13 Best Beginner Mountain Bikes in 2023

Beginner mountain bikes are excellent in 2023. Even entry-level options can tackle most of today’s mountain bike trails thanks to significant advancements in geometry, materials, and components over the past ten years.

That said, buying a beginner mountain bike can be an intimidating task. It’s hard to know what to value and where to focus your money when there are so many options to choose from.

Today, buying a beginner mountain bike is all about finding a bike with reliable components and excellent handling – all for a great price, of course! The following mountain bikes do all three things better than most, which is why they’ve made my list of the best beginner mountain bikes in 2023.

This post is part of my beginner mountain biking series, which also includes the following:

How to Buy a Mountain Bike – [Beginner’s Guide]

Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette – The Do’s and Don’ts of Mountain Biking

How to Buy the Best Used Mountain Bike for You

Skip to the thirteen best beginner mountain bikes

A Beginner Mountain Bike Overview

As mentioned, beginner mountain bikes need consistent and reliable components, modern geometry that allows for balanced handling, and an accessible price point that won’t break the bank of those just starting out.

That said, questions like whether to buy a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike or an aluminum or carbon frame still exist. Let’s quickly discuss each of those and a few other things.

Beginner Mountain Bike Questions

Should I buy a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike?

This is one of the most common questions beginner mountain bikers have. Hardtails are more straightforward and cheaper, while full suspension bikes are more complicated and expensive. So which one is best when just starting out?

Contrary to the general recommendation of beginner mountain bikers starting on a hardtail mountain bike, I actually recommend you purchase a full-suspension mountain bike first. There are a few reasons for this.

• Full suspension mountain bikes are much easier to ride and offer superior handling to hardtails. As such, you can ride a greater variety of trails and stay on the bike longer when compared to a hardtail. 

• Having a more comfortable and easier-handling bike will encourage you to ride more. The more you’re on the bike, the faster you progress.

• Full suspension mountain bikes offer a better value proposition than hardtail mountain bikes. You’re getting far more for your money when buying a full-suspension bike.

• If you buy a hardtail and love the sport, you’ll quickly be looking to buy a full suspension bike. If you don’t like the sport, you can sell your full suspension mountain bike for great resale value. It’s better to commit from the start and sell your full-suspension mountain bike if you don’t like the sport than buy a hardtail, sell it, and then buy a full-suspension mountain bike if you do like the sport.

Of course, if all full-suspension mountain bikes are well beyond your budget, then purchasing a hardtail will be the only option. But, if you can afford it, I recommend slotting in full-suspension mountain bikes at the top of your buying list.

Should I buy an aluminum or carbon mountain bike?

The consensus on this question is more aligned, with most agreeing that aluminum mountain bikes are better for beginner mountain bikers. Why? 

• Aluminum is far more durable than carbon, meaning it holds up much better to crashes and hard impacts. As a beginner mountain biker, you’ll likely crash more than a few times. Thus, aluminum is the better choice.

• Aside from stiffness and weight, carbon frames offer few benefits to aluminum frames. Even a lighter frame being a benefit is up for debate. Spending an extra $1,000 to $3,000 on a carbon frame doesn’t make sense when it brings little to no benefits, especially for someone just starting out.

That said, if an aluminum and carbon bike are similarly priced and spec’d, and you’re not concerned about the fragility of carbon, then by all means, consider a carbon mountain bike. Otherwise, stick with the tried and true aluminum frame for generally cheaper pricing and increased durability.

What type of mountain bike is best for beginners?

The answer to this question is usually a trail bike as it’s mountain biking’s swiss army knife, the defacto do-it-all mountain bike.

That said, I think this is a bad stance to take, as the answer to what type of mountain bike is best for beginners is dependent upon what types of trails that beginner mountain biker is going to be riding. 

Mountain bikes are highly specialized today, with specific options for different riding styles and trails. You’d be selling yourself short by buying a trail bike if 80% of your riding is going to be enduro focused.

If you find yourself asking what type of mountain bike is best for you as a beginner, instead ask yourself what types of trails you want to ride most, and then narrow in the best mountain bikes within that category.

Should I buy my first mountain bike from an online retailer?

Typically, my answer to this question is no. A ton of benefits come from buying a mountain bike from your local bike shop, like receiving expert advice, consistent service, and help with any warranty issues – having access to bikes you want to test ride is another huge plus.

That said, the value proposition from online retailers like Canyon, Commencal, and YT is hugely compelling, so much so that the cost savings start to outweigh the benefits of purchasing from a bike shop.

If possible, I still recommend purchasing your first mountain bike from a local shop. But, if you’re set on buying from an online retailer because you love the bike or want to save money, go for it – just be sure to do your research and understand that without test-riding the bike, you won’t be able to have a true sense of just how much you’ll get along with it.

The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t particularly appreciate how most posts around this topic primarily focus on trail bikes while completely disregarding categories like cross country and enduro.

As such, I’ve broken down the best beginner mountain bikes by category, providing multiple options within each riding style so you can get a sense of what’s available no matter what type of mountain biking you want to focus on.

The Best Beginner Cross Country Bikes

Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4

Lightweight, responsive, and well-balanced

Price: $3,035 CAD

The Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4 is an impressively lightweight and efficient package. It features progressive geometry (steeper seat angle/slacker head angle), providing excellent traction and control on steep climbs and technical descents (even as a hardtail). The component spec on this bike is also top-notch, especially considering its price point. And while the carbon frame may be a bit fragile for beginners, the Scalpel’s high-level performance and reliable build make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to enter the world of cross country mountain biking.

Orbea Oiz H30 2023

Modern, aggressive, and great value

Price: $3,899 CAD

Orbea’s 2023 Oiz H30 boasts a brand-new geometry and design based on 120mm of suspension, making it one of the most capable and aggressive cross-country bikes available today. Alongside the H30’s brand-new frame are impressive components, including Fox suspension and Shimano brakes and drivetrain. Despite its impressive features, Orbea’s Oiz H30 has some drawbacks, primarily its headset cable routing, which can make maintenance difficult, and its remote push-unlock system, which may pose challenges for beginners. Despite these minor setbacks, the Orbea Oiz H30 is my #1 recommendation for beginner mountain bikers looking for an affordable yet high-performing full-suspension cross country mountain bike!

The Best Beginner Trail Bikes

Canyon Neuron 5

Capable, comfortable, and great value

Price: $2,549 CAD

If you’re looking for a new trail bike, the Canyon Neuron 5 is definitely worth considering. With five size options, you’ll find the perfect fit, especially if you’re an XS or XL rider. The smaller 27.5″ wheels on the XS and S sizes provide a consistent riding dynamic for shorter riders. At the same time, the bike, as a whole, finds an outstanding balance between comfort and capability. It’s poppy and fun, but also fast and efficient, making it a great all-around option. However, if you’re a first-time buyer, the online purchasing, delivery, and assembly experience may be confusing, and warranty and service issues may be more difficult to resolve without a local dealer. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, making the Canyon Neuron 5 a top contender in the trail bike market.

Norco Fluid FS A4 2023

Fun, solid, and well-equipped

Price: $2,999 CAD

If you’ve been in the market for a trail bike, you’ve likely come across Norco’s 2023 Fluid. With its impressive price-to-performance ratio, incredible riding characteristics, and solid component spec, it’s no wonder it’s been raking in awards left and right. Boasting some of the best trail bike geometry out there, riders can easily tackle anything from steep climbs to technical descents. That being said, taller riders may want to take note of the short seat tube, which could make the dropper post feel a bit stretched. The lack of a chain guide could also lead to a few more dropped chains on rough terrain. That said, those are rather nitpicky; for the price, quality, and handling, it’s hard to beat the Norco Fluid FS A4.

Ibis Ripley AF

Solid, supportive, and fun to ride

Price: $3,499 CAD

Ibis’ Ripley AF is an outstanding trail bike that errs closer to the side of cross country than it does enduro. The pedalling platform is extremely efficient, bringing incredible climbing performance and effortless speed over flatter terrain. That said, the Ripley AF is still highly-capable through rougher terrain and moderate descents, thanks to a well-integrated geometry, suspension and component package. However, the supportive suspension design that allows for great pedalling may feel rough to those new to mountain biking. Overall, the Ibis Ripley AF is an excellent choice for beginner mountain bikers looking for a fast, snappy, and fun-to-ride trail bike that excels through climbs and handles moderate trails with ease.

The Best Beginner Enduro Bikes

Ibis Ripmo AF

Sporty, stable, and effortless to handle

Price: $3,599 CAD

Ibis’ Ripmo AF is a popular enduro mountain bike with a sporty, stable, easy-to-handle platform. The bike’s simple build kit is great for beginner riders, allowing them to focus on the riding experience instead of worrying about tinkering with different settings. The Ripmo also boasts impressive balance, easy handling, and near-endless traction, making it a top choice for riders seeking a versatile bike that can handle various trail conditions. That said, the Ripmo AF’s steeper seat and head angles may make it less suitable for steep descents than other enduro bikes. Additionally, some riders may find the bike feels too much like a trail bike and not as well-suited for pushing hard and hitting big features. Overall, Ibis’ Ripmo AF is a great choice if you’re looking for an efficient, effortless, and responsive enduro mountain bike that’s easy to understand and available for a great price!

Devinci Spartan Deore 12S

Supple, sturdy, and ready for charging

Price: $4,899 CAD

Devinci’s Spartan Deore 12S is designed to excel at high speeds and through rough terrain. It is incredibly steady and confidence-inspiring on big features and steep descents, making it an ideal choice for beginner mountain bikers looking to challenge themselves on more difficult trails. However, the Spartan may not be the best option for riders who will be climbing a lot or frequently riding on flatter, less challenging terrain – its plush suspension and heavier build may make it feel slower in these situations. It could also be a more difficult bike to learn on for smaller riders due to its larger size and heavier weight. Overall, the Devinci Spartan is an excellent choice for riders who want a high-performance enduro bike that prioritizes downhills. There may be better choices than the Spartan for those seeking a more versatile option.

Trek Slash 7

Versatile, well-protected, and incredibly tuned

Price: $4,930 CAD

Trek’s Slash 7 is a highly versatile enduro bike that handles anything you throw at it confidently. The five different size options are plentiful, making it a good choice for beginner riders who have yet to find an enduro bike that fits comfortably. The Slash 7 is also very well-built and includes in-frame storage and plenty of frame protection, two features you rarely see with aluminum frames. The real standout is the top-notch suspension design and tune, which provide excellent support and comfort through all 170mm of travel. One downside to Trek’s Slash 7 is the slack seat tube, which can put you in a somewhat uncomfortable climbing position vs. a bike with a steeper seat tube. The Slash 7 also features Trek’s controversial Knock Block system, which to some, is annoying and immediately removed when purchasing the bike. That said, thanks to the well-built and well-protected aluminum frame, excellent suspension tune, and versatile handling, Trek’s Slash 7 is arguably the best beginner enduro bike on the market.

The Best Beginner Downhill Bikes

Canyon Sender CFR 29 Underdog

Balanced, confidence-inspiring, and highly-adjustable

Price: $5,699 CAD

With RockShox Ultimate suspension and SRAM Code R brakes, Canyon’s Sender CFR 29 Underdog is an impressively-spec’d bike for the price. Its balanced design and low centre of gravity easily handle even the most demanding downhill tracks. The Sender’s geometry is also highly-adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune its ride characteristics, an incredibly impactful feature for a bike with only one purpose. However, the carbon frame may be prone to damage, particularly given the rigours of downhill riding. The online purchasing/delivery/assembly experience may also be particularly challenging for a first-time buyer. Despite this, Canyon’s Sender CFR 29 Underdog is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance downhill mountain bike that won’t break the bank.

Scott Gambler 920

Fast, tough, and ready to race

Price: $5,999 CAD

Scott’s Gambler 920 is an impressive aluminum downhill bike that excels at steep descents, straight-line speed, and rugged terrain. The bike is highly durable, making it a great option for beginner downhill mountain bikers who may subject their bike to more crashes and sudden impacts than experienced riders. The Gambler 920 also features adjustable geometry, allowing riders to customize their ride characteristics. That said, the price point of $5,999 is on the more expensive side for a beginner mountain bike, and the build kit isn’t as good as Canyon’s Sender CFR 29 Underdog. Overall, the Scott Gambler 920 is an excellent choice for beginner downhill mountain bikers who want a rugged and durable downhill mountain bike fully supported by one of their local mountain bike shops.

The Best Beginner Fat Bikes

Rocky Mountain Blizzard 10

Slack, aggressive, and great value 

Price: $1,599 CAD

Rocky Mountain’s Blizzard 10 is one of the most affordable fat bikes on the market, making it a great choice for those just discovering the crazy world of fat biking. The Blizzard 10 has an impressively slack head angle, making it a great descender that excels with more aggressive riding. That said, the mechanical disc brakes may sometimes feel underpowered, especially if you’re pushing on the descents. The Blizzard 10 is also heavy, often 2-5 pounds more than its competitors – it will require additional effort when riding through soft conditions or up steep hills. Overall, it’s hard to beat the Blizzard 10s price, and a little extra effort to pedal a bike around never hurt anyone!

Kona Wo

Simple, dependable, and well-built

Price: $1,999 CAD

Kona’s Wo is as simple as it comes, making it a dependable and well-built fat bike you can rely on. The moderate geometry allows for a comfortable upright position that climbs great on steep ascents. That said, the Wo’s more conservative geometry will be noticeable on the descents, as the handling and control may suffer. Overall, Kona’s Wo is an excellent option for most fat bikers looking for a well-built fat bike that is comfortable to ride over rolling terrain. Only those select few looking to prioritize riding downhill sections fast (a rarity for fat bikes) should look elsewhere.

Giant Yukon 2

Modern, easy rolling, and fun

Price: $2,099 CAD

Giant’s Yukon 2 is a modern take on the traditional fat bike, bringing larger 27.5″ wheels and a 12-speed drivetrain that combine to provide an easy-pedalling and fast-rolling machine. While the price crosses over the $2,000 mark, the larger wheels and modern geometry will give a noticeable difference that, in my opinion, is worth the extra money. One point to note is using Giant’s in-house rims and hubs. While not a deal-breaker, there have been some reports of each breaking more than they should. Overall, Giant’s Yukon 2 is a modern fat bike available for a great price, making it an easy recommendation to any beginner fat bikers looking to purchase their first fat bike!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve read other posts around this topic, you may be surprised to see the bikes I’ve chosen as beginner mountain bikes. Even though they are all great value, they are far more expensive than the $1,000 to $2,000 mountain bikes typically recommended to beginners. 

In every way possible – geometry, components, quality, handling, resale value – these bikes are superior. You’re simply getting a far better product and far more value from mountain bikes in the $3,000 to $6,000 range than in the sub-$3,000 category.

So, if you can afford it, I recommend starting with one of the bikes above. Each bike chosen is a leader in its category and a great reference point for what a modern beginner mountain bike should be.

You only get to purchase your first mountain bike once, so be sure to enjoy the process and feel free to comment below if you have any questions or need advice!