Best Mountain Bike Brands (Incl. Mountain Bikes for Sale)

In this article we outline the best mountain bike brands and link to the relevant mountain bikes for sale within the Bike Chaser marketplace. Additionally, we provide three separate mountain bike options for each of the seven brands we discuss below, including the best, mid-range, and entry level models.

But before we do deep on these aspects, did you know…

Mountain biking initially started with cyclists exploring new ways to take a bicycle out for a ride, whether they be using a road bike with wider tyres, a cruiser (from a brand like Schwinn) or something in a different category to ‘mountain’, which didn’t exist at that point in time.

In the late 1970s the off-road mountain tackling rider essentially provoked this method of bike riding into a brand new concept. Apparently there are many riders in the USA that claim they started the mountain biking category. But irrespective of that debate, manufacturers started designing lighter, yet sturdier bikes that were able to handle challenging mountainous terrains from the very late 1970s.

Nowadays, the mountain bike is no more considered a bike for the extremists, and anyone with a thirst for adventure can experience the thrill of riding over rough terrains. A mountain bike allows us to escape the concrete jungle and explore rough or mountainous terrains without sacrificing too much on comfort.

Why a Branded Mountain Bike?

Although you might be able to find some cheap mountain bikes coming from China, you get what you pay for certainly speaks loudest with mountain bikes. Instead of compromising on safety and durability, it’s better to wait a little and save some pennies, buying one made by a reputable brand.

However, you would still have to go through a long list of brands when buying a mountain bike.

That’s why we have compiled a list of the best mountain bike brands and some of their noteworthy mountain bikes to make the selection process easier.

Picking the perfect bike depends on things like how much you are willing to pay, your skill level, and the required features. However, the brands and bikes mentioned here cover all the essentials and are ready to handle challenging terrains.

Let’s start with our top picks for the best mountain bike brands followed by some of their best entry-level, enthusiast, and pro-grade MTBs.

Check out best mountain bikes under $1000

1. Giant

Giant is a Taiwan-based company founded in 1972 that started with producing bikes for top cycling brands. It wasn’t until 1981 that Giant-branded bikes started to become available in the market.

The bikes were first available in Taiwan, but they soon became popular and made their way into Europe and North America. Giant is among the most popular mountain bike manufacturers in the world today with a strong presence in over 50 countries.

Giant pioneered Carbon fiber bikes and was the first manufacturer to use CAD and volume production techniques for CF road bikes. The company has won numerous awards including, Eurobike, CityStorm, CitySpeed, Accend and MIO and Twist Espirit and sponsored World Cup mountain bike team in 1995 featuring John Tomac (legendary American racer) and Rune Hoydahl (Norwegian cross-country superstar).

Best Giant Mountain Bikes

Giant Talon 2 (Suggested price: AUD$999)

• Affordable
• Lightweight ALUXX aluminum frameset
• 5 wheels
• Optimized for 100mm suspension fork with hydraulic lockout
• Maxxis Ardent tubeless tires
• Shimano 2×9-speed drivetrain
• Tektro M285 hydraulic disc brakes
• S,M,L and XL
• Satin Blue/Black and Matte Black/Neon Yellow

Giant Trance 2 (suggested Price: AUD$3,699)

• Delivers speed, control and flow
• Designed for the most challenging conditions
• Advanced, 140mm Maestro rear suspension
• Clearance for 2.6 tires
• 150mm-travel fork
• Trunnion mount rear shock
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Maxxis High Roller II tubeless tires
• XS, S, M, L, XL
• Satin Neon Red/Black and Matte Grey/Neon Yellow/Green

Giant XTC Advanced 29er 1 (Suggested price: AUD$5,199)

• 29-inch wheels, also supports switching to 27.5+ wheels
• Suitable for both XC and fast single track racing
• 100mm-travel fork
• Maxxis IKON 29×2.2 tubeless tires
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• S, M, L, XL
• Matte Neon Red/Charcoal/Carbon Smoke

2. Trek

Founded in 1975, Trek is another popular bicycles brand headquartered in Wisconsin. Although based in the US, Trek manufacturers almost 99% of its bicycles outside the US in China, Germany and Netherlands. Trek has a number of international subsidiaries including Trek India, Denmark, Japan, Korea UK and more, which makes it one of the biggest mountain bike brands in the world.

Trek offers a large variety of mountain bikes especially designed for different purposes, including sport hardtail, cross country, dual sport and single track trail. Trek specialises in designing and manufacturing XC (cross country) mountain bikes, which are popular due to their light weight construction, performance and other features.

Best Trek Mountain Bikes

Trek Farley 5 (Suggested price: AUD$2,199)

• Value-packed fat-tire bike
• Especially suited for winter sports at an affordable price
• 5×4.5˝ tires
• Lightweight aluminium frame and carbon fork
• Wide-range Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain
• Trek Remedy 7 27.5 2018
• Long-travel 160mm fork
• 150mm rear suspension
• 11-speed drivetrain
• Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 5˝ wheels

Trek Procaliber 9.6 29 (Suggested price: AUD$3,299)

• Lightweight hardtrail
• OCLV carbon frame
• Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain
• RockShox Recon Gold RL fork
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• IsoSpeed decoupler
• Bontrager XR2 29×2.20˝ tires

Trek Slash 9.8 29 (Suggested price: AUD$6,999)

• Enduro race bike
• Ultra-stiff OCLV carbon frame
• Thru Shar
• FOX 36 Float 160mm front suspension
• RockShox Deluxe RT3 Rear suspension
• Advanced 150mm shock
• LINE Elite wheels
• 108-tooth Rapid Drive hub
• Active Braking Pivot

3. BMC

Established in 1994, BMC is a manufacturer of performance bikes based in Switzerland, a country surrounded by mountains. That’s probably why the company knows how to design and manufacture premium mountain bikes. BMC differentiates its bikes by quality and keeps the entire production process a top secret.

The company offers a diverse range of mountain bikes that aim to provide a competitive advantage and are designed from the ground up for performance and versatility. Although BMC bikes are comparatively more expensive than the competition, the company tries to compensate the price difference through superior construction and better off-road performance.

Best BMC Mountain Bikes

BMC Speedfox 03 TWO 29 (Suggested price: AUD$$3,499)

• A great option for trail riders
• Advanced Pivot System
• APS suspension technology
• RockShox Recon RL fork (120/130mm)
• Fox Float DPS Rear Shock (120/130mm)
• Shimano BR-MT500 brakes
• Maxxis Forekaster EXO tires (27.5 or 29×2.35)

BMC Speedfox 02 TWO 29 (Suggested price: AUD$6,599)

• Trailsync Advanced Pivot System
• Advanced pivot system
• Triple-butted aluminum
• RockShox Pike RC fork (120/130mm)
• Fox Float DPS rear fork (120/130mm)
• Shimano XT shifter and brakes
• Maxxis Forekaster EXO tires (29×2.35 or 29.5)

BMC Speedfox 01 ONE 29 (Suggested price: AUD$8,999)

• APS Advanced Pivot System
• Trailsync technology
• IP Cable Routing (internal carbon guide tubes)
• Molded downtube
• Chainstay guards
• Mud Flap to keep bearings clean and hide all cables
• RockShox Pike RCT3 fork (120/130mm)
• Fox Float DPS (120/130mm) rear shock
• 1×12 gears
• SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes (180/180)
• BMC Trailsync seatpost
• Maxxis Forekaster EXO tires (27.5/29×2.35)

4. Focus

Focus is a German brand and specializes in manufacturing mountain, racing and other types of sports bicycles. Founded in 1993, the company started manufacturing mountain bikes soon after its inception and introduced 6 different varieties. Carbon fiber frames were introduced in 2006, while a triathlon bicycle was introduced in 2008 along with a time trial bicycle.

Focus entered in the US and Italian market by setting up its subsidiaries in 2009. The company has a rich history of achievements and sponsorships and various cyclists have earned a name riding its bikes. Mike Kluge became runner up World Champion as well as German National Champion riding a Focus bike in 1993, while Jörg Arenz became the German cyclocross champion in 1998.

Best Focus Mountain Bikes

Focus JAM ELITE 29 (Suggested Price: AUD$2,999)

• Lightweight 6066 aluminum frame
• 130mm suspension travel, fox 34 Rhythm fort/Float shock
• Maxxis Minion Tires/Race Face wheels
• Shimano Deore M6000 brakes (180/180mm)
• Shimano Deore 6000 Derailleur (10-speed)

FOCUS O1E Pro (Suggested Price: AUD$5,499)

• Lightweight carbon frame (100 mm F.O.L.D. kinematic, 148×12 mm)
• Level TL disc brake 180 mm / 160 mm
• Sram GX Eagle drive
• Fox 32 Float SC fork 100 mm travel, 110×15 mm, dual remote
• Float Elite shock foldable tires
• Continental Race King 2.2
• Sram GX Eagle rear derailleur (12-speed)

FOCUS O1E MAX Team (Suggested Price: AUD$9,999)

• Extremely lightweight carbon frame 1830g max (100 mm F.O.L.D. kinematic)
• RockShox SID XX WorldCup fork, 100 mm travel
• Sram Level Ultimate brakes
• RockShox Monarch XX Rear Shock
• DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheelset

5. Specialized

Established in 1974, Specialized made the first production mountain bike at a time when people craved riding cruisers in the dirt but were limited by available options. The California-based company sponsored the first industry-wide mountain bike meeting with IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) and believes that bikes have the power of changing lives.

Specialized had a humble beginning and imported bike parts from Italy before starting manufacturing of its own bicycles in 1981. It was the same year in which the company started mass-producing mountain bike called Stumpjumper, which is still being manufactured. Specialized produces different categories of mountain bikes, including all-mountain, fat bike, cross-country, trail, gravity and women’s mountain bikes.

Best Specialized Mountain Bikes

Specialized Men’s Rockhopper Expert (Suggested price: AUD$1,200)

• Great mountain bike for beginners at an affordable price
• A1 SL alloy frame
• Internal cable routing
• Sport XC 29 geometry for an improved fit
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• SR Suntour XCR-Air fork, 80/90/100mm
• 3″ front and 29×2.1″ rear tire
• Shimano derailleurs
• 9-speed Sunrace cassette

Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29er (Suggested price: AUD$5,500)

• FACT 9m carbon fibre, ultra-lightweight and strong
• Compartment for fitting in a tube, pump and tool (SWAT Door)
• 29-inch and 6Fattie wheels switchable
• GX 11-speed shifting
• RockShox Revelation RC fork (150mm travel)
• Custom-tuned Monarch RT
• FACT 9m carbon fibre Trail Chassis
• SRAM’s 11-speed GX groupset

Specialized Enduro Pro Carbon 650B (Suggested price: AUD$: 8,900)

• Professional-grade trail bike
• FACT IS-X 11m carbon fiber frame
• 170mm of plush travel (front and rear)
• SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed groupset
• Guide RS hydraulic disc brakes w/ S4 calipers
• Roval wheels (hand-built)
• RockShox Lyrik RC fork, 170mm travel
• SWATDoor integration
• 6″ tires

6. Norco

Founded in 1964, Norco is a Canadian bike manufacturer that started as Northern Cycle Industries before evolving into Norco Canada and NORCO in 1980s. Although the company has been in the bicycle manufacturing businesses since a long time, it began producing mountain bikes in 1984 and became one of the first North American companies to offer mountain bikes at that time.

Norco introduced Rampage in 1991, which was the first North American front suspension mountain bike. In 1994, the company introduced Canada’s 1^stfull suspension mountain bike FTS which featured a horst link system. Things only got better from there after Norco started selling its bikes in international markets and now has a strong presence in over 25 countries around the globe.

Best Norco Mountain Bikes

Norco Two50  (Suggested price: AUD$1,599)

• Sturdy and lightweight Norco Two50 2018
• Manitou Circus Comp 100mm/20mm fork
• Maxxix DTH folding bead 26″x 2.3 tires
• Tektro MD-M280 Mech Disc front brake
• Tektro Auriga HD-285 rear brake

Norco Range A1 29 (Suggested price: AUD$5,399)

• Value-packed Enduro bike
• Confidence-inspiring stability
• Range Aluminum 29 150mm travel/650B 160mm travel
• Fox 36 Performance Float 160mm(29)/170mm (650B) fork
• Fox Performance Float DPX2 rear shock with EVOL and LV
• Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT Maxx Terra/EXO/TR tires
• Sram GX Eagle 12 speed rear shifter/derailleur

Norco Revolver FS XX1 29  (Suggested price: AUD$8,999)

• Raced on the World Cup stage
• Purpose-built for XC competition
• Featherlight, yet stiff carbon frame, Revolver FS Hi-Mod Carbon 100mm
• XC race geometry
• R.T suspension
• RockShox Sid World Cup R 100mm fork
• Rockshox Monarch RL rear shock
• Maxxis Ikon 29″x 2.2″/27.5″ x 2.2″ tires
• SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-speed shifter/derailleur

  

7. Rocky Mountain

Vancouver-based Rocky Mountain is another Canadian brand that has been producing quality mountain bikes since 1981 and now has a strong presence in 36 countries. Its bikes are particularly popular among professional cyclists and the brand is known for its quality mountain bikes. RM produces a variety of mountain bikes specifically designed for different terrains and riding styles, including full-suspension and hard-tail cross country bikes.

Best RockyMountain Mountain Bikes

Rocky Mountain Fusion 40 (Suggested price: AUD$1,299)

• Lightweight and tough 6061 Aluminum frame
• 29-inch wheels
• 100mm Rockshox 30 short travel fork
• Agile and better at climbing
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• 2×10 Shimano drivetrain

Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 70 (Suggested price: AUD$: 5,899)

• SMOOTHWALL Carbon frame
• Internal Cable Routing
• Fox 34 Float Performance Elite fork (1200 travel)
• Shimano XT brakes
• Sram GX Eagle shifters/rear derailleur
• Maxxis Forekaster EXO Tubeless-Ready tires (29 x 2.35)

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 (Suggested price: AUD$9,999)

• SMOOTHWALL Carbon frame
• Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Factory fork (160mm)
• 160mm front travel
• Fox Float DPX2 Factory shock, 150mm rear travel
• Sram Guide RSC 180mm brake
• Sram X01 Eagle
• Rocky Mountain Spirit Guide Front Derailleur
• Sram X01 Eagle 12-speed Rear Derailleur
• Maxxis Minion DHF WT Maxx Terra 3C 27.5 x 2.5 tubeless-ready tires
• Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm front hub
• Sram Descendant Carbon Eagle 34T Cranks & Chain-rings