Trail Bikes 2023

Trail Bikes: The Do-Everything Mountain Bike

Trail bike selection has gotten complicated with all the travel options and geometry changes flying around. As someone who spent years on a cross-country bike before trying a proper trail bike and immediately riding features I’d been walking around, I learned everything there is to know about this category. Today, I’ll share why they’re the Swiss army knife of mountain biking.

What Makes a Trail Bike

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Trail bikes sit in the middle of the mountain bike spectrum. 130-150mm of suspension travel, slack-ish geometry for descending, but still climb reasonably well.

Compared to XC bikes: more suspension, more capable on rough terrain, heavier.

Compared to enduro bikes: lighter, climbs better, less burly on steep descents.

For most trail riders doing a mix of climbing and descending, this middle ground is exactly right.

Hardtail vs Full Suspension

Trail hardtails are lighter, cheaper, simpler. Great teachers — you learn to pick lines because the bike punishes bad choices.

That’s what makes full suspension trail bikes endearing to us technical trail riders — more forgiving, faster on rough terrain, easier on your body.

For occasional trail riding or tight budgets, hardtails work. For serious trail riders, full suspension opens more terrain.

Travel Choices

120-130mm: Lighter, faster pedaling. Good for smoother trails or climbing priorities.

140-150mm: Sweet spot for most trail riding. Handles rough terrain while climbing well.

150-160mm: Pushing into enduro territory. Better for steeper, rougher trails. Heavier uphill.

Match travel to your local trails.

Geometry Basics

Head tube angle: Slacker (65°) is more stable descending but slower steering. Steeper (68°+) is quicker but less stable at speed.

Reach: Longer creates more stable platform but requires aggressive positioning.

Seat tube angle: Steeper helps climbing efficiency.

Modern trail bikes have gotten slacker and longer than bikes from 5 years ago. They descend better without losing much climbing ability.

What to Actually Buy

$1,500-2,500: Entry-level full suspension. Aluminum frames, basic suspension. Good enough to learn and enjoy trails.

$2,500-4,000: Better suspension, sometimes carbon, upgraded drivetrains. This is where trail bikes start feeling really good.

$4,000+: Premium everything. Diminishing returns for recreational riders, but noticeably better suspension and weight.

Brands that consistently deliver: Trek, Giant, Specialized, Santa Cruz, Ibis, Yeti, Norco.

Wheel Size

Most trail bikes come in 29″. They roll over obstacles better and maintain speed. 27.5″ wheels are quicker handling and more playful. Some offer both (“mullet” uses 29″ front, 27.5″ rear).

For most people, 29″ is right unless you’re smaller-statured or prioritize agility over stability.

Don’t Overthink It

Any modern trail bike from a reputable brand will work well. Ride a few, see what feels good, buy within budget. Differences between bikes at similar prices are marginal compared to just riding more.

Your skills matter more than your bike. A good rider on a basic trail bike crushes trails that a bad rider on an expensive bike struggles with.