Choosing a new mountain bike should be stoke-inducing - not stressful. With so many styles, wheel setups and suspension options out there, we're the first to admit; it can be tricky to know where to start.
Especially in our beloved Aotearoa, where NZ trails serve up a little bit of everything.
Luckily, we've polled the Racers Edge Gear Guides and they've served us up a bunch of epic options for mountain bikes, based on your skill level, preferred terrain and riding style.
So whether you're bumping your way down some janky singletrack, sufferfesting some enduro or just want something to explore the local lakeside tracks, having the right bike is essential.
Take note! This guide is all about pedal-powered mountain bikes. If you're hunting for the perfect e-MTB, hang tight. We've got a full e-bike buying guide dropping soon.
How to know what type of rider you are
Here's our probably-foolproof method for figuring out what type of rider you are. Think about where you ride most often and what you prioritise:
| If you love... | And if you ride this terrain... | Your best bike type is... |
| Balanced climbs & descents | Flow, tech, singletrack - a bit of everything! | All-rounder trail bike |
| Big, lung-testing climbs | 4WD roads, singletrack, tech - really anything with an uphill | XC/Downcountry |
| Steeper, long climbs with rewarding downhills and speed | Roots, rocks, drops, jumps and jank | Long-travel enduro |
| Long pedal missions, efficiency and flatter gradients | Smooth singletrack and punchy climbs | Hardtail |
| Playful laps, kickers and style | Flow, jumps, berms | Mullet set-up on a trail/enduro bike |
Best mountain bikes for every rider style
Best all-rounder trail bike
Trek Fuel EX
For riders who live for the descent, but understand that you gotta get up to get down. Modern geometry, loads of confidence and designed to handle whatever steep, techy trail you throw at it.
Why it's a weapon:
- Plush suspension and great control, it's ready to send
- Stable as heck on steep lines
- Climbs surprisingly well
Rider match: You're seeking epic downhills, whether it's tech or flow. But you need a rig that will easily get you to the top and push your technical riding.
Pictured: Trek Fuel EX 9 XT Di2 Gen 7
Not seeing quite what you're after in our online selection? Contact us for custom bike orders (like the Trek Fuel EX 9 XT Di2 Gen 7).
Best XC/downcountry bike
Trek Top Fuel
Traditionally an XC bike, the Trek Top Fuel has evolved to be more aggressive on the downhill in order to meet modern XC racing standards. The result? A downcountry rig that is fast and efficient enough to bag KOMs on the up, but stays capable on the down.
Why it's a winner:
- Fast and lightweight on climbs
- Quick-handling with 130mm of travel for descents
- A true 60/40 split between climbing precision and downhill, respectively
Rider match: You want a bike that crushes the climbs, yet still feels composed on the downs, perfect for XC and trail loops that reward efficiency.
Pictured: Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 4
Not seeing quite what you're after in our online selection? Contact us for custom bike orders (like the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 4).
Best long-travel enduro bike
Trek Fuel LX
Built for riders who are in for bigger and steeper riding - with long-travel suspension and aggressive geometry, it's made to stay steady on the wiliest lines. Think; rock gardens, roots, chutes and steeps.
Why it's a beast:
- Long-travel suspension soaks up big hits and rough descents
- Slack, aggressive geometry gives you confidence at speed
- Still climbs well enough for laps or big pedal missions
Rider match: You prioritise descending performance and ride advanced tech, enduro laps and line where control matters.
Pictured: Fuel LX 9.9 X0 AXS Gen 7
Not seeing quite what you're after in our online selection? Contact us for custom bike orders (like the Fuel LX 9.9 X0 AXS Gen 7).
Best hardtail
Trek Procaliber
Fast, light and built for some serious pedal power, a favourite for riders clocking lots of KMs.
Why it stands out:
- Carbon and race-inspired
- Pairs hardtail efficiency with capable geometry
- Perfect for fitness riders
Rider match: You love climbs, missions and getting stronger on the bike. You're not quite at the point of getting a gravel bike, but still want to go the distance.
Bonus: Best budget hardtail is the Trek Marlin 7
With killer value, the Trek Marlin 7 is a budget-friendly hardtail that won't hold you back from progressing.
Pictured: Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3
Not seeing quite what you're after in our online selection? Contact us for custom bike orders.
Best mullet (29" front wheel, 27.5" rear)
Trek Fuel MX
Big front wheel for confidence, smaller rear wheel for playfulness. When it comes to mullets - if you know, you know. This setup is ideal for riders wanting a trail bike with a park-friendly feel.
Why people love it:
- Pops and plays well
- Great jump feel
- Handles tech confidently
Rider match: You like variety, but you really like jumping, jibbing and having fun.
Pictured: Trek Fuel MX 9.9 X0 AXS Gen 7
Not seeing quite what you're after in our online selection? Contact us for custom bike orders (like the Trek Fuel MX 9.9 X0 AXS Gen 7).
Best value enduro
Kona Process CR
Carbon feel without carbon pricing, now on sale at Racers Edge. Kona boasts progressive geometry and is super fun to ride.
Why it's a standout:
- Great value for a carbon build
- Playful, but solid
- Enduro-capable without the premium price tag
Pictured: Kona Process 153 CR
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Where NZ riders fit in
| NZ location | Prominent terrain | Best pick |
| Wanaka/Queenstown | Steep tech, bike park, enduro | Fuel EX or Kona Process CR |
| Christchurch/Port Hills | Pedal-powered and XC | Procaliber or Top Fuel |
| Rotorua | Flow and roots | Top Fuel or Fuel EX |
| Taupo/Wellington | Techy trail riding | Fuel EX or Top Fuel |
| Touring trails or family rides | Entry level riding | Marlin 7 |
TL;DR - Best MTB picks
One bike for everything: Trek Top Fuel
Enduro: Trek Fuel EX
Fitness and climbing: Trek Procaliber
First proper MTB: Trek Marlin 7
Playful, jump and park-focused: Trek Fuel MX
Best bang-for-buck enduro: Kona Process CR
Final word
There's no single "best bike." But there is a best bike for your riding style, your local trails and your progression goals.
If you're uncertain, that's how the Racers Edge Gear Guides can help. Bring your questions, goals and favourite trails to us. We'll get you the perfect ride and make sure it's dialled to hit the dirt.
