Mountain bikes are perhaps the most sturdy and rugged bicycles. They are designed to be ridden on sharp inclines which are full of pebbles, on dirt tracks. They are also ridden across the hairpin bends. The cyclist may ride this bicycle on smooth mountain roads but that is rare. These bikes are ridden by cyclists usually on narrow and slender roads which are unpaved. This actually results into lots of wear and tear. The manufacturers are thus forced to make something which is more strong and sturdy.

These bikes don't have the usual tires. Their rubber tires are big and huge. The cyclist is thus provided with a better grip. The bicycle is able to move freely on pebbles roads. It can also turn over the obstacles smoothly.

Suspension is another important characteristic of mountain bikes. All mountain bikes usually have strong suspensions. Some bikes are provided with a front as well as a rear suspension. This helps the cyclist to survive larger and heavier bumps.

A classification of mountain bikes is made depending upon the types of suspension they possess. Their can be dual suspension, hard tails, fully rigid and soft tails bikes. A front suspension fork is present in the hard tails bikes. A rigid fork is present in the rigid variety; rear suspension is present in the soft tails but this suspension is placed on the frame rather than on the pivots. Dual bikes are also known as full suspension bikes. These bikes have a front as well as a rear suspension fork. In addition, they also have a linkage and a rear shock absorber.

Light weight and flexible material is generally used for making cross country mountain bikes. Their weight can go up to forty pounds though they can weigh as less as twenty pounds. All mountain bikes or Enduro (as they are known) usually weigh more than the cross-country bikes. They can weigh anywhere in between thirty to thirty five pounds. Their suspensions are also better which help while one is climbing uphill. They also work quite well when one is navigating over sharp bends.

Heavier and stronger material is used for making free ride mountain bikes. They are very easy to paddle as compared to any other bike. They can also be used simply around steep turns and dangerous obstacles. But their light weight makes them less efficient when compared to cross country bikes. They weight in between forty and fifty pounds.

You must use the Downhill Mountain bikes in case you want to ride on downhill race courses and tracks. They are weaker bikes as compared to free ride bikes. Their traction is however superior to any other mountain bike.

Trial bikes are used only when you need to cover a short distance. They don't possess a suspension. These light weight bikes do not have a proper seat. These bikes weight between fifteen and twenty pounds.

Street Mountain Bikes, Urban Mountain Bikes and Dirty Jumping fall in between the mountain bikes and the trial bikes. These bikes are very strong and have a number of gears (1-9). A chain guide is also provided for both the front and the rear gears.