A to Z Guide to Mountain Bike Brands + Pros & Cons of Each
I’m going to preface this post by saying that you really can’t go wrong when buying a new mountain bike these days. Pretty much every mountain bike brand delivers great bikes and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that isn’t up-to-date with modern geometry or great components.
Let’s just say that mountain bikes have come looong way over the past few years.
So what should you be looking for when choosing a brand? It really comes down to personal preference, budget, dealer network, and availability.
In this post, I’ve put together a mountain bike brands list and provided a few details to help you find the best bike for you. There’s no one right answer, so take your time to do proper research before pulling the trigger on your new set of two wheels.
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A – D
Based in Golden, Colorado, Alchemy designs premium carbon mountain bikes built for high-end performance. Their innovative Sine Suspension system is known for its smooth, efficient ride, and their clever Conversion Kits let you transform a 125 into a 140 or even a 150 (and back again), essentially giving you two or three bikes in one. They also offer gravel and road bikes.
Alchemy Pros
Alchemy Cons
Allied Cycle Works is a boutique bike brand based in Bentonville, Arkansas, known for hand-building all of their carbon frames in the U.S., a rarity in today’s bike industry.
Originally focused on high-end road and gravel bikes, Allied has started making waves in the mountain bike world with models like the BC40, a sleek, made-in-America cross-country/trail bike that blends race-ready speed with everyday trail fun.
Their direct-to-consumer model helps keep prices competitive for the level of craftsmanship (although they’re far from cheap)a.
Allied Pros
Allied Cons
Formerly known as Fezzari and based in Lindon, Utah, Ari is a direct-to-consumer mountain bike brand known for customization, innovative engineering, and great value. Their mountain bike lineup features high-quality carbon or aluminum frames and the efficient Tetra-Link suspension. Ari’s Custom Fit Program ensures each bike is tailored to the rider for a premium, personalized experience at a good price.
Ari Pros
Ari Cons
Based in British Columbia, Banshee builds tough, rider-focused aluminum mountain bikes designed for aggressive trails and hard use. Their frames are strong, stiff, and nearly indestructible, though a bit heavier than carbon, which some riders love and others find too rigid. Banshee bikes also feature interchangeable dropouts that let you swap wheel sizes and axle standards for a truly adaptable ride.
Banshee Pros
Banshee Cons
I think Canyon makes some of the most beautifully designed bikes out there. Headquartered in Germany, they rigorously test and refine every frame and component to meet high standards.
As a direct-to-consumer brand, you can only buy from them online, which keeps prices down but can make warranties or spare parts a bit more challenging. Canyon also leads in innovation with adjustable frame designs that let you switch between climb and descent modes on the fly.
Canyon Pros
Canyon Cons
Known for bold innovation, Cannondale isn’t afraid to experiment—like their one-sided Lefty Ocho fork that riders either love or hate. Even their more traditional full-suspension bikes have unique design touches, blending performance with distinctive engineering.
With decades of experience in mountain biking, Cannondale also emphasizes lightweight frames, responsive handling, and a race-ready feel. Based in Wilton, Connecticut and owned by Dorel Sports, they continue to push the boundaries of bike design— for better or worse.
Cannondale Pros
Cannondale Cons
Founded in 2000 in the mountains of Andorra, Commencal has quickly become known for producing durable, aggressive mountain bikes favored by enduro and downhill riders.
The brand focuses exclusively on aluminum frames, avoiding carbon to reduce environmental impact and protect factory workers’ health. With a commitment to performance, value, and innovation, Commencal continues to be a favorite among riders looking for tough, reliable bikes for demanding terrain.
Commencal Pros
Commencal Cons
My first real mountain bike was a Devinci Troy, and I loved it (probably to death because I didn’t know how to take care of bikes back then…) Devinci is a boutique brand from Quebec, manufacturing many of their carbon and aluminum frames in Canada.
Their lineup spans XC to full-on double-crown bikes, featuring the patented Split-Pivot suspension for efficient pedaling and precise control on descents. Geometry and innovation are solid but not flashy, making Devinci is a good solid choice, especially for Canadian riders.
Devinci Pros
Devinci Cons
Based in Kent, Washington, Diamondback has been making bikes since 1977, evolving from its BMX roots into a trusted mountain bike brand. They offer everything from entry-level hardtails to full-suspension trail and enduro bikes, all featuring the efficient Level Link suspension for smooth, controlled rides.
With solid performance and value, Diamondback is a versatile choice for riders of all skill levels, although it doesn’t have the same status and recognition as more boutique brands. Personally, I view Diamondback bikes as a good option for mountain bikers just starting out.
Diamondback Pros
Diamondback Cons
E – H
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Evil is all about having fun on steep, rowdy trails. Their carbon frames use the Delta System suspension, designed with Dave Weagle for top-notch traction, efficiency, and big-hit capability. With progressive geometry and a playful feel, Evil builds bikes made to shred and stand out.
Evil Pros
Evil Cons
Founded by Brent Foes in 1992, this iconic California brand is known for handcrafted, made-in-USA aluminum frames built to handle serious abuse and last for years. Foes sells frames only, so you’ll need to source the components yourself—a fun challenge if you love custom builds.
Foes Racing Pros
Foes Racing Cons
Based in Cumberland, British Columbia, Forbidden is a boutique brand making premium carbon mountain bikes with cutting-edge suspension. Founded in 2019, they’re known for their Trifecta high-pivot system, which delivers exceptional traction, smooth small-bump compliance, and confident handling on steep, technical trails.
Forbidden Pros
Forbidden Cons
Founded in 1993 in Waldsassen, Germany, Ghost blends precise German engineering with approachable pricing. Their bikes are dependable and versatile, making them a solid choice for riders who want one machine to handle everything from casual trail days to competitive racing.
GHOST Pros
GHOST Cons
Giant has been around forever. I even had an old Giant hardtail I used to pedal around the dirt backroads of Vermont. Based in Taiwan, they’re one of the world’s largest frame manufacturers, with a global presence and a reputation for reliability and value.
While their mountain bikes aren’t the most cutting-edge, they’re solid, well-built, and especially good for riders looking for quality at an entry- to mid-level price. For women’s-specific options, Giant’s sister brand Liv is worth a look.
Giant Pros
Giant Cons
Founded in 1972, GT started in the BMX scene before expanding into mountain, road, and gravel bikes. Known for engineering fast, race-ready machines, they’ve built a storied history in competition and still sponsor top riders today. You don’t need a race plate to enjoy their bikes, though. GT makes solid, capable full-suspension models that handle a variety of terrain.
Now owned by Dorel Industries (alongside Cannondale), GT may not be the flashiest brand, but they deliver dependable performance at a fair price.
GT Pros
GT Cons
I – L
Founded in 1981 by Scot Nicol in a Mendocino, California garage, Ibis is one of the original mountain bike brands and still a leader today. Known for their DW-Link suspension, designed by Dave Weagle, Ibis bikes offer excellent pedaling efficiency, traction, and control.
Unlike big corporate brands, Ibis keeps refining their designs to stay fresh and durable, with models like the long-running Mojo showcasing their commitment to lasting performance. They aren’t the cheapest, but their aluminum “AF” builds make Ibis quality a bit more accessible.
Ibis Pros
Ibis Cons
Founded in Temecula, California, Intense made history in 1994 with the M1, the first full-suspension, double-crown downhill bike, and has been pushing innovation ever since.
Today their lineup ranges from short-travel XC machines to race-ready downhill rigs, and their 951 Series brings Intense quality to entry-level riders, now even available through Costco for easier access to high-performance bikes.
Intense Pros
Intense Cons
The first bike that Jamis released in 1979 was the revolutionary Earth Cruiser, a beach cruiser-style bike that was an instant hit. Since that debut, Jamis has grown into a larger bike brand that encompasses all types of two wheels from road bikes to mountain bikes, fixies, and yes, modern-day beach cruisers.
While Jamis isn’t considered a ‘boutique’ or top-of-the-line mtb brand, it still offers good value bikes that perform well on the trail. Over the years, they have received several awards for best-value full-suspension mountain bikes so if you’re looking for a no-frills bike at a good price, Jamis could be a great fit.
Jamis Pros
Jamis Cons
Juliana is the sister company to Santa Cruz Bicycles. They are a women’s-specific mountain bike brand, but it is worth noting that Juliana bike geometry is exactly the same as Santa Cruz bikes. What differs is sizing (Juliana offers extra-small bikes), women-specific components like saddles, and a lighter suspension tune that is more appropriate for lighter body weights. Other than that, Juliana bikes are the same as Santa Cruz bikes. I’m a proud owner of both! I have a Santa Cruz Bronson and a Juliana Joplin.
Juliana is named after Juli Furtado, the former “Queen of the Mountain” and one of the fiercest mountain bikers of all time. The brands mission is to inspire more women to get into mountain biking, which I totally support! As you can probably guess, I’m a huge fan of Juliana (and Santa Cruz). Their bikes are well-designed and engineered and they have a model for every type of rider.
Juliana Pros
Juliana Cons
Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Knolly was built from the ground up for riders by riders. With access to some of the best and most rugged terrain in the world (the North Shore), Knolly bikes are designed to withstand a beating while still providing great performance.
Personally, I don’t love the design of Knolly bikes (the down tube is weirdly s-shaped), but their bikes do combine progressive geometry with an advanced suspension system to provide great pedaling efficiency, traction, and downhill performance.
Knolly Pros
Knolly Cons
Kona Bikes has had a rough ride lately, but things seem to be turning a corner. Founded in 1988, Kona built its reputation on rugged, trail-tested bikes made for real mtb terrain. Recently, however, under ownership by Kent Outdoors things went off-course. There were layoffs, closure of Kona’s Bellingham store, controversial sales tactics like “buy one, get one free,” and strained relationships with dealers.
In May 2024, co-founders Jake Heilbron and Dan Gerhard bought the brand back and promised a return to basics. They’ve paused direct-to-consumer sales, committed to rebuilding trust with their dealer network, and pledged to offer bikes at more competitive pricing without aggressive discount gambits.
The path ahead won’t be easy, but with Kona under rider-led ownership again, many are cautiously optimistic.
Kona Pros
Kona Cons
Liv is the sister company to Giant and they are one of the industry leaders for women’s mountain bikes (alongside Juliana). Unlike Juliana bikes, though, which have the exact same geometry as Santa Cruz bikes, Liv Cycling makes the argument that women’s bodies are different, and therefore they benefit from different bike geometry. Specifically, women tend to have shorter torsos, longer legs, narrower shoulders, and smaller hands.
Arguments about whether all of this necessitates new design aside, Liv has done a lot of research and testing to create women’s-specific bikes and they are very popular with a lot of women riders.
Liv Cycling Pros
Liv Cycling Cons
M – P
Marin Bikes was founded in 1986 in Marin County, California – the birthplace of mountain biking culture as we know it today. Since then, the team behind Marin has designed and built mountain bikes with a mission to create affordable options for every rider.
Today, Marin has a line-up of mountain bikes for all budgets and riding styles from XC charging hardtails to enduro-ready full-suspension mountain bikes. They may not be the most ‘niche’ or progressive bikes, but they are reliable and a great choice for newer mountain bikers or those who just want a simple shred sled.
Marin Pros
Marin Cons
Mondraker is an interesting mountain bike brand out of Spain that is working hard to bring its bikes to a broader, international market. Mondraker bikes have a unique performance-focused design with a super slim top tube and a proprietary rear suspension linkage setup.
Their cutting-edge Forward Geometry features a longer reach and shorter stems, which (supposedly) provides unmatched stability, control, and precision on technical terrain.
I’ve never ridden a Mondraker mountain bike but I’d love to try one because they look so interesting!
Mondraker Pros
Mondraker Cons
Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado Niner is a rider-focused brand with an emphasis on great design (although it may not appeal to everyone) and amazing ride quality (Niner bikes do pedal well).
Originally, Niner Bikes started out in 2005 by only selling 29” wheel mountain bikes. Now they offer a wider range of models and wheel sizes, but one thing remains: Niner is committed to dirt and having fun. Whether that’s shredding singletrack or pedaling on gravel roads, Niner has a full line of dirt-ready rigs.
Their proprietary CVA (Constantly Varying Arc) suspension is one feature that helps set them apart. This linkage controls the unwanted movement of suspension components helping make Niner bikes more efficient at climbing.
Niner Pros
Niner Cons
Norco Bikes, Canada’s oldest bicycle brand, has been crafting innovative and high-performance bikes since 1964. Located in the loamy evergreen forests of British Columbia, Norco has a large presence in Canada, but you will also see them throughout the US as well.
They have a huge line-up of bikes with over 130 models to choose from ranging from award-winning full-suspension mountain bikes to gravel bikes, road bikes, commuter bikes, and more.
Norco Pros
Norco Cons
Originally an American component company in the 1990s, Nukeproof was revived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and became the in-house brand of Chain Reaction Cycles. Known for aggressive, race-bred bikes like the Mega and Giga, the brand has deep roots in downhill and enduro racing, with World Cup legend Sam Hill helping develop many of its models.
Recently acquired by Belgium Cycling Factory (the parent company of Ridley and Eddy Merckx), Nukeproof continues to deliver solidly built, competitively priced bikes with World Cup–level performance and forward-thinking design.
Nukeproof Pros
Nukeproof Cons
Orbea is a long-standing Spanish brand that has gained a foothold in the US. With roots in Basque Country, Orbea was founded in 1840 (1840!) by three brothers as a rifle and gun company, but they began to manufacture bicycles in the 1930s using discarded materials from producing guns. Orbea was also one of the earliest participants in the Tour de France and has a storied history of road racing.
In 1989 Orbea launched its first mountain bike and since then has continued to innovate and design beautiful full-suspension and hardtail bikes. You can even customize your bike including choosing frame colors, components, tires, and more.
I think Orbea bikes are some of the classiest and cleanest-looking bikes out there!
Orbea Pros
Orbea Cons
Chris Cocalis, a veteran of the bike industry, launched Pivot Cycles in 2007 with a clear goal: to build the best-performing bikes on the planet. Nearly two decades later, he’s well on his way. Pivot has earned a reputation for high-end, meticulously engineered machines like the Switchblade and Firebird, while also supporting top-tier athletes and giving back to the Phoenix, Arizona riding community.
A signature feature of Pivot bikes is the DW-Link suspension platform, a refined four-bar design that minimizes pedal bob and maximizes traction. Many riders swear by the lively yet efficient ride it delivers, but suspension feel is personal, so the best way to know if it’s for you is to take one for a spin.
Pivot Pros
Pivot Cons
Propain is a German bike company based in Vogt, known for precision engineering and smart design. Since launching in 2006 (after founders Robert Krauss and Markus Zander returned inspired from a mountain bike trip to Whistler) Propain has built a reputation for bikes that can handle the toughest terrain without sacrificing performance.
Their lineup reflects a relentless focus on innovation and detail, from world-class enduro and downhill machines to a well-thought-out range of kids’ bikes aimed at getting young riders hooked early. With a strong pro roster that includes heavy hitters like Carson Storch and Rémy Métailler, Propain continues to prove itself on trails and podiums around the globe.
Propain Pros
Propain Cons
R – T
REI launched its Co-op Cycles brand in 2017 and has since grown it to include several bike models including mountain bikes, fat bikes, gravel bikes, and even e-bikes. Their first full-suspension mountain bike – the DRT 3.3 – was launched in January 2021 and quickly sold out (like so many bikes did in the pandemic years of 2020/2021…).
Co-op Cycles is committed to making affordable, entry-level bikes so they would be a great choice if you’re just getting started with mountain biking. You also get some REI perks with an REI Coop bike like free flat changes for life (not including parts) and a discount on tune-ups and repairs.
REI Co-op Cycles Pros
REI Co-op Cycles Cons
Founded in 2019 in Carbondale, Colorado, Revel is a relatively new brand built by a crew of industry veterans and skilled riders. From the start, they set out to create high-performance carbon bikes with smart, rider-focused details—things like carefully tuned carbon layups for strength and stiffness without unnecessary weight. Their lineup includes the Rascal, a versatile trail bike, and the Rail, a big-mountain enduro rig, both praised for progressive geometry and a smooth, planted ride.
That said, Revel hit financial trouble in 2024 and the company’s future is still uncertain. While their existing bikes remain excellent, riders should keep the brand’s stability in mind if long-term support is important to them.
Revel Pros
Revel Cons
With their Development Centre located on Vancouver’s North Shore, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain Bikes are fit for rugged and challenging terrain.
Rocky Mountain has been designing and engineering mountain bikes since 1981 and they have built up an impressive line of mountain bikes. My dad rode a Rocky Mountain Altitude for many years and loved it for his rocky, rooty east coast trails.
One thing that Rocky Mountain bikes are particularly known for is their stiff carbon frames and suspension set-up, which some riders may love and others will not.
Rocky Mountain Pros
Rocky Mountain Cons
Salsa Cycles has been around for a while and over the years they’ve become known for making no-frills, but still great, bikes ranging from full-suspension mountain bikes to fully rigid touring rigs. Their focus is more on backcountry overnight adventures, winter fat biking, and everyday fun on two wheels rather than performance and speed.
Salsa was purchased by Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) in 1997, one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world. They remain committed to inspiring cyclists of all backgrounds to get out and enjoy the adventure!
Salsa Pros
Salsa Cons
It’s probably no secret that I love Santa Cruz Bikes. I ride the Santa Cruz Bronson and the Juliana Joplin (which is the same as the Santa Cruz Tallboy). I love them both!
Santa Cruz is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California and they are one of the most popular and best mountain bike brands on the west coast. You’ll see them everywhere on the trails in California.
Santa Cruz’s designs are progressive and innovative and their bikes are solidly built. Each bike in their line-up gets an upgrade every few years, so you can be sure that you’re getting the latest and greatest mountain bike technology.
Santa Cruz bikes aren’t the lowest-priced options on the market, but they have a lifetime frame warranty and lifetime bearings and they retain their resale extremely well.
Santa Cruz Pros
Santa Cruz Cons
Specialized is one of the biggest names in mountain biking and helped spark the sport’s growth in the U.S. The legendary Stumpjumper (still in the lineup today) set the standard for modern trail bikes and remains one of the most recognized models in the world.
Specialized offers something for nearly every rider, from entry-level builds to their high-end S-Works line, and they continue to push new technologies despite their massive size.
While their bikes are well-engineered and widely available, Specialized is a huge corporation, and some riders (including me) feel their pricing and business practices reflect that. Still, their reputation for quality and innovation keeps them at the top of the market.
Specialized Pros
Specialized Cons
Scott Sports is another long-standing brand that was established in 1958 by a skier and engineer who developed the first aluminum ski pole. It wasn’t until 1980, though, that Scott started designing and manufacturing road cycling products and eventually mountain bikes in the 1990s.
Today, Scott Sports is located in Switzerland and while they may be more widely known for their road cycling presence, they also have a large line of mountain bikes and they sponsor some pretty big athletes including world XC champion Kate Courtney.
In recent years, it seems like Scott has redirected their focus to redesigning and updating its mountain bike line. They recently introduced the proprietary TwinLoc system, which allows you to control suspension and geometry remotely from handlebars.
Scott Pros
Scott Cons
Transition Bikes is located in Bellingham, Washington and they pride themselves on being rider-owned and rider-focused. This means they don’t compromise on quality and they work hard to build and design bikes that riders want to actually ride (i.e. they’re not into ‘fads’ or gimmicky sales pitches).
They also have a pretty great crash replacement program for original and secondhand owners. Transition wants to keep you riding! It’s a fun brand with a cool vibe and if I wasn’t on a Santa Cruz bike, I’d probably be riding Transition.
Transition Pros
Transition Cons
Trek is one of the largest bike manufacturers on the market and they have a huge line of mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, and more.
They’re not as innovative as some smaller mountain bike brands, but they still stay at the forefront of technology and they are quite popular among mountain bikers, particularly entry-level riders and those who are multi-passionate outdoors people (in other words, mountain biking isn’t their only jam).
To be fully honest, I rode a Trek Remedy 9.9 for half a season and really did not like it. It felt loose and unstable at high speeds going over chunky terrain. That being said, I’ve met a lot of other riders who absolutely love the Remedy! (It seems like Trek has retired the Remedy and replaced it with the Fuel EX).
A Trek mountain bike is a great choice if you’re looking for a well-known brand that offers reliable bikes at a good price.
Trek Pros
Trek Cons
Y – Z
Yeti bikes are almost idolized by some mountain bikers. You’ll see many riders in Colorado on Yeti’s (they are based in Golden, CO) and their line-up is lusted after by racers and those seeking high-performance mountain bikes. It almost has a cult following. You need to be willing to pay premium prices, though, because Yeti’s aren’t exactly cheap.
What sets Yeti bikes apart is their pedaling platform. The SB line up is designed to be fast and efficient, even on the bumpiest of terrain. But what you gain in efficiency, you lose in comfort. I find Yeti bikes to be a bit too jarring – I prefer my bikes to be smooth and cushy 🙂
But all that being said, Yeti’s are very popular. My brother swears by them and he’s ridden almost every one of their bikes in their lineup!
Yeti Pros
Yeti Cons
YT Industries was one of the first factory-direct mountain bike brands to enter the US market and their bikes are known for being top-quality with great components. You can only purchase YT bikes online from them, though, which helps cut down on prices but can also limit their availability.
Based in Germany, YT Industries has a small line-up of mountain bikes, but they get great reviews from riders, and the team behind YT is continuously updating and tweaking their designs.
YT Pros
YT Cons
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I hope this list provides you with a good starting point for narrowing down your first or next mountain bike. It’s important to remember that there is no one ‘best’ or ‘right’ choice. It really comes down to personal preference, what kind of riding you’ll be doing the most, your budget, etc…
You really can’t buy a bad mountain bike these days!
Happy trails 🙂
Do you have a favorite mountain bike brand? What do you ride and what do you love about it? Share in the comments below!
I’m impressed you hit some of my favorite small brands. My Banshee Phantom has an amazing 5K on it. BMC is missing, as is Felt, and the long forgotten IronHorse. I’ve been riding since the late 80’s. A 2004 Knolly V-Tach hangs in my living room. Perhaps my favorite bike of all is the Spot Mayhem. Ride a Spot once, and you will never want to ride anything else.
You forgot Lenz Sport (Colorado). They make their bikes in Colorado.
Love this list! I especially like how you break down the specific models, navigating some of the big player’s websites can be daunting and its good to have a place to start once you click that link. I’d also like to put in a vote for KHS to make the list. My coffee cruiser is an old Montana Pro that I’ve had since the 90’s and have a soft spot for their old blue and yellow livery.
Glad you enjoyed it! When I first wrote the post I had no idea how many brands I’d had to add to it 🙂 I have a list going (KHS is on it), and I’ve slowly been updating it
I love your blog – I’m about to buy a Scott Contessa Spark (2022)! It looks like a great bike – I researched the heck out of it … they were more available in my local area in Sacramento, CA … I had wanted to try an Orbea Oiz, but the 2023 model was what I wanted to try and can’t find anywhere. But I’m psyched about my decision – the Scott is really a beautifully balanced bike. Can’t wait to get riding – my first 29’er and my first carbon bike (well, I’m getting the hybrid – front carbon and back is aluminum). Love all the choices Scott provides.
Exciting! Enjoy your new ride 🙂
Man. No love for GT. Have you seen the documentary, “Full Travel: GT’s Suspension Development Story”? It’s on Youtube now. I’d post a link for you, but it would get my post flagged, probably. But check it out. Maybe it will change your perspective of this storied bike company. Lots of legendary WC wins. I just bought a 2015 Force X Carbon Expert frame on Ebay. I’m building it up over the next month. It’s the one Kyle Strait favored. Definitely stands out in a crowd.
I’ll have to check the documentary out, thanks! I honestly don’t know too much about GT, just what I’ve read and heard. I’ll do a deeper dive 🙂
Look up Ferrum bikes as well as Madnes Bicycles from France.
I will! When I first wrote this post I had no idea how many mountain bike brands there actually are. I might need to do a separate post just for European/International brands
Great list and detail, thank you! This is very helpful. I didn’t see Polygon on there, any chance of that being added?
Thanks for reading! I’ll add Polygon to my list of brands I need to include. Every time I think I’ve got them all, another one pops up 🙂
Thank you for this ! Well done 🙂
This really helps a Lot, Thanks!
Great list, several of these made my short list (YT, Yeti, Ibis, Canyon, Cannondale, Niner, Evil). My end pick was not on your list but I think it deserves to be. A small boutique brand that makes their carbon frames in their factory in Denver, CO. I picked the Alchemy Arktos 27.5 with Eagle GX components. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Thank you again for the research.
I’ll check out Alchemy and get them added to this list. Glad you found a bike you love!
I have a few brands I didn’t see here as well. I didn’t see Radon or Whyte, which both have pretty good bikes. Thanks!
Thanks Reily! This post is on my to-update list… I’ll add Radon and Whyte when I do!
What about Ghost Bikes? They make some quality bikes. Also, Commencal Bicycles makes nice bikes as well. And, although this is less of a brand to think about since they only have two models, Forbidden Bike Co.
Also Banshee Bikes. I will try to also remember other brands of quality mountain bikes and come back to this link to comment about them! Thanks!
I did realize I forgot Commencal and Banshee after I hit publish… I’ll go back and add them. I’ve seen a few Ghost bikes, but don’t know much about them. I’ll do some research on Forbidden Bikes as well. Thanks!
Great read learning a little about all the different brands. I have been riding a Knolly made out of BC. They make some amazing high quality aluminum bikes. Definitely not well known where I live in Texas, nobody has a clue what I’m riding lol. Definitely worth checking them out!
Ah, yes. I’ve heard of Knolly. I’ll add it to the list, thanks for the reminder!
Hi, I noticed one of my favorite brands, Propain, isn’t listed here. They make high quality bikes. Anyway, thanks for this amazing list otherwise!
Thanks, John! I actually hadn’t heard of Propain… I have a list of mountain bike brands I need to add, so I’ll put Propain on it as well 🙂
From Wikipedia “On July 3, 2015, Santa Cruz Bicycles was sold to Pon Holdings, a family-owned Dutch conglomerate with a bicycle division including brands such as Cervélo, Focus and Royal Dutch Gazelle.”
A 5010 owner.
Thanks for that info – I do remember hearing that they sold to a larger corporation.