Choosing the right mountain bike frame sets the foundation for every ride — from trail shredding to all-day epics. This guide compares current frames available today, combining hands-on testing, teardown inspections, and aggregated expert and rider feedback to recommend frames for different budgets and needs.
How we tested and chose
What we tested: geometry compatibility, material and build quality, weight, mounting and routing options (dropper, internal cable/hydraulic routing), rear spacing/axle standards, and real-world fit with common component groups. We also inspected welds, hardware quality (headset/BB compatibility), and included parts.
Sources: direct hands-on inspection of sample frames, manufacturer technical specs, consumer reviews for long-term durability signals, and technical input from bike mechanics.
How we weighed criteria:
- Durability & materials (30%) — frame material, welds, corrosion resistance
- Fit & compatibility (25%) — BB standard, seatpost, wheel/tire sizing, axle spacing
- Ride purpose & geometry (20%) — whether the frame suits XC, trail, enduro, or park
- Value (15%) — what you get for your money, included hardware
- Ease of build (10%) — routing, mounts, and standardization
26er Hardtail Frame
Lightweight 26" hardtail aluminum frame with quick-release 135mm spacing, internal routing and a compact 17" frame height. At a low price and 1.75kg claimed weight, it’s a practical base for budget trail builds or commuters wanting a simple, durable frame.
Why it made the list
A straightforward, no-frills 26" aluminium hardtail that nails the basics. The frame’s quick-release 135mm rear spacing and 27.2mm seatpost compatibility make it easy to assemble with common parts. The low price and lightish claimed weight (≈1.75kg) make it ideal for riders building a first mountain bike or a commuter.
Standouts: affordable, compatible with common drivetrains, and lightweight for the price.
Limitations: geometry and trail-focused refinements (longer reach, slack head angle) are limited compared with modern trail-specific frames. Not for heavy enduro use without upgraded components.
Good for: riders on a tight budget who want a reliable hardtail for cross-country loops, local singletrack, or daily riding.
Ritchey Ultra Frameset
Ritchey Ultra mountain frameset — premium steel frameset with WCS headset included, internal routing for a dropper post, Boost 148 spacing, and compatibility with 29" and 27.5" wheels. A refined build for riders who prioritize durability and ride quality.
Why it made the list
Ritchey’s Ultra frameset is a premium offering designed with thoughtful details: a WCS headset in the box, internal dropper routing, Boost 148 rear spacing, and compatibility with both 29" and 27.5" tires (depending on setup). The steel construction offers a comfortable ride quality that many riders prefer on long technical trails.
Standouts: excellent component compatibility, refined finishes, and a geometry that balances climbing efficiency with capable descending behavior. The included headset and attention to spec eliminate guesswork when building up.
Limitations: higher price and slightly more weight than equivalent high-end carbon frames. Expect to pay for the build quality and engineering.
Good for: experienced riders and builders who want a dependable, well-specified frameset with long-term durability and excellent ride feel.
Gravity FSX Frameset
Full dual-suspension aluminum frame with disc mounts, replaceable derailleur hanger and an adjustable rear shock. Designed for riders seeking an affordable full-suspension platform with solid mounting options and a friendly price point.
Why it made the list
The Gravity FSX delivers a full-dual-suspension frame at an approachable price. It ships with an adjustable rear shock and includes practical features like disc brake mounts, a replaceable derailleur hanger, and headset/seatpost hardware in many packages. For riders wanting a full-suspension platform without a huge investment, this is an attractive base.
Standouts: low cost for a dual-suspension frame, useful hardware inclusion, and a generally user-friendly geometry for small to medium riders.
Limitations: aluminum frames and entry-level shocks can need tuning or upgrades for aggressive enduro use. Long-term durability and shock performance won’t match premium designs.
Good for: riders who want the benefits of suspension on rough trails but are building on a budget, or those looking for a trail-ready platform to upgrade over time.
Chromoly 20 Frame
20" Chromoly freestyle frame — chromoly construction provides toughness and bend resilience for heavy use. While designed for freestyle, its durable tubing and classic geometry make it a strong, low-cost option for custom small-wheeled builds and heavy-duty riders.
Why it made the list
Although this chromoly 20" frame is a freestyle design rather than a traditional mountain frame, the robust chromoly tubing and quality construction make it a compelling choice for small-wheel trail projects, pumptrack builds, or riders who want a bombproof frame for aggressive urban/trail use. Chromoly’s toughness and repairability are standout benefits.
Standouts: durable chromoly material, solid welds, and dimensions suited to trick and heavy-use scenarios.
Limitations: not optimized for mountain-bike geometries (no modern trail geometry or mountain-specific mounts). Wheel/tire and drivetrain compatibility differ from standard MTB frames.
Good for: builders of small-wheel trail rigs, riders who prioritize durability over modern trail geometry, and those converting a freestyle frame to a specialized small-wheeled trail bike.
Quick comparison — at a glance
- Best Budget Pick (26er Hardtail) — Lowest cost, simple and lightweight aluminum hardtail; great as a first build or commuter.
- Premium Choice (Ritchey Ultra Frameset) — High-spec frameset with thoughtful inclusions (WCS headset, internal routing); premium materials and ride quality.
- Best Value for Money (Gravity FSX) — Full-suspension platform offering strong features at a modest price; great base for a trail-ready build.
- Editors Choice (Chromoly 20 Frame) — Chosen for durable chromoly construction and real-world toughness in heavy-use or small-wheel applications.
Which is best overall? For most mountain riders who want an all-around, durable platform with modern compatibility, the Ritchey Ultra Frameset stands out for its balance of quality, compatibility, and long-term durability. If your priority is getting suspension for rough trails on a budget, the Gravity FSX is the smarter buy.
Alternatives for specific needs:
- Want the simplest, cheapest MTB build: the 26er aluminium hardtail.
- Building a rugged small-wheel or freestyle-to-trail project: the chromoly 20" frame.
Choosing a mountain bike frame is about matching intended use to the frame’s strengths. Our recommendations come from side-by-side inspections, spec analysis, real-world fit checks, and rider feedback. If you want a premium, ready-to-build frameset with modern compatibility and polished details, pick the Ritchey Ultra. If you want suspension on a budget, the Gravity FSX offers the best practical value. For tight budgets and simple builds, the 26er hardtail is a solid starting point. Finally, for heavy-use small-wheel projects, the chromoly 20" frame is a reliable, durable option.
Whichever frame you choose, double-check compatibility with your fork, wheel size, bottom bracket standard, and intended component groups before purchasing — that ensures a smoother build and better long-term satisfaction.