Mountain & Gravel Bikes

A mountain bike (MTB) is a bicycle designed for off-road riding. They are built to handle rough terrain with features like sturdy frames, wide, deep-lugged tires for traction, threadless steering, a wide gear range, powerful disc brakes, and suspension systems to absorb shocks. Mountain bikes often have a more upright riding position for better control and visibility on challenging trails.

Mountain bike weights vary based on the riding style they are used for. Lighter cross-country mountain bikes sometimes weigh as little as 22 to 24 pounds, while heavier trail and downhill-focused bikes can weigh as much as 35 pounds or more.

The average top speed of a mountain bike varies depending on several factors, including the terrain, rider skill, and mountain biking discipline. However, on average, a mountain biker can reach a top speed of around 10-12 mph on singletrack trails. Downhill sections can allow for speeds of up to 30 mph or more for experienced riders, while uphill sections will naturally be slower, averaging around 8 mph.

Like most bicycles, mountain bikes are usually made from carbon fiber, aluminum, or steel. Carbon fiber is the lightest (but most expensive) frame material, while steel is the most durable (but heaviest). Aluminum, like the 6061 aluminum used in our Ascent 27.5” and Ascent 26”, offers an ideal blend of durability, price, and weight.

Like all bikes, mountain bikes are sized by measuring inseam (the distance between the bottom of the foot and the top inside of the leg). Your inseam measurement should be one inch more than the bike’s standover height. Check the “Sizing” tab at the bottom of your bicycle’s product page for more info on finding this measurement. (If trying a bike in person, this means that when you stand over it, you should have around one inch of clearance from the bike’s top tube.)

Disc brakes are essential for mountain biking due to their superior braking performance in all conditions, especially on wet or muddy trails. They provide consistent stopping power, are unaffected by rim damage or wear, and allow for wider tires and rims for better traction. Additionally, they require less maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run. Overall, disc brakes offer improved safety, control, and reliability, making them a critical feature for serious mountain bikers.

While full-suspension mountain bikes offer increased comfort and control on aggressive trails, they also come with significantly higher price tags and increased maintenance. If you primarily ride on moderate trails or prefer a more efficient pedaling experience, the 100mm of front fork travel on our Ascent mountain bikes will be more than enough to tackle any obstacle in your path. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, riding style, and the trails you frequent.

The cost of a mountain bike can vary dramatically. You can find accessible hardtail mountain bikes—like our Ascent 27.5” and Ascent 26”—for as little as $500. These bikes pack more than enough punch for casual trail rides. Beyond this, the sky's the limit (unfortunately). Mountain bikes can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and beyond. Some high-end professional bikes even cost a whopping $10,000 or more.

It’s important to remember that as sticker price increases, so too (generally) does maintenance cost. Consider your budget, riding style, and the types of trails you'll be riding when choosing a mountain bike. Investing in a quality bike that fits your needs will enhance your riding experience, but as a beginner mountain biker, you can still hit the trails with a solid bike for $500.

Mountain bike maintenance costs vary based on factors like type of bike, riding frequency, terrain, and whether you perform repairs yourself or rely on a professional bike shop. On average, expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $500 annually on maintenance. This includes routine upkeep like cleaning and lubrication, and replacing perishable components like tires, brake pads, chains, and cassettes. More extensive repairs or overhauls, such as suspension servicing or wheel truing, add to the cost.

If you're a frequent rider tackling rough terrain, your maintenance costs will likely be higher due to increased wear and tear on components. Similarly, full-suspension bikes typically require more frequent and costly servicing than hardtail bikes. By learning to perform basic maintenance tasks yourself, like cleaning your bike, adjusting gears, and replacing brake pads, you can save a significant amount of money in the long run!

A gravel bike is a class of bicycle designed for riding on unpaved roads, gravel paths, and mixed terrain. It combines elements of road bikes and mountain bikes to offer versatility and comfort for long-distance rides on varied surfaces.

Some of the features commonly found in a gravel bike—like our 8-speed Amok—are wide tires, an aluminum frame, disc brakes, threadless steering, and a tapered headtube. Gravel bikes are a great option for riders who want to explore beyond paved roads––whether for commuting, adventure riding, or bike-packing trips––but who don’t need the performance of a full-blown mountain bike.

The answer will vary depending on your bike’s make and model, but for our Amok Gravel Adventure Bike, the maximum compatible tire size is 45C.

Gravel bikes offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and adventure, making them appealing to a wide range of riders. Unlike mountain bikes (built for trails) or road bikes (built for pavement), gravel bikes excel on varied terrains, from smooth pavement to rugged gravel roads and trails.

The relaxed geometry promotes a comfortable, upright riding position, reducing strain on the back and neck, especially on longer rides. Wider tires and disc brakes offer increased stability and control, inspiring confidence on loose surfaces or in adverse weather conditions. Perhaps best of all, gravel bikes are inherently durable and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for riders who prioritize time on the saddle over time in the garage!

Totally! Gravel bikes are designed to offer a blend of on and off-road capabilities, so you can definitely ride your gravel bike on pavement. A gravel bike will feel slightly less efficient than a dedicated road bike on pavement, but for casual riding the difference is minimal.

Gravel bikes are designed for performing on both pavement and mixed terrain like dirt and gravel, while mountain bikes are built to exclusively ride off-road. So unlike mountain bikes, gravel bikes usually lack suspension, and have a drivetrain with a narrower speed range. Gravel bike tires, while plenty robust, also are narrower and don’t have the same deep-set lugs as mountain bike tires. (As a result, gravel bikes are faster and more efficient than mountain bikes on paved surfaces.)

A gravel bike can be a fantastic choice for beginners due to its versatility. Gravel bikes let you explore various terrains, from smooth, paved roads to gravel paths and light trails. The comfortable, upright riding position and the added stability from wider tires and disc brakes offer increased performance over basic cruising bikes, fostering confidence in beginner riders and opening up a world of possibilities beyond paved roads.

If you’re looking for a bike that can tackle a bit of everything (but you don’t want to sacrifice your on-road performance and efficiency) a gravel bike is a great choice. These bikes have a blend of versatility, comfort, and stability, making them an ideal option for beginners to discover their cycling style and build skills on diverse terrain.

Like mountain bikes, gravel bike prices vary dramatically. You can find reliable gravel bikes—like our Amok—for around $500. Amok sports all the features of a gravel bike, with mechanical disc brakes, 700x40C all-condition tires, threadless steering, and a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain with rapid-fire shifters.

But you can also spend a lot more on a gravel bike. Prices range from $1,000 all the way up to five-digit terrain for high-end professional models. Remember that as price increases, so does maintenance cost. A more expensive bike is much more expensive to maintain. Consider your budget, riding style, and the terrain you'll be riding when choosing a gravel bike.

For trail riding, the choice comes down to how technical your trails are and how much you want to spend. Full-suspension mountain bikes soak up rough terrain better, but they come with a significantly higher price tag and more maintenance than most riders need. For mixed terrain and cross-country trail riding, a well-built gravel adventure bike gives you everything you need at a fraction of the cost. The Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is a strong option here, with knobby all-condition tires, disc brakes, a tapered headtube for precise handling, and a sporty gravel geometry that holds up on pavement, gravel, and light trails alike. It's the kind of bike that transitions seamlessly between your daily commute and a trail ride without feeling like a compromise in either direction. For a clear breakdown of how mountain bikes and hybrids compare, the retrospec hybrid bike buyer's guide and the guide to popular bike types are both worth a read.

Mixed terrain riding is where gravel bikes and adventure bikes really shine. They're built to move efficiently on pavement and hold their own when the path turns to gravel, dirt, or packed trails. The Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is the standout option here. With an aluminum frame, knobby all-condition tires, mechanical disc brakes, a tapered headtube for precise handling, and five sizes to fit a wide range of riders, it's purpose-built for the kind of varied riding where you never quite know what surface is coming next. It handles your commute just as comfortably as it handles a gravel path or a light trail, making it one of the most versatile bikes in the retrospec lineup at an accessible price. For riders who want a more comfort-forward ride on mixed terrain with a front suspension fork, the Barron Plus 21-Speed Comfort Hybrid is also worth a look. The retrospec hybrid buyer's guide walks through which option fits which type of rider.

Yes, and the Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is built for exactly that. It handles pavement, gravel, dirt, and everything in between, with a sporty gravel geometry, knobby all-condition tires, disc brakes, and multiple accessory mounts for adding a rack or fenders to make it even more commuter-ready. Whether you're heading to work on Monday and hitting a gravel path on Saturday, the Amok fits both without asking you to choose. It ships free and comes in five sizes to fit a wide range of riders. For help deciding if a gravel bike or a comfort hybrid better fits your riding mix, the retrospec guide to the most popular bike types breaks down the differences clearly.

If you're getting into off-road riding and want a bike that builds confidence without feeling intimidating, the Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is a great place to start. Its gravel geometry keeps you in an upright, ergonomic riding position that feels natural from the first ride, while all-condition tires and disc brakes give you the traction and stopping power to handle varied surfaces with confidence. The 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain keeps gear changes simple and smooth, and five frame sizes mean you can find a fit that actually works for your body. It's a bike that handles your everyday route and keeps you ready whenever the path turns unpaved. For help finding your right size before you buy, the retrospec bike sizing guide has everything you need.

The Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is the top-rated off-road option in the retrospec mountain and gravel collection, consistently praised for its versatility and build quality at an accessible price point. It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame, all-condition knobby tires, mechanical disc brakes, a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain, and a tapered headtube for precise, confident handling across pavement, gravel, and dirt. Five frame sizes make it a genuinely versatile option for riders of different heights, and its accessory mounts mean you can add a rack, fenders, or water bottle cages to make it work even harder. It ships free and lands in a price range where you get a lot of bike for your money. For guidance on finding the right fit, the retrospec bike sizing guide is a helpful first step.

If your budget is under $500 and you want a capable off-road bike, the Amok 8-Speed Gravel Adventure Bike is the closest option in the retrospec mountain and gravel collection, coming in just above that threshold at $529.99 with free shipping. It's worth the small stretch: a lightweight aluminum frame, all-condition knobby tires, disc brakes, and a Shimano Altus drivetrain that handles the kind of varied terrain most riders actually ride. If staying strictly under $500 is the priority, the retrospec hybrid collection has several strong options in that range, including the Barron Plus 21-Speed Comfort Hybrid at $419.99, which handles light trails and mixed terrain well with a front suspension fork and disc brakes. The retrospec hybrid buyer's guide is a good read for comparing your options side by side.