Best Mountain Bike Brands (That Beat All Terrains)

If you want to get the best mountain bike, you should start by researching the brands that could be selling what you’re looking for.

Down below are the best mountain bike brands in our opinion. Check out the list and read our detailed reviews to find out more about each brand and the bikes they sell. (From A to Z)

1. Bakcou

• Types: Electric mountain bikes and hunting bikes
• Popular models: Flatlander, Mule, Storm, Carbon Alpha

Bakcou doesn’t make “normal bicycles”. In fact, their bikes are as far away from normal as possible – they are more like beasts. Their hunting bikes are ready for every obstacle and are truly some of the best hunting bikes on the market today.

Features:

• Up to 1200Wh battery capacity
• Powerful motors
• 300lb carrying capacity

… or read our detailed overview of Bakcou Bikes

2. Bianchi

• Founded in: 1885
• Types: Cross country
• Popular models: Methanol, Magma, Duel

Bianchi is most well known for making road bikes, so it might come as a surprise to some that Bianchi also makes high-quality mountain bikes. The range isn’t too wide, but there are still some full suspension and hardtail models.

Features:

• Both beginner-friendly and high-end models
• Hardtail and FS model
• Quality components

… or read our detailed review of Bianchi Bikes

3. BMC

• Founded in: 1986
• Types: Cross country, trail, kids
• Popular models: Twostroke, Fourstroke, Speedfox

As a well-known Swiss bike brand, BMC knows what it’s doing. Performance and quality go hand-in-hand when it comes to these bikes. And while BMC is mainly known for making road bikes, their mountain bikes are just as good.

Features:

• Hardail and full-suspension models
• Good price-quality balance
• Diverse selection

… or read our detailed review of BMC

4. Breezer

• Founded in: 1977
• Types: Adventure bikes
• Popular models: Thunder

Breezer has been in the mountain-biking business for decades. It all started back in 1977 with Joe Breeze designing the first modern mountain bike. Now, their current MTB models don’t have any suspension, but that doesn’t mean they’re any worse because of that.

Features:

• Ultimate rigid mountain bike
• Good price-quality balance
• Clever design

… or read our detailed review of Breezer Bikes

5. Cannondale

• Founded in: 1970
• Types: Cross country, trail, electric
• Popular models: Habit, Jekyll, Trail, plus more series

Cannondale is one of the most popular and one of the oldest mountain bike manufacturers in the world. The company made its first bike in 1983, which was an aluminum touring model. Soon after that, Cannondale also introduced mountain bikes to its lineup. Today, this brand has a huge selection of XC and Trail mountain bikes, as well as electric mountain bikes.

Features:

• Something for every skill level
• Durable components
• Good price-quality balance

… or read our detailed overview of Cannondale

6. Co-op Cycles

DRT Series

• Founded in: 2016
• Types: Cross country, trail
• Popular models: DRT series

Co-op Cycles is REI’s sister brand that produces bicycles and cycling gear and equipment. It is especially popular for its budget-friendly mountain bikes that belong to the DRT series. Co-op Cycles manufactures both hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes, ideal for beginners and trail enthusiasts. The brand sells its mountain bikes only online, in REI’s online store.

Features:

• Ready for adventure
• Wide selection
• Built with quality

… or read our detailed overview of Co-op

7. Diamondback

• Founded in: 1977
• Types: Hardtails, full suspension, kids
• Popular models: Overdrive, Release, Mission, and more

Diamondback is one of the most popular mountain bike brands in the United States. The company’s roots date back to 1977, so this is a brand with a long tradition. Diamondback manufactures carbon and aluminum mountain bicycles for amateurs, enthusiasts, and pros. The brand also sponsors dozens of top-achieving athletes in the sport under the Diamondback Racing (DBR) program.

Features:

• Quality bikes
• Durable components
• Something for every skill level

… or read our detailed review of Diamondback Mountain Bikes

8. Ghost Bikes

• Founded in: 1993
• Types: Tour, cross country, trail, all mountain, enduro, dirt
• Popular models: Kato series, Lector, Nirvana

Ghost Bikes is one of the biggest mountain bike manufacturers in Europe and the rest of the world. The company is located in Germany and its roots date back to 1993. Ghost makes full-suspension and hardtail bikes in entry-level, mid-range, and high-end price categories, so all types of riders can find a Ghost model that suits their needs. Ghost bikes have recently been rising in popularity in the USA as well.

Features:

• Diverse selection
• Quality components
• One of the biggest MTB manufacturers in Europe

… or read our review of Ghost Bikes

9. Giant

• Founded in: 1972
• Types: Enduro, trail, XC, fat bikes
• Popular models: Trance, Talon, Stance, Reign

Giant is the biggest manufacturer of bicycles in the world and one of the best mountain bike brands as well. This Taiwanese company has been around since 1972. It offers a huge selection of mountain bikes in all categories, including electric MTBs. Giant is well-known for its entry-level and mid-range mountain bicycles, but the company makes high-end mountain bikes as well, many of which are ridden by the best athletes in the world.

Features:

• One of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world
• Durable components
• Versatile selection

… or read our detailed review of Giant

10. GT Bicycles

• Founded in: 1972
• Types: Enduro, Trail, XC
• Popular models:

GT Bicycles is one of the best mountain bike brands, known for its BMX bikes and affordable entry-level options. They have bikes to fit every need, even for pro cyclists!

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Women-specific models as well
• Quality builds

… or read our detailed review of GT Bicycles

11. Himiway Bikes

• Founded in: 2017
• Types: Electric mountain bikes
• Popular models: Zebra, Cobra

Himiway’s lineup consists of multiple offroad beasts. While the Cruiser is probably best known of the bunch, there are quite a few options when it comes to their electric mountain bikes.

Features:

• Full suspension models available as well
• Solid components
• Relatively affordable prices

… or read our detailed overview of Himiway Bikes

12. Juliana Bikes

• Founded in: 2013
• Types: Full suspension
• Popular models: Furtado, Roubion, Wilder, Joplin

Juliana produces premium mountain bikes that are built and tuned specifically for women. Women-specific bicycles are not uncommon nowadays, many brands make spinoffs of their popular men’s models to make them more suitable for female riders. As Santa Cruz’s sister company their bikes have a lot of similarities with the well-known brand.

Features:

• Santa Cruz’s sister company
• Legendary origin-story
• Quality bikes

… or read our detailed review of Juliana Bikes

13. Knolly Bikes

• Founded in: 2002
• Types: Trail, enduro
• Popular models: Tyaughton, Fugitive, Chilcotin, Warden

Knolly Bikes were born from one man’s wish to create the best bike possible. Today, this wish has paid off in the form of countless bikes for different kinds of riders. Knolly’s range offers something to riders who know what they’re looking for.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Premium quality
• Exceptional riding experience

… or read our detailed review of Knolly Bikes

14. Liv Cycling

• Founded in: 2008
• Types: Enduro, trail, XC, fat bikes
• Popular models: Intrique, Embolden, Pique

As the sister company of Giant, Liv Cycling produces female-orientated bikes. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for mountain bikes, road bikes or electric bikes, they have it all.

Features:

• Giant’s sister company
• Women-specific models
• Quality builds for every skill level

… or read our detailed review of Liv

15. Marin Bikes

• Founded in: 1986
• Types: Enduro, trail, electric
• Popular models: Rift Zone, San Quentin, and many more

Marin is a well-known brand that focuses on creating beginner-friendly adventure bikes. But the best part is, there are models for serious cyclists too! Cyclists all over the world value Marin bikes for their quality and capabilities.

Features:

• Quality builds for different riders
• Powerful components
• Good price-quality balance

… or read our detailed review of Marin Bikes

16. Mondraker

• Founded in: 2011
• Types: DH, enduro, trail, cross country
• Popular models: Chrono, Foxy, Superfoxy

Mondraker is mostly known for high-end bikes. Thankfully, their range offers some beginner-friendly options too. There’s everything – from hardtails to serious full-suspension beasts.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Powerful components
• Higher-end bikes

… or read our detailed review of Mondraker Bikes

17. Niner Bikes

• Founded in: 2004
• Types: Enduro, trail, XC, electric
• Popular models: RIP 9, JET 9, and many more

Niner Bikes is a USA mountain bike brand located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Unlike some other manufacturers on this list, Niner only makes bicycles intended for off-road riding. The company was founded in 2004 and came a long way since then in terms of technology, performance, and design. In addition to hardtails and full-suspension MTBs, Niner also manufactures gravel and electric bikes.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Powerful components
• Quality designs

… or read our overview of Niner Bikes

18. Norco Bicycles

• Founded in: 1964
• Types: Downhill, enduro, all mountain, trail, fat bikes, XC race, cross country, dirt jump, electric
• Popular models: Storm, Range, Sight, and many more

Norco is a mountain bike brand with headquarters in Canada. It is Canada’s oldest and biggest bicycle manufacturer with a huge fan following in the USA and the rest of the world. Norco is best-known for its MTB lineup which includes DH, Freeride, All Mountain, Trail, XC, Fat, and Dirt Jump bikes. The selection includes models in all price categories, so both complete amateurs and seasoned professionals can find the right mountain bike. In addition, Norco also manufactures e-bikes and other types of bicycles.

Features:

• Plenty of different model options
• Powerful components
• Incredible value

… or read our detailed review of Norco Bikes

19. NS Bikes

• Founded in: 2003
• Types: BMX
• Popular models: Zircus, Movement, Metropolis

We know what you’re thinking. Although NS Bikes don’t look like the usual mountain bike you might see on the trail, they are still technically mountain bikes. NS Bikes is a company that is ever-evolving, so who knows what the future holds? But at the moment they mainly offer dirt jumping bikes.

Features:

• Quality BMX bikes
• Powerful designs
• Ever-evolving

… or read our detailed review of NS Bikes

20. Orbea Bikes

• Founded in: 1840
• Types: Enduro, XC, trail
• Popular models: Occam, Alma, plus many more

Orbea has been in the bike manufacturing business since 1930, making it one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world. This Spanish brand has a large selection of Trail, Enduro, and XC mountain bikes with high-quality components, as well as carbon and aluminum frames. Orbea is considered to be a high-performance brand, which means that its bicycles are more expensive than the industry’s average. In addition to traditional bikes, Orbea also makes electric bicycles.

Features:

• Decades worth of improvements
• Powerful components
• Monocoque Carbon Frames

… or read our detailed review of Orbea Bikes

21. Pivot Cycles

• Founded in: 2007
• Types: Downhill, enduro, XC, dirt jump, electric
• Popular models: Mach 4 SL, Firebird, Switchblade

Pivot Cycles is a USA-based cycling brand established in 2007. This is one of the most desirable and authentic brands available on the mountain biking market. It’s a company led by engineers who are passionate about high performance, new technologies, and competition, all of which are important traits of Pivot Bikes.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Powerful builds
• Built for enthusiasts

… or read our detailed overview of Pivot Bikes

22. Revel Bikes

• Founded in: 2016
• Types: Enduro, XC, trail
• Popular models: Rascal, Rail, Ranger, Rover

Revel has managed to make a name for themselves in just a few years. With new technologies, they have a lot to offer for mountain bikers.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Carbon fiber frames
• Quality builds

… or read our detailed overview of Revel Bikes

23. Rocky Mountain Bikes

• Founded in: 1981
• Types: Enduro, XC, trail, electric
• Popular models: Altitude, Element, Slayer, and more

Rocky Mountain bikes are also good for trail riding with frames that can handle just about anything. With new model mountain bikes hitting the market every year, you can be sure to get the most durable and best fit for you.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Powerful electronics
• Quality mountain bikes

… or read our detailed review of Rocky Mountain Bikes

24. Salsa Cycles

• Founded in: 1994
• Types: Enduro, trail, race
• Popular models: Rustler, Rangefinder, Horsethief, Timberjack, plus many more

Salsa Cycles is a USA-based brand that’s completely committed to making amazing mountain, fat, and gravel adventure bikes. This is a boutique brand with boutique prices, so you will have to pay a bit more to own a Salsa. However, these are premium mountain bikes with top-tier components, lightweight materials, and state-of-the-art engineering. Salsa is by far one of the best MTB brands in the world. Its bikes are also often the go-to choice of bikepackers.

Features:

• One of the best mountain bikes brands in the world
• Powerful components
• Good price-quality balance

… or read our detailed overview of Salsa Cycles

25. Santa Cruz Bikes

• Founded in: 1994
• Types: Full suspension & hardtails
• Popular models: Hightower, 5010, Hecker, and so many more

Santa Cruz is a USA specialty brand with a selection of high-end mountain bikes. The company was established in 1994 in Santa Cruz, California, hence the name. Santa Cruz makes premium hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes with high-end components and steep price points. Its lineup includes 27.5″ and 29″ MTBs, as well as mixed-wheels models, electric bikes, and gravel bikes.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• High-quality components
• High-end bikes

… or read our detailed overview of Santa Cruz Bikes

26. Schwinn

• Founded in: 1895
• Types: Entry level mountain bikes
• Popular models: Mesa, Traxion

Schwinn is one of the best mountain bike brands, and also happens to be one of the oldest bicycle manufacturers still producing today. Although their focus has shifted over the years, their bikes still offer good value. Today, they are known for their budget-friendly mountain bikes.

Features:

• Entry level mountain bikes
• Reliable components
• Good price-quality balance

… or read our detailed review of Schwinn Bikes

27. Scott

• Founded in: 1958
• Types: Cross country, trail, enduro, downhill
• Popular models: Spark, Gambler, Aspect

Scott makes durable machines for mountain biking. What makes Scott one of the best MTB brands is their variety – there’s something for beginners and experienced bikers.

Features:

• For different skill-levels
• Quality builds
• Durable components

… or read our detailed review of Scott Bikes

28. Serial 1

• Founded in: 2020
• Types: Electric urban/trails
• Popular models: SWITC/MTN, BASH/MTN

Serial 1 has a lot to live up to. Created by Harley-Davidson, there is just no other way. And we are pleased to say, that Seris 1 electric mountain bikes (and electric commuters) are everything a cyclist could ask for. Their mountain bikes look sleek and there’s more to them than just pretty looks. These machines perform incredibly well.

Features:

• Sleek looks
• Powerful motors and batteries
• Premium builds

… or read our detailed review of Serial 1

29. Specialized

• Founded in: 1974
• Types: Downhill, trail, cross country, electric
• Popular models: Stumpjumper, Rockhopper, Fuse, and many more

Specialized is one of the best mountain bike makers in the world. The Stumpjumper was their first MTB model, but soon after that, they started mass-producing mountain bikes, which helped to popularize mountain biking around the world.

Features:

• One of the most well-known brands
• Quality components
• Diverse selection

… or read our detailed overview of Specialized Bikes

30. Trek Bikes

• Founded in: 1976
• Types: Downhill, enduro, trail, cross country, fat bikes, electric
• Popular models: Marlin, Remedy, Supercaliber, and many more

Everyone has heard about Trek Bikes, no matter if they are a cyclist or not. Trek is one of the most iconic bike brands in the world and one of the biggest mountain bike brands. The company was founded back in 1976 in the United States and today manufactures more than 40 unique models and sells them everywhere around the world. Trek produces hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes in all categories, including electric bikes.

Features:

• Modern technologies
• Solid components
• Good price-quality balance

Read our detailed review of Trek

31. VAAST Bikes

• Founded in: 2018
• Types: Trail
• Popular models: VAAST M/1

VAAST is known for its adventure bikes, mainly the Vaast A/1 gravel bike. The company strives to be environment-friendly, most of their frames are made out of magnesium alloy, which is somewhat surprising today. But the magnesium frames are certainly not bad, it’s quite the opposite.

Features:

• Only one mountain bike option
• Durable components
• Interesting technologies

…or read our detailed review of VAAST Bikes

32. Wilier

• Founded in: 1906
• Types: race/endurance models
• Popular models: USMA, URTA

Wilier is famous for making high-quality road bikes for every occasion. The Italian company has a pretty wide range of mountain bikes to offer on the side – from hardtail to full-suspension, there should be something for everybody.

Features:

• Full suspension and hardtail models
• Quality components
• Modern designs

Read our detailed review of Wilier Bikes

33. Yeti Cycles

• Founded in: 1985
• Types: Full suspension and hartail models
• Popular models: Yeti SB150, Yeti SB115

Yeti Cycles is a USA-based brand that makes some of the most innovative mountain bikes in the world. The company was established in 1985 and has been making race-ready MTB rigs ever since. Yeti has pioneered numerous cycling technologies, including the Switch Infinity suspension. Its lineup mainly consists of full-suspension bikes intended for serious trail, XC, enduro, and DH riders.

Features:

• Quality rather than quantity
• Powerful components
• Quality builds

… or read our detailed review of Yeti Bikes

What Is the Best Mountain Bike Brand?

The concept of the best mountain bike brand varies for everyone. Some of the most renowned companies in the MTB world include Yeti, Santa Cruz, Salsa, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Niner, and many others. All of these bike brands manufacture high-quality bicycles suitable for beginners and experienced riders. In the end, it comes down to what the rider needs and which features they value.

Read also:

• The Best Bike Brands
• Best Electric Bike Brands
• Best Road Bike Brands

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