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Trail Bike Buying Guides

Introduction

Trail bikes are the classic do-it-all mountain bike. For many weekend warriors and enthusiast riders, a trail bike is the right choice when you need one bike that can take you everywhere.

Who Should Ride a Trail Bike?

Trail bikes are suitable for a wide range of riders who enjoy exploring diverse terrain and riding styles. They are ideal for:

  • Recreational riders who want a versatile bike they can ride almost anywhere and that can handle obstacles and recreational jumps
  • Adventurous riders who enjoy exploring new trails
  • Riders who want a capable bike for both climbing and descending without sacrificing efficiency on either end of the spectrum.
  • Those who enjoy long rides and epic adventures that include technical terrain.

Overall, trail bikes offer a perfect balance of versatility, performance, and confidence-inspiring handling. They're popular category for a reason! While you won't want to tackle a Red Bull race with a trail bike, they can do most anything that most riders will want to do, most of the time.

Model Guides - Trail Bikes

2022 Diamondback Atroz 1

2022 Diamondback Atroz 1

A full-suspension bike that doesn't break the bank.

2022 Diamondback Atroz 3

2022 Diamondback Atroz 3

A durable design and the latest innovations.

2022 Diamondback Catch 1

2022 Diamondback Catch 1

A catch of an adventure bike.

2022 Diamondback Catch 2

2022 Diamondback Catch 2

A plus-tire bike that pulls out all the stops.

2022 Diamondback Release 29 1

2022 Diamondback Release 29 1

Ready to make you a better cyclist.

2022 Diamondback Release 29 2

2022 Diamondback Release 29 2

A high-shred bike for high-mileage days.

2022 Diamondback Release 29 3

2022 Diamondback Release 29 3

Dominate those trails day in and day out.

2022 Diamondback Release 4C

2022 Diamondback Release 4C

Feel like you're riding on air.

2022 Diamondback Release 5C

2022 Diamondback Release 5C

You can have it all in a bike.

2022 Niner JET 9 RDO

2022 Niner JET 9 RDO

One of the best contemporary short-travel trail bikes.

2022 Niner RIP 9 RDO 27.5

2022 Niner RIP 9 RDO 27.5

The ruler of off-road bikes.

2022 Niner RIP 9 RDO 29

2022 Niner RIP 9 RDO 29

King of the mountain

2022 Niner Rip e9

2022 Niner Rip e9

A quick and efficient electric trail bike for all excursions.

2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct

2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct

One bike for every job.

2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

A dream electric trail bike.

2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon 8

2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon 8

The perfect muse for freethinkers and adventure seekers.

2022 SCOR 4060 ST

2022 SCOR 4060 ST

Long live play time.

2022 SCOR 4060 Z ST

2022 SCOR 4060 Z ST

An e-bike for miles and miles of adventure.

2022 Yeti ARC

2022 Yeti ARC

Built for anything, no fine print.

2022 Yeti SB130

2022 Yeti SB130

One bike, any mountain.

2022 Yeti SB140 27.5

2022 Yeti SB140 27.5"

The world's finest rip bike.

2023 Norco Fluid FS Aluminum

2023 Norco Fluid FS Aluminum

Always ride your best on the trails.

2023 Norco Optic

2023 Norco Optic

For beginners to pros, and everyone in between.

2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct

2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct

This is one bike that does it all.

2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

The best electric trail bike on the market.

2023 Santa Cruz 5010 5

2023 Santa Cruz 5010 5

Get fun and creative on the trails with the 5010.

2023 Yeti SB120

2023 Yeti SB120

Your newest trail obsession.

2023 Yeti SB135

2023 Yeti SB135

A bike at home on every type of terrain.

2024 Norco Fluid FS Carbon

2024 Norco Fluid FS Carbon

Carbon build is 600g lighter than aluminum build.

2024 Norco Optic

2024 Norco Optic

Your short travel dream bike.

2024 Rocky Mountain Instinct

2024 Rocky Mountain Instinct

Precision crafted for adventure.

2025 Orbea Rise

2025 Orbea Rise

Ride With Confidence With the Rise

Nukeproof Reactor Carbon 290

Nukeproof Reactor Carbon 290

Best for the ups and downs.

Key Features of a Modern Trail Bike

Modern trail bikes are engineered to deliver versatility and performance across a variety of trail conditions.

Key features of these bikes include:

  • Rear Suspension Travel: Typically ranging from 120mm to 150mm, providing a balance of efficiency on climbs and plushness on descents.
  • Front Suspension Travel: Ranging from 130mm to 160mm, offering additional control and comfort on rough terrain.
  • Wheel Size: Available in both 27.5” and 29” options, providing riders with choices to suit their riding preferences and terrain. Trail bikes are also available in mullet sizes with a larger front wheel and a smaller back wheel. Some models offer 27.5" wheels on smaller size bikes and 29" wheels on larger sizes.
  • Tire Width: 2.3” to 2.6” tires for a balance of traction, stability, and rolling efficiency across varied trail conditions.
  • Handlebar Width: Moderate handlebar width, varies depending on rider preference
  • Stem Length: Short to medium stem length for responsive handling and control in tight turns and technical sections.
  • Head Angle: Slack head angle ranging from 67 to 68 degrees