Mountain bikes come in three primary styles: no suspension (or traditional), front-suspension (or hardtail) and full-suspension. The frames are made from steel, aluminum or carbon fiber. Tires are usually 26″ with some newer models having 29″ tires. All mountain bikes are measured the same way – by the length of the seat tube, even if it is not one continuous tube, as with some full-suspension bikes. Here are the three types of mountain bikes, each with detailed measuring instructions and a frame diagram showing you exactly where to measure.
What style mountain bike do you have?
Traditional Mountain Bike
![image](gif/mountain-bike-traditional.gif)
Traditional mountain bikes have sturdy frames, 26" tires, and no front or rear suspension.
Hardtail Mountain Bike
![image](gif/mountain-bike-hardtail.gif)
Hardtail mountain bikes have front suspension and 26" or 29" tires.
Full-suspension MTB
![image](gif/mountain-bike-full-suspension.gif)
Full suspension mountain bikes have both front and rear suspension with 26" tires.
Related: Best Electric Mountain Bikes