Which type of bike should you choose for riding in the Laurentians?

The Laurentians are a vast playground for cyclists. But with so many types of bikes on the market — mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes — how do you know which one is really right for you? The answer depends on several factors: where you want to ride, your level, and the kind of experience you're looking for.

In this guide, the team at RST Vélosports in Prévost helps you see things clearly. We break down the two types of bikes best suited to the Laurentians in 2026 — mountain bikes and gravel bikes — so you can make the best choice before hitting the trails.

First: what terrain awaits you in the Laurentians?

Before choosing your bike, you need to understand what the Laurentians have to offer. The region provides two major types of cycling terrain:

• Paved multi-use paths and packed gravel roads (P'tit Train du Nord, secondary roads)

• Technical mountain bike singletrack trails with rocks, roots, berms, and descents (Corridor Aérobique, Véloparc Laurentides, Mont-Tremblant).

These two worlds call for very different bikes. The wrong choice can turn a great outing into a frustrating day. Here's how to decide.

The mountain bike (MTB) — for technical trails in the Laurentians

The mountain bike is the number one choice if you want to explore the singletracks, descents, and trails that have made the Laurentians famous. It's the ideal tool for riding the Corridor Aérobique, the Véloparc de Saint-Jérôme, or the slopes of Mont-Tremblant.

Who is it for?

• Riders who want technical challenges: rocks, roots, berms, jumps

• Those who love controlled descents and winding trails

• Cyclists who want to improve their off-road skills

• Those who ride mostly in the forest on unpaved surfaces

The subcategories you should know

Trail / All-Mountain: the most versatile. Handles both climbs and descents. Ideal for the majority of Laurentian trails. It's the most common choice for a first serious MTB.

Enduro: designed for technical descents and demanding terrain. Heavier, but more capable on challenging sections. Best reserved for experienced riders who want to push their limits.

Fat Bike: oversized tires allow you to ride in winter on snow and on unstable terrain. RST Vélosports also offers fat bike rentals to discover the Laurentians in any season.

What to look for before buying

• Wheel size: 29 inches for speed and rolling efficiency, 27.5 inches for agility

• Fork travel: 120–140 mm for trail, 150–170 mm for enduro

• Aluminum frame (more accessible) or carbon (lighter, more expensive)

• Hydraulic disc brakes — essential for Laurentian descents

• 1x12-speed drivetrain — the current MTB standard

At RST Vélosports, our MTB selection includes Specialized and Giant models recognized for their performance on exactly this type of terrain. Our advisors can help you find the geometry and equipment level that match your riding style.

View our mountain bike collection

The gravel bike — for exploring roads and trails in the Laurentians

Gravel is arguably the biggest trend in cycling in Quebec in 2026. And for good reason: the Laurentians are a perfect playground for this type of bike. Between the country asphalt roads, gravel forest roads, and quiet secondary routes, the possibilities for exploration are nearly endless.

Who is it for?

• Cyclists who want to cover long distances on varied surfaces

• Those who love adventure and exploration, without the demands of technical mountain biking

• P'tit Train du Nord enthusiasts who want to go farther, faster

• Cycle tourists heading out for day trips or multi-day rides with luggage

Why gravel is perfect for the Laurentians

Gravel bikes are designed to handle asphalt, gravel, packed dirt, and light forest paths alike. In the Laurentians, that translates to total freedom: you can connect the P'tit Train du Nord to secondary gravel roads, explore areas like Labelle, La Conception, or Val-David without ever being held back by your bike.

• Wide tires (38 to 50 mm) that absorb terrain irregularities

• More upright geometry than a road bike for greater comfort on long distances

• Mounting points for luggage (panniers, bottle cages, frame bags)

• Hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power on all surface types

Gravel vs road bike: what's the actual difference?

A road bike is optimized for speed on smooth asphalt. The moment you leave the pavement, it shows its limits. A gravel bike maintains good speed on roads while being fully capable of handling unpaved paths without hesitation. In the Laurentians, where asphalt and gravel constantly alternate, a gravel bike is far more versatile.

Our gravel bike selection at RST Vélosports includes models for every budget and level — from an accessible first gravel bike to high-performance carbon versions for demanding riders.

View our gravel bike collection

What about e-bikes? An option worth considering

The e-bike deserves a special mention for the Laurentians. The region is hilly — sometimes seriously so — and electric assist can turn an exhausting outing into an enjoyable experience for all fitness levels. E-MTBs (electric mountain bikes) in particular let you chain together climbs on the trails without completely draining yourself, which means more descents and more fun.

• Ideal for couples or groups with different fitness levels

• Perfect for extending rides and exploring more terrain

• E-MTBs provide access to trails that would otherwise be too demanding

View our electric bike collection

Comparison chart — Which bike for which use in the Laurentians?

Our advice before you buy

1. Define where you'll ride 80% of the time

Most cyclists tend to buy the most capable bike, then never use it to its full potential. If you mostly ride the P'tit Train du Nord and country roads, a gravel bike will be more enjoyable day-to-day than an MTB. If you're targeting the singletracks of the Corridor Aérobique, a mountain bike is the clear choice.

2. Think about your current level, not the one you want to have

A high-end full-suspension enduro MTB won't help a beginner progress faster. Conversely, an under-equipped bike on demanding trails can become dangerous. Our advisors at RST Vélosports take the time to understand your actual riding before recommending a model.

3. Test before you buy — or rent to try

If you're torn between two types of bikes, renting is an excellent way to validate your choice without commitment. RST Vélosports offers rental bikes in Prévost, right on the P'tit Train du Nord. One day on a mountain bike or gravel bike in the Laurentians, and you'll know exactly what you want.

View our bike rental options

Conclusion — The right bike makes all the difference

In the Laurentians, the terrain is varied, the possibilities are immense — and the right bike completely transforms the experience. Whether you go with an MTB to tackle technical trails or a gravel bike to freely explore the region's roads and paths, the key is choosing a bike that fits your actual riding.

At RST Vélosports in Prévost, we're here to guide you. Come see us in store, talk with our advisors, and leave with the bike that suits you — and that will make you love the Laurentians even more.