The best Semi-rigid mountain bikes in the UK 2023

Semi-rigid mountain bikes have no suspension at the triangle. They are also called mountain bikes because of their ability to climb slopes and get off the beaten track. This is the case of some of the most popular models at the moment. Aerodynamically designed, they combine performance, strength and handling. Find out more by reading our comparison guide.

BH Spike SMU 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

BH Spike SMU

The best semi-rigid ATV in 2021

Choose the BH Spike SMU to enjoy your rides in the forest. It is the perfect ally thanks to its aluminum frame and its Shimano MT200 front and rear brakes.

367 £ on Alltricks

Enjoy outings with family and friends on the BH Spike SMU. Weighing in at about 14.5 kg, this semi-rigid mountain bike is a featherweight in its class. Indeed, its aluminum frame gives it its lightness. In addition, its BH type headset makes it easy to handle. In addition, it has Shimano ST-EF505 shifters for easy shifting of gears, of which there are 7 in all.

For your safety, Shimano MT200 brakes are mounted on the front and rear of the BH Spike SMU. And to enhance the braking power, 29" wheels provide great grip on the roughest trails.

Larrikin KS Cycling 2
7/10

Best Cheap

Larrikin KS Cycling

The best entry-level semi-rigid ATV

If you are looking for a good quality semi-rigid mountain bike at an affordable price, the Larrikin KS Cycling is the one to choose. It will delight you with its elegant design and good performance in terms of its equipment.

288 £ on Cdiscount

This semi-rigid mountain bike model is a must-have at the moment. Indeed, it has a very elegant design with its white color. As for its frame, it is entirely made of high quality aluminum. In addition, it guarantees a good riding comfort thanks to its suspended fork and front suspension.

Mounted on an aluminum frame, the 26" wheels offer good handling. In addition, the total weight of the Larrikin KS Cycling is around 15 kg. Moreover, the powerful mechanical disc brakes allow you to stop suddenly in the presence of an imminent obstacle. Apart from that, this semi-rigid mountain bike is ideal for all women with its 21 speeds.

Trek Marlin 3
9/10

Best Premium

Trek Marlin

The best high-end semi-rigid ATV

The best high-end semi-rigid mountain bike is without a doubt the Trek Marlin. It stands out for its increased performance. You'll find a very strong aluminum frame and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

503 £ on Alltricks

The brand has outdone itself by creating the Trek Marlin semi-rigid mountain bike. Indeed, the frame was designed in aluminum (Alpha Silver) for more lightness. As a result, it weighs only 13.63 kg. In addition, to facilitate pedaling, the use of a Shimano HG31 11-34 8-speed cassette has been provided for this purpose. However, it is also equipped with a Shimano Altus M315 front derailleur and a Shimano Altus M310 rear derailleur.

In terms of safety, this mountain bike is equipped with Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc brakes. In addition to these, the 29" Bontrager Connection double-walled wheels improve the grip on the terrain. Furthermore, the presence of 1-1/8" unthreaded bearings allows for a good headset.

Xceed KS Cycling 4
8/10

Le Sportif

Xceed KS Cycling

The best sporty semi-rigid ATV

The Xceed KS Cycling will seduce you with its outstanding technical features. This semi-rigid mountain bike in matte red and black is equipped with very robust mechanical disc brakes.

293 £ on Cdiscount

The Xceed KS Cycling semi-rigid mountain bike is distinguished by its well-groomed design and its matte red and black color. In addition, its high quality equipment makes it very robust. All of its features offer the cyclist a comfortable ride on all types of terrain, both on tracks and trails. Moreover, pedaling is facilitated by the presence of a 21-speed Shimano derailleur.

As for the frame of this mountain bike, it is semi-rigid and made of aluminum. This type of material is so light that the Xceed KS Cycling weighs barely 14.5 kg. In addition, the size of its wheels does not exceed 26". As for its braking system, it is provided by 160 mm mechanical disc brakes. You will have no problem stopping these two wheels on a short distance.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best Semi-rigid mountain bike

Any specific needs?

The best semi-rigid ATV in 2021

The best entry-level semi-rigid ATV

The best high-end semi-rigid ATV

The best sporty semi-rigid ATV

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best Semi-rigid mountain bikes

Editor's Choice NOT EXPENSIVE The Sportsman
BH Spike SMU 5
9/10
Larrikin KS Cycling 6
7/10
Trek Marlin 7
9/10
Xceed KS Cycling 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
BH Spike SMU
Larrikin KS Cycling
Trek Marlin
Xceed KS Cycling
Choose the BH Spike SMU to enjoy your rides in the forest. It is the perfect ally thanks to its aluminum frame and its Shimano MT200 front and rear brakes.
If you are looking for a good quality semi-rigid mountain bike at an affordable price, the Larrikin KS Cycling is the one to choose. It will delight you with its elegant design and good performance in terms of its equipment.
The best high-end semi-rigid mountain bike is without a doubt the Trek Marlin. It stands out for its increased performance. You'll find a very strong aluminum frame and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
The Xceed KS Cycling will seduce you with its outstanding technical features. This semi-rigid mountain bike in matte red and black is equipped with very robust mechanical disc brakes.
Number of gears
7
21
8
21
Frame material
Aluminum
Aluminum
Alpha Silver aluminum
Aluminum
Weight
14.7 kg
15 kg
13.63 kg
14.5 kg
Wheel size
29"
26"
29"
26"
Brake type
Shimano MT200
Mechanical disc brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes
160 mm mechanical disc brakes

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Buying guide - Semi-rigid mountain bike

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your Semi-rigid mountain bike

To avoid spending money on an ATV that you won't even use, here are the criteria to consider when looking for one.

#1 - Ergonomics

Although semi-rigid ATVs have the reputation of having a lower level of comfort than full-suspension ATVs, there are a few important points to improve their ergonomics, notably the saddle and the handles.

In terms of the saddle, the width, shape and material of the saddle all have a significant impact on overall comfort. It is a good idea to choose a saddle that is perfectly adapted not only to the size of the pelvis, but also to the position taken once on the ATV.

As for the grips, they must be in accordance with the size of the hand and be able to absorb well the shocks related to landings or meeting an obstacle in order to offer more comfort in terms of riding.

#2 - The brakes

The type of brakes that a semi-rigid ATV has is a crucial point for its performance. Each type has different capabilities that are more or less adapted to a given situation.

  • Thus, mechanical brakes have a simplified, reliable and light mechanism, which is more than sufficient for use on uneven terrain. However, despite their great reliability, their performance decreases slightly in wet weather.
  • Mechanical disc brakes, on the other hand, provide good braking performance in all weather conditions.
  • Finally, there are hydraulic disc brakes. Specially adapted to extreme sports, their braking level is excellent. On the other hand, they are much more expensive and heavy than the other types of brakes.

Good to know

Want to go dirt biking? A small semi-rigid mountain bike will be your best ally. Easy to handle, this model is particularly adapted to this spectacular sport.

#3 - Speeds

The number of gears available on a semi-rigid mountain bike makes it easier to transition to different terrains depending on the pedaling frequency. In this sense, there are a few important elements to the speed of a mountain bike, namely the number of available chainrings as well as the gear control model.

  • As for the number of chainrings, it is quite common to see ATVs equipped with a double chainring, which simplifies the choice of gears. However, even though it is less light, the single chainring makes it much easier to shift gears on the semi-rigid ATV.
  • In addition, the gear control model comes in two forms, the trigger and the twist grip.
  • While the trigger uses the great mobility of the thumb to change gears, the twist grip works on the principle of rotating the hand to make the change.

Safety first!

Since the ATV is very minimalist in terms of protective accessories: no mudguards, lights or kickstands, wearing a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and appropriate clothing and shoes is highly recommended.

Choosing the right size for your ATV

Size of the user Inseam Frame size Correspondence
< 160 cm < 77 cm < 43 cm XS
160 - 165 cm 77 - 80 cm 43 - 45 cm S
165 - 170 cm 80 - 83 cm 45 - 48 cm S
170 - 175 cm 83 - 86 cm 45 - 48 cm M
175 - 180 cm 89 - 93 cm 48 - 51 cm M / L
180 - 185 cm 89 - 93 cm 51 cm L
185 - 190 cm 89 - 93 cm 51 - 58 cm XL
> 190 cm > 95 cm 58 cm XL / XXL

Good to know

Want to go dirt biking? A small semi-rigid mountain bike will be your best ally. Easy to handle, this model is particularly adapted to this spectacular sport.

Semi-rigid or full-suspension mountain bike?

The semi-rigid mountain bike

In general, the semi-rigid mountain bike has a suspension fork at the front. This allows it to absorb shocks and keep the wheel on the ground. This type of frame is particularly suitable for hiking and cross-country. On the other hand, the semi-rigid mountain bike is uncomfortable on bumpy roads because of the lack of suspension at the rear.

If you spend most of your time on fairly smooth trails, a semi-rigid ATV can offer a fast and fun ride. With fewer moving parts, this type of ATV is also simpler and less expensive to purchase and maintain, unlike an all-suspension ATV. Also, semi-rigid ATVs generally weigh less than full-suspension ATVs because their simplistic design has fewer parts. The light weight of the semi-rigid model is a good thing if your ride includes a lot of climbing.

The all-suspended mountain bike

The all-suspended mountain bike is for more experienced bikers. It has a suspension on the front fork and a shock absorber at the rear. Suitable for all-mountain, enduro, downhill and freeride riding, it is more comfortable than the semi-rigid mountain bike and can easily handle rough terrain. On the other hand, it is a semi-rigid mountain bike. And its price is quite consequent, from 300 € for a basic model.

The combination of front and rear suspension on the bike allows for a smoother ride with better traction and handling for a more enjoyable ride on rough terrain. Riding a full-suspension mountain bike offers more comfort and less fatigue. In fact, an all-suspension ATV will absorb most of the bumps that would otherwise be felt directly on the rider's body. This allows the rider to ride faster and longer.

Verdict

The choice between a semi-rigid and a full-suspension mountain bike will depend largely on how much you can afford to spend. It will also depend on the terrain you plan to ride on. Choose a full-suspension ATV if you can afford it and plan to ride difficult terrain. Go for a semi-rigid mountain bike if you have a tighter budget or plan to spend most of your time on gentler trails.

Why buy a semi-rigid ATV?

The Price

One of the great advantages of a semi-rigid mountain bike is its affordability. It is a good mountain bike that offers enough features for beginners to cycling at a low cost. A good entry-level semi-rigid mountain bike can be purchased for as little as €250. This means that this type of bike is much more easily adapted to all budgets without losing quality.

Convenience

A semi-rigid bike is much lighter than a full-suspension bike, but it is also much easier to maintain on a daily basis. Even though it is very well equipped, the semi-rigid mountain bike requires much less attention and is very easy to clean. Unlike the full-suspension mountain bike, the semi-rigid model is very cold resistant and requires almost no maintenance on the joints after a winter season.

Versatility

A semi-rigid mountain bike is very reliable and ideal for riding on flat, gentle terrain and can also be used to tackle a climb with much greater ease. These are the situations in which a semi-rigid mountain bike performs better than a full-suspension model, but it can also tackle other types of terrain, such as slightly uneven slopes or rocky roads.

The best brands of Semi-rigid mountain bikes

In our opinion, the best brands of Semi-rigid mountain bikes in 2022 are :

Savadeck
Moma Bikes
Bachini
Pearl
Cube

This brand made a name for itself when it began introducing advanced carbon fiber materials and titanium application technology from German and European countries. Since then, it has been committed to creating advanced, ultra-sophisticated, high-end bikes.

Moma Bikes is a brand known for its various kinds of urban and mountain bikes as well as its accessories dedicated to the little queen. The brand's fans have given it a 9.85/10 rating for its premium quality products.

Bachini puts passion at the heart of the design of its bikes in order to give complete satisfaction to mountain bikers from all over the world, in terms of durability and design. In this sense, the brand offers bikes for women, for men, but also mixed models to suit everyone and all budgets.

It is a brand of high-end urban and mountain bikes for touring, suitable for the most inhospitable trails. Pearl's bikes are especially appreciated for their robustness and elegance.

This German bicycle brand is one of the best-selling brands in Germany. Cube offers light, well finished bikes made from quality and solid materials. This is a safe bet that often offers an interesting price/quality ratio.

What is the price for a Semi-rigid mountain bike

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
150 £ to 370 £
Mid-range
370 £ to 700 £
High-end
more than 700 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Always wear an approved safety helmet.

74% of fatal bicycle accidents are due to head injuries. Take your safety seriously, and always wear proper gear when you go out on your bike: sturdy shoes, sports gloves, and even knee and elbow pads.

Check the condition of your bike regularly.

Semi-rigid mountain bikes are fairly ruggedly built, however, you should always be careful. Don't neglect your safety, always check the bike before you go for a ride. Check the condition of your brakes: are the pads worn? Are the cables frayed? Are there any hydraulic leaks? Replace parts immediately if there are signs of damage.

Be careful where you look.

Mountain biking experts advise you to pay attention to your shoulder position when riding. Often, when you move your head, you also move your shoulders - and you risk making a false move that could cause you to fall off the bike, or hit an obstacle you thought you were avoiding. Try not to move your shoulders and your whole body when you move your head to keep your balance on the bike.

Just relax.

When

tackling fairly difficult and steep terrain, try to stay relaxed. Don't desperately grab onto your handlebars. This means keeping your body relaxed so the bike can move properly. Fly over obstacles like roots and rocks by letting go of your buttocks. The more technical the terrain, the more room your bike needs to "breathe."

Shift your weight on the bike so you never lose your balance.

When

tackling extreme terrain, including steep hills and declines, shift your weight forward and lean to keep your center of gravity above the rear wheel to maintain traction. When the trail slopes downward, go in the opposite direction, shifting your weight behind the saddle and on the rear wheel to avoid going over the bars.

FAQ

What is the best semi-rigid mountain bike?

The best semi-rigid mountain bike depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products available.

What is the ideal weight for a semi-rigid ATV?

The average weight of a semi-rigid mountain bike is 12.7 kg. For racing, bikes weighing around 9.5 to 11.3 kg are ideal. For general riding, 11.7 to 12.7 kg is acceptable.

Can I go down the mountain on a RIB?

Yes, a semi-rigid bike can handle a lot of jumps and drops on downhill trails very well. Many XC bikes are semi-rigid bikes, and many of these semi-rigid mountain bikes can handle jumps up to about 2 feet high.

Are mountain bikes only for extreme sports?

Mountain biking does not have to be an extreme sport. You can use it to ride on hiking trails, for forest walks or simply to admire the panoramic landscapes.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , probikeshop.fr
  2. , glisse-alpine.fr
  3. , bouticycle.com
  4. , ffvelo.fr
  5. , velostocks.com
  6. , redbull.com
  7. , switchbacktravel.com
  8. , reviewsspecialist.com
  9. , probikeshop.fr
  10. , ussacyclo.fr
  11. , alltricks.fr
  12. , intercycle.fr
  13. , probikeshop.fr
  14. , mhw-bike.fr
  15. , trekbikes.com
  16. , canyon.com
  17. , velobrival.com
  18. , veloland.com
  19. , lejustechoix.fr
  20. , specialized.com
  21. , giant-bicycles.com
  22. , redbull.com
  23. , cycles-chedaleux.fr
  24. , materiel-velo.com
  25. , lepape.com
  26. , mhw-bike.fr
  27. , decathlon.fr
  28. , hibike.fr
  29. , cyclesveran.fr
  30. , alltricks.fr
  31. , biciescapa.com
  32. , specialized.com
  33. , chainreactioncycles.com
  34. , lemarcheduvelo.com
  35. , lapierrebikes.com
  36. , velozen.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
BH Spike SMU 9
BH Spike SMU
Larrikin KS Cycling 10
Larrikin KS Cycling
Trek Marlin 11
Trek Marlin
Xceed KS Cycling 12
Xceed KS Cycling

Lecteurs

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