So, you’ve caught the mountain biking bug. Maybe it was a muddy YouTube video, a friend’s Instagram story, or a long-standing curiosity about where that forest trail leads. Either way, you’re ready to dive into the world of trail riding, but there’s one thing standing in your way: buying your first mountain bike.
It’s a big decision. With so many types, specs, and price points, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable, fun, and confidence-inspiring mountain bike. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for in your first MTB and how to choose a great ride that suits your budget.
1. What’s Your Budget?
The price of Mountain Bikes can vary greatly. But your first bike doesn’t need to cost thousands. In fact, many solid entry-level bikes range between £500 to £1,200, with options at the lower end offering excellent value for casual trail riders.
The trick is knowing where to compromise and where not to. Spend smart, not big.
A tip: Don’t forget to factor in kit such as a helmet, gloves or basic tools.
Set a realistic budget, then factor in essential extras like a helmet, gloves, multitool, and basic maintenance gear. A £1,000 budget might mean spending £850 on the bike and saving the rest for gear and setup.
2. Hardtail vs Full Suspension: Go Hard(tail) or Go Home?
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to buy a hardtail or a full-suspension bike.
Hardtail:
A hardtail has suspension only on the front fork, making it lighter, easier to maintain, and usually more affordable. They’re ideal for beginners, especially if you’ll be riding smoother trails, bridleways, or forest paths. A hardtail will help you develop your skills and choose better lines on the trail to smooth things out too.
Full Suspension:
Full-sus bikes have front and rear suspension. They’re better at soaking up big bumps, drops, and rocky descents—perfect for rougher terrain. But they tend to be more costly and require more maintenance due to more moving parts.
Beginner verdict?
Unless you’re planning to go full enduro straight away, a hardtail is a smart first-bike choice. It’ll help you develop your skills, and you’ll get more bang for your buck.
3. Frame Material: Aluminium is Your Friend
Most entry-level mountain bikes come with an aluminium frame, and for good reason. It’s light, durable, and cost-effective.
While carbon frames are lighter and more responsive, they’re significantly more expensive and offer little additional benefit for a beginner. Steel bikes are another option but more common in niche or custom builds—not typically what you’ll find in the entry-level market.
If this is your first-ever mountain bike, aluminium is a great choice. It’s a solid, no-nonsense material that can take a beating and keep on rolling.
4. Wheel Size: 27.5” vs 29” – What’s the Difference?
Modern mountain bikes typically come with either 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, or a mix of both!
- 27.5” wheels are more agile and better for tight, twisty trails or smaller riders.
- 29” wheels roll faster, handle obstacles better, and offer more stability on descents—great for taller riders and open trails.
- 27.5/29” “Mullet” can offer the best of both worlds – faster rolling speeds and nimble handling.
There’s no right answer, but here’s a rule of thumb: if you’re a shorter rider, 27.5” might feel more natural. If you’re taller or want a bike that can roll over everything, 29” might be your go-to. Most riders will be able to get on with a mixed-wheel bike, though you’ll tend to find this on more aggressive trail/enduro full-sus bikes, that more advanced riders will get the most out of.
Try some different options if you can —what feels best under you matters more than the numbers.
5. Suspension: Look for a Quality Fork
Your front suspension fork is a key player in how your bike feels. On budget bikes, you’ll often find forks from brands like SR Suntour, RockShox, or X-Fusion.
What to look for:
- Air fork (vs coil): Air-sprung forks are lighter and more adjustable, though a good-quality coil fork can still work well for entry-level riding.
- Lockout feature: Not a deal breaker but lets you stiffen the fork for climbing or road riding.
- Travel: For trail riding, 100mm to 130mm of travel is a great range for a beginner.
Avoid no-name or very budget forks, they are often not fit for purpose out on the trails!
6. Gearing: 1x Drivetrain is Simpler and Smarter
Older mountain bikes often had 2 or even 3 front chainrings. While that gave a wide range of gears, it also meant more complexity when shifting and higher chances of something going wrong.
Enter the 1x drivetrain—one chainring at the front, and a large/wide-range cassette at the back. This is a great option for new riders as it eliminates the confusion of shifting between the front and rear gears. And no cross-chaining!
Look for bikes with Shimano Deore, or SRAM SX/NX Eagle drivetrains in the budget-friendly category.
7. Brakes: Disc Brakes Are a Must
Don’t skimp here. Reliable brakes are non-negotiable on a mountain bike. Various obstacles on the trail and potential for steep, fast descents mean you’ll want plenty of stopping power.
- Hydraulic disc brakes are the gold standard for power and control, even in wet conditions.
- Mechanical disc brakes are a budget alternative, better than rim brakes but not as powerful as hydraulics.
If you can, go for hydraulic. Brands like Shimano and SRAM offer solid entry-level systems, right up to the most powerful brakes on the market.
8. Fit and Geometry: Comfort = Confidence
The way a bike fits and handles will massively affect your experience. Modern mountain bikes often have a slacker head angle and longer reach for more control on descents. Unless of course you’re looking for something more XC focused, where the geometry may lean a little more towards climbing efficiency.
As a beginner, don’t worry too much about angles and numbers. Just make sure:
- You’re riding the correct size (use the manufacturer’s size guide).
- The bike feels comfortable and not cramped or stretched out.
- The standover height isn’t too high—this helps with mounting and dismounting safely.
Try before you buy if possible, or get sized up in-store.
A tip: Consider a bike with a dropper seat post
A dropper post enables you to get your seat out of the way at the push of a button/lever (usually on your handlebars). When you get to the bottom of the trail, simply push the lever again and your seat will come back up, ready for the next climb!
9. Tyres: Grip and Width Matter
Your tyres are your connection to the trail. Good tyres can be the difference between feeling great on the trail or a complete lack of confidence.
Look for:
- Wider tyres (2.3″–2.5″) for better grip and cushioning. Some bikes even run up to 2.8″ tyres as this can help smooth out the trail while running lower pressures.
- Tread pattern suited to your local terrain/conditions (chunky for mud, faster-rolling for dry trails).
- Tubeless-ready rims are a bonus but not essential for your first bike, however going tubeless will mean significantly less punctures as the tubeless sealant will seal up most holes caused by trail debris.
10. Should I Buy a New or Second-Hand Bike?
If your budget is tight, you might consider buying second-hand, but be careful—buy from reputable sources, and if the bike is well-used bring it into your local bike shop for a checkover/service.
However, there are several benefits of buying new from a trusted retailer.
Pros of buying new:
- Warranty and after-sales support – both from brand and retailer. Choose a local bike shop to purchase from and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
- Peace of mind – you know that none of the components are going to be worn out, and the bike hasn’t been abused by any previous owners
- Latest tech – newer bikes will feature the latest ride-enhancing technology
11. Top Picks for Beginner Mountain Bikes
Here are a few bikes that consistently punch above their price:
- Scott Aspect 940 – Under £700 and equipped with Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Trek Roscoe 7 – Reliable Rockshox Recon forks & 12 Speed Shimano Deore groupset
- Trek Marlin 7 – A classic hardtail with modern styling, and decent spec.
- Specialized Rockhopper – A long-time classic with modern updates.
Each of these has different builds, wheel sizes, and price points, but there’s something for everyone. Check out our range of Hardtail MTB here.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Ride Happy
Your first mountain bike is your passport to adventure. You don’t need to blow your budget on the fanciest build or latest tech. What matters is getting out there, building your skills, and having fun on the trails.
Look for the right combination of spec and geometry that meets your price point. Consider a good hardtail with disc brakes, a 1x drivetrain, and a decent fork. Choose a size that fits well and a bike you’re excited to ride.
Then? Hit the trails. Explore. Fall over. Get muddy. And fall in love with mountain biking.
