Originally Posted by
Shadoninja
Ah I thought of another question! Should I care if my mtb has rear suspension? I have used bikes like that in the past and found them quite nice on the bumpy trails.
This really has nothing to do with commuting for which the answer is "no". But if you are shopping for a mountain bike...
Beyond the low end of the MTB market, where it gets serious, you will find them categorized by intended event use; length of suspension travel; type of swingarm; and frame material.
Cross country (XC) mountain bikes are built to go fast on a long course or many laps. They have suspension travel of ~3-4". They have been hardtail but some newer and more expensive ones are full suspension.
Trail bikes have ~5" travel and are your general go-anywhere bike.
All-mountain, enduro, or freeride bikes have ~6" travel and are for jumps and drops. "Enduro" specifically refers to an event format that has timed stages, "Freeride" to tricks that are judged.
Downhill bikes have ~8"+ travel and look funny since they're sloped back.
The suspension might be single or dual pivot. Dual pivot is more expensive and complex, and improves efficiency.
The frame might be aluminum or one of several grades of carbon fiber.