In my opinion, that’s still quite reasonable for a dirt-road worthy, all-inclusive setup. However, I hope this kit and process inspire others to think creatively and resourcefully when assembling a bikepacking rig. Despite the fact that a solid 30 to 40 percent of the content we produce here on the schwinn bike website is about gear, much of it new, you truly don’t have to buy new things. Many mountain bikers use bike racks to transport their bikes to and from the trailhead.
Founded half a century ago, the brand created the Stumpjumper in 1981, the globe’s first mass-produced mountain bike. If you need a refresher on the types of mountain bikes that exist and how to pick the best one for you, jump to the bottom for our How To Buy a Mountain Bike guide. To help you get to know the products, mission, and background of the industry’s leading companies, we highlighted the top 15 in this guide. Beyond our passion for shredding trails and extensive product testing, we’ve chatted with countless peers, researched, and interviewed many of these companies firsthand. These brands are delivering a huge spectrum of the highest-quality, most affordable, and most progressive bikes for adventure today. However, in case your preferences are not fully met, feel free to check out the alternatives provided above.
Co-developed with electric motor manufacturer Gobao, the Aventon-branded mid-drive unit features 250 watts (sustained)/750 watts (peak) of power and 100 Newton/meters of torque. It is cleanly mounted to the Ramblas’ front triangle, low-slung on the frame but with sufficient clearance for rocks and riding over logs. With its torquey mid-drive motor, name-brand components, and $2,900 price tag, Aventon‘s Ramblas hardtail flips the script and changes the perception of hardtail e-bikes. Despite this, the High Timber is a reliable and sturdy bike, it’s not perfect, but it rides very smooth with good handling.
They report issues like missing pedals, damaged front wheel, and bent forks. The threads on some pedals stripped after first use, leading to loose pedals. Some customers also mention that the frame is sturdy but the rear suspension joint and rear derailleur are poor quality. Front and rear mechanical disc brakes deliver all-weather stopping power and speed control so you can ride with confidence in a variety of conditions. So, if you are looking for a 27.5-inch bike, then there are three other sizes available according to your preference. For example, you can choose between 27.5″/700c, 26″/650b, 29″/700c, and 28″/700c.
After lots of sweaty, dirty miles, we considered the full picture, weighing not just performance and handling but also, price, comfort, value, and reliability. For this roundup, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips selected, tested, and endorsed the following bikes based on his substantial riding experience and vast industry knowledge. His efforts were complemented by additional reporting and research by Josh Patterson, an industry veteran as well. Longer isn’t always better, though, and can make a bike feel less stable at slower speeds and harder to maneuver in tight terrain. Today, buyers have the option to walk into their local bike shop, purchase from various online retailers, or in some cases, buy directly from the brand.
This bike has 21 speeds that give you plenty of options for covering more ground quickly or tackling hills. Meanwhile, it features a suspension fork that absorbs shock well, so you’re always comfortable when riding over uneven terrain. It also comes with a rear derailleur from Shimano to ensure quick gear changes as needed. Specifically designed for women, Schwinn’s High Timber Mountain bike has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame to handle rugged terrain with ease. It has a front suspension fork that can take on 120mm of travel, perfect for going over bumpy trails and schwinn bike obstacles.