How to find the mountain bike that meets your needs
Not all mountain bikes are alike. Depending on the intended use, a distinction is made between the categories enduro, all mountain, cross-country, down-country and downhill. Which mountain bike is suitable for you? Based on the desired purpose, we will show you which mountain bike is right for you.
What type of terrain do you want to tackle with a mountain bike?
Are you planning long tours in moderate terrain? Hard descents in the Alps? Or do you often ride in the bike park? The most important influencing factor when buying a mountain bike is the type of terrain you want to ride on. As a general rule, we can say: The rougher the terrain, the more travel the mountain bike should have. Not every bike is suitable for every route.
What is the difference between hardtails and fullys?
Due to their frameset, mountain bikes can first of all be divided into two categories: hardtails and fullys. Hardtails are bikes with a rigid rear section. They only have one suspension fork on the front. Due to the reduced number of joints, hardtails usually need less maintenance and are lighter than most fullys. In addition, hardtail mountain bikes are also less expensive to buy. Downhill, however, a hardtail quickly reaches its limits.
A fully is a mountain bike with full suspension. In addition to the suspension fork, it also has a rear shock. This means that the fully offers more comfort and riding performance. Increased traction and stability make it easier – and faster – to navigate challenging terrain.
Geometry
The travel of a mountain bike allows an initial rough classification of the intended purpose. However, the geometry of a bike is more important. This is much more important than the travel when it comes to the bike’s handling. The geometry makes a decisive contribution to the handling. A slack head angle, for example, has a positive effect on the downhill characteristics of a bike. The wheelbase becomes longer, the bike is smoother to ride. The frame geometries and the choice of installed components vary greatly depending on the application.
Cross-country bikes: the racing bikes for long distances
Cross-country bikes are ideal for long distances in moderate terrain. With 100 to 120 millimeters of travel on the fork and rear fork, these mountain bikes are very sporty to ride. The focus of cross-country mountain bikes is on low weight and efficient advancement. Cross-country bikes are often used on forest and country paths, on easy trails or even gravel tracks. Marathon fullys do not have enough travel for challenging descents.
There are very few e-bikes in the cross-country category. E-bikes often have more travel, as the additional weight they generate is not decisive thanks to the motor assistance.
Trail bikes: fun guaranteed uphill
Trail bikes have a travel of between 130 – 150 mm. This category is often referred to as the happy medium between downhill fun and uphill flow. These mountain bikes are not extreme downhill riders, but they allow you to master more challenging terrain with fun. Thanks to this versatility, the trail bike can be used after work as you head for home as well as for tours on holiday.
All mountain bikes: the all-rounders
As the name suggests, all mountains feel at home on any terrain. The travel is between 150 – 160 mm. This is enough to absorb even rough shocks and have lots of fun on bumpy trails. Most all mountains are designed to look good even on longer tours. A good seating position and a rock-free frameset are therefore given special consideration when these mountain bikes are made.
Enduro bikes: at home on difficult terrain
Blocked trails with steps, jumps and trips to the park – enduros can handle everything. With a travel of around 170 mm, enduro mountain bikes offer plenty of travel for great downhill fun. Downhill-oriented geometries make the ascent slightly more difficult, although this only plays a secondary role in the case of e-bikes. Enduro equipment is also downhill oriented. Strong brakes with large disks, solid tires and large diameter forks increase the weight of the bike.
Depending on the intended purpose, one of the bike categories listed above is going to be better or less suitable. That’s why it’s important to know where you want to use your new mountain bike before making a purchase.
How much would you like to spend on a mountain bike?
Mountain bikes are expensive. A well-equipped mountain e-bike costs several thousand Swiss francs or euros. Soon the question is how much fun on an e-MTB is worth. If you use your mountain bike often, it may make sense to invest a little more money. The more expensive bikes are equipped with higher-quality components, which further increase riding enjoyment. As a result, the brakes are more biting and heat-resistant, and the drives shift more smoothly. The fork and the rear shock offer more adjustment options so that the behavior of the frameset can be adjusted even better to your requirements.
Finally, you have to decide for yourself how much your desired MTB is worth to you. With FLYER, you always get the same high-quality frame, no matter which option you choose. We also attach great importance to the durability of your e-bike. That’s why we build robust frames and only use selected components that meet our quality standards.
How important is the weight of the bicycle?
Weight used to be an important criterion when deciding to buy a mountain bike. The lighter a mountain bike, the less power was needed to get around. Weight played a major role, especially on long climbs. Weight plays a secondary role in e-bikes. The motor makes it possible to tackle even the steepest climbs without any problems. The motor and battery make mountain e-bikes heavier than mountain bikes without a motor. As a result, heavier parts are often installed, which also increase the weight. But thanks to their greater weight, mountain e-bikes also offer an advantage: the ride is smoother. Fast descents on rough terrain are much more fun on an e-bike.
These are the different FLYER mountain bike models
FLYER was one of the first manufacturers to come up with a mountain e-bike with full suspension. The X Series from 2010 set new standards in terms of riding comfort and off-road capability. The sport of mountain biking and thus also FLYER’s e-MTB have evolved massively over the years. FLYER now offers three different mountain bikes. The Uproc2 as a trail hardtail, the Uproc X with full suspension in the all mountain segment and the uncompromising Uproc6 enduro mountain bike.
Uproc2 – the power hardtail
The Uproc2 is the trail hardtail from FLYER. Equipped with a suspension fork with 120 mm travel and solid parts, you can master both excursions and light trails. The powerful motor with 95 Nm torque and the large battery with 750 Wh even allow long, strenuous tours.
Uproc X – the all-mountain powerhouse
Winner of the Design & Innovation Award, the Uproc X shows what an all-mountain bike should look like today. “With the Uproc X, FLYER has found a new formula for the modern climbing machine: Thanks to its sophisticated geometry, the Uproc X positions riders perfectly on a mountain e-bike for steep inclines. Without detours, the powerful Panasonic GX Ultimate motor delivers opulent power to drive the FLYER inexorably up any mountain. In the smart automatic mode, it can still sensitively unleash its 95 Nm torque,” says the jury of the Design & Innovation Award.
With 150 mm of travel, a powerful motor and 750 Wh battery, the Uproc X is a power combination that allows you to conquer the highest peaks and the most challenging trails.
Uproc6 – the enduro benchmark
The Uproc6 is uncompromisingly designed for enduro use. The focus on maximum downhill fun is reflected in the flat geometry. The Uproc6 is also winner of the Design & Innovation Award. The jury of the Oscars of the bike industry writes:
“At high speeds, the Uproc6 really blossoms and impresses with its smooth ride and rich frameset. Challenging trails and the steepest downhill sections become a playground.” The jury also praised “the modern geometry” and “top-class equipment”. This is because they “give the Uproc6 a lot of security” and “could not be better chosen for the descent”.
