Mountain Bikes

What makes a top-notch mountain bike?

Mountain bikes need to be tough. They tackle thrilling trails, rapid descents and long rides through rugged terrain. Premium mountain bikes combine certain key elements for a well-rounded performance.

The key features of a good mountain bike at a glance:

• Robust frame with well-designed geometry for technically demanding riding
• Adjustable suspension elements for optimal terrain adaptation
• Low-maintenance, durable and robust construction
• High-quality components from Shimano or SRAM
• Precise chain shifting without chain jamming
• Adjustable seating position for optimal power transfer and comfort
• Internal cable routing to protect against dirt and corrosion

But a good mountain bike is more than the sum of its parts – it's a well-thought-out system where all the components work perfectly together.

Hardtail or full-suspension – Which MTB is right for you?

When looking to buy a mountain bike, you face a fundamental decision: hardtail or full-suspension? Both options have specific advantages that carry different weight depending on your riding area and personal preferences.

Hardtail mountain bikes feature a rigid rear triangle and a suspension fork with 100 to 140 millimetres of travel. These bikes offer several advantages:

• Lower weight due to fewer moving components
• Lower entry prices compared to full-suspension bikes
• Reduced maintenance and care requirements
• High level of stiffness for immediate power transfer when climbing
• Best dynamics on compacted forest paths and single trails
• Ideal for long day tours on mixed terrain

Hardtails particularly excel in cross-country and marathon disciplines. They're the perfect choice for MTB beginners and recreational riders seeking dynamic riding characteristics and versatility on forest paths and moderate trails. With narrower tyres, they can be a great alternative to a gravel bike.

Our Grand Canyon is the perfect example of a versatile hardtail. The Stoic with its slack head angle is ideal for technical trails and jumps, while the Exceed lets you go full throttle on long stretches in rough terrain.

Full-suspension mountain bikes have suspension forks at the front and shocks at the rear triangle. This construction offers you:

• Better shock absorption for more riding comfort
• More traction in rough terrain
• Superior control and stability during descents
• Optimal performance on technical routes with rocks, roots, and drops

The trade-offs are slightly more weight, a higher price tag and increased upkeep. Our Spectral models represent the versatility of modern, full-suspension bikes.

An overview of mountain bikes

The world of mountain bikes is diverse, so you can find a suitable Canyon bike for every riding style and terrain. When buying an MTB, you should know the different types to make an informed decision.

Cross-country mountain bikes

Cross-country bikes (XC) are designed for speed and efficiency uphill, while allowing safe descends at high speeds. Our Lux Trail is a fully suspended XC race bike, while the Exceed excels as an XC hardtail. These bikes are excellent for marathon events and long tours in mixed terrain.

Trail and all-mountain bikes

Trail bikes are true all-rounders among mountain bikes: They provide versatility for most hobby riders because they are perfect for trails, off-road tours, excursions and even commuting. Our Neuron with travel from 130 to 150 mm is the ultimate MTB all-rounder. With 140–160 mm travel, the Spectral offers even better downhill performance without sacrificing too much climbing efficiency. Trail bikes are ideal companions for day tours in alpine terrain or bike parks.

Enduro mountain bikes

Enduro bikes are designed for technically demanding descents, but you can still ride them uphill using your own power. These bikes are ideal for riders who occasionally use lifts or shuttles but also want to ride uphill using their own power. The Strive CFR is our prime example for this category.

Downhill mountain bikes

Downhill bikes are pure gravity machines for challenging downhills and super technical tracks in bike parks. They're not designed for climbing but for maximum performance and safety at top speeds downhill. Downhill bikes like our Sender are not designed for everyday use. Instead, they are for riders who specialise in downhill races and bike park sessions. A gravity bike like the Torque also feels most at home on rapid descents when lifts handle the uphill.

Down-country mountain bikes

Down-country is a relatively new segment in mountain biking. It combines the efficiency of XC bikes with more downhill performance from trail bikes. This relatively new category is gaining popularity among riders looking for a versatile yet lightweight mountain bike. The Lux Trail is our representative in this emerging segment.

Dirt jump and street bikes

Dirt jump bikes, also known as dirt jumpers, are compact, extremely robust hardtails for jumps, tricks, and stunts. These bikes are not suitable for extended tours but rather designed for bike parks, skate parks and urban playgrounds. The Stitched is our specialist for this discipline – specifically designed for jumps, tricks, and pump tracks.

Youth mountain bikes

We develop youth mountain bikes specifically for children and teenagers with adapted frame geometries and 24 or 27.5-inch wheels (even in this category, 26-inch mountain bikes have become outdated and are rarely available new). These bikes, with their age-appropriate features, introduce the junior talents to mountain biking. Ideally, the bikes grow with their young riders and provide a solid foundation for their first off-road experiences. The Canyon Grand Canyon Young Hero is our offering for young riders. Exceed, Lux and Neuron are also available in Young Hero versions.

How much suspension travel is ideal for your riding style?

The optimal travel of your mountain bike depends significantly on your preferred terrain and riding style. The right choice ensures maximum riding comfort and control. Here’s a quick guide:

• 100–130 mm: ideal for longer tours in moderate terrain
• 130–150 mm: good for rougher descents and bumpy climbs
• From 160 mm: for stunts in bike parks and freeride adventures
• 200+ mm: specifically for steep descents and downhill races

Choosing the right MTB: Size and geometry explained

At Canyon, we developed the Perfect Positioning System (PPS) to help you find the frame size that best fits your body measurements in seconds. Simply enter your height and inseam length into our measurement tool.

Modern mountain bikes have specific geometry features that significantly influence riding behaviour. Find out in our MTB geometry guide how each measurement on a geometry chart affects your bike's handling and ride feel.

Which wheel size suits your mountain biking style?

The wheel size also plays a decisive role in your mountain bike's handling characteristics. Today, two sizes dominate the market:

27.5-inch mountain bikes offer you the following advantages:

• Faster acceleration for agile riding behaviour
• Lower weight and less rotational mass
• Higher stiffness and agility in tight corners
• Better control in technical passages and jumps

29-inch mountain bikes score with these properties:

• Greater stability on rough, obstacle-rich tracks
• Better roll-over behaviour due to a shallower approach angle at obstacles
• More efficient propulsion on long distances
• Higher speeds on long straights

Mullet-mountain bikes offer an innovative solution with their asymmetrical setup. This combination is becoming increasingly popular, especially for enduro and downhill bikes:

• Front wheel: 29 inches for better roll-over behaviour and more stability
• Rear wheel: 27.5 inches for more agility and freedom of movement

Traditional MTB wheels with 26 inches have become a rarity. At Canyon, we only use them for special applications like our dirt jump bikes.

Which drivetrain is best for your mountain bike?

We equip our MTBs consistently with 1x drivetrains that have only one chainring. This system offers clear advantages such as:

• Lower total weight for better climbing characteristics
• Fewer parts, meaning less wear and maintenance
• Lower risk of chain drops or getting stuck when riding over obstacles
• Easier operation, especially in technical terrain

The actual gears are located on the cassette installed on the rear wheel. The different gears create various gear ratios, allowing you constant high-power transfer and traction even on steep climbs and rough passages.

In the MTB sector, two major manufacturers dominate the drivetrain market, namely Shimano and SRAM. In our guide on MTB groupsets, you can learn more about the topic.

How heavy should a mountain bike be?

Weight is an important factor when you buy a mountain bike. It varies considerably depending on the intended use, frame material and equipment.

• Lightweight mountain bikes for cross-country and marathon weigh between 9 and 12 kg. These bikes are optimised for minimum weight to enable maximum efficiency when riding uphill.
• Trail and all-mountain bikes typically range from 12 to 15 kg. They offer a good compromise between robustness and weight for versatile applications.
• Enduro MTBs weigh between 14 and 16 kg due to their more sturdy construction and longer travel. The additional weight provides more stability on challenging descents.
• Downhill mountain bikes are the heaviest at 16 to 18 kg. Their construction provides maximum robustness under extreme loads.
• Electric or E-mountain bikes are significantly heavier because they include the motor and battery, typically weighing between 20 and 25 kg. However, the pedal assist compensates for the extra weight when riding.

Mountain bikes for women and men

At Canyon, we develop mountain bikes with frame shapes and sizes that are suitable for all genders and body types. Therefore, we don’t make a distinction between women's mountain bikes or men's mountain bikes. Instead of distinguishing by gender, we focus on individual body measurements and proportions.

When choosing components, you can make individual adjustments:

• Saddle width according to your sit bone width
• Handlebar width matching your shoulder width
• Crank length adapted to your leg length

This means you get a mountain bike that is perfectly tailored to your body, rather than a rigid MTB for men or women.

How much should you invest in a quality mountain bike?

When looking to buy a mountain bike online, you'll quickly notice that the price ranges differ wildly. The price of a mountain bike varies based on its quality, components, and intended use. However, investing in a top-notch MTB pays off with long-lasting performance and increased riding enjoyment.

Our entry-level mountain bikes are priced from about € 500. In this price range, you get solid hardtails with basic equipment suitable for light trails and forest paths.

In the mid-range price segment between €1,200 and €2,500, you'll find high-quality hardtails and full-suspension bikes for beginners. These MTBs have very good components and are suitable for more demanding trails.

Premium mountain bikes in the range of €2,500 to €4,500 feature high-quality carbon frames and top components. These bikes offer maximum performance for ambitious riders.

High-end mountain bikes over £€4,500 represent the best the market has to offer. These bikes come with the lightest materials and most innovative technologies.

Why a mountain bike might be your perfect match

A mountain bike opens up a world of off-road adventures. They're ideal for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone who enjoys a good ride. Our range of tough yet lightweight MTBs caters to all kinds of riders. Whether you fancy leisurely jaunts, challenging day-long treks, or heart-pumping downhill runs, we've got the perfect bike for you.

When you buy your mountain bike online from Canyon, you're choosing quality, innovation, and passion. We cut out the middleman, selling directly to you with a 30-day return policy and a six-year warranty. Plus, your new bike arrives 95% assembled, so you can hit the trails almost straight away.

Still have questions or can’t decide? Check out our comprehensive mountain bike buying guide.