Hello, this is ICAN. We'll answer questions like, "I often hear the term 'mountain bike,' but what specifically differentiates it from other bikes?" and "What are some recommended mountain bike wheels?" You can choose a mountain bike based on wheel size or the ratio of uphill to downhill riding. This time, we'll look at how to choose a mountain bike and wheel sizes.

 

What kind of courses do mountain bikes run on?

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There are three types of courses for mountain bikes: "Downhill," "Cross-Country," and "Enduro." We'll explain each in order.

Downhill

Most mountain bike courses are mountain trails. And "downhill" courses are said to be the most popular in the world. Downhill mountain bike models have 200mm of travel (the amount of movement in suspensions, brake levers, etc.) to descend bumpy terrain at high speeds. They also have frames that are stronger than aluminum, offering high rigidity and suspension functionality. As courses become increasingly demanding each year, downhill bike models have evolved to the point where there's nowhere these models can't descend.

Enduro

Enduro courses have recently grown in popularity, recalling the mountain bike boom that once swept Japan. Incidentally, the image back then was that mountain bikes for enduro courses were for long-distance endurance races, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Enduro courses are divided into uphill and downhill sections, where speed is competitive on downhill sections and time is competitive on uphill sections. And if a model performs exceptionally well, it becomes incredibly popular. In the mountain bike market, enduro mountain bikes are overwhelmingly popular.

Cross-Country

Cross-country courses involve riding mountain bikes in nature, covering longer distances than downhill courses. The level of intensity is not as extreme as downhill, so cross-country mountain bike models possess performance comparable to downhill race bikes of yesteryear, while also having sufficient functionality to handle hills that require pedaling. If you live in Japan, a cross-country mountain bike model will easily suffice, so if you're unsure, this is probably your best bet.

Types of Mountain Bikes

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There are four types of mountain bikes: "All-Mountain," "Freeride," "Trail," and "Fat Bike." We'll explain each in order.

 

Freeride

Freeride mountain bike models are specialized for downhill courses and can reportedly descend rocky mountains. However, this model's features are not necessary in Japan, so I don't particularly recommend it. The price goes up for bikes that can handle such environments.

 

All-Mountain

As the name suggests, all-mountain mountain bikes are highly versatile bikes suitable for both uphill and downhill riding. As such, the frames and wheels are quite rigid, making them easy to use for city riding.

Trail

Trail model mountain bikes are popular in Japan. They are specialized for riding in the mountains, making them suitable for cross-country mountain riding. Their high practicality and ability to keep costs down are key selling points.

Fat Bike

Fat bikes have tires that are nearly twice as wide as the models introduced above. Some of them, originating in Minnesota, USA, can reportedly run effortlessly even on snow. Fat bikes can easily handle any harsh terrain, so it's recommended for mountain bike beginners to choose from this model. However, fat bikes are heavy and not fast, so please choose carefully with that in mind.

Differences Between Mountain Bike Types and MTB Adapted for Courses

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Some mountain bikes are specialized for extremely demanding courses, while others, as mentioned earlier, are highly practical and affordable. However, there aren't significant performance differences among these bikes. In fact, there are countless athletes who compete on enduro courses with all-mountain models. Therefore, you don't need to worry too much, as all-mountain, freeride, or trail models can still complete enduro courses.

Mountain Bike Wheel Sizes

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There are a total of four mountain bike wheel sizes. Let's take a look.

26 Inch

The 26-inch wheel is considered the smallest. When mountain bikes were first released, only 26-inch wheels were available, and they were the most affordable among all sizes. That hasn't changed. It might be a good option for those on a tight budget. Functionally, these wheels have high rigidity, are lightweight, and offer excellent acceleration and cornering performance, characteristic of smaller wheels. Therefore, they excel on tough uphill climbs because of their smooth initial pedaling.

29er (Two Niner)

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The 29er wheel size, also known as "two-niner," has a larger tire contact patch than traditional 26-inch wheels, which is said to increase rolling resistance. However, because it achieves higher speeds and improves handling performance compared to 26-inch wheels, the 29er has now become the standard for mountain bike wheels.

27.5 Inch

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The 27.5-inch is a size in between the 26-inch and 29er, skillfully incorporating the best aspects of both. This means it maintains the lightness of the 26-inch while possessing the cornering performance of the 29er. In short, the 27.5-inch is divine.

Changes in MTB Brake Trends

As wheel sizes have increased, the mainstream mountain bike brakes have shifted from "V-brakes" to "disc brakes." V-brakes offer greater stopping power than the caliper brakes equipped on road bikes. V-brakes are a type of rim brake and have the strongest stopping power. This shift from V-brakes to disc brakes, which can handle various situations, allows riders to control mountain bikes with less force even on demanding trails. Furthermore, safety has dramatically improved, with no worries about front flips caused by sudden braking, and chains not coming off on steep descents.

Globally Popular "e-MTB" Model [Also catching on in Japan]

e-MTBs, or electric mountain bikes, have become incredibly popular worldwide. Initially, they lacked recognition due to the increased weight caused by the electric assist, but the advantages of uphill climbing ability and reduced fatigue from the electric assist outweighed this drawback. Furthermore, being lighter than regular electric bikes and having improved chassis balance has made them capable of effortlessly handling both ascents and descents. That being said, the price tends to be higher as a result, so if you don't mind the cost, trying one is definitely an option.

 

How to Choose Mountain Bike Wheels

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Since how to choose wheels varies from person to person, here are four basic methods for choosing wheels.

 

How to Choose an MTB ① Choose by the ratio of uphill to downhill

You can choose a mountain bike based on its intended use, but initially, some people might not be able to specifically decide how they'll ride it. For those people, choosing based on the "ratio of uphill to downhill" is recommended. This ratio will vary depending on the region you live in and where you ride, so consider that as a reference. If the uphill ratio is 1 and downhill is 9, a "downhill model" is recommended. If the uphill ratio is 3 and downhill is 7, an "enduro model" is recommended. And if uphill is 4 and downhill is 6, an "all-mountain model" or "trail model (full suspension)" is good. If both uphill and downhill are 5, a "cross-country model" or "trail model (hardtail)" would be good choices.

 

How to Choose an MTB ② Choose by price

After selecting a mountain bike based on the ratios above, it might be a good idea to consider the price next. The price difference varies considerably depending on the model.

How to Choose an MTB ③ Choose by inch size

Choosing a mountain bike by wheel inch size is also an option. For those who prioritize speed within mountain biking, a 29er might be suitable, while if you prefer lighter wheels, a 26-inch would be the choice. However, I don't recommend trying to achieve high speeds on a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are incomparably heavier than road bikes, so it's better to assume they won't reach high speeds.

Recommended Mountain Bike Wheels

Here, we introduce the mountain bike wheels sold by our company. All of these wheels come with a two-year free warranty.

27.5er AM Enduro

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These wheels are made of carbon material, making them incredibly lightweight. Their weight is a remarkable 1753g. We felt that many wheels sold by other companies did not weigh under 2000 grams, so we manufactured wheels that prioritize lightness. These wheels are an absolute win for anyone racing on mountain trails or riding long distances on enduro courses. With a two-year free warranty, you can rest assured even if something happens during a race.

29er 35/40mm

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These mountain bike wheels are 29er in size, so they offer more speed than 26-inch wheels. Furthermore, this size is designed for high cornering performance, allowing you to ride without problems even on demanding mountain trails. The material, of course, is carbon. The weight is 1835 grams. Please give them a try.

27.5-inch Mountain Bike Wheels Are Recommended: Summary

That concludes our discussion on how to choose a mountain bike and wheel sizes. For those who find it difficult to choose by inch size, a 27.5-inch model might be a good option. This is because the 27.5-inch is an intermediate size, combining the best features of both 29er and 26-inch wheels. It's for those who absolutely want to avoid making a mistake with size. Here is a list of articles.

ICAN Article List

Chinese Carbon Wheel Buying Guide

Basic Knowledge of Bicycle Wheels

What about cheap disc brake wheels? [Reasons why you should avoid cheap ones]