Whether you are buying the mountain bike as a gift for a family member or a special treat for yourself, it is a bit of an investment and there are quite a few things that you will need to consider when selecting the right bike for you. There are quite a few factors that play into what will work best for you in terms of the type and material that your bike is made from. Knowing what to look for before you even begin shopping is a great way to ensure that you don't overspend and that you get something that will actually work for your needs.
There are tons of different kinds of mountain bikes that are more or less suited to different kinds of riders as well as different riding environments. It is beyond the scope of this guide to discuss each kind, in-depth, and really, it isn't necessary. Unless you are doing some professional sport riding, a carbon fiber bike is likely to be your best option. This is a great blend of performance and quality. Carbon fiber mountain bikes are durably constructed from some of the sturdiest materials available, but carbon fiber is also lightweight, adding to its performance capabilities, making it a top choice of many different types of cyclists.
Another reason that so many people swear by carbon frame bikes is that you can get specific ride qualities that aluminum or other metal tube style bikes just can't offer. These bikes are often a bit pricier than your traditional aluminum framed bikes, but they are worth the extra investment for their performance and ride qualities.
What follows are some brief reviews of five of the best carbon frame mountain bikes on the market in 2018.
Savadeck is a trusted and well-known maker of performance bikes and related accessories. Their Deck300 line of carbon fiber mountain bikes provides an excellent blend of quality and performance, available for less than $1500.
This line of bikes is available in three different wheel sizes and a variety of different colors, allowing you to choose the size and style that works best for you. The bike is constructed from a Toray T800 carbon fiber frame that is incredibly strong and lightweight.
The bike features 100 mm suspension travel, giving the bike a smooth ride, even on rough terrain. It also features a Shimano M610 Deore dérailleur system. This allows for easy speed and gear changes allow for an effective start to your biking.
Diamondback Bicycles is one of the most well-known makers of high end and performance mountain bikes. They are prized for their solid construction and a keen eye for detail. Available for less than $2500, this is a great option for the dedicated mountain biker who wants a great performing ride.
Available in four different sizes, you can find the perfect Overdrive, even if you are really tall or rather short. It is a bike that is well suited for cross country rides or extreme jaunts into the hills. The bike features a SRAM NX 1x11 speed drive train, a tubeless compatible wheel set, and Shimano hydraulic disc breaks that provide top-of-the-line braking.
BEIOU is another trusted and well-known name in mountain bike manufacturers. Their 650B line of mountain bikes is budget-friendly but still boasts excellent performance, comfort, and stability. The bike is available with either 27.5" or 29" wheels and is available for less than $1500.
The bike features a Shimano M610 system, hidden disc brakes, air fork suspension, and hardtail MTB. It has a Toray T800 carbon fiber frame, as well as handlebar and seat post. It is also incredibly light.
Another great offering from BEIOU is their Hardtail MTB. This is a great, all-purpose mountain bike that is well suited for beginners and experts alike. It is an incredible value at less than $1300.
Available in three colors, the bike also features hidden disc brakes, fork suspension, hardtail MTB, as well as Toray T800 carbon fiber frame, handlebar set, and seat post. The bike is super lightweight and is well suited for novices and beginners alike. The rims are made from aluminum alloy and are compatible with most standard tires.
Eagle Bicycles is one of the most highly recommended high-end mountain bike manufacturers out there. They are known for making well machined, solidly-constructed, cutting-edge, top-of-the-line bikes that feature the best in performance and style. Their Eagle Patriot carbon mountain bike is an excellent choice for those who are looking for the best there is on the market.
The bike is one the most expensive that we review on this list, but those who have bought it swear by its value. You can pick up an Eagle Patriot for between $1500 and 3000, depending on where you find it.
The bike is built in the United States by certified mechanics, giving you peace of mind that it is solidly constructed and well built. The bike features a Shimano drive train with light stiff FlyTech featherlight carbon.
The bike features a 29er frame, which is known for being the fastest frame design with the least rolling resistance. It also features hydraulic disc brakes with 100 m travel Suntour front suspension, which provides an incredibly smooth ride. The bike is fully assembled upon delivery and ready to ride out of the box. All you have to do is put on the handlebars and front wheel, tighten everything down, and you are ready to ride.
For those who are new to mountain biking or those who want to get the most out of their efforts, carbon fiber bikes are a great choice. They are an excellent blend of performance and stability. As compared with aluminum bikes or bikes made from other metals, carbon fiber bikes are much more lightweight, often making them better when it comes to performance bikes. We reviewed five great models of carbon fiber bike that are currently available on the market. These cover a range of price points and added options, allowing us to review a wide swath of different types of bikes.