In recent years, the mountain biking industry has seen a significant shift toward direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, as more and more mountain bike brands sell their bikes online directly to customers.
I wrote this list of top-level DTC MTB brands to provide you with a solid overview of reputable manufacturers to start your bike-buying research – not put any one brand above the rest.
| Brand | XC | Trail | Enduro | DH | Dirtjump | eMTB | Kids |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antidote | X | X | X | ||||
| Atherton | X | X | X | ||||
| Canyon | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Commencal | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Forbidden Bikes | X | X | X | ||||
| Intense Cycles | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Pole Bicycles | X | X | X | ||||
| Privateer | X | X | X | ||||
| Propain | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| RAAW | X | X | X | ||||
| Radon | X | X | X | X | |||
| Rose | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Specialized | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Trek | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Unno | X | X | X | X | |||
| Vitus | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| YT Industries | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Zerode | X | X | X | ||||
| Evil Bikes | X | X | X | X |
DTC is basically online bike shops without the traditional middleman of a brick-and-mortar bike shop. Packaged, prebuilt bikes just get delivered directly home. Related article: direct-to-customer MTB explained.
This approach has revolutionized the way mountain bikes are purchased, offering several benefits for both manufacturers and riders. And these are the best direct-to-consumer mountain bike brands you can choose from.
Most of my own bikes have been DTC MTBs. I’m a big fan of this model as I know how to work on my own bikes and have a pretty good idea what I expect from a bike.
And I got a chance to test ride many brands in the past and have been having the traditional bike-park-gondola-chat with many riders on all kinds of interesting bikes to find out their experience.
The brands here are a level above the rest in terms of:
- performance,
- reliability,
- component specs,
- support,
- availability and
- resale value.
Update: With its uncertain future, Nukeproof (filed for bankruptcy) is no longer on this list.
Antidote
Antidote is a relatively small Polish mountain bike brand that is known for its high-end bikes. Their frames are hand-built in Europe and use various materials like carbon fiber, aerospace aluminum and titanium.
Antidote frames are known for their unique and innovative designs, such as the Darkmatter, which has a unique adjustable rear suspension system making it suitable as an enduro and downhill bike.
The brand also offers a custom bike builder service, allowing riders to fully customize their bike to their liking. Antidote’s attention to detail and craftsmanship has made their boutique bikes stand out from the crowd.
Learn more at antidotebikes.com.
Atherton
Launched in 2019 by the legendary Atherton siblings Gee, Rachel, and Dan the UK-based company focuses on producing high-performance mountain bikes using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
Their bikes feature a unique additive manufacturing process, combining carbon fiber tubes with 3D-printed titanium lugs for a custom-tailored and lightweight frame design.
Only by selling directly to consumers, Atherton Bikes can offer completely personalized custom frame dimensions and bike fit – the brand’s unique selling point.
The brand’s lineup includes downhill, enduro (with the new AM.170), and trail bikes that cater to various riding styles and preferences. The size calculator and experts to easily talk to guarantee you’ll get what you’re looking for.
And the best part:
“If you pick up your new bike directly at the shop, you get not only a tour but also get to turn your maiden laps at Dyfi bike park a few minutes down the road.
Gill Harris from Atherton Bikes
And maybe bump into some pro riders.”
Learn more at athertonbikes.com.
Canyon
Canyon Bicycles is arguably the biggest DTC-only brand in terms of bike models. The German-based company founded in 1985, has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality mountain bikes (and road bikes) raced at the top levels.
Their popular mountain bike models, like the Spectral and Strive, have become favorites among trail and enduro riders.
All in all, their range of MTBs is extremely wide from hardtails pumptrack bikes to full-suspension downhill machines and everything in between.
Canyon also offers electric mountain bikes, including the Neuron:ON and Spectral:ON.
Learn more at canyon.com.
Commencal
Originating in Andorra, Commencal is a ski and mountain bike brand founded by Max Commencal in 2000. With a focus on providing top-quality gravity mountain bikes at competitive prices, the company has built a loyal following among riders seeking high-performance, race-winning machines without breaking the bank.
Known for their aluminum frames and aggressive designs, Commencal’s mountain bikes are built to tackle challenging trails.
Some of their standout models include the Meta AM, a robust enduro bike, and the Supreme DH, a downhill racing powerhouse that has earned numerous World Cup and World Championship titles.
Learn more at commencal-store.com, their own direct-to-consumer shop.
Evil Bikes
Evil Bikes is an American boutique MTB brand founded in 2008. The brand’s founder, Kevin Walsh, started the company after working for another mountain bike company and feeling frustrated with the lack of creativity and innovation in the industry.
Evil’s bikes are designed to be playful and fun, with a focus on aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. Evil Bikes stands out for its exclusive use of carbon frames in their mountain bike lineup, with the exception of the Faction 2 dirt jumper, which is steel.
Evil Bikes’ approach to sales combines direct-to-consumer and traditional retail models, allowing customers to purchase directly from the brand or through authorized local dealers. This strategy aims to balance cost savings with the technical support provided by local bike shops.
Additionally, Evil offers customization options for their bikes, allowing riders to choose specific parts and add upgrades.
Forbidden Bikes
Founded in 2018 and based in British Columbia, Canada, Forbidden focuses on producing high-performance mountain bikes known for using high-pivot designs to their full potential.
Their flagship model, the Forbidden Druid, has gained attention for its unique high-pivot suspension system called the “Trifecta,” which provides excellent traction, impressive damping, and efficient pedaling performance – making it feel like more suspension travel than it actually has.
By selling directly to consumers, Forbidden can offer relatively competitive pricing and maintain close contact with their customers, ensuring a high level of service and support. But don’t be mistaken!
This is still a rather boutique MTB brand run by a team of industry veterans with a shared passion for designing beautiful and innovative frames.
You can see this in the complex shapes of the carbon frames that would be impossible to achieve with traditional techniques. The result is a range of bikes that are not only visually stunning but also perform at a high level.
Intense Cycles
Intense Cycles, a California-based mountain bike manufacturer, had transitioned to a direct-to-consumer sales model, alongside maintaining relationships with select dealers.
This hybrid DTC approach allows them to offer more competitive pricing for their range of premium mountain bikes while still providing support through local bike shops.
Intense has been around the block since its founding in 1993. And with multi-time motocross champion Ryan Dungey as an investor and downhill veteran Max Stöckl as race team owner, Intense has top-level race experience behind it.
Learn more at intensecycles.com.
Pole
Pole Bicycle Company, a Finnish brand founded in 2013, has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and unique approach to frame manufacturing. Their bikes are known for their long, slack geometry and commitment to providing a stable, confidence-inspiring ride.
Pole’s manufacturing process emphasizes sustainability, using CNC machining and bonding methods to produce their distinctive frames. Their commitment to precision and excellence in craftsmanship is evident in every bike they produce.
Pole offers a range of mountain bikes, including e-mountain bikes (E-MTBs) Vioma and Sonni. The Pole Vikkelä, a trail, enduro AND downhill machine, and the Pole Onni, a long-travel enduro bike, are known for their progressive geometry and exceptional handling.
For more information, you can visit the Pole Bicycles official website.
Privateer
Privateer got its name from privateer enduro riders (elite-level athletes who self-fund their racing). The brand’s ethos centers on providing high-quality enduro-focused bikes at a relatively affordable price, appealing to riders who seek race-ready performance without a hefty price tag.
brand focuses on producing high-performance, competitively-priced bikes that cater to riders seeking top-quality machines without the inflated price tags often associated with premium brands.
Privateer’s first bike, the 161, was designed to offer these riders a durable and capable enduro bike. Following the success of the 161, the brand introduced the 141 trail bike, a bike with slightly less travel but maintaining a progressive approach in terms of geometry and design.
Propain
Propain Bikes, another German brand, is dedicated to producing high-quality mountain bikes that cater to riders’ unique preferences. The company emphasizes customization, offering a range of frame and component options that allow customers to build their dream bikes.
Propain has garnered a reputation for its attention to detail and commitment to innovation. From all mountain to downhill frames, they definitely have a unique look with interesting rear-end designs.
The Tyee, a highly versatile enduro bike, and the Spindrift, a gravity-oriented machine, are among the brand’s most popular models.
Even eMTBs have found their way into Propain’s offering of customizable bikes.
Learn more at propain-bikes.com, their direct-to-consumer shop.
Radon
Radon Bikes, a German brand founded in 1994, has made a name for itself by offering high-quality DTC bikes.
Radon’s extensive range of mountain bikes caters to various riding styles, from cross-country to enduro. Notable models include the Radon Slide, a versatile trail bike, and the Radon Swoop, a trail machine that has earned acclaim for its durability and race-ready performance.
RAAW
Yet another German brand, RAAW was founded in 2018 by Ruben Torenbeek, a Dutch engineer and passionate mountain biker. RAAW focuses on producing durable, high-performance mountain bikes designed for aggressive riding.
Their bikes are known for their unique raw aluminum look and relatively heavy, but extremely reliable frames. Mostly only available in frame kits with and without wheels, catering to riders who love customizing their bikes.
The RAAW Madonna, the brand’s flagship enduro bike, has gained significant attention for its robust construction, progressive geometry, and thoughtful design features.
With the launch of the Yalla, they also got a mean-looking DH machine on offer.
More on raawmtb.com
Rose Bikes
Rose Bikes is a German family-owned company with over a century of history in the cycling industry. Founded in 1907, the brand has evolved over the years, transitioning from a small bike shop to a renowned direct-to-consumer mountain bike manufacturer.
Rose offers a diverse lineup of mountain bikes, including the Root Miller, a versatile trail bike, available with and without a electric motor.
Even dirtjump bikes are shipped directly to your doorstep.
Specialized
One of the biggest names in MTB, Specialized is known for cutting-edge bikes with the latest engineering technologies – with some exclusive some top-end features reserved for the famous S-Works series.
Specialized added a direct-to-consumer delivery option parallel to their network of bike shops. Customers can choose to get their new bikes shipped home or to their LBS, to let them build the bike up and establish a service relationship.
Some select bikes remain bike shop exclusive tho.
Learn more on specialized.com
Trek
Trek does sell its mountain bikes through a hybrid model. They primarily sell their bikes through a network of local bike shops and authorized dealers. In addition, they have a direct-to-consumer model that works a little differently to other brands.
However, in some regions, Trek offered the option to purchase bikes online and then have them shipped to a local Trek dealer for assembly and pickup. To find out which sales model is available in your region, it’s a good idea to check their website or contact a local Trek dealer for the most current information.
Learn more at trekbikes.com where they also handle their direct-to-consumer model.
Unno
Based in Barcelona, Spain, Unno was founded by Cesar Rojo, a former World Cup downhill racer and renowned bike designer. The brand is known for its limited production runs and exclusive, high-end carbon fiber mountain bikes.
Each frame is meticulously handcrafted, and their bikes are often regarded as some of the most desirable and unique on the market.
Their lineup includes models such as the Unno Dash, a lightweight cross-country bike, and the Unno Ever, a versatile enduro machine.
Vitus
Vitus, an Irish brand with French origins, has a rich history in the cycling industry dating back to the 1970s. The company transitioned from road to mountain bikes in the 2000s and has since been dedicated to producing high-performance machines at affordable prices.
Vitus offers a diverse range of mountain bikes, catering to various riding styles from cross-country to enduro. The Vitus Escarpe, a versatile and capable trail bike, and the Vitus Sommet, an aggressive enduro machine, are among the brand’s most popular models.
YT Industries
Founded in 2008, YT Industries is yet another German mountain bike manufacturer with a strong commitment to producing affordable, high-performance bikes. The brand’s name stands for “Young Talent,” reflecting its mission to support and nurture the next generation of riders.
YT Industries gained fame with its flagship DH model, the Tues, which became a downhill racing favorite after Aaron Gwin rode it to multiple World Cup victories.
Other popular models include the Capra, an enduro beast, and the Jeffsy, a versatile trail bike loved by riders around the globe.
YT has a unique angle on their model ranges with core specifications available all year and limited edition bike specs with different components and paint jobs dropping all year round.
Learn more at yt-industries.com.
Zerode
Founded in New Zealand, the brand’s origins can be traced to the combined efforts and lifelong enthusiasm for mountain biking of founders Rob Metz and Ali Quinn. Their journey began in the mid-1980s on the famous trails in the MTB hotspot Rotorua, New Zealand.
Zerode is unique for its innovative approach to bike design, particularly its use of a high pivot and a gearbox shifter. This approach has led to bikes that offer superb suspension performance, a smoother ride, and reduced maintenance.
They cover the whole spectrum of gravity MTBs from Trail to DH with everything in between for very specific custom builds.
Learn more at zerodebikes.com.
