While there are plenty of mountain bike brands to choose from, not every brand offers quality MTBs that’s why you need to choose your brand wisely. This got me thinking about the mountain bike brands to avoid.
Generally, it is smart to avoid less known or unknown mountain bike brands, particularly those found in superstores. They are usually the wrong size, made with inferior components, less durable, and costly to replace their parts. Moreover, don’t buy brands you can’t afford and non-operation ones.
It is also paramount to examine a brand’s customer ratings because it will give you an insight into what to expect from its MTBs. Additionally, you are better off going for a brand that provides a lifetime warranty for its frames.
I will take you through what you should buy, what to avoid, and how to find the best MTB brand.
7 Mountain Brands To Avoid Completely!
Every mountain biker wants a quality MTB that operates appropriately and can afford it because mountain biking can be intense, thus calling for a reliable bicycle.
Before going through the top brands to consider, let’s highlight the ones to avoid first.
1. Avoid Superstores (Non-Specialized Bike Stores) Mountain Bicycles
Various superstores such as K-Mart, Best Buy, Walmart, and Dicks sell affordable mountain bikes, but they aren’t specialized. While you could find yourself a gem at a pocket-friendly price tag, you will likely end up with a bike that won’t meet your quality standards most of the time.
These stores usually do not have dedicated bicycle experts to help their customers with bike sizing, maintenance, spare parts, and other aspects. You will enjoy these services and more by buying from a reliable mountain bike brand.
Mountain bikes from superstores won’t last long, which counteracts their initial low price. In fact, most customers complain about them falling apart after a few months.
2. Unknown (Lesser-Known) Mountain Bike Brands
You could successfully argue that all the major bicycle brands started as small, unknown brands. However, they worked to develop their reputation over many years, and that’s why you can rely on their bikes.
While you could take a risk with a lesser-known or unknown brand and strike gold, the outcome may also be catastrophic. Buying from such brands is always a colossal risk; that’s why they make my list of the mountain bike brands to avoid.
These brands don’t have substantial capital at their disposal, translating to using cheaper components to minimize costs, thus offering their bikes at lower prices. Unfortunately, these components are less durable, breaking down easily, costing you a lot in repairs or acquiring a new MTB.
In addition, cheaper parts develop an unreliable bike that compromises your safety. For instance, low-quality bikes don’t offer crisp stoppage, and inferior wheels and frames bend or break easily.
Moreover, it isn’t easy to find the spare parts of the brands and don’t typically have a physical location, making test runs and bike returns challenging.
3. Non-Operation Mountain Bike Brands
Buying a mountain bike from a brand that no longer operates is unnecessarily risky because finding its spare parts will be a headache. Therefore, make your work easier by ensuring that the brand you buy still manufactures mountain bicycles.
4. Outrageously Pricey Mountain Bike Brands
Although cheaper mountain bikes don’t offer the best quality, that doesn’t mean you spend a fortune to get an MTB, especially if you can’t afford it. Some models can cost a staggering 10k, which is excessively pricey, especially for a casual mountain biker.
An entry-level MTB will cost you about $300 to $600, but anything from $800 to $2000 will get you a high-quality mountain bike that will last you many years.
Advanced cyclists that participate in mountain and trail racing can decide to spend more for a reliable, durable mountain bike, provided you get a reasonable quotation.
5. Mountain Bike Brands With Poor Customer Ratings
Online reviews help you decide which MTB brand and model to buy by informing you of other consumers’ experiences with the bike. While even the best mountain bicycle brands may have negative reviews, the drawbacks should not outweigh the strengths.
Avoid a brand if many people have a lot of negative things to say about it.
6. Mountain Bicycle Brands Without Physical Outlets Or Demo Centers
While the best bike brands offer their products online, they also run physical outlets where you can buy, test, and watch demonstrations of their bicycles. This gives you a chance to witness and try out their bikes before buying them.
Buying from a brand without a demo center or physical outlet means blindly putting your trust in them, which isn’t wise.
7. Mountain Bicycle Brands That Don’t Offer Lifetime Frame Warranty
Since MTBs operate on rugged terrains like steep trails and mountains, their frames take a lot of abuse. This is why the best brands give you lifetime frame warranties to the first owner of a bike.
Avoid brands with limited or no warranties for their frames.
What Are The Qualities Of Good Mountain Bike Brands?
- They sell their MTBs from specialized bike stores.
- They have a solid reputation for excellent customer service and offering quality products.
- Their mountain bikes are reasonably priced (not too cheap or excessively pricey)
- They have good customer ratings.
- They provide a lifetime frame and other accessories warranty.
- They currently produce mountain bikes.
How To Identify Poor Mountain Bikes (9 Aspects To Watch Out For)
With so many models and brands in the market, picking out the best ones is tricky. However, you can avoid the mistakes many make and get yourself a dependable MTB by watching out for the following:
a) Absence Of Gears
an MTB without gears is difficult to handle on bumpy or sloping terrains or climb hilly trails. Get a bike with at least 21 speeds.
b) Adjustable Suspension Systems
A mountain bike with adjustable suspension performs poorly and offers an uncomfortable, squishy ride. Therefore, the best suspension systems for MTBs are not adjustable.
c) Low-Quality Tires
you need high-quality, knobby tires on your mountain bike for better grip and stability while navigating different trails.
d) Poor Quality Frames
Currently, most MTBs have aluminum frames because they are durable and lightweight, but some brands like Canyon bikes still trust the durability and robustness of steel. Also, tubular frames are better than solid ones.
e) Low-Quality Wheels
You don’t want mountain bike wheels that easily warp or bend because they are dangerous and annoying. Your bikes’ wheels should be strong, which means robust construction materials like aluminum and steel and sufficient spokes.
f) No Brake Pads’ Wear Indicator
]It’s hard to tell that your brake pads are worn out without a wear indicator, putting you at risk of losing your bike brakes. Losing brakes in dangerous situations like riding downhill compromises your safety as you could fall or hit obstacles.
g) Alloy Pedal Thread
your MTBs pedals thread should be steel rather than alloy to prevent them from striping and, in turn, falling off.
h) No Rear And Front Disc Brakes
While hydraulic disc brakes cost more, they ensure your wheels don’t lock up during hard braking. Alternatively, you could have, at the very least hydraulic rim brakes.
i) Short Warranty
A high-quality MTB should have a minimum of 18 months warranty.
What Are The Best Mountain Bike Brands? (7 Quality MTB Brands)
Now that you know what to avoid and the qualities of the best mountain bike brands, below are six brands that produce and sell high-quality MTBs.
1. Trek
It’s an international bicycle brand, offering all bike types, so you can find the model that suits you. It offers high-quality mountain bikes that you can afford and high-end models at a higher price.
Trek mountain bikes for beginners will cost you $500-$1000.
2. Diamondback Bicycles
Diamondback mountain bikes are reliable, long-lasting with proper maintenance, and have price quality. They also have competitive prices because they are only sold online.
If you wish to get your kid a bike, consider Diamondback Bicycles Octane Youth Wheel Mountain Bike (View on Amazon), available in 20-inch and 24-inch wheel sizes. It has an aluminum frame, 6 speeds, and a rear suspension.
3. Giant
Giant is another popular bicycle brand that offers quality budget and high-end mountain bikes for different needs and riding styles. The brand has a solid reputation for reliability, performance, and quality.
Its mountain bicycles are also pretty comfortable, and you get lifetime support.
4. Canyon
The German bike brand has established itself as one of today’s best mountain biking brands, producing superior MTBs since 2002. It’s renowned for stunning aesthetics and excellent performance; thus, its bicycles are beautiful and reliable.
5. Specialized
Although the brand typically focuses on mountain bikes for advanced riders, it also offers models suitable for beginners. Its most affordable bikes cost $500 and above, and the frames are exceptionally top quality.
6. Scott Sports
This brand was founded by Ed Scott in 1958 and is responsible for significant cycling-related innovations. A mid-range mountain bicycle from this brand offers the best value for your budget.
7. Cannondale
The stand-out quality of Cannondale mountain bikes is their superior shock absorbers that make your ride highly comfortable.
FAQs
1. Which Brand Of Mountain Bike Is The Best?
The cycling industry has excellent mountain bike brands like Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Scott Sports, Canyon, and Diamondback Bicycles.
2. What Is A Good Brand Of Mountain Bike?
A good mountain bike brand has a solid reputation for providing excellent customer service and offering well-built bikes that are reasonably priced. It also has positive customer ratings and gives a lifetime warranty for its frames.
3. What Is Important When Buying A Mountain Bike?
The quality and performance of a mountain bike are of utmost importance because mountain biking is an intense activity in rugged terrains. Therefore, your MTB needs to conquer these rugged surfaces and stay in excellent conditions for a long time.
For that reason, picking the best brand is paramount because some brands are better than others.
Conclusion on Mountain Bike Brands to Avoid
Knowing the mountain bike brands to avoid, I believe you can now shop for your MTB effortlessly. Ensure you spend your money on a high-quality bike from a trustworthy brand because a mountain bike is a huge investment.
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