Mountain Bikes

About our mountain bike range

Mountain bikes - opens in a new tab are designed to give you more grip, control and confidence when riding off-road. From woodland trails and gravel paths to trail centres and technical descents, you'll find mountain bikes suited to a wide range of terrain, riding styles and budgets.

Explore our mountain bike range

The best mountain bike for you depends on where you ride most often. A hardtail can be ideal for trail centres, woodland routes and general off-road riding, while a full suspension bike can provide extra comfort and control on rougher, more technical terrain.

Men's mountain bikes

From local trails to all-day rides in the countryside, our men's mountain bikes are built to handle uneven terrain with confidence. Choose from a range of frame sizes, wheel sizes and suspension options to find the right fit for the way you ride.

Women's mountain bikes

Our women's mountain bikes are designed with female geometry in mind to help you ride comfortably and confidently on a variety of terrain. With a range of sizes and styles available, it's easy to find a bike that feels right whether you're building confidence on local trails or taking on more challenging routes.

Full suspension mountain bikes

Rocks, roots and rough ground can make riding more demanding. Full suspension mountain bikes use both front and rear suspension to absorb impacts from the trail, helping improve comfort, grip and control when tackling technical terrain.

Our mountain bike brands

Shop mountain bikes from trusted brands including Carrera, Voodoo, Boardman and Apollo. From affordable first mountain bikes to higher-spec models with upgraded components, there's an option to suit a range of riding styles and budgets.

Hardtail vs full suspension mountain bikes

A hardtail only has front suspension, making it lighter, easier to maintain and often better value. They're a popular choice for trail centres, woodland rides and riders buying their first mountain bike.

A full suspension bike uses both front and rear suspension to improve grip, comfort and control on rough or technical terrain.

If you're shopping on a budget, a quality hardtail will often offer better components for the money than an entry-level full suspension bike.

Mountain bike wheel size 27.5 vs 29 inch

The right wheel size depends on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

A 29-inch wheel rolls smoothly over roots, rocks and uneven ground, helping maintain momentum on longer rides and climbs.

A 27.5-inch wheel feels more agile and responsive, making it a popular choice for tighter trails, twists, turns and jumps.

Smaller or younger riders may find a 26-inch wheel provides a more comfortable fit.

Choosing a mountain bike by riding style

If your rides focus on covering distance and climbing efficiently, a cross-country bike is a great place to start.

Trail bikes balance climbing and descending ability, making them one of the most versatile options for everyday mountain biking.

Enduro bikes are designed for riders tackling steep, technical descents, while downhill bikes are built specifically for bike parks and dedicated downhill tracks.

Choosing a bike that matches the terrain you ride most often will help you get the most enjoyment from every ride.

Mountain Bike FAQs

What size mountain bike do I need?

Getting the right size mountain bike will make a big difference to your comfort, control and confidence on the trail. A bike that's too small can feel cramped, while a bike that's too large can be harder to handle on climbs and descents.

The easiest way to find your size is by using the sizing guide on each product page. Simply select the tape measure icon for a recommended frame size based on your height. You can also find a guide to bike sizing here - opens in a new tab.

How do you measure a mountain bike frame?

Mountain bike frames are traditionally measured using the seat tube, but most modern bikes are sized from XS to XL or Small to Large.

Because sizing can vary between brands and models, it's always best to check the size guide on the product page before buying. You can find a detailed guide to mountain bike frame sizes and how to measure a mountain bike frame here - opens in a new tab.

How do I choose the right mountain bike?

Start by thinking about where you'll ride most often.

If you're riding woodland trails, bridleways and trail centres, a hardtail mountain bike is often the best place to start. For rocky, technical trails and steeper descents, a full suspension bike can offer more comfort and control.

Other factors to consider include:

• Frame – Mountain bike frames are built from durable materials designed to handle rough terrain and everyday knocks. Finding the right frame size is one of the most important parts of choosing a mountain bike, helping you ride more comfortably and confidently. Find out more about mountain bike sizing here.

• Wheels and tyres – Most mountain bikes use either 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, although 26-inch wheels can still be found on some older models. Larger wheels tend to roll more smoothly over obstacles, while smaller wheels can feel more responsive and easier to manoeuvre on tighter trails.

• Gears – Mountain bikes come with a wide range of gears to help you tackle everything from steep climbs to fast descents. Many premium bikes use a single front chainring paired with a wide-range cassette, making gear changes simpler and helping you stay focused on the trail ahead.

• Suspension – Choosing between a hardtail and a full-suspension mountain bike depends on where and how you ride. Full-suspension bikes offer greater comfort, control and traction on technical trails, while hardtails can be a practical choice for everything from leisure rides to regular trail use.

That’s a quick overview of a few key considerations, but you can find an in-depth guide on how to choose a mountain bike here - opens in a new tab.

How do I clean my mountain bike?

Regular cleaning helps keep your bike performing smoothly and can reduce wear on key components.

Start by removing dirt and mud from the frame using a bike cleaner and soft brush. Use a degreaser on the chain - opens in a new tab to remove built-up grime from the chain, cassette and chainrings.

If your bike has disc brakes, always use a dedicated disc brake cleaning spray - opens in a new tab, as other products can affect braking performance.

Browse our full range of bike cleaning products to help keep your bike in great condition.  For a more in-depth guide to bike cleaning, check out our step-by-step guide on how to clean a bike - opens in a new tab.

How do I remove mountain bike pedals?

Most pedals can be removed using either a 6 mm or 8 mm Allen key, or a pedal spanner - opens in a new tab.

The important thing to remember is that each pedal loosens in a different direction:

• The drive-side pedal loosens anti-clockwise

• The non-drive-side pedal loosens clockwise

Always use the correct tool and take care, as pedals can become tight over time.

How do you adjust mountain bike gears?

If your gears are skipping, struggling to shift, or the chain is jumping between gear changes, your mountain bike gears - opens in a new tab may need adjusting.

You can follow our step-by-step guide to gear adjustment, or if you'd prefer, our bike technicians can inspect and adjust your gears for you. You can learn more on our bike brake services - opens in a new tab.

How do I clean a mountain bike chain?

A clean chain helps improve shifting performance and can reduce wear on your drivetrain.

Apply a bike-specific degreaser - opens in a new tab to the chain and use a brush - opens in a new tab or chain cleaning device - opens in a new tab to remove dirt and old lubricant. Once clean, rinse and dry the chain thoroughly before applying fresh chain lube - opens in a new tab.

Finish by wiping away any excess lubricant to help prevent dirt from sticking to the chain.

Should I choose a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike?

A hardtail has front suspension only, making it lighter, simpler to maintain and generally better value.

A full suspension bike uses both front and rear suspension to improve comfort, grip and control on rougher terrain.

For trail centres, woodland trails and general off-road riding, a hardtail is often the best choice. If you regularly ride more technical trails with roots, rocks and steep descents, a full suspension bike may be worth considering.

Is a 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheel better?

Neither is better. It depends on how and where you ride.

• A 29-inch wheel rolls smoothly over rough ground and helps maintain speed, making it popular for trail and cross-country riding.

• A 27.5-inch wheel feels more agile and responsive, which can suit tighter trails and riders looking for quicker handling.

What is a good mountain bike for a beginner?

For most new riders, a hardtail mountain bike with an aluminium frame, suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes is a great place to start.

These bikes offer a good balance of comfort, durability and value, making them suitable for trail centres, woodland rides and everyday off-road riding.

Can I ride a mountain bike on the road?

Yes. Mountain bikes can be ridden on roads, cycle paths and towpaths as well as off-road trails.

However, their wider tyres and more upright riding position can feel slower on tarmac than a hybrid or road bike. If most of your riding is on roads and paved paths, a hybrid bike may be a better fit.