Are you looking for a reliable adventure bike to take your off-road cycling to the next level? Look no further — here’s a comprehensive guide to the best adventure bikes for your next expedition. Before you make your purchase, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the different bike styles and sizes available.
From fast-rolling hardtail mountain bikes to full-on electric mountain bikes, this guide will help you make the right choice. In the end, the right bike for you may come down to personal preference — but once you’ve compared the features of each bike, you should be able to make an informed decision. Read on for our guide to the best adventure bikes for your next off-road expedition.
The Basics of Adventure Bikes
When it comes to adventure bikes, there are two main types: hardtail and full-suspension. The hardtail bike is the more traditional option with a rigid fork in the front and no shock absorber—making rides smoother but limiting the amount of control you have over rough terrain. Full-suspension bikes come with adjustable shocks in both the front and rear and allow you to take on more technical trails as they absorb the bumps better than a hardtail bike.
Generally speaking, hardtails are lighter and faster for pedalling on flat terrain, whereas full-suspension bikes are better when it comes to traversing rough trails.
Size Matters
The size of your frame is important when it comes to picking the best bike for your needs. On a full-suspension bike, sizing is even more important than with a hardtail. If you’re buying a frame from a bike shop, you’ll want to measure your ‘standover’ height and compare it to the measurement of the bike you’re considering. Standover height is the distance from the ground to the centre of the top tube—a good length for you should be slightly less than your inseam measurement.
Another key factor to consider is the wheel size. Generally, full-suspension bikes will come in either 29” or 27.5”. If you’re looking for a bike with more control and stability on technical trails, then the larger wheel size is best. However, the more nimble 27.5” wheel will be best suited to riders with a smaller stature and those doing more flat, fast-paced rides.
Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric mountain bikes are the latest craze in the cycling world, and for good reason. Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) come with their own motor and battery to help riders tackle tough terrain. These bikes are great for riders who are looking for extra help on steep hills or longer rides. Electric mountain bikes come in both hardtail and full-suspension options and are great for those who want to just hop on and go.
The 8 Best Adventure Bikes for Your Next Off-Road Expedition
- Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy XC Mountain Bike
This carbon-framed bike is a great option for those looking for an efficient-climbing and fast-descending hardtail adventure bike. The Tallboy XC comes with a Shimano SLX-level drivetrain, SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes and features a 100mm travel RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air fork for a smooth ride on the trails.
- Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29 1
This full-suspension bike is a great all-rounder for lightweight off-road exploration. With 120mm of front and rear travel, the Trance Advanced Pro 29 1 is perfect for tackling rough terrain and is fitted with a RockShox Pike RC fork and Fox Float DPS shock to help keep you in control no matter the conditions.
- Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon
The Stumpjumper Expert Carbon is the perfect hardtail for those looking to take their adventure cycling to the next level. This light and swift bike features a full-carbon frame, RockShox Reba RL 29/27.5+ fork and 100mm VPP suspension to help you fly over the trails.
- Cannondale Jekyll Carbon 2
This full-suspension mountain bike is designed to tackle the toughest of trails. Featuring a carbon frame, 120mm of travel in the front and 120-130mm in the rear, the Jekyll Carbon 2 can take on anything in its path.
- Kona Process 153 CR/DL
If you’re looking for a lightweight and responsive mountain bike, the Kona Process 153 CR/DL is an excellent choice. This bike offers a durable and lightweight aluminum frame, a RockShox Deluxe RT3 rear shock, SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain and 180mm SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes for maximum control when you’re out on the trails.
- Marin Nail Trail 9
The Marin Nail Trail 9 is a great all-around adventure bike. With 120mm of travel in the front and 130mm in the rear, this bike is designed to help you tackle any terrain. It features a RockShox Recon RL fork and SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, making it great for climbs and descents.
- Trek Fuel EX 9.8
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is a great option for those who want a lightweight and durable bike. This full-suspension bike features 130mm of travel, a RockShox Lyrik RC fork, Fox Float DPS shock and Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels for maximum control when flying down the trails.
- Santa Cruz Bronson CC X01 Reserve
This is another great full-suspension mountain bike from Santa Cruz, the Bronson CC X01 Reserve. It features a carbon frame, 120mm RockShox Lyrik RC fork and Monarch Plus RC3 rear shock, making it great for those who want a lightweight and nimble bike for off-road cycling.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Adventure Bikes
Advantages:
1.) Hardtail and full-suspension options available for a variety of terrain types
2.) Various frame sizes and wheel sizes allow for customization
3.) Full-suspension bikes provide extra control over rougher trails
4.) Electric mountain bikes provide extra power and are great for long rides
Disadvantages:
1.) Full-suspension bikes can be heavier than hardtail frames
2.) Electric mountain bikes are costlier than traditional bikes
3.) Hardtail bikes may provide less control on technical trails
4.) You may need to buy a few different bikes for different trail types
Finding the right adventure bike for your next off-road expedition is a big decision. With the right information and a lot of research you should be able to find the perfect bike to suit your needs. Keep in mind the different types of bikes, sizes, and features to make sure you get the best bike for your cycling needs. Good luck and have an amazing experience out on the trails!