As many kinds of bikes as there are mountain riders

In the mountain-bike world, one size does not fit all. Distinct user groups, with bikes to match, have emerged since the sport was born a quarter-century ago. Here are standout models for four subtypes: fitness riders who pedal from street to well-groomed fire trails; 24-hour racers who ride round the clock; gonzo downhillers who ride ski lifts up and leap fallen trees and 5-foot drop-offs on the way down; and all-around riders who need a bike that is good at almost everything.

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-- Roy M. Wallack

Fast fitness

Fisher Cobia: “Hardtail” (front-suspension only) bike, with fast-rolling, 29-inch tires (3 inches bigger than normal).

Likes: Oversized wheels, a growing mountain-bike trend, gain more momentum and roll over obstacles more easily than normal-sized wheels. Has fast cruising speed on the road -- unique for a mountain bike. Superb choice as an “only” bike.

Dislikes: All dealers do not yet carry 29-inch tires and hardware.

Price: $989. (800) 373-4594; www.fisherbikes.com.

Endurance racer

Cannondale Rush: Ultralight dual-suspension bike designed for 100-mile races and 24-hour rides.

Likes: Good bump-eating capacity with 4 inches of “travel” on front and rear shocks. Chain does not get clogged up during rapid shifting changes due to the frame’s elevated chain stays. Unique, lightweight, one-legged “Lefty” suspension fork can be locked out for efficient climbing.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $1,299 to $5,499, depending on components. (800) 245-3872; www.cannondale.com.

Big hits, big climbs

Marin Quake: A dual-suspension downhill bike light enough to pedal uphill.

Likes: Handles the roughest stuff. Massive rear-wheel movement (6.9 inches of travel) swallows logs and bumps in one piece. The frame’s huge mud clearance is valuable on trips to wet downhill meccas such as Whistler Mountain in British Columbia or Vancouver. At 37 pounds, it is ridable uphill, unlike heavier bikes that require ski lifts.

Dislikes: Nowhere on the frame to put a water bottle; 37 pounds is still quite heavy for average riding conditions.

Price: $3,700 to $4,250, depending on components. (800) 222-7557; marinbikes.com.

All-around star

Ellsworth Truth: Dual-suspension, cross-country bike that excels in all riding conditions save extreme descents.

Likes: Smooth ride with no wasted energy. Patented suspension design provides large shock absorption (4 inches of travel) with no pedal-induced bobbing, which dissipates power. In other words, it’s a rarity: it feels like a hardtail (a bike with no rear suspension) until you hit a bump.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $1,995 for frame only. (760) 788-7500; www.ellsworthbikes.com.