How many mountain bikes do you need?

Sometimes, having the right tool doesn't just make the job go faster; it's a requirement.
By Jeff Barber

  31 comments
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File photo.

Serious question: how many bikes do you need to cover all the types of off-road riding you like to do? A single, “quiver killer” bike probably doesn’t exist for most of us, but then again, it depends on the rider and the riding! For the purposes of this question, try to consider how many bikes you need, not the number of bikes you want. Put another way, if you only had X bikes, are there trails you simply wouldn’t be able to ride?

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How many different mountain bikes do you NEED to ride the trails you want to ride?

Tell us why you need the number of bikes you do in the comments below. 👇

 
A bike workshop with two technicians working on bicycle assembly and maintenance. One technician is assembling a bike frame using tools and equipment, while the other is standing near a large cardboard box labeled "FOX" and working with parts. The environment features workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and a cart with bicycle wheels.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain, showcasing a red and black gearbox, chainring, and crankset. The image highlights the mechanical details, with a focus on the precision engineering elements and textured tire in the background.
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A row of mountain bikes resting on a wooden bike rack in a garage. The image is in black and white, showcasing the bikes with various designs and wheel sizes.
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