Bike Advisor · Mountain
Which mountain bike should I buy?
Hardtail or full-suspension, trail or technical? We match your terrain, skill level and budget to the right MTB, with live UK listings, real UK market-price data and clear groupset advice.
How it works
You tell us how you ride
Whether you commute on tarmac, ride singletrack at weekends or need something for the school run, four quick questions cover it.
We match you to a bike
We pick the right category, estimate your frame size and flag a groupset floor, so you don't buy the wrong £1,200 bike.
You get a shortlist
Live UK listings in your size and budget, with real UK market-price data, resale velocity and 3-year ownership cost. No signup.
The short answer
Which mountain bike should I buy?
Hardtail or full-suspension, trail or technical? We match your terrain, skill level and budget to the right MTB, with live UK listings, real UK market-price data and clear groupset advice.
What frame size do you need?
Work it out exactlyRoad and gravel frames are measured in centimetres, mountain bikes in inches. Sizing varies between manufacturers, so treat this as the range to shortlist rather than a single answer.
XS
Under 157cm
Road 47-49cmMTB 13-14"
S
157-168cm
Road 50-53cmMTB 15-16"
M
168-178cm
Road 55-57cmMTB 17-18"
L
178-188cm
Road 58-60cmMTB 19-20"
XL
Over 188cm
Road 61cm+MTB 21"+
Other situations
Each of these starts the advisor with your situation already filled in, so there are fewer questions to answer.
- Which bike is best for commuting?Answer a few simple questions and we'll match you to the right commuter bike: urban hybrid, gravel or e-bike. Live UK listings, cycle-to-work savings and area-specific theft risk.
- Which bike should I buy as my first?New to cycling or returning after a long break? We'll match you to the right category, frame size and groupset floor in plain English, with no jargon and no signup.
- Which e-bike should I buy?We match your commute, terrain and budget to the right electric bike: hybrid, gravel, mountain or cargo. Live UK listings and real data on battery range, motor reliability and 3-year ownership cost.
- Best bike under £500We'll show you what £500 actually buys used, and flag where a stretch to £650 gets you a noticeably better bike. Live UK listings and real UK market-price data.
Common questions
Hardtail or full-suspension: which should I buy?
Budget decides it. Hardtails (front suspension only) start around £800 used and are the right call at any budget under £1,800. They're simpler, lighter and less to maintain, and plenty of bike for natural trails and forest centres. Full-suspension starts £1,800 used and is worth it for technical trails, bike parks and rough descents.
What size mountain bike do I need?
Mountain bikes use inch-based sizing: XS (13 to 14") for under 157cm, S (15 to 16") for 157 to 168cm, M (17 to 18") for 168 to 178cm, L (19 to 20") for 178 to 188cm, XL (21 to 22") for 188cm+. Wheel size is separate: 29" for XC and tall riders, 27.5" for smaller riders and more playful handling.
What groupset should I look for on a used MTB?
Shimano Deore is the floor. Avoid Altus and Acera on anything over £700. Shimano SLX or XT is the right range used. SRAM GX or NX is the SRAM equivalent. For full-suspension, look for a named rear shock (Fox, RockShox) with serviceable pivots.
Can I use a mountain bike on the road?
Yes, but it will feel slow and heavy compared to a hybrid or road bike. Knobbly tyres generate drag on tarmac and the geometry is upright. If your rides are 80%+ road with occasional trails, a gravel bike or hardtail with less aggressive tyres is a better fit.