Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (2023)

Cannondale Trail 6

Price: $825
Suspension: 100mm (front)
Tires: 29 x 2.25 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 2 x 9
What we like: Quality aluminum frame, modern geometry, andsolid performance on smooth trails.
What we don't:Entry-level components are out of their element on more technicalsingletrack.
See the Cannondale Trail 6 See the Women's Cannondale Tango 3

4.4

Cannondale’s Trail mountain bike lineup is known for its balance of price, build quality, and smart component choices for beginner to intermediate cyclists. We tested the mid-range Trail 6 hardtail, which features a 100-millimeter SR Suntour front fork and reliable drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano. The takeaway is that it’s a great choice as a first “real” mountain bike and for riders that frequent smooth singletrack and gravel bike paths. Below we break down the Cannondale Trail 6’s descending and climbing performance, key features, components and specs, and other versionsin the line. To see how it stacks up, see our articles on the best mountain bikes andbest mountain bikes under $1,000.


Descending

It’s important to set reasonable expectations for a budget-friendly hardtail, and I found that Cannondale’s Trail 6 met or exceeded them in most cases. The bike’s 29-inch wheels (included with medium to extra-large frames) and 100-millimeter front suspension were a nice pairing for smooth singletrack that included the occasional root or rocky section. Further, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of traction provided by the 2.25-inch WTB Ranger tires in hardpack dirt, although the grip runs out quickly in muddy or greasy conditions. On the plus side, the tread provides little rolling resistance, which made them great companions on some of the rails-to-trails gravel paths that we have in the Seattle region.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (1)

While the Trail 6 handled the aforementioned areas with ease, when I ventured into the steep and rough terrain at Tiger Mountain, the bike was quickly out of its comfort zone. Even on the beginner-friendly Inside Passage trail, I felt under-gunned. The entry-level SR Suntour fork was overmatched and consistently bottomed out, and the lack of a dropper seat post meant I needed to constantly stop and adjust the height (or continue riding with it at an uncomfortable spot). Further, the bike put me in too upright of a position to confidently tackle anything steep. Clearly, the Trail 6 has its limitations, and anyone with plans to ride anything serious should strongly consider upgrading (the Salsa Timberjackthat werecently reviewed is one example). Having said that, I would put the Trail 6’s overall abilities as on par with most other options in this genre, and it remains a solid choice for areas with smooth, cross-country-style terrain.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (2)

(Video) Mountain Biking in Jim Thorpe | Switchback Trail Guide


Climbing

Featuring a relatively steep head tube angle by modern standards, fast-rolling tires, and a lightweight aluminum frame, it should come as no surprise that the Cannondale Trail 6 happily motors its way uphill. The upright geometry may be a downside for the descents, but it makes the bike quite comfortable for extended climbs. And I found the 2 x 9 Shimano drivetrain provided plenty of gears for even very steep and punchy sections of trail. Furthermore, the front suspension includes a remote that’s mounted on the handlebar to lock out the fork. This means it won’t compress under your body weight while pedaling and ultimately makes for a more efficient ride. While it’s too jarring to use over anything bumpy, it was nice to have while riding on bike paths or the road.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (3)

If I had one complaint about the Trail 6 in regard to climbing, it would be the weight of its wheels. You can only expect so much from an $800 hardtail, but it was clear that the wheels were adding precious rotational weight and slowing me down (these would be strong candidates for future upgrades). That being said, the bike still felt a little faster on smooth trails than the aforementioned Salsa Timberjack, which includes very wide 2.8-inch tires.


General Riding

For most of the bikes I test, I feel like they excel at either climbing or descending. However, the Cannondale Trail 6really shines as a mellow all-rounder. It’s versatile enough to not be out of sorts with anything from riding bike paths with friends and family to tackling fast-paced singletrack. Moreover, the rear rack attachment points mean that the Trail can be converted rather easily into a short-distance commuter. There are clearly more performance-oriented options on both ends of the spectrum, but the Cannondale lands comfortably in the middle as a true generalist.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (4)


Key Features

Frame
Cannondale has been building high-quality aluminum frames for decades, so it’s no surprise the Trail checks all the right boxes. The straightforward design is very clean and avoids entry-level-bike pitfalls like questionable-looking welds or oddly placed pieces of tubing. Further, they’ve included modern touches like internal routing for some of the brake and shifter cables. Finally, the raw color with black ascents on the “6” gives it a nice, subdued aesthetic overall (other versions of the Trail come in varying frame colors).Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (5)

(Video) How To Ride Tight & Steep Switchback Corners On Your Mountain Bike


Geometry
While certainly not cutting-edge, I think the geometry is just about perfect considering the Trail 6’s intended use. The head tube angle is on the slack end of the spectrum for this type of mountain bike (but steep compared to the middle and high end of the market). This puts you in a comfortable spot to be confident on moderate downhills while not feeling too sluggish for cruising up buff singletrack trails or flat bike paths. Cannondale also did a nice job with the sizing—the medium frame fit me really well (for reference, I’m 5’9”). One neat feature about the Trail line is that it features 27.5-inch wheels (instead of 29-inch) on the extra-small and small frame sizes, which only helps to dial in overall fit for different rider heights. All told, I think the entire package puts you in a comfortable and upright riding position that most people will find favorable.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (6)


Components and Specs

Shimano Drivetrain
It’s hard to go wrong with a Shimano drivetrain and my time aboard the 2 x 9 system found on the Trail 6 confirms this. While not their top-of-the-line offering, the price-appropriate Acera and Altus components happily shifted through the gears and provided sufficient range for both steep climbs and fast-paced descents. If there was one complaint regarding the entry-level components, it would be the lack of a clutch mechanism on the rear derailleur. Without this feature, the chain is not kept taut, so it makes a bit of a racket while hitting the chain stay on rough descents. This issue isn’t unique to Shimano but it’s something I noticed on my time aboard the Cannondale.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (7)


Shimano Brakes
Similar to the drivetrain above, the hydraulic Shimano MT200 stoppers on the Trail 6 proved to be more than sufficient throughout the duration of my testing. Once properly broken in, they provided reliable power for controlled braking and were free of noise or any other issues. While becoming more and more common in the sub-$1,000 price range, hydraulic disc brakes are one of the more important upgrades over a cheap bike at a big-box store (these often come with less powerful cable-actuated brakes). If you have any intentions of riding singletrack, they are a worthy investment in my opinion.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (8)


SR Suntour Suspension Fork
The brakes and shifters were both up to snuff, but I found the front fork was the main limiting factor when tackling rough terrain. The preload adjuster had very little impact on the overall ride, and the lack of a rebound adjustment had me wishing for a higher-end design. Additionally, the handlebar remote lockout feature is hard to reach and required me to remove my left hand to activate—a maneuver that’s certainly not ideal while on the trail. Overall, the fork is fine for buff singletrack and bike path use, but I couldn’t help but wish for something a little nicer on technical trails (it’s worth noting that higher-end versions of the Trail come with upgraded RockShox forks).Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (9)

(Video) How I ride tight, technical switchbacks


Tires
I am pretty picky about my tire set-up, so I was pleasantly surprised to see Cannondale spec a quality and well-known tread pattern on the Trail 6. The WTB Ranger tires rolled very well on pavement and hardpack trails while simultaneously providing a surprising amount of traction despite their tiny knobs. The 2.25-inch width can’t match the bump-absorbing ride that plus tires (approximately 2.8 inches wide) provide, but they certainly require less effort to get up to speed and roll faster.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (10)


Other Versions of the Cannondale Trail

As with many product lines from Cannondale, there are a wide range of Trail models available. I tested the Trail 6, which is the second-cheapest in the collection at $825. The Trail 7 is the price leader at $720, although it comes with a slightly downgraded drivetrain and you lose the remote lockout function on the fork. If neither of those features are appealing to you, the 7 is a fine option. On the other end of the spectrum, you haveCannondale's Trail 2, which includes significantly nicer drivetrain and suspension components. Priced at $1,575, the 2 is likely worth the investment if you anticipate spending most of your time on actual trails (and less time on gravel and paved bike paths).Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (11)


What We Like

  • Quality Shimano components should provide years of trouble-free performance.
  • The lightweight aluminum frame is a great canvas for future upgrades and has a lifetime warranty.
  • Fast-rolling and grippy tires work well for everything from bike paths to intermediate singletrack trails.
  • Smaller frame sizes feature 27.5-inch wheels, which help improve the fit for shorter riders.
  • Rack mounts increase the versatility of the Trail 6, making it viable for short-distance commuting.


What We Don’t

  • SR Suntour suspension fork is underwhelming on technical singletrack trails.
  • Lack of a dropper seat post makes steep descents more challenging.
  • Use of quick release axles (as opposed to thru-axles) are dated and make for a less efficient ride.

Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (12)


Comparison Table

BikePriceSuspensionTiresGears
Cannondale Trail 6$825SR Suntour XCM-RL (100mm)29 x 2.25 in. (27.5 in. XS and S)2 x 9
Giant Talon 29 2$720SR Suntour XCM HLO (100mm)29 x 2.2 in.2 x 9
Trek Marlin 7$790RockShox XC 30 (100mm)29 x 2.2 in.3 x 9
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2$899SR Suntour XCR (120mm)27.5 x 2.2 in.3 x 9
Kona Mahuna$999RockShox 30 Silver (100mm)29 x 2.25 in.1 x 10


The Competition

Nearly every major bike brand has a sub-$1,000 hardtail offering that competes directly with the Trail 6. Giant is consistently a leader in terms of value, and their Talon 29 2 is a great example. The two bikes are similar in most ways: fast-rolling yet knobby tires, budget SR Suntour suspension forks, and relatively lightweight aluminum frames. But the Talon wins out in price ($720 vs. $825 for the Trail) while including a slightly upgraded drivetrain. Where the Trail 6 pulls ahead, however, is with its more modern geometry. With a longer reach and slacker head tube angle, it’s a little more comfortable on the downhill. Additionally, the Trail 6 uses 27.5-inch wheels on its smaller frame sizes, something shorter riders will certainly appreciate. In the end, if you’re simply looking for the best deal, go with Talon 29 2. But the $100 price premium for the Trail 6 may be worth it if you prioritize fun on the singletrack.Switchback Travel | Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike Review (13)

While I don’t have any time on Trek’s Marlin 7, I think it’s another worthy competitor to the Trail 6. You get 100 millimeters of front suspension travel, a smartly spec’d 2 x 9 Shimano drivetrain, mounting locations for a rear rack, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. All in all, it’s a well-rounded and quality package for the beginner rider. That said, the Marlin has a steeper head tube angle (69.5 degrees), which puts you in a much more aggressive position and favors XC riders. The handlebars also feature zero rise and are quite narrow, which only adds to a more bent-over riding position which racers prefer (an odd choice considering its otherwise budget-friendly build). Overall, we think the more well-rounded Trail 6, which puts you in a more comfortable, upright stance, is the better choice.

(Video) Mountain biking on Switchbacks Trail in Carlsbad

Co-op Cycles may not be a household name like Cannondale or Trek, but their DRT 1.2 model is a solid option for the beginner mountain biker. Owned by REI and sold exclusively at their stores and online, the in-house brand generally offers a lot of bang for your buck. What sets the DRT 1.2 apart is its 27.5-inch wheels used across all sizes, 120 millimeters of front suspension travel, and 3 x 9 drivetrain. Compared to the Trail 6, as well as the others listed above, the DRT 1.2 is better suited for those who prefer a nimbler bike with smaller wheels. And although I never found the 2 x 9 drivetrain lacking on the Trail 6, those who live near steep terrain may prefer the very easy gears on the DRT 1.2. But the Trail 6 wins out in price by a notable $74, its 29-inch tires roll over obstacles more easily, and I appreciate the Cannondale’s more modern look and feel overall.

Editor’s note:We usually provide a live price comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, but at the time of publishing the Cannondale Trail 6 is only available nationwide at REI Co-op (for in-store pick up). You can see theTrail 6 page hereand support us in the process. Thanks!

(Video) Mongoose switchback trail MTN bike 200mi review

FAQs

What's the difference between a trail bike and a mountain bike? ›

However, trail bikes are typically lighter weight than mountain bikes, making them easier to ride for longer periods of time. They're also typically more nimble and agile, making them better for riding on tighter trails.

What is the best all round trail bike? ›

The best trail bikes
  • Norco Optic C2. An outstandingly controlled, capable and outrageously entertaining experience on every trail. ...
  • Canyon Spectral 29 CF8. ...
  • Mondraker Raze Carbon RR. ...
  • Santa Cruz Chameleon. ...
  • Forbidden Druid XT. ...
  • YT Izzo Core 3. ...
  • Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon. ...
  • Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 RSV.
Nov 25, 2022

Why is 27.5 better than 29? ›

27.5”: Faster acceleration is often cited as one of the biggest benefits of a 27.5” wheel when compared to a 29” wheel. Wheels that accelerate faster give a bike a snappy, responsive feel that many riders desire.

Is 27.5 more fun than 29? ›

Ride Experience

Further, because of their lower weight, 27.5-inch wheels will typically produce a more playful and energetic ride. You'll likely hear riders describe them as more “fun” because they can change directions quickly, hopping from one side of the trail to the other with less effort.

Is it better to have a bigger or smaller mountain bike? ›

We'd strongly advise going for the larger of the two options. It's easier to make a large bike fit without impairing how it handles; fitting a shorter stem and/or sliding the saddle forward on its rails arguably actually improves bike handling in fact.

Are trail bikes good for downhill? ›

Fast Up, Fun Down. As a bike designed to excel on a wide range of terrain, the geometry on a Trail bike will compliment both downhill stability and uphill pedaling efficiency.

Is it OK to use a trail bike on road? ›

Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. Many people like to have a mountain bike instead of a road bike or hybrid because they like the option of being able to ride off-road should they choose.

What is the best geometry for a trail bike? ›

The ideal head tube angle for trail bikes seems to be in the 67-68 degree range, and seat tube angles have settled around 74 degrees across the board.

Are trail bikes good for long rides? ›

Are mountain bikes suitable for road touring? Mountain bikes are great for touring. They're strong, can deal with rough roads perfectly and it's less likely to get a flat tire. It requires a bit more pedaling but with the right tires and handlebar, you have can make long-distance trips on a mountain bike.

How tall should you be for a 29 inch bike? ›

If you're 5'6' or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6' tall can rejoice: You'll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.

How tall should you be for a 27.5 inch bike? ›

27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5'2” and 5'10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size. Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5'7” and under.

Should I use 27.5 or 29 for downhill? ›

Because 27.5” wheels have a smaller diameter than 29”, they have less angular momentum so it is easier for riders to change direction. This made 27.5” the preferred choice for downhill and enduro riding.

How tall should you be for a 27 inch bike? ›

Road bike sizing chart
Rider Height (feet/inches)Rider Inseam (inchesBike Frame Size (centimeters)
4'10"-5'1"25.5"-27"46-48 cm
5'0"-5'3"26.5"-28"48-50 cm
5'2"-5'5"27.5"-29"50-52 cm
5'4"-5'7"28.5"-30"52-54 cm
5 more rows
Apr 1, 2020

Do I really need a 29er? ›

29-inch wheels also help to reduce fatigue over longer rides. Many downhill riders feel that 29ers are quicker and smoother. The grip provided by the larger tyres allows for late braking and good control. Trail riders often choose 29ers due the combination of speed, confidence and stability.

Is 27.5 better for shorter riders? ›

We're glad you asked. All other things being equal, 29ers generally have better traction, more efficient attack angles and better stability. On the other hand, 27.5-inch wheel bikes generally provide faster acceleration, are more agile, weigh less, and favor shorter riders.

Are thicker tires better for mountain biking? ›

Generally speaking, wider tires should provide more traction and control on the trail. Narrower tires may roll a little faster on smooth trails. For XC racing, most riders will use 1.6-2.2 inch tires, while trail, enduro, and downhill riders opt for 2.3 inches wide and above! Comfort also plays a factor.

What is the difference between 26 and 29 inch mountain bike? ›

The difference between the strike angle of a 26-inch wheel and a 29-inch wheel (over the wooden block) is only about 5 percent, but the cumulative effect of rolling up and over a 5-percent steeper angle thousands of times a mile adds up quickly. The larger-diameter 29-inch wheel has noticeably less rolling resistance.

Is it better to bike longer or harder? ›

Shorter sessions are easier to recover from

Even though you're going to go harder during a shorter ride, you will be able to recover more quickly from that session compared to a much longer ride. Your overall kilojoule count will be lower.

What is trail vs enduro mountain bike? ›

An enduro bike will generally have between 140 and 180 mm of travel. A trail bike will have up to 140 mm of travel. A quick rule of thumb here is that because of the longer travel an enduro bike will favor heading down a trail over being a truly efficient climbing machine. The reason for this is enduro racing.

Does weight matter on a trail bike? ›

A study by Dr Paul Macdermid showed that heavier bikes were slower up hills—no surprise! A bike 21% heavier was 3.3% slower for a 95kg rider. This same study indicated that a dropper post will lose you only 1 second up a steep climb. Rotating weight is important, and get even more important as the diameter gets bigger.

Can I use a trail bike for commuting? ›

A mountain bike is an acceptable commuter. Some versions will offer more overall comfort and efficiency when you exclusively use roads. Switching the knobbly tyres to semi slick ones will help you over the tarmac. Check that they have mounts for accessories that help you stay stable and dry.

What is the difference between a road bike and a trail bike? ›

Aside from the difference in tyre size and tread pattern or the lack of suspension forks, the most striking visual difference between a road and mountain bike, is what you hold onto. Road bikes have narrow drop handlebars, while mountain bikes have wide flat bars.

Is a road bike better than a mountain bike for exercise? ›

Overall, mountain bikes are best for endurance and muscle building while road bikes offer a better cardio and overall body workout. Your choice will depend on what workout you want to get out of the activity.

Should my feet touch the ground on a mountain bike? ›

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.

How many gears should a trail bike have? ›

They usually have 18 to 27 speeds, with 24 being the most popular. The number of gears you need depends on the type of terrain you'll be riding on and your own personal preferences.

Which cycle is best for uphill? ›

Touring Bikes

They have a lower gear range compared to regular road bikes, to allow for carrying heavy loads up steep hills. They also make good commuter bicycles, because of their durability and ability to carry heavy loads.

Can I ride 100 miles on a mountain bike? ›

A 100 mile mountain bike ride is totally doable – you just need to train for it. While there are plenty of training plans out there, I'd like to share my finisher's plan for those who, like me, are only competing with themselves.

Is 50 miles a long bike ride? ›

Completing a 50 mile bike ride is both a challenge and a rite of passage in cycling. No matter what level you're at, beginner, or regular cyclist, it is very achievable, particularly with a little planning and the right kit.

How long of a bike ride is healthy? ›

Plan to get on your bike and ride for 30-60 minutes, 3-5 days a week. Start every ride with a warm-up. Pedal at a slow, easy pace for 5-10 minutes.

What is the advantage of 29 inch wheels on a mountain bike? ›

29” Wheel Advantages

29” wheels often feel smoother to ride due to the higher air volume in their larger tires. The extra air volume acts as additional suspension – some say that it feels like having an extra inch of travel to ride the bigger wheels.

Can a 6 foot man ride a 26 inch bike? ›

26-inch bikes are a common size for adults. Riders with a height of 5' and above are typically tall enough to comfortably fit on bikes with 26” wheels. However, riders taller than 5'5” may be better suited to the slightly larger 27.5” or 29” models that offer better traction and stability.

What are 29ers good for? ›

A 29er bike is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels, a wheel size that has become the most popular and most capable for trail riding. 29er bikes are great for all types of rides and they offer lots of performance benefits that can make riding easier, faster, and more fun.

Are 27.5 wheels better than 26? ›

27.5″ versus 26″ Wheels

Larger wheels hold more speed than smaller wheels due to rotational inertia, making the 27.5″ a faster ride than a conventional 26″ wheel. Once you get moving, it's easier to stay moving.

How much bigger is 27.5 than 26? ›

27.5 bikes are only 1 inch bigger than 26in bikes.

What size bike should a 5 10 man ride? ›

Road Bike Size Chart
Your Height / InseamBike Size
5'8″ to 5'10” with 29″ to 31″ inseamM (medium) 52 cm to 56 cm bike
5″10″ to 6′ with 31″ to 33″ inseamL (large) 54 cm to 58 cm bike
6′ to 6'3″ with 33″ to 35″ inseamXL (extra large) 56 cm to 61 cm bike
6'3″ to 6'6″ with 35″ and up inseamXXL 61 cm bike or bigger
2 more rows

Is it harder to pedal a 29er? ›

A 29er requires you to pedal harder to get up to speed compared to a 27.5, but once up to speed, it takes less effort to maintain velocity. This is useful on longer, mellow trails and allows you to ride further and harder. 27.5 MTB's takes less effort to accelerate but you need to pedal harder to keep up with a 29er.

Can you jump a 29er? ›

It's pretty clear- 29ers are here to stay. Not just a fad, the big wheels of the 29er have evolved from being a side show curiosity to a standard tool for discriminating XC and endurance trail riders for some time now.

Is it easier to jump 27.5 or 29? ›

29ers and 27.5 bikes tend to have comparable performance when it comes to jumping. 29ers carry more speed downhill, which offsets their slightly heavier weight on jumps. For climbing hills, 29ers may take more effort to accelerate, but they also roll over obstacles more easily, helping you maintain momentum.

Can I use a mountain bike on a trail? ›

If you are interested in riding dirt singletrack trails, you will have to get a real mountain bike! Road bikes, city bikes, and cruisers are not appropriate tools for riding MTB trails. Trying to ride off-road with an inappropriate bike might cause you to fall more often and get discouraged.

What is a trail bike meant for? ›

With rear suspension that ranges from 120mm – 160mm of travel, trail bikes are designed to chew up rocky, technical terrain at speed, handle drops and catch air. Trail bikes often can be pointed straight through the rough stuff.

What defines a trail bike? ›

noun. a small motorcycle designed and built with special tires and suspension for riding on unpaved roads and over rough terrain. Also called: dirt bike.

Is a trail bike all mountain? ›

Trail. By far the most common and widest-ranging category is “Trail.” They are also the most broadly capable style of mountain bikes. Trail bikes can range from short-travel bikes all the way up to having 140/150mm suspension, and even hardtails.

Is it healthy to mountain bike every day? ›

Mountain biking is a low-impact sport. That means that it has less wear and tear on your body. Unlike running, your body isn't put under constant pounding stress while biking. That means that mountain biking can be a great option for long term, daily workouts.

What should you not do on a mountain bike? ›

So here are a few of the most common bad habits on a mountain bike and why you should ditch them as soon as you can.
  1. Standing in the middle of the trail. ...
  2. Forgetting to properly maintain your bike. ...
  3. Pushing the uphills. ...
  4. Forgetting to say hello. ...
  5. Excessive skidding. ...
  6. Crawling through turns. ...
  7. Riding without a helmet.
Jun 24, 2019

Can a trail bike be used on the road? ›

So riding your mountain bike on the road makes brakes, gears, and shocks last much longer than they would if you rode it on rough terrain. Pretty much any mountain bike can take on a standard uneven road or street.

What size trail bike should I get? ›

For example, the best mountain bike suspension forks can be adjusted to suit you.
...
What size mountain bike do I need?
Bike sizeFrame sizeRider height
Extra-small13-14in152-162cm (5ft – 5ft 4in)
Small14-16in162-170cm (5ft 4in – 5ft 7in)
Medium16-18in170-178cm (5ft 7in – 5ft 10in)
Large18-20in178-185cm (5ft 10in – 6ft 1in)
1 more row
Apr 6, 2022

Are trail bikes good for long distance? ›

Are mountain bikes suitable for road touring? Mountain bikes are great for touring. They're strong, can deal with rough roads perfectly and it's less likely to get a flat tire. It requires a bit more pedaling but with the right tires and handlebar, you have can make long-distance trips on a mountain bike.

Why not use a mountain bike on the road? ›

Mountain bikes on the road are very slow. They are not made for smooth roads and are extremely laggy. You will find holding speed on the bike much harder and will have to put much more effort in. This is because of a few reasons, such as the weight of the bike, the aerodynamics, and the larger tires.

What is trail vs all mountain mountain bike? ›

All-mountain bikes have slightly more suspension travel than trail bikes, ranging from 5.5"/140mm to 6.7"/180mm. Geometry strongly favors descending to climbing. Head angles in the 65°- 67° range can require some finesse when it comes to steep climbs.

Videos

1. Climbing 18 Miles of Gravel up Mt. Pisgah | Finding The Switchback Trailhead | Jim Thorpe PA
(Traveling Thru)
2. How To Document Your Adventures With Elina Osborne
(Live Ultralight Podcast)
3. Titanium bikes are the best, change my mind.
(Mr Tonka)
4. La Costa MTB // After work ride // Horned Lizard and Switchbacks
(Hardtail Adventures)
5. Why get a really good kids mountain bike?
(Berm Peak)
6. Switchbacks for Beginners, N00bs, and Newbies -- XC MTB Mountain Bikes
(ThreeDigitIQ)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated: 02/15/2023

Views: 6602

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.