Learn more about mountain bikes and how you can save on them for commuting with Cyclescheme

From roads and towpaths to gravel tracks and woodland trails, a mountain bike gives you the freedom to take the route that works for you. Built for control, comfort, and tougher terrains, mountain bikes can make a great choice when your commute ventures beyond smooth tarmac and reliably flat roads.

So, what is a mountain bike, how does one differ from other bikes, and which type should you choose? Below, you can find everything you need to know to find the right bike for your commute and get rolling. Better yet, we’ll also explain how you could save up to 47% on a new mountain bike and eligible cycling accessories through your employer with Cyclescheme .

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What is a mountain bike?

A mountain bike is a bicycle designed to handle rougher and less predictable terrain than a typical road bike . Mountain bikes usually combine a strong frame with wide tyres, powerful brakes, suspension, and broad handlebars that give you plenty of control.

Common mountain bike features include:

• Wide, high-volume tyres for grip and stability
• Front or full suspension to absorb bumps
• Disc brakes for controlled stopping
• A wide range of gears for climbing
• Flat, wide handlebars for confident steering
• A more upright riding position than many road bikes
• Frames designed for off-road riding and rougher terrain

Those features make a mountain bike at home on trails and tracks, but you don’t actually need a mountain in sight to enjoy one. For commuters dealing with potholes, uneven roads, gravel paths, canal routes, or bridleways, that extra capability can be genuinely useful.

Are mountain bikes good for commuting?

A mountain bike can make your commute feel easier to tackle. Instead of planning every journey around smooth roads alone, you can use paths and off-road sections where cycling is permitted to create a route that better suits you. Mountain bikes also give you a comfortable, upright riding position and plenty of control. Wide tyres help with rough surfaces, while a broad choice of gears makes hills easier to tackle.

The one trade-off to note is efficiency. Mountain bikes are generally heavier than road and hybrid bikes, while knobbly tyres create more rolling resistance on tarmac. However, if your commute mixes roads with rougher surfaces, that versatility can make the extra weight worthwhile.

And of course, commuting on a mountain bike (like any other bike) can save you money on commuting costs such as fuel, vehicle insurance, parking, and public transport.

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What are the different types of mountain bikes?

Like with every overarching category of bike, there are some sub sections within the world of mountain bikes that are worth familiarising yourself with before you make your purchase. This will ensure you buy the right type for your particular commute.

Cross country mountain bikes

Cross-country, or XC, mountain bikes are designed to cover ground efficiently. They tend to be lighter than more aggressive trail or enduro bikes and usually use shorter-travel suspension. Cross country models can also occupy the more affordable end of the mountain bike market.

Cross country mountain bikes are used in cross country racing and can be said to be the ‘road bikes’ of the mountain. They’ll have a wide range of gears for those big ascents. They also tend to shorten travel suspension, making them more efficient and a little lighter than standard mountain bikes.

These make a great bike for cycle commuting, especially if you live rurally. You can take on any path and you carve your own route through any terrain with a cross country mountain bike, and they’re also good in built up areas due to their lighter weight. 

Hardtail mountain bikes

With hardtail bikes, ‘hardtail’ refers to how the suspension is set up, as a hardtail mountain bike has suspension at the front but no rear suspension. That simpler design usually makes hardtails lighter, easier to maintain, and more affordable than full-suspension mountain bikes.

Many hardtails let you lock the front suspension for smoother roads, helping reduce wasted movement while pedalling. You can also unlock the suspension when your journey moves onto rougher ground and you regain extra comfort and control. This is great for cycle commuters on the road, as you don’t lose any power to it. Then, if you want to ride on a trail, you simply unlock it again.

Hardtails are relatively lightweight for mountain bikes and you can easily tackle standard bike trails on them. They’re designed so you can still accumulate some decent speed, but they may not hold up on the roughest of trails, so be cautious.

Full suspension mountain bikes

A full-suspension mountain bike has suspension at both the front and rear. The two suspension systems help absorb impacts and keep the mountain bike controlled across demanding, uneven terrain.

If you’re planning on doing some more extreme cycling, like jumps and tackling very rough terrain, a full suspension bike will be ideal. Most full suspension bikes will have levers that lock out the suspension, meaning that they are still efficient when used on the road. However, for a largely road-based commute, the additional weight and complexity may offer more capability than you really need.

Mountain bikes vs hybrid bikes: which should I choose for commuting?

Before buying a mountain bike for commuting, it’s important to make sure you’ve considered the options to ensure you end up buying the right bike for your needs.

A hybrid bike may suit you better than a mountain bike if most of your commute takes place on roads and cycle paths. Hybrids generally feel lighter and faster on smooth surfaces while still offering a more relaxed riding position than a road bike.

A mountain bike, however, starts to make more sense when rough ground forms a significant part of your route. Mountain bikes are also the better choice if you value durability, grip, and off-road freedom over outright speed.

In short, think about the journey you’ll actually ride. The right commuter bike is the one that works best on the roads, paths, hills, and everyday shortcuts that make up your particular commute.

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How Cyclescheme can help you save on a mountain bike

Once you've chosen your mountain bike, check that your employer offers Cyclescheme and apply for the amount you need. After your employer approves your application , you'll receive a Cyclescheme Certificate to redeem with a participating retailer.

With Cyclescheme you can:

• Save up to 47% on a mountain bike and eligible accessories
• Spread the cost through salary sacrifice with no upfront payments
• Choose from more than 2,600 participating retailers nationwide
• Shop with independent bike shops, major retailers, online stores, and brands
• Get 14 days of free bike insurance

Cyclescheme has spent more than 20 years helping people get cycling and is trusted by more than 50,000 UK employers. Whether you’re buying your first mountain bike or changing the way you commute, you’ve got thousands of bikes and retailers to choose from.

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