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This class of bikes can be called ATB (all terrain bike), MTB (mountain bike) or off-road bike. They have 26" wheels with knobbly tyres, between 21-27 gears, straight(ish) handlebars, and are generally without racks, mudguards and other useful accessories – although these can usually be added on. Most entry level and above ATBs come equipped with front suspension forks as standard nowadays – very civil!

But beware! There's a big difference between pseudo-mountain bikes (cheaper "play" bikes not up to the rigours of off-road riding – cheap full suspension ? Don't even go there!) and genuine off-road machines. Decent hardtail ATBs tend to cost upwards of £300. "Decent" means better quality bearings, rims, brakes, gears – the lot really. Cromoly steel and more often aluminium are what you'll get as frame material. Titanium and carbon fibre are for the aesthetes and large of pocket.

Once you get into "mid range" and above you're entering a world of mountain biking that can cope with thrilling single track, exciting technical bridleways, challenging moorland, and the rest.

Marin Alloy HT	Marin Hydro HT	Marin 29er HT	Marin Team HT	Marin Dirt Jump
Sky Trail £365	Bobcat Trail £649	Bolinas Ridge £549	Indian Fire Trail ££1,649	St. Quentin £799
Shoreline Trail Disc £425	Palisades Trail £899	Alpine Trail £699
Iron Springs £549	Eldridge Grade £1,099	Palisades Trail 29er £tba
		Nail Trail £1,699
		Team CXR £2,999

Trek  under £750	Trek £750 – £1,500	Trek  over £1,500
3500  £300	6000 £750	8000 £1,600
3500 Disc  £325	6300 £900	8500 £2,000
3700  £350	6500 £1,000	Elite 9.6 £1,600
3700 disc £375	6700 £1,200	Elite  9.7 £1,900
3900 Disc £425	6900 £1,400	Elite   9.8 £2,400
4300 £450		Elite  9.9 SSL £5,500
4300 Disc £500
4500 Disc £575
4900 Disc £650

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