5 Great Off-Road Bikes
The first factory produced off-road bike, or mountain bike, hit the scene in 1980 and has dominated the market since. Great off-road bikes have strong frames, thick tires, shock absorbers and a low range of gears to help you climb the toughest incline. The most important thing to look for in an off-road bike is durability and performance. There’s inherent danger in taking your bike off the safety of paved roads. You are going to want an off-road bike that will give you a smooth ride and is sturdy enough to keep you safe. Let’s explore five great off-road bikes that will let you hit the trails in style.
Specialized S-Works Enduro:
The suspension system on the Specialized S-Works Enduro makes it one of the greatest off-road bikes. The S-Works Enduro allows the rider to feel the thrill of speeding down a hill without having to feel every rock on the way down. The Enduro is not as fast as some other off-road models, but the bike responds quickly to avert any off-road obstacle. The bike features a custom Fox RP23 rear shock with Boost Valve damping that gives you a smooth ride going up, down or on flat ground.
Ibis Mojo SL:
Ibis Mojo SL is a great off-road bike that really shines on the downhill descent. The Mojo features DW-Link suspension that gives the rider amazing rear-wheel traction that can handle the steepest off-road terrain. The Mojo also features a very lightweight frame that makes it easy to transport, and it also makes the Mojo a great cross-country bike.
Pivot’s Mach 5.7:
The Pivot’s Mach 5.7 is a great off-road bike for conquering rocky terrain. The gears transition smoothly to get you up any hill without having to turn on the ProPedal damping system. The 142 by 12 millimeter through axle system and post mount disc brakes provide the stability you need to handle the most uneven trail. The Mach is not as lightweight as the Ibis Mojo, but it is a great off-road bike that can take a beating and keep going.
Cannondale Jekyll 3:
The Cannondale Jekyll 3 is one of the greatest off-road bike for hilly terrain. The Jekyll’s Fox DYAD shock gives it the ability to smoothly switch gears to quickly ascend or descend at a moments notice. In addition to a smooth ride, the Jekyll sports a stylish chassis that makes it visually stand out from other off-road bikes in its class. The Cannondale Jekyll 3 is a great looking off-road bike that can descend as well as it can climb.
Salsa El Mariachi:
The Salsa El Mariachi is a great off-road bike that will give you the most bang for the buck. At half the cost of the Ibis Mojo or Pivot’s Mach, Salsa El Mariachi performs well on the toughest of terrain. The Salsa El Mariachi includes a quality RoxShox Reba fork and slider-style dropouts that can handle the toughest rock garden and descent. For an affordable off-road bike that is safe and stylish, you can’t beat the Salsa El Mariachi.
