10 Best Lightweight Mountain Bikes 2024 – Lightest Bikes Under 28lbs

Lightest Mountain Bikes on the Market

The weight of your bike is a crucial factor especially if you use it for adventurous rides on curvy mountains.

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Light yet sturdy bikes are highly effective to ride through the mountains while offering stability and better control.

Usually, a bike that is between the range of 28 to 32 lbs comes within the category of lightweight mountain bikes. However, you need to consider its construction and technical aspects to ensure it offers the perfect balance while riding through the mountains.

Trail Bikes

You may opt for a lightweight full-suspension mountain bike such as the Scott’s Spark RC 900 SL AXS or the economical Canyon’s Exceed CF SL 7.0.

Depending on both your requirements and budget specifications, you may select from any of the bikes listed below.

Now without further ado, let’s move on to the reviews…

Our Picks of This Year

1. S-Works Epic Hardtail AXS – Best Lightweight Mountain Bike

S-Works Epic Hardtail AXS

 

S-Works Epic dares you to push the limit and offers a wild, lively, and exciting ride. The carbon hardtail frame is lightest and provides a comfortable touch so you can pound over roots and rocks or ride up steep terrains.

The S-works Epic Hardtail comes with the light frame, but it is more than that.

Other factors that contribute towards the low weight are its specially designed lengthened reach and a relaxed head angle. It gets a short wheelbase clubbed with a predictable steering that makes sure you have a confident ride on any trail.

The uniquely centred rider position will eventually give you a commanding control.

The superior performance of SRAM level disc brakes offers balanced power as well as modulation.

The RockShox SID Brain fork makes the suspension efficient and tight on smoother terrain and absorbs hard hits on rough terrains.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 1.70lbs
  • Grips: Specialized Trail Grips
  • Material: Carbon
  • Max tire size: 29×2.3″
  • Handlebar: S-Works Carbon Mini Rise
  • Stem: S-Works SL, alloy & titanium bolts
  • Brake: SRAM Level Ultimate, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Roval Control SL, hookless carbon
  • Saddle: Body Geometry S-Works Power, carbon fiber rails, carbon fiber base, 143mm
  • Chain: SRAM XX1 Eagle

2. Super Caliber 9.9 – Best Lightweight Bike for Racing

Super caliber 9.9

 

Super caliber 9.9 is a popular race bike that is known for its lightweight and fast performance. The carbon-dripped bike parts are responsible for its extraordinary performance.

The efficient suspension system offers a light and fast ride in rugged terrains. The unique frame design is different from the standard suspension hardware that we have always been used to.

It intends to decrease the bike’s weight besides ensuring it needs less maintenance.

The design is a perfect blend of traction and efficiency. Offering commendable control to racers to ensures they do not experience fatigue while riding on the tough terrains.  

The bike is designed such that it can withstand the harsh conditions and requirements of off-road racing. The frame design makes the best use of the stiffness-to-weight ratio for amazing ride experience.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: M – 20.48 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes)
  • Grips: ESI Chunky
  • Material: Carbon
  • Max tire size: 29×2.20”
  • Handlebar: Bontrager Kovee XXX
  • Stem: Bontrager Kovee Pro
  • Brake: SRAM Level hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Bontrager TLR
  • Saddle: Bontrager Montrose
  • Chain: SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12 speed

3. F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup – Best Lightweight Mountain Bike

F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup

 

The new F-Si Hi-Mod is a top-class XC race bike that changed the belief of people about the XC hardtail performance. It is lighter, or we can say it is the lightest MTB frame made by the company.

It comes with a blend of responsiveness and control. While descending from the mountainous region, things get dicey, and here the slacker head angle plays a significant role as it controls the ride.

The improved stack is available for optimizing the rider’s position.

The frame is made to offer a comfortable ride with all power transfer for superior performance. The directional carbon layup and flex zones provide shock absorber capability to the seat tube, and rear triangle for better traction minimized fatigue and higher speeds.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 19.40lbs
  • Grips: Cannondale Locking
  • Material: Hard Carbon
  • Max tire size: 2.25
  • Handlebar: ENVE M5, Carbon
  • Stem: Cannondale
  • Brake: Ultimate hydro disc SRAM
  • Rims: ENVE M525 Carbon
  • Saddle: Prologo Zero II
  • Chain: 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle

4. Procaliber 9.6 – Best Upgradeable Lightweight Bike

Procaliber 9.6

 

Procaliber 9.6 will allow you to experience the benefits of a carbon race bike at an affordable price. This is one of the lightest full-suspension mountain bikes under $3000.

The bike gives you excellent riding experience, and it offers the freedom to upgrade the parts easily in the future. The stiff and light OCLV mountain carbon frame and IsoSpeed suspension provide smooth riding.

The remote lockout allows you to lock out the fork without taking off the hands.

The Bontrager Kovee tubeless-ready rims and powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and tubeless-ready tires make the bike extra-ordinary.

There are two bottle cages, rear brake hose, and the shifter cables run neatly through the frame. The aqua blue graphics on the gloss black finish is appealing. 

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 24.36lbs
  • Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
  • Material: Carbon
  • Max tire size: 29×2.20”
  • Handlebar: Bontrager Comp, alloy
  • Stem: Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm clamp
  • Brake: Shimano hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready
  • Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, hollow Chromoly rails
  • Pedal: VP-536 nylon platform

5. SCOTT SPARK RC 900 SL AXS BIKE – Best Lightweight Full-Suspension Bike 

SCOTT SPARK RC 900 SL AXS BIKE

 

Coming with high-speed stability and relaxed angles it gets an incredible suspension that eats up large bumps on your way.

The Twin Loc remote system provides highly efficient performance.

The Spark RC 900 comes with glittering paintwork, and it looks like a million dollars bike. If you seek to buy the lightweight full-suspension mountain bike, then Spark RC 900 is one of the best options to consider.

The reclined seat tubes give a relatively short reach of 455mm while you settle into a riding position.

The wheelbase is compact, and the toss in the stem and efficient spark put you in a flat back seated position so you can ride through rough terrains with zeal.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 20.94lbs
  • Seat: Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.0 Carbon rails
  • Material: Spark RC Carbon
  • Max tire size: 2.35″
  • Handlebar: Syncros Fraser
  • Seatpost: Syncros Duncan SL Carbon
  • Brake: Shimano XTR M9100
  • Remote system: SCOTT TwinLoc Suspension System
  • Shifters: SRAM Eagle AXS Controller
  • Chain: SRAM CN XX1 Eagle

6. Chameleon

Chameleon

 

The Chameleon is a perfect hardtail that suits different scenarios, whether it is a racing competition of many hours in rough terrain or you want to enjoy riding at your local space.

It adapts to everything quickly. You can enjoy the versatility and playful handling with the Chameleon bike.

It comes with a carbon fiber frame, which saves 250-gram weight in comparison to the aluminum frame.

The unique frame is paired with giant wheels of 29 inches. This lightweight mountain bike allows you to experience the adventurous riding experience.

The triple-bolt cargo cage is mounted under the down tube, which is an added benefit for adventure enthusiasts.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 26lb
  • Grips: Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on
  • Material: Carbon C
  • Max tire size: (front) 29 x 2.3in, (rear) 29 x 2.35in
  • Handlebar: Race Face Aeffect R 35
  • Stem: Race Face Aeffect R
  • Brake: Hydraulic disc
  • Rotors: 180mm Avid CenterLine
  • Saddle: WTB Silverado Pro
  • Pedals: Not included

7. Santa Cruz Nomad

Santa Cruz Nomad

 

This Santa Cruz Nomad bike takes you ahead of bumpy steep lanes. This free-ride bike is an aggressive machine and comes with two settings marked as High and Low.

The bike comes in two grades of carbon and aluminum frame. The new generation of this bike is designed for racing. You can easily pedal it uphill and also don’t have to struggle on the way down.

The 65-degree head tube angle keeps it comfortable while you ride downhill or Resort Park. Its 5 degrees steeper seat tube angle place you on an adequate pedaling position while you don’t have to struggle to shift your weight forward while climbing up.

The flip-chip offers fine-tuning its geometry that needs to be kept at a high setting in steep climbs.  The Carbon C frame exhibits strength, and the air shock gives optimal balance.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 31lb
  • Grips: Santa Cruz Palmdale
  • Build Material: Carbon C
  • Max tire size: (front) 27.5 x 2.5in, (rear) 27.5 x 2.4in
  • Handlebar: Race Face Aeffect R, 35 mm
  • Stem: Race Face Aeffect R, 35 mm clamp
  • Brake: Hydraulic disc
  • Rotor: 200 mm Avid Centerline
  • Saddle: WTB Silverado Pro
  • Pedals: Not included

8. Rockhopper Expert 29

Rockhopper Expert 29

 

In the world of affordable mountain bikes, Rockhopper Expert 29 is the leader. If you are looking for a lightweight mountain bike for around $1000, then invest a bit more, and get this premium and durable bike that would cost you around $1,125.

Made of a premium Aluminum frame, this Rockhopper comes with butted aluminum tubes that keep its weight low, providing high strength. The slick internal cable routing and stand-over clearance are also provided.    

The Rockhopper fits every rider and comes with the best wheel according to its frame size. The tubeless-ready tires and rims allow you to ride effortlessly on rough terrain.

The air spring and tubeless wheels are rare in the low-price category. It comes with a quick-release lever so you can change saddle height without using any tool.

The SRAM SX eagle 1X12 speeds provide different gears with easy shifting. The frameworks come fitted with an internal dropper post.

From the RockShox fork to the flashy frame to SRAM SX Eagle drive train and tubeless tires, Rockhopper comes with all the superior quality components that will push your skills to ride hard.

Both beginners and experts will find it an equally handy bike. So, if you are shopping on a budget, then grab the Rockhopper bike without hesitation to crawl over rocks or moderately technical paths.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 29.5lbs
  • Grips: Specialized Trail Grips, lock-on
  • Material: A1 premium aluminum
  • Max tire size: NA
  • Handlebar: Stout Mini Rise
  • Stem: Stout 3D-forged alloy
  • Brake: hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Alloy, Offset Design, Tubeless Ready
  • Saddle: Bridge Sport, steel rails
  • Chain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed

9. Top Fuel 9.7

Top Fuel 9.7

 

Top Fuel 9.7 is a lightweight full-suspension mountain bike that is a perfect blend of the efficiency of a trail bike and the capability of a cross-country bike. It is made with an OCLV mountain carbon frame, 115mm of rear travel, and RockShox Reba fork for techy descents and flowy trails.

This unique bike withstands the hard conditions of racing. It is the perfect option when you are looking for a full-suspension mountain bike that is capable of hitting bigger rocks.

The carbon frame is lightweight that will help you pass on rugged paths easily. The hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless-ready wheels, line dropper, and TwistLoc dual remote suspension lockout makes this bike an efficient bike for racing.

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 27.89 lbs
  • Headset: Knock Block Integrated
  • Build Material: Carbon
  • Max tire size: 29×2.40.”
  • Handlebar: Bontrager Comp
  • Stem: Bontrager Rhythm Comp
  • Brake: Shimano hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready
  • Saddle: Bontrager Montrose Comp
  • Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed

10. X-Caliber 7

X-Caliber 7

 

X-Caliber 7 is a fast and lightweight bike that is perfect for racing and local riding. If you are looking for a lightweight mountain bike under 1000, then no doubt, it is one of the right options to consider.

This is a hardtail mountain bike that comes with an alloy frame. The Shimano drivetrain, 100mm RockShox fork, and hydraulic disc brakes are the main components that make it adequate for riding in steep, uneven paths.

The full Boost of 141 hubs offers better tire clearance and wheel strength. The standard hub size allows you to upgrade the wheels whenever you feel the need to increase its performance.

This is a lightweight mountain bike that is worth the value as it comes with many features available in high-end bikes such as internal cable routing, a tapered head tube, dropper post compatibility, and standard hub spacing. .

Bike Specs

  • Weight: 30.42 lbs 
  • Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
  • Material: Alpha Gold Aluminum
  • Max tire size: 27.5×2.80″ or 29×2.40″
  • Handlebar: Bontrager alloy
  • Stem: Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible
  • Brake: MT200 Shimano hydraulic disc
  • Rims: Bontrager Connection, double-wall
  • Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, steel rails
  • Pedal: VP-536 nylon platform

Conclusion

Trek Mountain Bike

You can now easily make the decision to buy a lightweight mountain bike. Look at the different features to know which bike is appropriate for you. Consider your skills and the place where you ride.

Companies are focusing to offer lightweight bikes that do not compromise on additional features.

While comparing the above bikes, it is important to consider the regular roads you ride them at, the budget you have, the kind of convenience you are looking for, etc.

Rating each on these parameters will help you finalize the perfect bike for your requirements.  

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