The bike with the most travel combines 160/150 mm (v/h) The bike with the least travel offers 140/125 mm (v/h) This Year's Best Trail Mountain Bikes: Santa Cruz Bronson C R Santa Cruz 5010 C S Revel Rascal GX Orbea Occam H20 LT Evil Following GX Transition Scout Carbon GX Evil Offering GX For $5,500, riders net a Shimano XT groupset, full Fox suspension, and ENVE wheels. Fuel EXe 9.5 Deore is a new kind of e-mountain bike that bridges the divide between pedal assist and traditional bikes. With the Flip . Of the bikes on your list, if you're looking for max playfulness, I'd lean towards the Smuggler. Frame Travel: 160mm. The 429 and Tallboy fall a bit more on the XC end of the spectrum, the Fuel EX is a great trail bike but it gets overwhelmed on big hits, and the 111 is a great bike, but it loses out a bit just due to having a bit less travel. . The Shore 2 is one of the best bikes we've tested in recent times. The $3500 R+ Santa Cruz Bronson R+ with 150mm rear travel, 2.6 tires, i35 rims, Yari fork, 112 Eagle NX drivetrain, Maxxis Minion tires, looks very good. Best Hardtail Mountain Bike: Trek Marlin 7. Santa Cruz Bicycles. With trail-taming front and back suspension, a 12 drivetrain, and dropper posts for getting low on descents this is one of the very best. Best Women's Mountain Bike Best Hardtail Most Versatile Bike Best E-Bike Best Enduro Bike Best Trail Bike Best Bike Under $1,000 The Best Mountain Bikes of 2022 Best Overall: Yeti SB115 "Designed. Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 5 - 2022 $4,329.99 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS Gen 5 - 2022 $7,499.99 Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 - 2023 $739.99 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 - 2022 $849.99 Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 - 2022 $1,029.99 Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 - 2022 $1,329.99 Trek Procaliber 9.6 - 2023 $2,999.99 - $3,099.99 Trek Roscoe 7 - 2023 $1,829.99 Trek Roscoe 8 - 2023 $2,329.99 Most expensive bike in the 2021 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Levo SL for 13,999 Most expensive bike in the 2022 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Kenevo SL for 15,000 Cheapest bike 2021: FOCUS JAM 6.9 NINE for 5,499 Cheapest bike 2022: SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 for 7,199 Battery and battery capacity: Marin Bikes Marin Rift Zone 27.5 Now 16% Off $1,975 at Jenson USA An affordable full-suspension bike you can ride anywhere. So if your trail desires line up with that, then the Madonna is right up your street. To be fair, calling the new Canyon Spectral 125 a short-travel enduro bike feels a bit like clickbait. The North Fruita desert recreation area includes over 250 miles of designated recreation routes. After all of these years, hardtail bikes have only become better. . . It features stable, playful 27.5-inch wheels so you can push the pace on climbs and let loose on the descents. As demonstrated in our big mountain bike group test with over 20 bikes, which includes anything from lanky downcountry rigs to burly enduro bruisers, limited travel and a steep seat tube angle aren't necessarily synonymous for climbing efficiency while a super-slack head angle and shedloads of travel alone don't make you the downhill king. If you want a versatile trail bike at a great value this is the one for you. Mountain bike wheel size can seem complicated, but it's not. The Best Trail Bikes Good: Rocky Mountain Growler 20 Better: Marin Hawk Hill 1 Best: Canyon Neuron 8.0 130mm The Best Enduro Bikes Good: Diamondback Release 29 2 Better: Transition Carbon Sentinel GX Best: Evil the Offering The Best Downhill Bikes Good: Scott Ransom 720 Better: Santa Cruz V10 DHS/Carbon C Best: Yeti SB150 Check out the best models we recommend below! Best Hardtail for Trail Riding: Salsa Timberjack XT 29. Brompton's Zippy New P Line Folding E-Bike . Best Electric Mountain Bike: Trek Rail E . Enduro and all-mountain bikes are perfect options for enduro racing. So we were surprised that the brand would launch not one but two new 29-inch mountain bikes: a trail model . Trek Marlin 6 2022 620. Best bikes under 700. Browse our mountain bike selection including models from Specialized and Giant. Hey! To date, my favorite all 'round is Whyte's T-130. 150mm front and 140mm rear suspension keep you in control on the roughest trails and it's all topped off with carbon Bontrager wheels with . Bonus: Lo helped to design the Ripmo with frame sizes that can . The carbon Mojo is one of their six full-suspension mountain bikes, and the Ripmo is a long-travel 29er, a match for enduro racers. I like a mix of light tech, flow, and going fast/big . The Trek Rail is a long-travel electric mountain bike that rips just as hard as their beefiest trail rigs and powers you right back up the mountain. . Vitus Sommet 297 AMP Bike park mullet master Wheel size: 29/27.5in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.37kg (33.9lb) | Suspension travel: 170mm f/170mm r | Rating: 9/10 Pros: Smooth, comfortable and fast, steeper seat angles for better climbing, superb sensitivity Cons: Rear shock bobs under power The best-case scenario is to choose a bike the correct size for your body, but if you are in between sizes a smaller mountain bike will be more playful and will offer more maneuverability but a bigger bike will be more stable, feel better on climbs, and will be overall more comfortable. TECHNOLOGY The Madonna's DNA in an all-around more playful package. Also worth considering: Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 review - best 27.5in wheel trail bike. Full specs Reservations: 541.385.8080 Alloy Full Suspension 24-Hr Rental = $70 / 4-Hr Rental = $60 TREK FUEL EX 8 29ER All too often "women's" mountain bikes are just slightly smaller versions of the "mens" models, perhaps . 5. Santa Cruz TB 4 C 29 22 LG GLS AQUA R. $4,799.99. Voodoo Braag 29er 550. The bikes can easily cover a longer distance. If you want a superb yet playful bike then this rocky mountain pipeline would fulfill all your wishes. This Cyclist Rides to Benefit Cancer Research. Cannondale. Wheel Size: 27.5" or 29". The aluminum construction of the frame keeps everything playful. It features a carbon frame and a compact motor that keeps the ride light, lively and quiet. With short chain-stays, 27.5" wheels and 150mm of rear travel, the bike strikes the perfect balance between playful and aggressive. Whichever one you pick, you're in for a great time. Short chainstays make this bike naturally active and playful. This is an all-around suspension bike with trail performance far out stretching the asking price. We'll ask our short list of questions to a heap of influential, inspiring and outspoken people that we feel are driving the direction of mountain biking today. This entry carbon model is the bike I've been riding the past couple of weeks. While 27.5-inch versions are fun and agile, most 29-inch versions are extremely fun to ride fast, and thanks to new age geometry, they can be extremely playful. It's a 130/140mm trail/all mountain bike that has proven to be quite capable, and is a playful as they get. Enduro. 11. For full-sus Trailbikes, ~$3500 is the magic price point where value and quality meet.) The overall most playful bike in the Marin line, the Hawk Hill is an all-around trail bike designed to hook newcomers to the sport and bring veteran riders into modern full suspension trail . Most of our cross country and trail bikes come with 29-inch wheels because they carry more speed and roll over obstacles more easily. Yeti SB130 or SB140, and the super playful Evil The Offering. Fuel EX 5 is one of the best budget full-suspension trail bikes. The Fezzari La Sal Peak is a 170mm mountain bike with modern enduro geometry and builds that offer a ton of value. I'm looking to buy myself a MTB after going a few times with rentals. The best bike is the most fun bike, and Why's Big Iron ($4,499+) takes the cake. Riders who prefer a more playful bike that can change direction quickly and pick technical lines when descending should go for the smaller 27.5" wheeled bikes. Most Balanced Pivot Pivot Switchblade $6,199 at Competitive Cyclist A. Since . Best Long-Travel Enduro. . Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes for Men in 2022 Best Performance - Orbea Laufey h10 Best for Commuting - Marin Pine Mountain 2 Best Value - Co-op Cycles DRT 2.2 27.5 & 29 Mix - Santa Cruz Chameleon Cannondale - Trail SE 4 Women's The 2023 Santa Cruz 5010 is a trail bike with a playful edge. Kona Lava Dome 29 699. 4. Slash 9.8 is a carbon enduro mountain bike built to handle big hits, rail corners, and rip down the mountain faster than you ever thought possible. You can . The 18 Best Long Sleeve Jerseys and Jackets. This bike also sports 27.5+ tires, RockShox suspension, and some other hidden gems. The Bell Sanction Adult Full Face Bike Helmet provides excellent protection for the most important part of your body - your . Suspension. Fuel EX 5 is the gateway to full suspension trail bikes. Based on the race format, enduro mountain biking has become a popular discipline in its own right. Buy the Schwinn S29 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike now. The hydraulic disc brakes make the Fuel EX 5 a high-value, high . Co-op Cycles is well-known for supplying the MTB market with surprisingly good entry-level and mid-range bikes. $3,325.00. It's designed to pedal uphill well, fly down hills fast, and have a playful feeling riding everywhere in between. Royce Union RMA All-Terrain. "We took the most playful bike ever to manual the earth and poured Pop . That could define pry be an option at 130/120 3 Our Gear Advisors are Ready to Help. Best Mountain Bike Under $1000: Co-op Cycle DRT 1.2. From 2008 to 2011, the Yeti downhill team introduced the world to Aaron Gwin, America's most successful downhill racer, and Yeti's enduro race team won three successive Enduro World Series championships from 2014 to 2016 with Jared Graves and Richie Rude. The Santa Cruz 5010 is one of the most playful and able trail bikes we have ever tested. Women's Pro Cycling Improving but Still Behind. Best E-Mountain Trail Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp. Having the slackest of geometry and the most durable set of components to withstand the harshest ruts, jumps, and rocks, DH bikes are not for the fainthearted, that's for sure. Built for: All-Mountain. Starting with the 11-speed, aluminum-framed models at $2699 and expanding to the full-carbon XTR 12-speed at $9499, there is a model for everyone! -Matt Mondraker Foxy RR When the Mondraker Foxy RR first whispers in your ear you'll hear, "shimmy forward for balanced traction and stability." Like a stinging nettle, this bike tells you where and how to touch it. Bell Sanction Adult Full Face Bike Helmet. Read our full review of the Specialized Status 160. The Rift Zone 27.5 has a Series 3 6061 butted and hydroformed aluminum frame with 120mm travel MultiTrac suspension technology and playful 27.5" wheels. 27.5" mountain bikes are the most versatile wheel size option. Our test bike weighed just under 28 pounds, with pedals, making the $6799 price a deal at only $245 a pound! Built around our MultiTrac suspension system and nimble 27.5" wheels and short travel, the Rift Zone 27.5 is our most playful and fun suspension trail bike to date. For 2022 there are two models on offer, one with 140mm travel and the original version with 160mm travel. EUR . The ride feels like a modern mountain bike playful, poppy, and fast. If you are looking for the best Giant mountain bikes, shop Giant Talon 4 - 27.5" Disc Mountain Bike (2021) from Bicycle Warehouse today! The 27.5-inch wheel size ensures that bike handling is still nimble and playful, while carrying more speed in corners and through rocks, providing a stable, trustworthy feel. But bear with me. 2y California-Megatower Yea even my megatower feels super playful and I've heard really good things about the new Tallboy. . The Marin Rift Zone 1 Mountain Bike is our most playful trail bike, made for the rider that catches a bit of air off of every root in the trail, is always looking for an alternate line, and ends every ride with a smile. Best Budget Full-Suspension Trail Bike: YT Jeffsy Core 2. RAAW Mountain Bikes Powered by Shopify. Best Enduro Mountain Bike: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. The Mojo benefits from the magical platform of DW-Link rear suspension, providing industry-leading rear wheel traction for tricky climbs and pinning corners on technical . New MTB rider here, transitioning from BMX. Here's our pick of the best around Included in this guide: 1 Norco Optic C2 2021 Check Price 2 Canyon Spectral 29 CF8 View 3 Mondraker Raze Carbon RR 2022 Check Price 4 Santa Cruz Chameleon 2022 Check Price 5 Forbidden Druid XT Check Price 6 YT Izzo Core 3 Check Price 7 Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Expert Check Price 8 Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 RSV The Rift Zone 27.5 has a Series 3 6061 butted and hydroformed aluminum frame with 120mm travel MultiTrac suspension technology and playful 27.5" wheels. Best Mid-Travel Trail Bike Yeti SB130 TURQ X01 $7,299 List See It 89 OVERALL SCORE Fun Factor 9.0 Downhill Performance 9.0 Climbing Performance 9.0 Ease of Maintenance 7.0 Wheel Size: 29-inch | Rear Travel: 130mm REASONS TO BUY Top-notch climbing efficiency and traction Fun and capable downhill performance on a huge range of terrain Canyon says it's a shorter all-mountain trail bike, maybe even enduro-ready. Santa Cruz Bicycles. Smaller 26" wheels are easier to manoeuvre and are ideal for those that like an active and nimble ride. Salsa is best known for its gravel, adventure, and fat bikes. The Altitude also uses Rocky Mountain's RIDE 9 adjustment system allowing the rider to tailor the bike to their riding style and terrain. The MTR 9.0 is Boardman's flagship mountain bike, with an upgraded alloy frame, 150mm RockShox fork, a Deluxe Select+ rear shock and a groupset that is, by and large, comprised of Shimano SLX-level. The Madonna is on the hunt for charging down the most demanding terrain while still being a comfortable package for climbing up to the next descent. Wise Words is our interview series talking to some of mountain biking's most switched on people. Trail-taming front and rear suspension, a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes make Fuel EX 5 a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with exceptional versatility. An overview of all 22 mountain bikes of 2021 on test MERIDA NINETY-SIX 8000 | 7,049 | 11.66 kg 120/ 100mm (f/r) | 29 | Click for review Yeti SB115 TURQ3 | 10.990 | 12.38 kg 130/ 115mm (f/r) | 29 | Click for review Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper | 9,999 12.48 kg | 140/ 130mm (f/r) | 29 Click for review Canyon Carrera Fury 650.00. From the Tallboy and 5010 (the most playful XC bikes out there), to the Bronson and Nomad (the most solid descent oriented bikes in the industry), Santa Cruz's lineup has the perfect bike for exactly how and where you ride. . Smaller than a 29" wheel, they also help to put smaller riders in the proper position on the bike. The $3500 Trek Remedy 7 with i30 rims and otherwise the same spec as the Bronson looks good. Instead, it's far more important to blend individual handling characteristics into a coherent overall package to suit the intended application. A Close Second (For Rougher Terrain): Ibis Ripmo V2. The wheel size is playful on the trail, making for a nimble mountain bike. Best Overall Trail Mountain Bike: Yeti Cycles SB130. Specialized Rockhopper 27.5 449. MARIN BIKES CALIFORNIA Ultra-stiff and ultra-tough carbon frame, carbon wheels, and the most refined suspension tech from RockShox make this long-travel 29er a worthy contender for any dedicated rider and enduro podium. The bike provides an excellent ride with some unusual features. With SRAM components and a dual-suspension frame, this Schwinn mountain bike is a solid starter option. The majority of Downhill / Freeride and Park / Street bikes use 26" wheels to allow riders to move the bike around quickly and easily making 26" the most playful wheel size. Yeti has continued to push mountain bike design and develop some of the world's top racing talent through the years. 27.5" wheels fit most riders better and create a lightweight and responsive bike, the most playful trail bike in the line. . When it comes to mountain biking, you need to take protective gear seriously. It tackles technical climbs with the best of 'em. The most affordable carbon bike at $4200 / 3500 is the Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7 with SRAM GX Eagle 10-52T, Code RS brakes, RockShox Pike Select+ fork, Deluxe Select + shock, and alloy DT M1900 wheels at 13.9kg. Steve Behr / Immediate Media 3,399 / $5,199 Dialled geometry Fast handling Quality component spec Although its weight may be an. - Frame: ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, 120mm FlexPoint Suspension - Fork: Giant Crest 34 RCL . With playful 27.5in wheels and a sporty 130mm of rear travel, we use the Mojo 4 XT Mountain Bike to turn sandstone trails into an endless maze of side hits and rock gaps. The Furtado is the women's version of the best-selling 5010 and is a super-popular and playful bike.