Lucy Knisley, a New York Times bestselling comic creator, celebrates the joys of cycling in this picture book that emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in creating safer streets and a brighter future for everyone. The story follows a mother and son as they embark on a bike ride through their neighborhood, joining friends and neighbors along the way.

“Ride Beside Me” isn’t just about bikes; it’s a story about people and their connection to the world as they ride. A big highlight of the book is its celebration of diversity. Through Knisley’s illustrations and storytelling, we encounter characters from all walks of life, united by their love for cycling. From families enjoying leisurely rides to commuters navigating city streets, each individual adds a unique flavor to the collective experience of biking.

What truly sets “Ride Beside Me” apart is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of humanity. As the narrative unfolds, we witness acts of kindness and camaraderie among strangers, reinforcing that biking is not just about reaching a destination but also about creating meaningful connections along the way. Whether offering a helping hand to a fellow cyclist or simply sharing a smile with a passerby, Knisley reminds us of the inherent goodness within our communities.

“Ride Beside Me” also offers a subtle yet powerful message of environmental responsibility. By depicting a world where bicycles outnumber cars, and people embrace sustainable modes of transportation, Knisley highlights the importance of making eco-conscious choices in our daily lives. It’s a message that resonates deeply in today’s world, offering readers a glimpse of a brighter, greener future.

Needless to say, our review: 10/10

All in all, “Ride Beside Me” is more than just a book about bicycles; it celebrates community, compassion, and environmental consciousness. With its colorful illustrations, heartfelt storytelling, and uplifting message, Lucy Knisley’s book will inspire readers to embrace the joy of biking and discover the beauty of the world around them, one pedal stroke at a time.

The post “Ride Beside Me” Book Review appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

The Pinkbike Awards are an annual celebration of excellence and innovation within the mountain biking community. This prestigious event, hosted by Pinkbike, one of the leading online destinations for mountain biking enthusiasts, honors outstanding athletes, trail builders, and industry pioneers who have made significant contributions to the sport throughout the year.

These awards encompass various categories, including Rider of the Year, Trail of the Year, and Product Innovation of the Year, providing recognition to those who have pushed the boundaries and shaped the future of mountain biking. With a focus on both professional riders and grassroots trail development, the Pinkbike Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity that thrive within the global mountain biking community.

This year the award for mountain bike of the year went to the Trek Slash!

Trek has clinched the prestigious Bike of the Year title for the second consecutive year. Following their previous victory with the Fuel EX, Trek once again secured the top spot with their impressive model, the Slash.

The Slash significantly impacted the Enduro Field Test, earning praise for its exceptional combination of speed and stability, making it a favorite among the editors. This bike stands out not only for its performance but also its adaptability. Its versatile features include an adjustable head angle, compatibility with both 27.5″ and 29″ rear wheels, multiple rear shock progression options, and a range of frame sizes. These characteristics make it easy for riders to fine-tune the bike to their preferences with minimal hassle.

Furthermore, the resurgence of high-pivot suspension designs is evident, with more manufacturers embracing this trend. Despite the added complexity, the benefits shine through when tackling rough terrain, as the rearward axle path helps the bike absorb repeated impacts seamlessly. Unlike some long-travel, high-pivot bikes that can feel cumbersome in the air, the Trek Slash strikes an excellent balance – excelling in plowing through challenging terrain while remaining nimble for jumps and aerial maneuvers.

Whether navigating rugged trails or tight, slow sections, the Trek Slash impresses with its meticulously crafted geometry and predictable suspension behavior. Every detail in its design comes together to create a truly exceptional mountain bike, earning it the well-deserved recognition as the 2023 Mountain Bike of the Year.

The post 2023 Pinkbike Awards: Mountain Bike of the Year Winner appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Deer Valley Resort, nestled amidst the picturesque Utah mountains, promises mountain biking enthusiasts an extraordinary experience. Extending over six peaks, the resort boasts up to 3,000 vertical feet of elevation changes, offering an exhilarating challenge to riders. With an impressive 70 miles of mountain bike trails, including four expertly crafted flow trails by Gravity Logic, the variety of trails caters to all skill levels. Accessing the trails is a breeze with three chairlifts – Silver Lake Express at the base and Sterling Express and Homestake Express mid-mountain. Additionally, several trails at Deer Valley Resort connect with Park City Mountain Resort’s extensive 400-mile network of singletrack mountain biking trails, making it a paradise for biking enthusiasts.

Big Bear Resort, California

Set in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Resort’s Summit Bike Park offers a captivating blend of gravity-fed trails and scenic singletrack routes. The downhill trails are a delight for riders as they require minimal pedaling or braking, allowing bikers to embrace the adrenaline rush without restraint. Boasting over 60 miles of cross-country trails, riders are treated to awe-inspiring views of the San Bernardino range and Big Bear Lake. The park’s diverse natural and artificial features, such as step-ups, berms, and bridges, challenge all skill-level bikers. While beginners can explore the Small Wonder features, the Skill Builder Park offers more advanced runs like 10-ply and Party Wave for the daring riders seeking an extra dose of thrill.

Boreal, California

Boreal’s The Slabs beckons mountain biking enthusiasts to an exciting lift-accessed downhill mountain bike park in Soda Springs. Providing access to thrilling downhill mountain bike trails, dirt jumps, a pump track, and indoor/outdoor concrete parks, The Slabs ensures an unforgettable experience for all. The park offers five trails of varying difficulty levels, catering to riders with different skill sets. The Trenches, in particular, is a haven for dirt lovers looking to explore trickery and push their boundaries, while riders of all abilities can find their rhythm in the diverse trails of The Slabs.

Northstar, California

Nestled near Truckee, Northstar is Northern California’s largest mountain bike park, promising a host of exhilarating experiences. Offering a plethora of beginner to advanced cross-country and downhill mountain biking trails, the park ensures riders of all levels have a fantastic time. Technical descents such as Sticks N’ Stones and Boondocks enthrall experienced riders, while the jumps of Livewire and Gypsy beckon gravity-defying stunts. Warm up with a lap on the Big Springs Gondola before exploring more adventures via the Vista Express or Zephyr Express.

Whistler, Canada

Widely acclaimed as the world’s top lift-accessed bike park, Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada is an absolute must for mountain biking enthusiasts. Spanning an astonishing 70 trails over about 50 miles of lift-served terrain, the park offers an impressive 4,900 feet of vertical drop. Separated into four main zones – Fitzsimmons, Garbanzo, Creekside, and Peak – each zone offers unique trails with natural features, ensuring a diverse and exciting biking experience.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia

Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Bike Park boasts one of the largest trail systems in the East, with nearly 40 trails and a thrilling 1,500 feet of vertical descent. Legendary berms, jumps, drops, and flow trails cater to riders of every ability level. The park’s stellar reputation is further solidified by hosting prestigious events like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. From first-time riders to pro downhillers and cross-country enthusiasts, everyone can find their perfect trail at Snowshoe Bike Park.

Angel Fire, New Mexico

Voted Best in the Southwest for seven consecutive years by MTBparks.com, Angel Fire Bike Park in the Rocky Mountains stands as the largest bike park in the region. With over 2,000 vertical feet and 60 miles of lift-served terrain featuring skinnies, jump lines, manicured flow trails, and super chunk trails, the park caters to riders of varying skill levels. With personalized attention and small group sizes, beginner riders feel at ease as they embark on their mountain biking journey.

Crested Butte, Colorado

The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, established in 2009, is thoughtfully designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels, from beginners to gravity experts. Via the Red Lady Express lift-served bike haul, the park offers an extensive network of trails comprising lift-served downhill trails and cross-country rides, connecting to popular routes in and around Crested Butte. With 30 miles of lift-served singletrack, Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park invites riders to explore the pristine Colorado trails from June through September.

Snowmass, Colorado

Come summer, the base of Snowmass Mountain transforms into a mountain biker’s paradise with the enchanting Snowmass Bike Park. Boasting nearly 3,000 feet of vertical, the park offers challenging trails such as Viking, Vapor, and Valhalla that push riders to test their technical capabilities. The Midweek Bonus Bike Nights in July and August extend the biking fun until dusk on select Tuesdays, while bike rentals are readily available for all adventure-seekers.

Winter Park, Colorado

Affectionately known as Mountain Bike Capital USA, Winter Park’s biking realm is a sprawling network of over 600 miles of trails throughout the Winter Park and Fraser areas. Trestle Bike Park, part of Winter Park, offers exciting riding options and enjoys the distinction of being North America’s fastest-growing bike park. With more than 40 miles of lift-served trails, riders can dive headfirst into thrilling adventures.

Killington, Vermont

With its three high-speed lifts, Killington Mountain Bike Park ensures mountain bikers enjoy over 30 miles of classic New England singletrack and Gravity Logic flow trails. From beginners to intermediate and expert riders, the park caters to all with nearly 2,000 feet of vertical descent. Killington’s gravity-fueled bike park encompasses three unique mountain areas – Snowshed, Ramshead, and Killington Peak – each presenting exciting terrain and challenges.

The post 11 Best Ski Resorts Turned Summer Mountain Biking Resorts appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

I’m an avid mountain biker, but I also love just being on the bike, even if that means putzing around on roads. My commute to work is about 10 miles one way, so when the weather isn’t too extreme, I love riding my bike instead of driving. While this is a fun way to start and end my day — with the added benefit of being able to ride canals most of the way, it was taking me 50 minutes to an hour each way, depending on what the wind decided to do while riding my Specialized Rumor.

While I don’t mind the extra time on a bike, I have two young kids I need to pick up from daycare before the daycare closes, so it’s not ideal, especially at the end of the day. With that in mind, I decided to pull the trigger on an e-bike, which could ideally shave some time off my commute but not break the bank too badly.

Knowing I wanted an e-bike purely for my commute/road biking, I went into my bike shop with a few needs in mind:

• Will be used primarily on the road, so any kind of suspension wasn’t needed (any suspension on an e-bike drives the price up quite a bit — a hardtail adds about an extra thousand — full suspension an extra 2 thousand at the very least)
• I didn’t want a cruiser or road bike — I’m still a mountain biker, after all, and I don’t want to get nervous when I see gravel
• Pedal assist only — I didn’t want the bike to bike me

Considering these requirements, the lovely sales associate pointed me to the Trek Dual Sport+ 2 for $2,399.99. It was the perfect balance of a commuting bike that could go off-road if needed. I’ve been riding it for a little over two weeks, and here are a few of my thoughts so far:

Pros:

• Just in general, if you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, it is FUN — you feel like a superhero when you pedal with the pedal assist cranked all the way up
• The design is really sleek — it doesn’t really look like an e-bike which I love
• It did the trick! It reduced my hour commute to 35 minutes!
• Lightweight for an e-bike (I’m a 5’8″ woman, so mine is a medium which is 38.39 lbs/17.41 kg)
• Comes with a built-in bell and front and back lights. A small thing, but appreciated nonetheless

Cons:

• I wish it could go faster! It’s 9-speed, and I would love it if it was at least a 12-speed — there are times I’m opening her up on a nice long uninterrupted stretch, and I’m topped out
• Sometimes (fairly rarely), the pedal assist can be a little jittery
• The battery amount isn’t ideal — I biked to and from work after purchasing the bike (so likely the battery charge wasn’t topped off), and by the end, the last battery light was flashing on me, which was only 20 miles.

All in all, I’m really enjoying it! It allows me to commute to work on my bike more, and I still feel like I’m getting a good ride. I especially love how it’s stealthily an e-bike and has the feel of a mountain bike.

The post A Mountain Biker’s Review of the Trek Dual Sport+ 2 E-Bike appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

As adventurous mountain biking parents, we want our little ones to share our love for the sport. That’s where the Kids Ride Shotgun bike seats come in, allowing us to bring our aspiring young mountain bikers along for the ride. These seats are designed to fit a wide range of bike frames, making it easier than ever to start them young and raise them right!

Let’s take a closer look at the features, pros, and cons of the Kids Ride Shotgun bike seats:

Pros:

• Versatile fit: The Shotgun seat is designed to fit on a wide variety of bike frame styles, ensuring compatibility with your bike.
  Suitable for various bike types: Whether you ride a full suspension or hardtail bike, the Shotgun seat is compatible with both.
• Padded and adjustable saddle: The seat comes with a padded and adjustable saddle, ensuring comfort for your little one during the ride.
• Balanced weight distribution: By placing kids about midway along the bike’s top tube, the Shotgun seat helps maintain an overall centered weight distribution on the bike.
• Interactive experience: The front and center positioning of the seat allows kids to feel fully involved and participate in the rides.
• Mini-handlebar attachment available: For added fun and safety, you can mount optional mini handlebars to your handlebars, giving your child a place to rest their hands and keep them off yours.

Cons:

• Limited interchangeability: The seat is not designed to move quickly from one bike to another, requiring some effort to switch between bikes.
• Not suitable for carbon frame bikes: The seat sits directly on the frame, making it less ideal for carbon frame bikes that require additional protection.
• Incompatibility with e-bikes: Unfortunately, the Shotgun seat is incompatible with e-bikes, limiting its use for those who prefer electric assistance.

The Shotgun seat truly revolutionizes family bike rides. Having your child on the bike and holding onto the handlebars creates a more involved and connected experience. In addition, it can bring our young ones giggles, laughs, and a sense of control.

Determining the best seat placement on your bike frame will depend on your bike’s design and your child’s comfort and reach to the handlebars or optional Shotgun handlebars. Positioning the seat closer to your saddle lowers its height while moving it closer to the head tube raises it. This is important when determining how well you can see over your child’s head.

Assembly is required for the Shotgun seat, as it needs to be adjusted to fit your specific bike frame. The instruction booklet provides detailed guidance, and it’s highly recommended to read it thoroughly to ensure the correct setup. Additionally, helpful assembly videos are available for reference.

All in all, the Kids Ride Shotgun bike seats offer a unique and exciting way to introduce your child to the joy of mountain biking. It creates a memorable bonding experience and helps build their confidence as they learn and grow. While not compatible with e-bikes and requiring some setup, the Shotgun seat provides a thrilling and interactive adventure for parents and children. So gear up, hit the trails, and enjoy the incredible world of mountain biking with your little one by your side.

The post Kids Ride Shotgun: The Ultimate Mountain Biking Experience for Little Ones appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

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Trailforks

Trailforks is among the best mountain bike apps on Android and iOS devices. This app lets you plan, track, and share your mountain bike rides with others. You can also find trails near you, join or create groups with other riders, and read rider reviews to get advice on which courses to try next.

RideWithGPS

RideWithGPS provides an interactive map showing nearby trails’ locations and tracks your rides as you go. You can view your ride data in real time or retrospectively, add photos and comments to each checkpoint, and share your routes with friends.

RideWithGarmin

RideWithGarmin lets you control your riding gear using a compatible Garmin device. This app includes tracking capabilities for mountain and road bikes and detailed navigation information for more than five hundred routes in forty-one countries worldwide.

Strava

Strava is known for its global community of athletes tracking their performance in various outdoor sports activities, including cycling, running, hiking, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, etc. This application permits you to screen and view all your rides in a timeline format, along with additional details like speed/pace graphs, elevation data, etc.

Komoot

If you are looking for a mountain biking app with characteristics that will enable you to maximize your riding, Komoot is worth considering. Komoot offers many features that make mountain biking more accessible and fun. You can use Komoot to plan your rides, track your progress, and share your experiences with other riders. Plenty of tools are available to help you improve your riding skills. If you are new to mountain biking, Komoot may be the perfect app. It is easy to use and has tons of helpful information. Plus, it is free!

MTB Project

MTB Project is an all-in-one trail navigation and routing app for mountain bikers. The app includes various features such as live tracking of your ride, weather updates, and photo tagging points of interest along your route.

AllTrails: Hiking, Running & Mountain Bike Trails

Looking for a good mountain bike trail to ride? Check out AllTrails! They have a database of courses worldwide, and each track has detailed information about the terrain, distance, difficulty level, and more. Whether you are looking for a challenging mountain bike trail or an easy one to cruise around, AllTrails has you covered.

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Uphill Cycle 

This app is worth checking out if you are into downhill biking. It tracks your speed, distance traveled, the time elapsed, climb/descent rates, and battery life (so you know when to charge up). There is even a built-in maps function.

Bike Repair

Many mountain bike apps are available for download on iPhone and Android devices. The popular ones include Strava, Gaia GPS, RideWithGPS, and Topo Maps. Use these apps to track your rides, record data, and find new trails. Most mountain bikes have a built-in GPS receiver that tracks your location and speed. However, if yours does not have a GPS receiver or you need to update the firmware, you can use one of the many mountain bike apps to track your ride.

The post Best Mountain Biking Apps appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

In this article, we’ll highlight the differences so you can make the right decision.

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What Is A Cross-Country Mountain Bike?

Cross-country mountain bikes are best suited to people who like to ride for many miles. They are lightweight and efficient, making riding long distances and challenging climbs much easier.

The lightness is complemented by the cross-country frame geometry and short travel suspension.

Mountain bikers who choose a cross-country bike will use them on trails, singletrack, and fire roads. They will ride long distances on relatively mild terrain. Cross-country mountain bikes are used for racing in endurance races and shorter, more intense ones.

What is a Trail Mountain Bike?

Trail bikes are the most versatile mountain bikes and are the most common. They are the most capable on various terrains, but trail bikes can be broken down into multiple sub-categories.

For example, you can buy hardtail trail bikes and ones with full suspension. The suspension travel can be short or go as high as 150mm. Any more than that, you’re getting into the realms of enduro bikes.

The design and geometry of a trail bike sit between an enduro bike and a cross-country bike. Therefore, you have more rugged components combined with a comfortable riding position.

Trail bikes are agile and have playful riding characteristics, making them fun wherever you ride. You can ride a trail bike on most terrain types, from singletrack to smashing bike park laps.

Should You Choose A Cross-country Bike Or A Trail Bike?

Which bike you choose depends on what type of terrain you like to ride. You’ll love a cross-country mountain bike if you want to pedal over long distances and enjoy climbs and descents. But a trail bike will suit you better if you want an all-rounder with a more playful personality. Trail bikes are much better for mixed terrain with climbs, descents, jumps, and techy sections.

If you buy a cross-country, there will be times that you’ll end up in a situation where a trail bike would be better and vice versa. But you can ride a cross-country bike on regular mountain bike trails without too much trouble. However, you’ll find more technical terrain challenging and not as rewarding. Nothing stops you from riding a trail bike over long distances, but it will be harder work due to its less efficient nature. But, you’ll have more fun on the descents.

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Final Thoughts

In most situations, either bike is capable; it’s just that you need to consider what kind of riding you enjoy and the experience you want. You also need to consider what your local terrain is like.

For example, a cross-country bike is an excellent choice if you live in a hilly area, but your descents won’t be as fun. You’ll be able to ride a trail bike on the climbs, but it will be more tiring.

The post Cross-country Bike or Trail Bike? appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

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How to Select the Right Mountain Bike Tires

Having the right tire for your mountain bike is about finding the right combination of traction, durability, weight, riding comfort, and price.

First, ask yourself where you will be riding. Will the trail surfaces be mainly mud, deep dust, lots of rocks, slippery roots, hard pack, or gravel/dirt road? The terrain conditions are an important factor in the type of tire you’ll want to use. Next, consider what your goal is in riding. Do you want a recreational, safe ride or a cross-country race riding the same trail?

Here are useful guides in choosing the tires that best suit the way you ride.

Wheel Size: Wheels are available in sizes of 26, 27.5, and 29 inches. Research shows that 29˝ wheels are the most efficient choice for most bikes and riders. Each bike frame size is normally paired with the wheel that best fits the driver and allows for optimal efficiency and power transfer.

Tire Width: Generally, wider tires provide more traction and control on the trail. They also allow lower pressure, which results in a smoother, more comfortable ride. Narrower tires roll faster on smooth trails.

Tire Tread: Tires with bigger knobs can let you bike for more traction on fresh, loamy trails, mud, and loose dirt using the trail, enduro, and downhill mountain bikes. However, these types of tires could be a nightmare when riding on rocky trails. Tires with shorter knobs that are spaced close together are ideal for trails that are hard-packed and fast.

Type of Tire: Tubeless-ready tires, tires that will hold air when paired with a tubeless rim and sealant are now used in most mountain bikes. Ideal for mountain biking, they can run at lower tire pressure for better traction and without the risk of pinch flats.

Bead is the cord at the base of the sidewall that locks into the rim lip keeping the tire in place. Folding tires refer to tires that use Kevlar beads, a lightweight and highly durable material. They are more expensive. Wired tires, which cannot be folded, have a bead that is made of metal and could be more durable.

Compound: Bike tire compounds used in mountain bikes range from hard to ultra-soft. The choice of compounds involves a tradeoff. Harder compounds can roll faster and are more durable. They, however, sacrifice traction control. Softer compounds, while able to provide more grip, wear out quicker.

The Best Mountain Bike Tires

Selecting the best mountain bike tire for your specific needs, riding style, and budget can be tedious and confusing. It is reassuring that a few independent groups that champion the sport have reviewed and rated the best mountain bike tires from leading manufacturers to the test.

In an effort to help you find the tires that best meet your needs, they conducted rigorous field testing riding each tire as much as possible and focusing on the important performance metrics. They made a detailed comparative analysis to guide riders and mountain biking enthusiasts to find the right tires. Take advantage of the results of these independent reviews and recommendations.

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Some of the best mountain bike tires you should consider include the following:

• Maxxis Minion DHF Wide Trail 3C TR EXO
• Maxxis Shorty 3C Max Terra EXO
• Schwalbe Hans Dampf SuperGravity ADDIX Soft
• Schwalbe Magic Mary SuperGravity ADDIX Soft
• Michelin Wild Enduro Rear Gum-X
• Michelin Wild Enduro Front Gum-X / Magi-X
• Specialized Eliminator BLCK DMND
• Specialized Hillbilly BLCK DMND
• WTB Verdict 2.5 TCS Tough High Grip
• Vee Tire Co SNAP WCE Top 40

Getting the best mountain bike tires for the type of riding you do, the conditions you typically encounter, and what you are willing to spend can be a real challenge. Search out the tire that meets most if not all of your riding needs and represents the best value for money.

The post Your Guide to Getting the Best Mountain Bike Tires appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

Best Shoes for Cross-Country (XC) Mountain Biking

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1. Shimano XC-5

Shimano’s versatility and reliability shine forth in the XC-5. Practical for many riders, this model offers a well-balanced design with comfort and a secure fit assured even under challenging conditions. The BOA strap ensures a dialed-in fit, and a Michelin rubber sole aid in good grip and better wear resistance. A special women’s fit is also available.

2. Specialized Recon 3.0

Priced at around the mid $200 range, the Recon 3.0 is part of the brand’s successful Recon line of off-road shoes. Featuring comfort and stiffness in a lightweight package contributes to its popularity. In addition, the combination of road shoe shape with deep grooves in the sole for lesser mud retention makes for easy pedaling and a comfortable walk either on the trail or to the coffee shop.

3. Giro Empire VR90

As a premium shoe with a carbon-fiber sole and considered among the lightest shoes available, this award-winning model from Giro is sure to turn heads. Its use of Evofiber materials offers superior water resistance and breathability. Also, consider its unique Red-Orange Anodized colorway to stand out from the rest and make a statement.

Best Shoes for Enduro Mountain Biking

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1. Giro Chamber II

The conventional shoe design hides good performance in demanding conditions. Its Vibram outsole offers superior traction in technical terrain, and its wide footprint gives stability for walking off the bike. In addition, the use of laces secured with a strap gives it a more familiar shoe fit that many riders enjoy on long rides.

2. Crankbrothers Mallet BOA

Acclaimed as very comfortable on long rides, the balance of stiffness and comfort make this a popular choice for racers. The BOA system coupled with a Velcro strap offer well-placed locations to fit your feet well. Nice touches like silicone beads on the heel cup help grip your socks and uppers with perforations repel water and delay soaking while making it breathable.

3. Shimano MW-7

With its unconventional design more suited for winter or muddy riding conditions, for about $250, you get this mountain bike “boot.” The Gore-Tex lining helps keep its good water-proofing abilities while maintaining comfort and warmth on even the coldest days. This isn’t too bad on warm days too because it keeps mud off your feet, and its wide lace shield protects your shoelaces from gathering gunk. BOA seals the deal for an exacting fit.

Whatever shoe you choose for your type of riding, these choices provide you with an overview of quality, comfort, materials, and pricing that matches their claimed performance. Of course, there are many more designs available, and we hope this lineup shows both ends of the spectrum in terms of price versus performance.

The post Best Mountain Bike Shoes for XC and Enduro Mountain Biking appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.

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However, there are some brands that stand out. They make some of the best bikes available and they keep making hits. Starting with a great brand doesn’t guarantee a great mountain bike, but reputation still matters a lot. Here are some of the brands that we think are the best mountain bike brands. Check out our list of the best mountain bike brands and the products that made them so.

1. 1. Cannondale. Cannondale has always been at the forefront of innovation in the American bike scene. However, the company did not begin with bikes. In Connecticut, Joe Montgomery began his business in a loft above a pickle factory across from the old Cannon railroad line. He offered backpacks and trailers to transport bikes for camping. Cannondale introduced the first bike in 1983, along with a revolutionary approach to aluminum. In 1984, Cannondale introduced the SM500 mountain bike. It featured BMX styling and a spring saddle.
   2. Diamondback. Diamondback crafts carbon-aluminum mountain bikes for all riders, including amateurs, enthusiasts, and pros. Its roots date back to 1977, making it among the oldest bike brands in the industry. 
   3. Ghost Bikes. It is one of the biggest names in mountain biking Europe and has been making bicycles since 1993. They produce entry-level, mid-range, and high-end price bike categories. 
   4. Juliana. This brand caters specifically to women riders as they produce premium mountain bikes that are women-specific in terms of design and function. 
   5. Giant. Giant lives up to its name as it is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world. It is a Taiwanese company that has been around since 1972, offering entry-level and mid-range mountain bikes. 
   6. Niner Bikes. Founded in 2004, this American brand designs bikes specifically for off-road use. 
   7. Norco. Norco is Canada’s biggest and oldest bike manufacturer, and they produce bike models for all price categories. 
   8. Orbea. This Spanish brand is undoubtedly among the oldest bike brands in the world as it has been in business since 1930. They have a large selection of bicycles that are more expensive and high-performance than most brands. 

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1. Pivot Cycles. Established in 2007, this brand is backed up by a team of engineers dedicated to producing authentic high-performance bikes. 
2. Rocky Mountain. Bikes made by this brand are generally good for trail riding as their durable frames can handle almost anything. 

Choosing the best mountain bike brand for you depends on your riding preferences. Among the most renowned bike companies in the mountain bike world are Yeti, Santa Cruz, Salsa, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Niner, and many others. These brands manufacture high-quality bikes that are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Whichever you end up choosing from our list of the top bike brands in the world, we assure you that you simply can’t go wrong. All these brands guarantee to give you the best mountain biking experience you won’t find elsewhere.

The post Top 10 Mountain Biking Bike Brands appeared first on Everything Mountain Bikes.