Features include wide, knobby tires for grip and a wide range of gearing to help you on uphills and over various obstacles. Depending on the type of MTB bike, they may have front suspension with a rigid rear (“hardtail”), or both front and rear suspension to cushion jumps and landings, but there are also models that have no suspension at all.

Buy a mountain bike if: you want to ride your bike in the mountains or mostly off-road.

Do not buy a mountain bike if: you want to ride fast on paved roads, ride long distances, or mainly ride around town.