Featured Picture: Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
So that you’re searching for a brand new mountain bike setup. Properly, you’ve come to the precise place. To begin, its essential to know that mountain biking is extremely multi-faceted, and as you dive deeper into the game, you’ll discover that the rabbit gap goes on and on. Gear will get extra specialised and disciplines grow to be extra outlined the additional in you go.
Zooming out to the start, let’s lay some groundwork on the three fundamental disciplines of mountain biking. On the extra excessive finish of the spectrum is downhill—and, naturally, downhill mountain bikes. These are made purely for descending, because the identify suggests. Assume Purple Bull Hardline. The principle trade-off with this fashion of driving is that these bikes sacrifice all climbing capability for heavy-duty efficiency—lengthy journey forks, rear shocks and very slack geometry. This mainly means the bikes are tremendous squishy and push your physique’s middle of mass again behind the entrance wheel, which is ideal for touchdown huge airs and smoothing out tough terrain. It’s additionally uncommon to see these bikes or riders in your native single observe as they principally keep on with bike parks.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum is path driving, and naturally, path bikes. These are available in both a hardtail or twin suspension setup and are the most typical kind of mountain bike you’ll come throughout. Not like downhill bikes, path bikes function shorter journey suspension and a much less slack geometry. This makes them a lot better for climbing, however you’re going to lose some downhill preformance.
Someplace within the center is enduro bikes. These bikes strike a stability between path and downhill builds by way of geometry and suspension journey. These bikes typically have extra suspension journey and higher down. You’ll often see them ridden by individuals who don’t thoughts pedaling a bit extra weight uphill in alternate for higher efficiency on the roughest descents at native path techniques.
For this text, we’re specializing in a setup constructed round a path bike. I consider path bikes are the very best do-it-all possibility, providing stable downhill efficiency on single observe and semi-rough terrain whereas nonetheless letting you climb with out feeling such as you’re pedaling via quicksand. It’s additionally the right place to start out in the event you’re unsure the place you wish to find yourself. A path bike helps you to discover all elements of mountain biking and work out what you want most.
This setup sits at a mid-tier stage, which means there are cheaper and costlier choices on the market. We selected this stage as a result of it offers you severe reliability and efficiency, permitting you to simply seize your bike and experience with out having to consider it. It’ll really feel high-quality, with no bizarre vibrations or distracting noises—simply pure confidence and carefree driving.
Rossignol
Path Mandate SLX
Worth – $1,925
When buying a mountain bike, there are a couple of main issues to search for to determine if a motorbike is best for you—and if it’s priced properly. Simply on face worth, this bike from Rossignol is tremendous engaging because of its price-to-component ratio and efficiency potential.
The primary hurdle you’ll hit when selecting a mountain bike is deciding between an aluminum or carbon body. For this funds, we went with aluminum because it’s typically cheaper and barely extra sturdy than carbon. For those who’ve obtained the money, carbon bikes let producers pack in longer journey parts whereas maintaining the construct lighter. They’re additionally stiffer, which suggests higher suggestions on the path.
The Path Mandate SLX makes use of a proprietary aluminum body, which is a sturdy alternative for a motorbike at this value level. Pair that with its reasonably slack path geometry, and also you’ve obtained an incredible stability between climbing and downhill efficiency.
The second main factor to contemplate is the bike’s entrance and rear suspension—or lack thereof. That is the place you resolve between a hardtail or a full-suspension construct. For the needs of this setup, we’re going with full suspension, which options entrance and rear suspension, for its superior downhill efficiency and urge for food for gnarlier terrain. If it is advisable to avoid wasting money or simply love crushing lengthy rides, a hardtail can nonetheless be an incredible possibility. It is because the dearth of a rear suspension makes the bike a lot stiffer which considerably improves efficancy of every pedal stroke.
The Path Mandate SLX includes a 140 mm RockShox fork within the entrance and a 140 mm RockShox shock within the rear. That’s on the squishier facet for path bikes, which suggests this factor will completely rip via rock gardens, take in landings, and allow you to cost down hills after grinding your manner up. The suspension additionally comes with lockout and damping options, letting you stiffen issues up for higher pedaling effectivity on the climbs.
One virtually non-negotiable function for mountain bikes as of late is a dropper publish. It helps you to modify your seat peak with the clicking of a button—so you possibly can keep seated whereas climbing and drop it out of the way in which for higher downhill management.
Trying on the drivetrain and brakes, you’ll discover this bike comes with a mixture of Shimano Deore and SLX parts. The important thing factor right here is to be sure to’re getting a dependable drivetrain from both SRAM or Shimano, and that the bike is provided with hydraulic disc brakes. This Rossignol construct checks each packing containers with a top-tier Shimano drivetrain and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. It actually doesn’t get a lot better than that.
Lastly—and this can be a huge bonus—it comes inventory with MAXXIS tires. These are top-of-the-line and mainly the gold commonplace within the trade.
Candy Safety
Bushwhacker 2VI MIPS helmet
Worth – $250
That is one in every of our favourite mountain bike helmets available on the market proper now. The Bushwhacker has a clear, low-profile silhouette that sits properly on the pinnacle and is available in a bunch of stable colorways. It’s outfitted with MIPS know-how to guard in opposition to rotational and direct impacts, and it includes a dial adjustment on the again to make sure a cosy match. Up prime, you’ll discover loads of air flow, together with two completely positioned vents that suit your sun shades arms like a glove—belief us, that is an underrated function. Lastly, the helmet features a visor to assist hold the solar out of your face on these heat, dusty days.
Smith
Shift Break up MAG
Worth – $315
From the eyewear giants at Smith, we’re highlighting the Shift Break up MAG, which options one piece of tech we predict is totally important for mountain biking. You may magnetically change between two lenses, making it simple to run a darkish lens for sunny days and a transparent one for cloudy circumstances or night time rides—all with the convenience of magnets. To prime it off take a look at the frameless design. It pairs completely with the minimalist aesthetic of the Candy Safety helmet. These shades additionally include Smith’s superbly crafted lenses that present nice safety whereas nonetheless letting you notice the little imperfections within the path.
POC
Reform Gentle Enduro Tee – $65
Sign All-Climate Jacket – $390
Up prime, we’re recommending a POC jersey and jacket for his or her standout craftsmanship and minimalist look that pairs properly with the remainder of the setup. The Enduro Tee is constructed from recycled supplies and is designed to be light-weight to assist regulate your temperature on hotter days. It is available in a wide range of colorways to match no matter your aesthetic could also be.
For colder or wetter rides, we’re huge followers of the Sign All-Climate Biking Jacket. It includes a tapered match across the waist and arms to enhance mobility and lower down on wind noise. On the again, you’ll discover a zippered pocket good on your cellphone, pockets, or a fast snack. To spherical it out, the jacket is constructed from ripstop waterproof material, maintaining you dry and ensuring it lasts for years to return.
Flylow
Goodson Quick
Worth – $100
For bottoms, we’ve gone with the Goodson Quick from Flylow. These shorts are stretchy, which makes them extremely snug and fully unobtrusive when flowing down single observe. They arrive with an 11.5-inch inseam, providing full quad protection and even some knee safety relying in your peak. To prime it off, they embrace two zippered pockets so your cellphone doesn’t go flying after a compulsory drop.
Scott MTB SHR-ALP Lace – $99
Synchros Squamish Flat Pedals – $89
Now, this can most likely spark a debate between the flat and clipless crowds, however for this construct we’re working flats—flat sneakers and flat pedals. We predict they’re probably the most user-friendly possibility. Certain, you may lose a little bit of uphill efficiency, however for each new and skilled riders, they construct confidence on the descent because of how simple it’s to bail. Plus, whenever you roll into the brewery after your experience, you’re not the loud man with clicky sneakers. We’re going with the Scott MTB SHR-ALP lace shoe for its basic silhouette and grippy sole. It additionally includes a burly plate underneath the insole to forestall flex, supplying you with a stiff platform to tear path. Pair it with Synchros Squamish Flat Pedals—light-weight, aluminum-cast, and loaded with floor space for grip and stability.
Hestra
Apex Lengthy
Worth – $50
Lastly, we’ve obtained a pair of Hestra’s new Apex Lengthy bike gloves. These gloves function a stretchy, snug-fitting Lycra again and an artificial suede palm with silicone reinforcement on the center and index fingers for higher grip in your brakes. Not solely do they give the impression of being good, however they’re additionally tremendous snug. We see gloves as important safety—not only for crash security, however for added grip and management on the experience.
This setup isn’t making an attempt to be flashy—it’s constructed to work. The Path Mandate SLX paired with a top quality equipment offers you every little thing it is advisable to get on the market and experience with out consistently excited about your tools. You’re not overpaying for premium options you don’t want but, however you’re additionally not coping with funds gear that’ll depart you stranded on the path. This whole construct is about getting you assured on single observe so you possibly can give attention to what issues: having enjoyable and determining what sort of rider you wish to grow to be.
