1. XC (Cross Country) Mountain Bikes

XC mountain bikes are categorized into two types: hardtail and softtail. They typically weigh around 9-13 kg and are lightweight, often with a suspension travel of less than 100 mm, making them more focused on climbing and pedaling than other long-ride bike types. XC mountain bikes are suitable for cross-country trails with minor undulations and smooth road conditions.

XC mountain bikes are currently the most popular type in the mountain bike category, with a low barrier to entry. They are favored by riders on a budget and require less skill than Enduro and DH bikes, making them an accessible model for beginners.

Brands: Scott Spark, Giant Anthem, Specialized Epic, Trek Top Fuel, Merida Ninety-Six, etc.

2. Trail Mountain Bikes

Trail mountain bikes exist between XC and Enduro, offering better performance in traversing forests and descending than XC, while being more suitable for climbing than Enduro.

Trail mountain bikes typically have front and rear travel between 120 mm and 150 mm. Softtail bikes are more commonly used in this category, but the frame weight and geometry differ significantly from DH mountain bikes. The cycling style for trail mountain bikes is generally 70% uphill and flat roads, and 30% downhill. In fact, the fun and playability of trail mountain bikes are just as good as DH or Enduro, but they are more suited for amateur riders. The biggest feature of trail mountain bikes is their lower demands on riding intensity and skill, allowing riders to enjoy more of the ride.

Brands: Giant Trance, YT Jeffsy, Specialized Stumpjumper, Santa Cruz Bronson, Yeti SB5.5C, etc.

3. Enduro Mountain Bikes

Enduro mountain bikes are essentially what used to be AM mountain bikes. Thanks to the popular EWS series in recent years, Enduro bikes have also developed rapidly. Modern Enduro bikes are comparable to what FR (freeride) used to be. The Enduro riding style leans towards downhill, which demands more physical strength, endurance, and skill than Trail or XC. Enduro mountain bikes typically have front and rear travel between 160 mm and 180 mm, and the complete bike weighs between 12-14 kg. They allow riders to experience the thrill of jumps and traverse forests like Trail bikes, though it might be more tiring.

Brands: YT Capra, Trek Slash, Santa Cruz Nomad, Giant Reign, Enduro, Strucer, Yeti SB 6, etc.

4. Downhill (DH) Mountain Bikes

Downhill mountain bikes have the largest travel (200 mm) in the mountain bike category and are the most exhilarating type. DH mountain bike frames have thick and robust tubing, typically made from aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, with the complete bike weighing around 13-17 kg. Riding DH mountain bikes is inherently dangerous. Due to steep terrain, large drops, abundant loose rocks, and high descent speeds, it is essential to wear complete protective gear, including knee and elbow pads.

5. Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes

Many users don't differentiate between dirt jump bikes and street bikes, but in reality, the differences are not huge. Dirt jump bikes can be used for street riding, and street bikes can also jump ramps. However, different frames are designed for different purposes and are better suited for specific environments. Generally, dirt jump bike frames are made of aluminum alloy, while street bikes often use steel frames. Street bikes are typically designed for easier flat-ground takeoffs, while dirt jump bikes are designed with a lower bottom bracket for greater airtime on dirt ramps. Also, steel frames with a positive BB height are generally more suitable for street riding due to better flexibility, while aluminum frames with a negative BB are better for dirt jumping due to higher stability. Dirt jump mountain bikes are popular among young people in Europe and America. They are easy to set up, requiring only an open space and some dirt piled into conical or trapezoidal mounds. Riders launch off a ramp, fly into the air, and land on a ramp on the opposite side, performing various tricks in mid-air. Dirt jump mountain bikes don't require high-end equipment, but a sturdy and reliable aluminum alloy dirt jump frame and a fork with 80-100 mm of travel are necessary.

Brands: Specialized P3, Marin Alcatraz, Haro Thread, Dartmoor 26Player, Mongoose Fireball SS, Polygon TRID ZZ, Santa Cruz Jackal, etc.

Other types of bikes like BMX and trials bikes are more niche and represent extreme cycling; they are quite different from regular mountain bikes, so we won't go into detail about them here.

"Reference Article"

　How to Choose a Mountain Bike [For Absolute Beginners]