In recent years, there has been more and more buzz around mountain biking as a fun, action-packed way to get fit and spend some time in the great outdoors. A lot of people have got into mountain biking as a new way to enjoy more extreme style sports, as mountain biking is fast becoming one of the most popular of all extreme sports, threatening to even overtake other types of extreme biking like BMX and urban bikes. The reason is simple, mountain bikes allow for extreme biking in crazy terrain that you just cannot find in the city.

With a high-end mountain bike, you can take on the toughest terrain, no trouble whatsoever. Even those of us who live in cities often live close enough to a bike trail or a nature area that would allow us to take advantage of the fun of mountain biking. Even if you are not one for extreme sports, mountain biking is still a great activity. Many people love mountain biking in a more calm and leisurely fashion, not racing to get somewhere as fast as possible, but rather just meandering along to enjoy the sights and sounds, as well as the company of friends and family.

Regardless of what type of biking appeals to you, mountain biking is a fun activity that is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is an excellent way to get in shape, to spend your free time, and to enjoy nature with the people you love.

If you are new to mountain biking or are a seasoned professional, finding a new mountain bike can be a bit of a frustrating endeavor. There are so, so many options out there and they all feature buzzwords that many of us just cannot make sense of. This is why we recommend Mongoose Mountain Bikes when it comes to the best brand of mountain bike available in the budget price range.

Mongoose Mountain Bikes is a time honored company that has been providing high-quality bikes and related accessories for decades. The company was founded in a California garage in 1974 and since then has been providing some of the best products for the avid cycler, whether you are an urban or a nature rider. The company is known for building high-end, top-of-the-line, and cutting-edge bikes of all sorts, from BMX bikes, pavement bikes, and, of course, mountain bikes.

When it comes to all the different brands on the market, we trust Mongoose with their 40+ years of experience of providing the best bikes to their customers, always staying up with the times and latest trends or new technologies.

The bikes are always well priced and are among the top in performance, customer satisfaction, and comfort within their price point.

We don't have nearly enough space to review all the different models and available features of Mongoose bikes, but what follows are three brief reviews of some of their most popular models. We review a general purpose mountain bike, a bike designed for women, and one for men. There are a number of other models of mountain bike, as well as an entire line of BMX and pavement appropriate bikes available from Mongoose as well.

Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle

This model of Mongoose bike is an excellent, all-purpose mountain bike that is well suited for both men and women, and experts and novices alike. It is an incredible value at less than $300, making it one of the most affordable high-end bikes you can find.

It is one of the highest rated mountain bikes in its price point.

The Impasse bike is features a 29” wheel base and is constructed from an aluminum suspension frame that provides a nice combination of performance and comfort. It also features a full Element suspension fork, which helps to increase the amount of control of the rider while also providing for a smooth and comfortable ride.

The bike also features a 21-speed Shimano rear dérailleur with SRAM twist shifters, which makes changing gears smooth and simple. Alloy front and rear disc brakes are also featured on this model. It boasts the 29er frame, which provides the most aerodynamic and functional frame profile and is well suited for a wide range of different kinds of terrain.

Mongoose Status 2.2 Women's 26" Wheel Mountain Bike

This option from Mongoose is designed especially for the female frame and combines performance and comfort along with great value. At less than $250, this is a great price for a high-end mountain bike.

The bike features a 26” wheel base and a solidly-built frame made from aluminum and offering a full suspension. The bike features a powerful suspension fork which provides for a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough terrain. The bike also features a 21-speed Shimano rear dérailleur with SRAM twist shifters for smooth gear shifting.

The wheels are made from a light, strong alloy that is durable yet can accommodate even wide mountain tires.

Mongoose Men's Mech Mountain Bike

This option from Mongoose is a budget-friendly mountain bike that is designed specifically for the male frame. A basic, yet solid mountain bike, it is a great value at less than $250.

It features a high-quality aluminum frame, which combines durability with performance beautifully. The bike features a 26" wheel base, which is a good standard size for a variety of different types of riding activities. It features a smooth riding suspension that provides a comfortable ride, regardless of terrain.

Mongoose Mountain Bikes are known for blending performance, stability, and comfort. They provide high end, yet affordable mountain bikes that cover a wide range of styles and performance types. There are gender-oriented bikes that are designed for the female or male frame specifically, as well as models that are suitable for either gender. All the bikes we review here come highly recommended by those who have purchased them and are known for being well suited to beginners and experts alike.

Cycling is a fun way to stay in shape, enjoy the outdoors, and even to get from point A to point B. There are many different types of bicycles and cycling, from road cycling to mountain biking that are best suited for certain personalities and that require a particular set of skills. No matter what type of biking you choose, cycling is a varied, exciting, and versatile activity. Many people who get into cycling, really get into cycling. It can be said that cycling gets into people's blood and becomes a way of life.

As a result, a lot of people who get into cycling buy a complete bicycle as their first bike. This makes sense as it comes with everything you need to be included, often already put together. But these are going to be very standard bikes that are not customized to your needs and body type, and that are not necessarily designed with performance or the type of biking you are doing in mind.

Mountain bikers have long advocated building a bike from separate, quality, professional parts, but more and more frequently, people who are road bikers are doing the same. Road biking is a broad spectrum of riding activities that all take place on paved surfaces. This can be biking to and from a job, biking on paved bike paths, speed biking, etc. As road biking has increased in popularity, so too have the options for high-end, professional-quality bike frames and parts increased in availability.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bike Frame

First of all, you will want to know the difference between the two main types of road bike: racing road bikes and sportive road bikes. A racing road bike will be long and low for faster overall top-speed. A sportive bike will have a higher front end, which provides enhanced comfort but at a cost to top speed.

There are now also what are called cyclocross bikes, which are a relatively new style of bike intended for more casual rides and that are also suitable for going off-road.

One of the biggest things you need to take into account when choosing a road bike frame is the frame height. You can easily find sizing charts on the Internet that show you what the ideal sized bike frame is for your height. As you might expect, the shorter you are, the smaller the frame, the taller you are, the larger the frame.

You also need to consider the frame material. Are you looking for a cost-effective aluminum frame or a high-end carbon frame with carbon forks to add strength and save on weight? Another key thing to look for is a frame that allows for a lot of adjustment. This will help ensure that you can adjust the seat, saddle, and other features for the type of biking you are doing, as well as your particular body type.

Once you have considered all of these aspects and determined what is most important to you, it is time to start to consider particular frame options. What follows is a brief review of three different, high quality, and well-recommended bike frames:

Schwinn Phocus 1600 Men's Road Bike Frame

​Almost everyone has heard of Schwinn bikes. They are a time-honored and trusted maker of road bikes of all shapes and sizes. They are known for making some of the highest quality bikes available on the market and their road bikes are no exception. Their Phocus 1600 Road Bike is an excellent value at less than $400. It is a top-of-the-line, professional-quality road bike frame that is perfectly suited for riders of all shapes and sizes.

It is constructed from an aluminum road frame with a sturdy, tough carbon fiber road fork. The bike features a Shimano Claris 16-speed dérailleur with a micro shift integrated brake and lever combo.

The bike also features Promax alloy dual-pivot caliper road brakes which provide enhanced braking power. The frame also features an allow crank, which allows for a wide gear range depending on the rider's needs.

Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

Vilano is another trusted name when it comes to high-quality bikes and related accessories. Their R2 Commuter Road Bike is an excellent blend of comfort and performance, available for less than $400.

It features a 6061 double butted lightweight aluminum frame. It also boasts Shimano A050 21-speed shifter, making it a great performing bike under a wide range of different grades of incline.

The bike also features a 700c double-walled wheel set and quick release skewers for optimal performance. The frame comes with free pedals.

Vilano Aluminum Road Bike Commuter

Another great option from Vilano is their basic Road Bike Commuter. This is an excellent option for some just starting out with road biking or who simply wants a quality bike for basic commuting needs. It is an excellent value at less than $300 and is available in two color choices.

The bike features a lightweight 6061 double-butted aluminum frame, as well as a Shimano 21 speed thumb shifters. The bike features 21 speeds, allowing you to easily handle hills and flat spaces with a few clicks. The frame also comes with free pedals included.

The bike frame is the skeleton or body of the entire bike. Naturally, this is one of the most important parts of a road bike and choosing the right frame for you is important to performance and comfort. Knowing the basic differences between the different types of road bike frames available will help you determine what type of road bike frame you are even looking for. You will also want to take into account your height, as this will ultimately decide the size of bike frame you need. It is also important to look for frames that allow for a lot of adjustments, as this will make it easy tailor the bike to your needs.

We then briefly reviewed three different potential road bike frames that are a great combination of value and performance. Whether you choose one of the models we describe here or use this guide as a starting point for further research, we're sure that if you do your homework and know what to look for, you will find the perfect road bike frame for your body type, budget, and needs.​

Whether you are a professional mountain biker looking to take part in some extreme outdoor activity or you simply want a relaxing way to enjoy the great outdoors, mountain biking is a fun and exciting activity for people of all ages. Mountain biking is a great way to help stay in shape and spend time with friends and family, as well as to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. This is why mountain biking is one of the outdoor activities that is seeing a boon in popularity. For good reason too, it is something that almost anyone can do and most of us live near enough to a park or natural area that allows us the opportunity to get away from it all, even if just for a little while.

Another great thing about mountain biking is that it doesn't require a ton of expensive equipment. The biggest investment is, of course, going to be the bike itself. Aside from the bike, all you really need is some basic protective gear such as a helmet and mountain biking gloves. Most people remember the helmet, but often forget the gloves, which is a big mistake.

Benefits of Wearing Mountain Biking Gloves

Whether it is summer or winter, a leisurely ride or an intense ride, mountain biking gloves are highly recommended by professional and novice mountain bikers alike, and for good reason. With a quality pair of mountain biking gloves, you get the grip you need, even if your hands are sweaty or the weather is cold. This is really important as you do not want to take the risk of losing your ability to steer accurately.

In addition to having a better grip, which makes it easier to maneuver, gloves also provide protection for your hands. Handlebars are made to be gripped and as a result, lead to constant friction between your hands and the material the handlebar is made from. This can lead to chapped and even blistered hands, which can be incredibly painful and make it almost impossible to bike. A quality pair of gloves will also provide your hands protection from this potentially damaging friction. People who regularly bike can also protect themselves from long-term issues relating to gripping handlebars without protection, like numbness in the fingertips and even carpal tunnel syndrome.

Mountain Made Crestone Cycling Gloves with Touchscreen

Mountain Made is a trusted and well-known brand that makes a variety of different types of mountain biking-related gear and equipment. They make a highly recommended and affordable full hand mountain biking glove, their Crestone Cycling Gloves, available at a great value of less than $15.

These are lightweight gloves that allow you to get a good grip on your bike but still giving you that fine control you expect. The gloves are breathable, so they are great for biking even on the hottest of days. They also have an index finger opening to allow you to use a touchscreen, even while wearing the gloves.

Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves for Men and Women

Another excellent offering from the well-known brand, Mountain Made, is their outdoor gloves. These are a great value and provide professional quality protection against the elements while still providing a high-quality grip and comfortable feel. They are a great value for a winter-appropriate mountain biking glove, available for less than $30.

The outdoor gloves are a great combination of comfort and performance, allowing you to ride with comfort and ease, even in really cold weather. These gloves provide a snug, comfortable fit and are versatile, suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities from mountain biking, shooting, driving, and more.

​The gloves have touchscreen technology that allows you to be able to use your touchscreen devices, even while wearing the gloves, something that most other brands don't offer. While they provide excellent protection from the elements, the gloves are lightweight and not at all bulky, giving you plenty of freedom of movement.

The gloves also feature an improved YKK zipper which makes for simple removal.

HuwaiH Cycling Gloves Mountain Bike Half Finger Gloves

HuwaiH is an up-and-coming brand that makes a wide range of biking and outdoor related accessories and products. Their half-finger cycling gloves are high quality, affordable biking gloves that allow you free use of your fingertips while riding. They are a great value at less than $15.

Available in three colors, these gloves are a comfortable and unique way to secure the protection of biking gloves, without giving up the fine motor control you get with bare hands. The gloves are made from a Lycra-spandex combination that is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, making it a great choice for summer performance biking.

The gloves also feature a gel palm pad for enhanced comfort, even after a long period of time spent gripping. The wrist features a sticky Velcro buckle which makes for easy removal.

No matter what your skill level, mountain biking is a great way to be physically active, enjoy nature, and spend time with the people you love most. You can enjoy mountain biking as a leisurely pursuit or as an extreme way to stay in shape, it all depends on your skill level and comfort. The great thing about mountain biking is that even those of us who live in the big city often have access to nature areas that allow us to get away from it all for a little while and enjoy the great outdoors.

There isn't a ton of equipment required for mountain biking, you really just need a bike, helmet, and a quality pair of mountain biking gloves. Not only do mountain biking gloves provide protection against chafing, blisters, and even certain injuries that can result from repetitive unprotected gripping, it also helps provide a more comfortable, solid grip that makes it much easier to steer and maneuver the bike with ease. Whether you choose one of the quality mountain biking gloves we briefly review here or use this guide as a starting point, we're sure you'll be happy that you invested in a quality pair of mountain biking gloves.​

If you are new to mountain biking, learning about them can seem a bit intimidating and possibly a little confusing. There are tons of terms to learn, different types of bikes that have different levels of performance, and so on. While there is a lot to unpack, do not let the variety and choice keep you from pursuing this increasingly popular activity. Mountain biking is a ton of fun and it is a great hobby that can be as relaxing or action-packed as you want it to be. Many people bike for relaxation and leisure, and many also bike for adrenaline and thrills.

Whatever your reason for being interested in mountain biking, it is a great pursuit for people of all ages and all abilities. There are quite a few terms that have to be parsed out though and so, for the purposes of this article, we are going to discuss the relative merits of full suspension fork mountain bikes. We will then briefly review a few different models of full suspension mountain bike to give you a good overview of features, price, and more.

Why a Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

Mountain bikes can actually have a number of different suspension combinations, though the most common is what is called a hardtail suspension, which is just a front suspension. In times past, you could typically get either a front or rear suspension, both of which were comprised of a rigid frame and fork.​

More recently, full suspensions have been introduced. These are also often called dual suspension or full-susser suspensions. What it basically means is that there is shock absorption both on the front and back wheel, as opposed to just one.

What this does is provide for a much smoother ride when on a rough trail than you find with hardtail or rear suspension bikes. They are also often a bit easier to handle, but they do not have the agility or top speed of hardtail bikes. Full suspension bikes, due to the extra hardware they are fitted with, tend to be a bit heavier than their hardtail counterparts.

If you plan on doing a lot of riding on rough or hard terrain, a full suspension will provide a more comfortable ride. If you do a lot of downhill riding, you are likely to find that a full suspension bike is also superior as it is easier to handle and more comfortable to ride a full suspension bike down a steep descent.

Kent KZ2600 Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

Kent is a reputable and quality maker of mountain bikes of many types and sizes. Their KZ2600 Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a well-built, sturdy mountain bike that is perfect for the beginner rider who wants to hit the trails. It is available for about $200, making it an excellent choice for those who want a quality, yet budget-friendly full suspension option.

The bike features a 26” wheel base and full suspension aluminum MTB frame for a smooth and comfortable ride. It also boasts a suspension fork with 65 mm of travel for increased smoothness. It also boasts a Shimano 21-speed shifter with rear tourney dérailleur.

The bike also features front disc brakes and rear linear pull brakes. It also has alloy wheel rims for durability and sharp design.

Diamondback Bicycles Atroz Complete Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Diamondback Bicycles is one of the best-known makers of high-end bikes of all shapes and styles. They feature a number of full suspension mountain bike options, including the cutting edge Atroz Full Suspension Bike. This is a top-of-the-line, well-machined bike that is available for about $800.

The bike is hand-built and made from 4-inch travel 6061 T-6 aluminum alloy with an incredibly strong and durable full suspension. The bike has an optimized single pivot with sealed cartridge bearings, which further add to the comfort and smoothness of the ride.

The bike also boasts a SRAM 9-speed drive train. This gives you tons of range when it comes to your gearing, making this bike a great choice for all terrain. The bike also has RockShox Monarch R rear shock and SR Suntour XCM forks to absorb impacts. The bike also features Tektro Aries disc brakes, which are top of the line breaks known for their superior stopping power.

Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Gravity is an up and coming maker of a range of different performance bikes, including full suspension bikes like their FSX 1.0 Dual Suspension Mountain Bike. It is a high-end bike featuring advanced braking, shifting, and a strong and durable construction, available for less than $400.

The bike is available in five different colors and is also available in 15”, 17”, 19”, and 21” sizes. The bike is made from lightweight, yet strong and durable aluminum frames and features an adjustable front and rear suspension.

The bike also features double wall rims and quick release wheels on the front and rear, as well as front and rear disc brakes. The bike also features Shimano shifters for smooth and easy gear changing.

For those new to mountain biking, all the terminology and choice can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. If you know the basics, you will have a much easier time choosing the type and model of bike that will best work for your needs, body type, and budget. For those who are doing most of their riding on rough terrain or doing a lot of steep, downhill descents, full suspension bikes are what we recommend for the most stable and comfortable ride.

Unlike traditional hardtail bikes, full suspension bikes have shock absorbers on both the front and the back wheels, providing enhanced stability and making the ride far smoother and more comfortable. There are tons of different types of full suspension bikes that cover a range of price points and enhanced features. Whether you choose one of the models we briefly review here or use this guide as a starting point, you are now armed with what you need to make a quality decision as to the best full suspension bike for you.​