mountain bike buyer's guide
From Cross Country to Enduro and E-MTBs: Your Complete GuideChoosing the right mountain bike can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to help. Whether you're chasing podiums, bombing down rock gardens, or looking for a fun and capable all-rounder, the best mountain bike is the one that fits your terrain, your style, and your goals.
This guide breaks down the main categories of mountain bikes—including e-MTBs—so you can make an informed decision. Let’s ride.
Hardtail vs. full-suspension... and beyond
Hardtail Mountain Bikes
A hardtail mountain bike has a suspension fork in the front but no rear suspension. The rear triangle of the frame is rigid.
Best for:
Cross-country (XC) riding
Smooth trails and light singletrack
Riders who want a lightweight, efficient, and lower-cost bike
Pros:
Lighter and generally more affordable than full suspension
More efficient power transfer on climbs and smooth terrain
Easier to maintain (fewer moving parts)
Cons:
Less forgiving on rough or technical terrain
Can be less comfortable over long rides on bumpy trails
Shop hardtail mountain bikes
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
Full suspension bikes feature both front and rear shocks, helping absorb impacts from rough terrain.
Best for:
Trail, all-mountain, enduro, and downhill riding
Riders prioritizing comfort, control, and speed on technical trails
Pros:
Improved traction, control, and comfort on rough terrain
More forgiving on mistakes — ideal for progressing your skills
Better performance on descents and technical climbs
Better traction and easier climbing on tough, technical ascents
Cons:
Heavier and more expensive
More complex to maintain (additional moving parts and pivots)
May feel less efficient on smooth climbs unless equipped with lockout options
Shop Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
More to consider
Air Suspension VS Coil Suspension
air Suspension
Use pressurized air as a spring
Pros:
Lightweight and easily adjustable with a shock pump
Ideal for XC and trail riders who prioritize weight savings
Tunable for different rider weights and styles
Cons:
Can feel less plush on repeated big hits
Requires air pressure monitoring and occasional service
Coil Suspension
Use a metal spring (usually steel or titanium).
Pros:
Super plush and consistent on rough, aggressive terrain
Preferred by downhill and enduro riders for predictability
Cons:
Heavier and less adjustable without swapping coils
Not ideal for lightweight or general-purpose riders
Mountain Bike Sub-genres
Cross Country (XC)
Lightweight. Fast. Efficient. Surprisingly Versatile.
Cross Country bikes are designed for speed and distance. They climb well, cover ground fast, and are ideal for riders who prioritize efficiency over all-out descending capability.
But they’re not just for racers—XC is also where most entry-level mountain bikes live. These bikes are lightweight, simple, and versatile—perfect for riders who want a bike that’s equally at home cruising the neighborhood, riding to school or work, or venturing onto mellow trails.
Typical Specs:
Suspension travel: 80–120mm front (hardtail or short-travel full suspension)
Frame style: Hardtail or lightweight full suspension
Wheel size: 29" (sometimes 27.5" in XS/S sizes)
Ideal for: Fitness riding, light trail use, commuting, and everyday adventure
Best for: Riders who want speed, efficiency, and a great all-around mountain bike experience without jumping straight into the gnarlier stuff.
XC e-bikes are a great option for long-distance fitness riding, mixed terrain commuting, or making hills disappear on your local loops.
Trail
The all-rounder. Climb, descend, and play.
Trail bikes strike the balance between up and down. They’re ideal for everyday riding, technical climbs, and moderate descents—perfect if you want one bike to do it all.
Typical Specs:
Suspension travel: 120–150mm
Frame style: Full suspension (some aggressive hardtails exist)
Wheel size: 29", 27.5", or mixed "mullet" (29 front / 27.5" rear)
Ideal for: Varied singletrack, techy climbs, fast descents
Best for: Versatile riders who want to explore all kinds of trails.
Trail e-MTBs offer natural-feeling pedal assist with enough travel to handle tough terrain and enough power to double your laps.
All-Mountain
More travel, more aggressive geometry, more fun.
All-Mountain bikes are the link between Trail and Enduro. They’re confident on technical trails and steep descents, but still efficient enough to pedal to the top.
Typical Specs:
Suspension travel: 140–160mm
Frame style: Full suspension
Wheel size: 29”, or mixed “mullet” (29” front / 27.5” rear)
Ideal for: Big trail days, drops, chunky descents
Best for: Riders who want downhill confidence without the race-weight penalty of Enduro bikes.
All-Mountain e-MTBs like the Trek Rail or Norco Sight VLT offer serious power and range for high-speed trail adventures.
Enduro
Rugged. Race-ready. Gravity focused.
Built to race or charge rough terrain, Enduro bikes are made for going fast on the down, while still being able to climb back up. These bikes love bike park terrain and shuttle laps.
Typical Specs:
Suspension travel: 160–180mm
Frame style: Long-travel full suspension
Wheel size: Often mullet or 29”
Ideal for: Steep, technical trails, Enduro races
Best for: Aggressive riders, racers, and those who prioritize downhill performance.
Enduro e-bikes offer big travel and battery range for full-send descending all day long.
Downhill (DH)
Maximum travel. Maximum send.
Downhill bikes are purpose-built for lift-serviced terrain and steep descents. They’re not made to pedal uphill—they’re made to charge hard down.
Typical Specs:
Suspension travel: 200mm+
Frame style: Full suspension with dual-crown forks
Wheel size: 27.5”, 29” or mixed
Ideal for: Bike parks, DH races, freeride lines
Best for: Adrenaline junkies and park rats who shuttle or ride chairlifts.
? What About E-MTBs?
E-mountain bikes are now available across almost every category—from lightweight XC assist bikes to full-blown Enduro monsters.
Why Choose an E-MTB?
More laps, longer rides
Level the playing field for group rides
Reach farther terrain with less fatigue
Great for older riders or those recovering from injury
We stock a full range of Trek, Norco, and Santa Cruz e-MTBs—let us help you find the one that fits your riding style.
| Bike Type | Front Travel | Rear Travel | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC Hardtail | 80-120mm | N/A | XC Racing, Light trails, Cruising |
| Cross-Country (XC) | 100-120mm | 100-120mm | XC Racing, Light trails, |
| Trail Hardtail | 120-150mm | N/A | All-around Fun |
| Trail Full Suspension | 120-150mm | 120-150mm | Even more all-around fun |
| All-Mountain | 150-180mm | 140–160mm | Aggressive trails, Park Days |
| Enduro | 170–190mm | 160–180mm | Park Days, Enduro Races |
| Downhill | 180-200mm+ | 180-200mm+ | Steep, gnarly descents, DH Racing |
Need Help Choosing?
Our expert staff has the knowledge and experience to help you find the right bike for your riding needs.
We can guide you through bike selection, suspension setup, sizing, ride essentials, and more. We stock bikes for every trail, terrain, and budget—
plus we offer financing options, suspension service, and bike trade-ins.
Come see us at Western Cycle,1550 8th Ave in Regina Saskatchewan, and together, we'll
Find Your Ride.