in the early eighties. It was difficult to acquire them, as single copies were made by hand and sold for fabulous money. Signard saw the prospects for this direction and released the first Stumpjumper, having made a revolution – the bike became the first mountain series. At the moment, Specialized is on a par with leading brands, behind only a few giants. At the heart of the brand's philosophy is a focus on the needs of riders for innovative and high-tech products that will ensure superiority on the track.

It is worth highlighting the Specialized P. Street 2 (2014) model, which is especially popular among cyclists. The bike belongs to the initial price segment, but the reduction in price did not affect the quality of the frame. It is made of lightweight yet durable hydroformed aluminum. While driving on forest roads, you will not have to worry about its reliability. The steering section, which takes on the increased loads, distributes them effectively. It is possible to install a trunk and a water flask. The body kit elements reflect the hardcore direction of P. Street 2. The rounded wide rims are shod with tires more suitable for the city, and for the off-road you will have to purchase others with a tenacious tread. The model also has disc brakes. The bike is best used for extreme city trips and stunts on civilized trails.

Kellys

Rating: 4.4

Kellys

The Slovak brand founded by brothers in the early nineties is represented on the world market by a very wide range of models. The company produces bicycles of all demanded categories: for children, for fitness, tourist, city, road and many others. Bicycle frames are made of carbon, aluminum, steel. Products are in high demand due to the optimal price-quality ratio, which captivates consumers. Despite the reliability of each bike, it can be purchased at a fairly attractive price for buyers. Most of the models belong to the entry and middle price segment. At the same time, the company is one of the few who did not transfer their production facilities to Asia, leaving them in Slovakia. In this sense, Kellys is not chasing cheapness, therefore, among the main competitors, bikes lose a little in price, but the build quality and materials neutralize this. The plant is located in the suburbs of the town of Piestany. Components for future products are purchased from renowned global manufacturers such as Tektro and Hayes (brakes), Schwalbe (tires), Jagwire (brake cables), Fox Racing and SR Suntour (suspension forks), Shimano and Sram, as well as KMC. Mavic, Ritchey.

Of the hardtails, you should pay attention to the Kellys SLANGER model. It is a unique double suspension with a lightweight carbon frame and 140mm travel suspension. The design features of the frame include the ability to install wheels with a diameter of 27.5 or 29 inches. Versatile geometry, soft suspension, low weight – these are the main advantages of the bike, allowing you to overcome the most difficult road sections. Suitable for riding in a variety of styles ranging from cross-country to all-mountain. The bike is sold in three modifications. The top model is equipped with Shimano Deore XT brakes. It features a Sram GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, a KS LEV Integra adjustable seatpost, Float DPS shock and a Fox 34 Performance fork. The components are optimized for the trail, and the wide cockpit offers increased comfort and improved handling.

Scott

Rating: 4.3

Scott

In the late fifties, the American company was famous for the manufacture of quality ski equipment. After a brilliant period in the ski industry, the brand began creating bicycles and accessories for cyclists. Scott was also successful in this field. The path of new achievements and discoveries was laid by the innovative development of the aerodynamic rudder, which allowed the famous athlete, Greg Lemond, to win the Tour de France. In the early nineties, the lightest full-suspension G-Zero bike was released. This event created a furor in the bicycle industry. In the early 2000s, the company made another breakthrough in the cycling industry by launching a carbon frame weighing only 895 g. It was installed on a CR1 road bike. Four years later, Scott creates an even lighter Addict frame weighing 790 g. Development continues to this day in collaboration with professional athletes, many of whom are masters of sports. During the production, their wishes, comments and advice are taken into account. This allows us to supply the market with unique products that have no analogues in the world. In forty years of operation, the company has become a trendsetter in cycling fashion and an example of how to introduce innovative technologies.

Scott Aspect 680 is one of the best hardtails. The workhorse is reliable, so you don't have to worry even when driving on strong off-road conditions. On asphalt roads it behaves no less well, which means it is suitable not only for forest trails, but also for the city. The model has a geometry for 26-inch wheels. It features 24 speeds, rim brakes, a shock-absorbed fork with a travel lock, and Aspect Series components and Shimano equipment. Long-life transmission elements guarantee reduced wear and longer service life. Velobike will be an excellent choice if you are looking for the optimal combination of quality and price. In addition to this, there are two more modifications for 26 and 27.5 inches, so everyone will find the perfect option for themselves.

Author

Rating: 4.2

Author

The Czech brand is one of the leading bicycle manufacturers in Europe and in other parts of the world. The company's products are in great demand among professionals and amateurs. Bikes are mass-oriented. Among the models, everyone will choose the appropriate option for both quiet driving and high-speed, as well as for various extreme stunts and sports races. The assortment includes all categories: children's, road, city and, of course, hardtails. The head office of the company is located in Prague, where design and engineering work is carried out for the development of new bicycles. Products are made in Taiwanese factories, but this does not affect the quality, since the brand strictly controls all stages. Bikes are tested in a laboratory located in Hong Kong. Author uses in production its components (tires, aluminum and carbon frames, suspension parts, etc.) and components from the world's leading companies (suspension forks, brake systems, awnings, pipes). There are many mountain bikes in the model range, which differ from their counterparts with thickened tires, special grip treads and increased ground clearance.

The hardtail Author Ninja FR deserves attention. The two-suspension bike is suitable for calm rides on asphalt city roads, as it provides the maximum level of comfort, and for sporting events such as cross-country and downhill. There is a lightweight double butted frame made of aluminum alloy. At the rear is an X-Fusion Vector X leaf spring suspension and an RST suspension fork at the front. The bike has a 9-speed SRAM derailleur, an integrated steering column, hydraulic disc brakes and 27.5-inch wheels.

Another standing model is the Author Patriot EVO TEAM. This is already a professional two-suspension hardtail, which is ideal for trail, enduro and all-manuti riding. Equipped with an aluminum frame; FOX air suspension fork with front stiffness adjustment; FOX X shock. The bike features an 11-speed drivetrain, Shimano rear derailleur, integrated Prestine steering column, dual rims and hydraulic disc brakes.

Ghost

Rating: 4.1

Ghost

The German company is famous for the quality of its products. Despite the fact that the brand is quite young compared to its competitors, Ghost bikes are already loved by many beginners and experienced athletes. The firm is rapidly gaining momentum. Today the staff numbers over three hundred people. Development and design is carried out at headquarters, where new models are also being tested and are being prepared for release. The brand is distinguished by European assembly quality, since production facilities were not transferred to Asian countries. More than eighty percent of bike bikes are assembled in factories in Europe. The company uses its own innovative technologies: pipe ovalization, hydroforming, Riot link and ultra-light carbon. Some frames are made of ultra-high molecular weight carbon, which is almost the same in terms of rigidity from metal, but has practicality and low weight. It is mainly used to create top-end models. The Ghost range includes e-bikes, city bikes, road bikes, touring bikes, kids' and hardtails.

Ghost Tacana 5 (2016) stands out from the rest. The sport bike is ideal for top-level cross-country racing. It differs from analogues in its light weight, excellent technical characteristics and stylish design. Despite all the hardcoreness, the model is often purchased by lovers of quiet cycling, as well as novice athletes. Due to the large wheels, the transport accelerates quickly, and the rider does not have to exert much effort to maintain such speed. The frame made of aluminum guarantees strength and reliability. Semi-professional and high-level components from Shimano Deore and Shimano XT are used as attachments. Ghost Tacana 5 is relatively inexpensive – 48 thousand rubles.

Schwinn

Rating: 4.0

Schwinn

This is not your usual regular American company, but an 'icon of the bicycle industry'. Schwinn is not only loved, but revered by cyclists from all over the world. In its field, the firm is a recognized world leader. The products are especially popular in North America, but they are no less common in other markets, including the Russian one. The brand's bicycles are designed for the general public, mostly amateurs, and only a part of the products are produced exclusively for professional sportsmen. The pricing policy of the brand is such that there are simply no budget models. Although it should be said, Schwinn manages to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of financial status. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, but mass production, like most firms, has been moved to Asia, Taiwan. From its own components, the brand uses frames made of steel, carbon fiber, aluminum; braking systems; shock absorption and rigid forks; parts of the steering; pedals as well as saddles and seat posts. Other components are purchased from WTB (tires, rims); Shimano and SRAM (derailleurs, chains); SR Suntour, Zoom and Rock Shox (suspension forks). Schwinn cannot boast of a wide range of mount bike models, but there are plenty of hardtails in the line.

The Schwinn Moab bike deserves special attention – the leader in its segment. Some modifications are suitable for sports training, amateur performances, while others are suitable for high-speed travel on city asphalt and off-road. The bike is equipped with a lightweight frame, SR Suntour forks, unthreaded steering column, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain. The model is equipped with wheels with double rims made of aluminum alloy, and the dimension is 29 inches. A hydraulic disc brake system is installed here. The advanced version of the bike has an SR Suntour air fork with remote lock, Shimano derailleur system and 10-speed.

STELS

Rating: 3.9

STELS

The Russian brand develops and markets various bikes in the entry price segment. The brand is controlled by the largest bicycle-building holding Velomotors, known not only in our country, but also abroad. In the Bryansk region, the city of Zhukovka, there is a plant where the main production is carried out. There is also a design and design laboratory, as well as a testing bureau, which allows you to track the quality of finished products. Bikes are equipped with components produced independently by STELS, for example, steel and aluminum frames, rigid forks, wheels, steering units, suspension elements, plastic parts. The rest of the components are supplied by foreign companies: Weinmann, Neco, Wanda, Chao Yang, FSD, SR Suntour, Power, Shimano, Microshift. They supply rims, tires, awnings, brakes and derailleurs, as well as suspension forks and steering columns. Of the modern technologies used in production, one should single out the unique X6 aluminum alloy, which is much better than usual and is used for the manufacture of high-end bicycle frames. The frames are given the desired color using powder coating, which increases the durability of the coating.

Stels Navigator stands out as the brand's most sought-after bike. Or rather, a whole line. But it is the Navigator hardtails that are preferred by fans of mountain two-wheeled horses. It is not worth using cycle bikes of this series as a sports transport. They are more suitable for beginners of different skill levels. On mountain bikes, Navigator can cut at high speed over easy off-road sections, or ride quietly on asphalt paths while enjoying the ride. Of course, there are more advanced models in the line, but they belong to the semi-professional class.

Stels Navigator-500 with steel frame, 21 speed transmission is sold in three modifications – 29, 27.5, 26 inches. There are double aluminum rims, an unthreaded steering column, XDS front fork, mechanical disc brakes. The bike is suitable for riding on a wide variety of surfaces, but it will not be enough for serious off-road conditions, therefore, if you need to overcome extremely difficult areas, then look for a more hardcore version of a mountain bike.

FORWARD

Rating: 4.8

FORWARD

Another domestic brand got into our rating due to its great recognition in the Russian and CIS markets. The company is the largest in the vastness of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus. It designs, designs, manufactures and markets bicycles of all existing categories. FORWARD works in cooperation with leading foreign companies. Perm is the location of the main office, design bureau, design workshop, testing laboratory, logistics department and production shops. The assembly takes place here, and the factories where the production is carried out are scattered both in Russia and in Asia. The company mainly uses components from foreign firms, but still makes some of the units on its own. FORWARD has few proprietary technologies yet, but it always has at its disposal the modern developments of the world leaders in the cycling industry, so the bicycles are of decent quality and are not much inferior to the top bikes of other manufacturers.

Apache is worth highlighting from FORWARD's hardtails. It has entry-class equipment and is designed for riding on asphalt and light off-road. There is an aluminum frame here, due to which the total weight of the product is reduced. The rider has a 21-speed drivetrain and Shimano derailleurs. Equipped with 26-inch wheels and V-type mechanical brakes. There are also advanced options with disc brakes, 29-inch wheels and SR Suntour fork. The model belongs to bicycles in the entry price category. You can buy it for 18 thousand rubles.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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