Gears.
More gears on the back = better quality components.
For example:
- 7-speed mountain bikes use good-quality entry-level gearing parts.
- 8-speed bikes use mid-range components.
- 9-speed is upper-end recreational gearing components.
- 10 and 11-speed are affordable performance-level parts. You want something that can handle rugged terrain occasionally.
- 12-speed mountain bikes use performance parts. These are designed for riders who spend all of their riding time on rugged off-road terrain.
These components shift the smoothest under load as well. A must for mountain biking.
Brakes.
There are 3 types of brakes you'll come across in our mountain bike range:
- Rim brakes/caliper brakes/V-brakes (same thing).
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Hydraulic (or hydro) disc brakes
V-brakes are the least powerful out of the 3 and come on mountain bikes under $600.
Mechanical disc brakes have more stopping power than rim brakes but can’t match the power of hydraulics.
With hydro brakes, a benefit to smaller riders is that we can adjust the brake levers without (significantly) affecting the braking power.
There's a lot less effort required pull the lever (if feels so smooth).
Lastly, hydro brakes don't need as much frequent maintenance as mechanical brakes.