If you are an adventurous person who takes cycling seriously, you already know what a good shock absorber can do for your mountain bike. It can make your ride more comfortable, more stable and more fun! And if you are in the market for a new bike, chances are you’ve heard about the best 120mm mountain bikes in the market. These bikes offer a great balance between comfort, maneuverability and agility, and are ideal for riders who take on trails with moderate technical challenges. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Best 120mm Mountain Bikes that you can buy today. We’ve also included a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.
Get ready for our reviews on the best 120mm mountain bikes, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
Last update on 2024-09-09 at 15:33 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best 120Mm Mountain Bikes
Understanding 120Mm Mountain Bikes: An Overview
120mm mountain bikes are one of the most popular types of mountain bikes that are commonly used for cross-country riding. These bikes are designed to handle rough and steep terrain while providing riders with speed, control, and agility. They feature suspension forks that can absorb impacts and vibrations from the trail, which in turn helps to reduce fatigue and increase rider comfort.
The 120mm travel bikes are ideal for riders who want to ride on singletrack, fire roads, steep climbs, or downhill trails. These bikes are characterized by their stability, comfort, and maneuverability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, 120mm mountain bikes offer a versatile and reliable cycling experience that can help you to conquer challenging off-road terrains with ease. Overall, 120mm mountain bikes are an excellent choice for riders who are looking for a reliable and versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions.
How Does Buying 120Mm Mountain Bikes benefit you?
There are several reasons why 120Mm Mountain Bikes are gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key advantages they offer and why they might be the perfect addition to your gear collection.
To tackle challenging terrains
Mountain bikes with 120mm travel are designed to provide the necessary suspension and shock absorption required to tackle the challenging terrains. These terrains are typically characterized by rough terrain, rocky paths, steep inclines, and technical descents that require the rider to have a high level of skill and control.
The suspension provided by the 120mm mountain bikes allows the rider to glide over obstacles, roots, and rocks while maintaining control and balance. This makes it easier for the rider to stay in control and maintain a high level of confidence on the bike. In addition, the traction provided by the knobbly tires and the lightweight frame make it easier for the rider to climb steep hills and navigate tricky descents. Ultimately, having a 120mm mountain bike allows riders to enjoy the adrenaline rush of tackling challenging off-road terrains with ease and confidence.
To achieve faster speeds
120mm mountain bikes are designed for speed and agility on rough terrain. The 120mm travel in the suspension system helps absorb shock and maintain momentum while navigating over roots, rocks, and other obstacles. This allows the rider to maintain a faster speed compared to a bike with less suspension travel.
Moreover, 120mm mountain bikes are often equipped with lightweight frames and components, which also contribute to increased speed. The steeper geometry of these bikes enables the rider to maintain a more aerodynamic position, reducing wind resistance and allowing for faster pedaling. Overall, a 120mm mountain bike can provide an efficient and exhilarating ride for those seeking to maximize their speed on the trails.
To enhance stability and control
When riding a mountain bike, stability and control are crucial elements for safe and enjoyable riding. A 120mm mountain bike, also known as a trail bike, offers a great balance between stability and maneuverability. The larger wheel size provides more contact with the ground, which translates into better traction and stability.
Moreover, the added travel in the suspension helps absorb impact and reduce vibrations, allowing riders to maintain better control over the bike. This means that riders can navigate through rough terrains, technical descents, and steep climbs with more confidence, speed, and precision. Therefore, choosing a 120mm mountain bike can significantly improve the riding experience, especially for those who enjoy challenging trails and adventures.
To increase durability and longevity
Mountain biking is an extreme sport that involves riding on rough terrain, such as rocks, roots, and steep inclines. When a rider takes on these challenges, their bike is put under a lot of stress, and over time, components can wear out and fail. This is especially true for bikes that are not built to handle the demands of mountain biking. By upgrading to 120mm mountain bikes, riders can ensure they have a durable and long-lasting bike that can better withstand the rigors of the sport.
One of the key features of 120mm mountain bikes is the increased strength and stiffness of their frames. This is made possible by using materials like aluminum or carbon fiber and designing the frame to better distribute stress and impact. Additionally, 120mm mountain bikes often come with upgraded suspension systems that provide better shock absorption, reducing the amount of stress on the bike’s components. By having a more durable bike, riders can take on more challenging trails with confidence, knowing that their bike can handle the challenge and won’t break down prematurely.
Buying Guides
There are some important aspects to keep in mind while searching for the perfect 120mm mountain bike that meets all your needs and expectations.
Suspension system
The suspension system is a crucial aspect to consider before buying a 120mm mountain bike. It affects the rider’s comfort and control, especially on rough terrain. Mountain biking involves a lot of bumps, jumps, and drops, and a good suspension system will absorb the shocks and vibrations, allowing the rider to maintain stability and control on the bike.
Moreover, the suspension system also affects the bike’s performance and durability. A quality suspension system will not only enhance the bike’s ability to absorb shocks but also improve its traction and handling, making it easier to maneuver around corners and over obstacles. Therefore, considering the suspension system before buying a 120mm mountain bike is essential to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable mountain biking experience.
Type of brakes
Choosing the right type of brakes is a crucial factor to consider before buying a 120mm mountain bike. Different types of brakes offer different levels of performance and control. The most common types of brakes found on mountain bikes are disc brakes and rim brakes.
Disc brakes provide better stopping power, control, and modulation than rim brakes. They can also perform better in wet or muddy conditions. On the other hand, rim brakes are lighter and simpler to maintain. However, they perform poorly in wet or muddy conditions, and can also wear out the rim quickly. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on and your personal preferences before choosing the type of brakes to go for.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of brakes is an important consideration when buying a 120mm mountain bike. It can make a significant difference to your riding experience and safety. It is important to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each type of brakes and find the right fit for your needs.
Frame material
The frame material is a crucial factor to consider before buying a 120mm mountain bike because it affects the bike’s weight, performance, durability, and cost. The most common frame materials are aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, and titanium, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum frames are lightweight, affordable, and durable, making them ideal for entry-level and budget-conscious riders. Carbon fiber frames are lighter, stiffer, and more expensive, providing better performance and comfort but requiring more maintenance. Steel frames are strong, durable, and affordable, but heavy, while titanium frames are lightweight, strong, and expensive, suited for high-end and performance-driven riders.
Overall, choosing the right frame material depends on your budget, riding style, and preferences. Lighter frames are ideal for trail riding and cross-country racing, while stronger frames are better for downhill riding and aggressive trail riding. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality frame material ensures that your 120mm mountain bike performs optimally, lasts longer, and provides a better overall riding experience.
Wheel size
Wheel size is an important factor to consider before buying a 120mm mountain bike because it plays a significant role in the overall performance and ride quality of the bike. A larger wheel size provides a smoother ride and better grip on rough terrains, whereas a smaller wheel size offers quick acceleration and agility for technical terrain.
Additionally, wheel size affects the geometry of the bike, which impacts the handling and stability. A 27.5-inch wheel size may feel more playful and nimble, whereas a 29-inch wheel size may offer more stability and confidence at high speeds. Therefore, it is essential to consider your riding style, the terrain you will be riding on, and your personal preferences before making a decision on the wheel size for a 120mm mountain bike.
Gearing
Gearing is an essential factor to consider before buying 120mm mountain bikes. The right amount of gearing can make a significant difference in your mountain biking experience. With too low of gearing, you may struggle to climb uphill, while with too high of gearing, you could have difficulty maintaining control on steep descents. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a bike with the appropriate gearing that suits your riding style and skill level to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Additionally, understanding the gearing of your bike can help you maintain and care for it properly. By regularly cleaning and lubricating your bike’s gears, you can ensure that they function correctly, reducing the chances of wear and tear and prolonging the life of your bike. Overall, gearing plays a vital role in mountain biking, making it a crucial factor to consider before purchasing a 120mm mountain bike.
Brand and reputation
Brand and reputation play an important role in buying decisions, especially when it comes to mountain bikes. Opting for a well-known and reputable brand ensures that you are buying a quality product that has been thoroughly tested and reviewed by other customers. These brands have a reputation to uphold, and therefore, they are more likely to provide excellent customer service and stand behind their products.
Furthermore, reputable brands are continually innovating and improving their products to meet the needs and demands of their customers. They often invest in research and development and use high-quality materials and advanced technology in their bikes. By choosing a trusted brand, you can be confident that you are getting a mountain bike that has been designed to provide an enjoyable, safe, and reliable riding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of terrain is suitable for a 120mm mountain bike?
A 120mm mountain bike is ideally suited for moderate to technical terrain with occasional steep sections. The suspension travel of 120mm is enough to absorb small to medium bumps and provide a smooth ride. The bike also has an aggressive geometry that allows for better control and stability on technical sections.
The ideal terrain for a 120mm mountain bike would include singletrack trails, cross-country routes, and moderate downhill sections. It also performs well on rocky, rooty, and loose terrain. However, it may struggle on extremely technical or gnarly terrain with steep drops and obstacles. Nevertheless, the 120mm mountain bike is a versatile and capable bike that can handle a wide range of terrain types.
What is the average weight of a 120mm mountain bike?
Typically, the average weight of a 120mm mountain bike falls between 25 to 30 pounds. The weight varies based on factors such as materials used for the frame, fork, wheels, gears, and other components. Higher-end bikes tend to be lighter and use more advanced materials, while cheaper models may use heavier materials to lower the cost. Additionally, the weight may vary based on the size of the bike, as larger sizes tend to be heavier due to larger frames and components.
What should I look for when choosing a 120mm mountain bike?
Electric fat tire mountain bikes are specially designed to ride on rough terrains. The fat tires provide better stability and gripping capabilities, making them ideal for riding on rocky, uneven, and challenging terrains. The electric motor further enhances the bike’s performance, allowing riders to conquer steep inclines and navigate through tough obstacles with ease. However, it is still essential to choose a bike that suits your skill level and experience to ensure your safety and maximize your riding pleasure.
In conclusion, electric fat tire mountain bikes are suitable for riding on rough terrains, although it is crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and choose a bike that suits your riding style. These bikes offer an exciting and thrilling way of exploring new trails and pushing your limits while enjoying the outdoors. So, whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, a fat tire electric mountain bike is an excellent investment for your adventurous spirit.
Verdict
If you are looking for a reliable and high-performing 120mm mountain bike, the top 10 options listed in this article are an excellent place to start. With their advanced features, superior control, and comfortable ride, every bike on this list provides exceptional value for the money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, these bikes are sure to impress and elevate your riding experience. So, if you want to invest in the best 120mm mountain bike for your needs, look no further than these top-rated models.