By Diana Gerstacker
TheActiveTimes.com

Whether you're taking on speedy singletrack, riding cross-country terrain or working on that inevitable tough climb, you'll want a bike that suited to your style of riding.

As the master fitter and Founder of Fit Werx Ian Buchanan told us, "the very best bikes are the ones that match up well with the individual rider." The perfect bike for you needs to match your needs, aspirations and body. Bike selection is a personal process and great bike shops like Fit Werx take that process seriously. When considering buying a bike, be sure to consult experts like those at the best bike shops and take your time finding a fit that feels right for you.

That said, there are some bikes that are objectively incredible rides. We consulted experts like Founder of Fit Werx Ian Buchanan, Director of Operations at the Cycling House Shaun Radley and Owner of the Pedal House Dewey Gallegos, to get the scoop on the very best mountain and trail bikes of 2015. If one of the following bikes matches your needs, budget and fits you well, you can be sure that it's one of the best bikes out there.

Best Mountain Bikes Of 2015

 

Ellsworth Absolute Truth 275

"All great mountain bikes start with a great frame," said Founder of Fit Werx Ian Buchanan. "And Ellsworth developed a unique and very effective frame design a long time ago." The Absolute Truth 275 features 27.5-inch wheels that work well in the tight stuff and also roll through the fast stuff, according to Buchanan and the bike works overtime with simultaneous active bump absorption and pedaling efficiency.

 

Ellsworth Absolute Truth 275

To top it off the muscular carbon aesthetics make this an looker on the trail and you can feel good about your purchase. "[Ellsworth is] one of the few companies bringing bike manufacturing back to the U.S," said Buchanan. ellsworthbikes.com; starting at $3,395

 

Giant Anthem Advanced SX 27.5

"I think the best mountain bike in the field right now is the full suspension Giant Anthem advanced SX," said Owner of the Pedal House Dewey Gallegos. "I rode this bike at the Outerbike demo back in September ... It changed my life."

 

Giant Anthem Advanced SX 27.5

A few of the features he loved most include the feel of the extra suspension in the front, the aggressive tracking in the corners that gave an extra boost of speed and Giant’s Carbon Wheels. giant-bicycles.com; $5,575

 

Kona Mahuna

This entry-level option is well-designed and easy on the wallet, so it's no surprise that it's one of their top selling models. The Mahuna frame keeps riders upright on 29-inch wheels and Shimano Hydraulic Disc brakes ensure a smooth stop when the trail gets narrow and steep.

 

Kona Mahuna

New riders will have a tough time finding a better option for their first time on the trails. konaworld.com; $799

 

Giant Obsess Advanced 2

"For the ladies, we have seen the new Liv line from Giant, and the responses from our riders have been fantastic," said Owner of the Pedal House Dewey Gallegos. "The Obsess is one of our shop favorites." This light and fast women's-specific XC race bike takes quality parts and a great fit to a whole new level -- from the 27.5-inch wheels up through the frame.

 

Giant Obsess Advanced 2

"Giant has been working hard to make their company the right choice for all riders, and we are impressed with the build-up of parts," said Gallegos. It’s worth mentioning that many women prefer unisex bikes and ladies certainly don’t need to shop for women's-specific frames, but for those looking for a gender-specific trail option, this is one of the very best. giant-bicycles.com; $2,775

 

Ritchey P-29ER

"It's hard to find a quality steel hard tail these days," said Radley of The Cycling House. The P-29ER fits the bill. "The style and geometry of the P-29er is classic and has been a favorite for years. If you don't want to go boutique steel this is the bike for you."

 

Ritchey P-29ER

The classic look and new black color option has been a big seller and when you buy the frame, the options are nearly endless. "This bike can still be built up under 25 lbs with the right group and is crazy comfortable," said Radley. He mentioned that the versatility of the frame also allows the rider to use the P-29ER as a touring bike. richeylogic.com; $899.95 for the frame

 

Yeti ASR C Race

Way more than just another cross-country bike, this one is set for speed, tough climbs and some of the most challenging downhill out there. The 4.2-pound carbon frame features 102 millimeters of travel, which meets either 27.5 or 29-inch wheels (depending on the size of the frame).

 

Yeti ASR C Race

The ASR C Race is a versatile bike that’s simply fun to ride. yeticycles.com; frame only: $2,899 | ASR Carbon Race: $5,499

 

Spot Cream SS

It just doesn't get more polished than this, but make no mistake -- the Cream SS can handle the trail with style and grace. The single-speed 29er is outfitted with a 100-millimeter fork and Enve M50 wheels that complement the titanium frame.

 

Spot Cream SS

It may not be the lightest bike out there, but it’s an undeniably enjoyable ride for those that can ditch the gears. spotbrand.com; $8,900

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For the complete list of the Best Mountain Bikes For 2015, go to TheActiveTimes.com.

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