The first production mountain bike available was the 1979 Lawwill Pro Cruiser.[19] The frame design was based on a frame that Don Koski fabricated from electrical conduit and a Schwinn Varsity frame. Mert Lawwill had Terry Knight of Oakland mongoose dirt bike build the frames. The bikes sold for about $500 new and were made from 1979 though 1980 (approximate run of 600 bikes). The most popular type of mountain bike is a full-suspension trail bike, like Specialized’s Stumpjumper Comp Alloy.
These bikes are well-developed and can tackle most terrains, making them an excellent all-around option for most riders. The Switchblade Pro’s stiff, strong, carbon frame fits a water bottle and a Pivot dock to keep must-have tools close by. Overall, we like that this mountain bike’s construction promises a stellar riding experience, earning it a spot on our list.
Although heavier wheelsets are favored in the freeride and downhill disciplines, advances in wheel technology continually shave weight off strong wheels. This is highly advantageous as rolling weight greatly affects handling and control, which are very important to the technical nature of freeride and downhill riding. Less expensive models may have heavier frames and aren’t as precise, but they offer a great way for beginners or younger riders to try mountain biking without making a large upfront investment. The only things that would be notably different would be the tyres (larger volume and knobblier), fork (more travel) and seatpost (much, much longer).
Each of these place different demands on the bike, requiring different designs for optimal performance. MTB development has led to an increase in suspension travel, now often up to 8 inches (200 mm), and gearing up to 13 speed, to facilitate both climbing and rapid descents. 1x gearing reduces overall bike weight, increases ground clearance, and greatly simplifies the process of gear selection, but 2- or 3-ring drivetrains are still common on entry-level bikes.
We like that the Stone Mountain Bike’s seat and handlebars are easy to adjust and swap out, for a customizable experience that can grow with its rider. We also appreciate that it comes with all the tools needed for assembly. This bike’s price, beginner-friendly features, and adaptability make it a reliable companion for young riders starting their mountain biking journey. With that said, the bike handled as a fat bike should. My son was able to adapt his riding to match the needs of the machine.