Mountain Bike Guide

Even though there are major differences between the individual MTB categories, the bikes all have a few things in common. The common denominator of MTBs is clearly their off-road capability!

That’s why almost all mountain bikes are equipped with a suspension fork and relatively wide, chunky tyres. High-quality bikes today usually have a hydraulic disc brake to provide the appropriate braking power and safety on any terrain. 

However, most mountain bikes don’t have permanently installed lights, mudguards or a luggage rack, because real mountain bikes are not necessarily meant for the road. If you want to use your bike for everyday rides, you may have to upgrade a few things.

The various MTB disciplines are meant for a variety of terrains. That’s why the equipment required is sometimes very different and not every bike is suitable for every route. Here is an initial overview of the different bikes.

Mountain bikes can initially be divided into two categories based on their chassis - hardtail and full suspension bike (or fully suspension for short). 

The hardtail has a suspension fork at the front, is particularly versatile and great for achieving a solid riding foundation.

• Uncomplicated and low-maintenance
• Lighter than most Fullys Often
• cheaper to purchase

The Fully, as the name suggests, is a full-suspension - it has a suspension fork at the front and a shock absorber in the rear.
What the Fully can do:

• More comfort and riding performance for typical use
• More traction & stability lead to higher speeds downhill and better controllability in challenging terrain  

However, you can’t categorised the bikes just based on the chassis, because you will find both hardtails and fullys for almost all purposes.

There are various travel options for different routes or intended uses. Everything from 100mm to 200mm. The distinction between travel lengths can give you an initial overview of the bike's capabilities. However, the travel length can only be used as an orientation. 

Next take a look at the frame geometry - if you look at our bikes, you'll notice that their frames sometimes have very different shapes. These shapes are key for the intended use of the bikes, because it is decisive for the riding behaviour. 

• Cross Country
• Trail
• Enduro
• Freeride
• Downhill
• Dirt

Intended use: mountainous tours in woodlands and on forest paths

Suspension: Hardtail or Fully, up to 120mm, lightly built

The most original form of mountain biking, Cross Country, is all about endurance and speed. Here you can demand everything from yourself, both downhill and uphill. That’s why our CC bikes are designed for performance, with a focus on lightweight construction and efficiency. They’re often used for rides on forest and field paths, easy trails, but also sometimes gravel or asphalt routes.  In this category you will find both hardtails and fullys made of aluminium or carbon, which thanks to their properties are suitable for athletic rides, as well as the commute to work or school. 

Intended use: both tours and more demanding trails in mountainous terrain

Suspension: 130mm to 150mm, Hardtail or Fully, built robust, but as light as possible

The trail bike is not built for any particular discipline - on the contrary, it offers lots of possibilities and covers a particularly wide range of uses. All-Mountain bikes can handle long tours on flat terrain, but rougher trails, small jumps and drops are also part of their repertoire. The trail bike is an all-rounder among MTBs and suitable for almost all riders, from beginners to professionals. Thanks to its versatility, you can use your trail bike for sport in your free time or for everyday commuting.

Intended use: demanding trails, jumps and drops, only sometimes suitable for touring

Suspension: up to 170mm, Fully, rarely Hardtail, robust and less weight-oriented

Enduro is probably one of the most demanding ways to use your MTB. The discipline, which is represented in numerous racing events, demands high level riding skills, endurance and strength. The tracks are sometimes rough, steep and challenging, with medium to large jumps or drops, and you also have to ride up yourself. That’s why the bikes are equipped with sufficient suspension travel and their gears are more gravity-oriented, but also allow for uphill pedalling. Because they sometimes have to take quite a beating, Enduro bikes tend to be a little heavier than the typical trail bike, making them less suitable for everyday use on tarmac.

Intended use: rough and demanding trails, big jumps and drops, bike park, not very suitable for uphill

Suspension: up to 190mm, Fully, very robust construction, hardly weight-oriented

As the name suggests, Freeride is about doing what you feel like, interpreting routes freely, styling jumps and being creative. Similar to Downhill, the Freerider is very much about descents. The routes are usually rather rough, steep and peppered with big drops and jumps – definitely one of the most adrenaline-pumping disciplines in MTB sport! Since a Freeride bike is a very specialised piece of sports equipment, it only really proves its worth on the trails intended for it - i.e. bike parks and trail centres - it's not really suitable for a quick ride to the bakery.

Intended use: mainly bike parks, rough and demanding downhill trails, big jumps and drops

Suspension: up to 200mm, Fully, particularly robust, without weight-oriented compromises

The absolute gravity racing discipline - Downhill is all about speed and adrenaline! This category is represented by demanding, rough and steep trails with blocked sections, big drops and jumps. It is exactly the right place for you if you really want to let it rip downhill. To get back up the hill, however, you need a lift, because downhill bikes can hardly be pedalled up a hill due to their geometry. That's why you'll usually only find real downhillers in the bike park and not while strolling through town or on the way to work. 

Intended use: Dirt track, pump track, big jumps

Suspension: up to 120mm, Hardtail or Fully, robust and lightweight

You won't find these bikes on classic MTB trails in the forest, because they are pure jump bikes and ridden on special tracks. On the dirt track or pumptrack, their qualities become clear very quickly, because the geo and equipment are clearly designed for big jumps and maximum manoeuvrability for stunts. You won't find any gears on a dirt jump bike, because they are simply not necessary. They are therefore not suitable for everyday use. However, the Dirtjumper is perfect for jibbing, i.e. playing with tricks and obstacles, in the city or in the skate park.