KINGS OF THE MOUNTAIN
BUY IF: You're just beginning.

JAMIS DAKAR, $730, jamisbikes.com
This budget buy makes up for its heft (at 32 pounds, the heaviest here) with ample suspension cushioning, both up front (100mm of up-and-down movement, or travel) and in back (90mm). If your wallet fattens or your skills outstrip the stock components, you can always dress it up with better parts, thanks to features like disc-brake-ready hubs.