Best Mountain Bikes 2012

Ranked #222 in Sports & Recreation, #8,964 overall

Top Mountain Bikes For 2012

There are literally hundreds of mountain bikes on the market and choosing the best mountain bikes 2012 is no easy task.

There are several categories would could use, too, to help make this decision.

For example, which has the best front-end suspension and which has the lightest weight.

Or which is made from the most durable alloy and which has the most comfortable ride overall.

But we know you want details. You want to know the performance statistics on 26ers VS 29ers. You want to know which is easier to handle, an aluminum or alloy frame, and how does weight fit into the picture.

You want to know which one Lance Armstrong is riding and how much it cost, right? Yeah. We thought so...

Best Mountain Bikes For Men

Types Of Mountain Bikes

Before you can decide which bike is right for you, you need to know about the different types of mountain bikes. All mountain bikes are not created equal and choosing the wrong style for the type of riding you want to do could be dangerous.
  • 1Cross Country Mountain Bikes

    This is the bike that most people think of when you say the words 'Mountain Bike' and these are the favorite for most new riders. They're very light -weight which makes them easier to ride on steeper, rougher terrain. They're available in Full or Hardtail suspension, with Hardtail being the lightest weight and the least expensive.
  • 2Downhill Mountain Bikes: Downhill bikes are for riders who have a little experience. They're a slightly heavier bike but it's because they have a heavier-duty suspension, both in the front and the rear. Plus, they typically have full disc brakes.

    These are the bikes that you see riders using in Xtreme competitions and each rider usually customizes his bike for his own special skills.
  • 3Professional Mountain Bikes: And at the high end you'll find the professional bikes. These bikes are made of the lightest, highest-quality materials and they're very expensive. But they're also the most durable and powerful of all mountain bikes. Because they're so light weight they require expert skills for handling. Don't attempt a professional bike until you have some experience under your belt.

Best Mountain Bikes For Women

Best Mountain Bikes For Women

Best Mountain Bikes 2012

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Finding A Mountain Bike

Videos on Choosing The Right Mountain Bike

Mountain Bike (Trials Bike) Trickster - Danny Macaskill
by phiz | video info

11,416 ratings | 6,155,489 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Tips For Choosing A Mountain Bike

  • 1Suspension: There are two types of suspension to choose from: Hardtail suspension and Full suspension.

    Hardtail suspension mountain bikes have suspension in the front fork but no suspension in the rear. This makes them lighter and good for racing and climbing but they're uncomfortable and harder to control on rough terrain.

    Full suspension have additional suspension built into the frame. They're more stable and easier to handle on bumpy terrain and there are different levels of suspension. However, typically they're also more expensive.
  • 2Budget: Of course, your budget is going to be a big part of your decision. Typically, Hardtail bikes are less expensive because they only have the front suspension. However, if you're going to be doing any kind of rough riding you should look for a full suspension bike that's in your price range.

    A full suspension bike will be more versatile and comfortable and you'll be able to go from street riding to hills and rough terrain without trouble. With a hardtail you'll have a difficult time on rougher terrain and you'll be limited in where you can ride it.
  • 3Where will you be riding: Before you decide on suspension and body type, take a good look at where you'll be doing most of your riding. Are you buying a bike to ride back and forth to work or will you be spending your weekends out in the countryside?

    If you'll be doing most of your riding in the streets then there's no need to spend the extra money for additional suspension that you'll probably never need. On the other hand, if you're going to be out in the hills every weekend you'll want a sturdier, full suspension bike that can handle the beating.

Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000

Best Mountain Bikes Under 1000

Best Mountain Bikes 2012

Schwinn Rocket Comp Adult Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike,Red/Pewter (26-Inch Frame)

Amazon Price: $453.83 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

* Responsive men's mountain bike with Iso-Drive suspended 4-bar proprietary frame
* Manitou Radium flexible air spring shock; Manitou Axel Comp fork
* Shimano Deore rapid-fire trigger shifters; clipless, double-sided pedals
* WTB 26-by-2.1-inch Velociraptor tires with front- and rear-specific tread pattern
* WTB Speed V Sport SE saddle with Schwinn logo; Hayes mechanical disc brakes

Mongoose Salvo Comp Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

Mongoose Salvo Comp Dual Suspension Mountain Bike - 26-Inch Wheels (Medium)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

* Hydroformed Alloy Frame
* Shimano Alivio/Deore 27-speed drivetrain
* Adjustable 95-120mm rear travel
* Floating shockmount and alloy linkage
* Customize the pivots with your favorite bottlecap

Diamondback 2012 Overdrive Comp 29'er Mountain Bike

Diamondback 2012 Overdrive Comp 29'er Mountain Bike (Grey, 20-Inch/ Large )

Amazon Price: $900.00 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

* Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum Overdrive 29r Frame
* RockShox XC32 29, 100mm Fork w/ remote TurnKey Lock Out
* SRAM X5 10spd shifters, front and rear Derailleurs
* SL-7 Double Wall Rims
* Hayes Dyno Sport Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Mountain Bikes Accessories On Sale

Mountain Bike Shorts

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Mountain Bike Seats

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Mountain Bike Helmets

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What's your favorite Mountain Bike for 2012?

Your Feedback Is Appreciated.....

  • rantheman1 Apr 10, 2012 @ 1:46 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • sstock93 Feb 18, 2012 @ 10:31 am | delete
    Nice Mountain Bike Lens. I went riding for the first time several years ago and loved it. I need to dust off my bike and get "geared up" for the spring. The State parks here in Indiana are great for Mountain Bike Riding.
  • ChrisImamshah Feb 17, 2012 @ 7:37 am | delete
    Very useful information. I never realized that there are bikes specifically for downhill riding. Squidliked your lens.

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