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Are you searching for the best new trail mountain bike? We constantly research the latest and greatest models and buy and compare. Our review currently focuses on 20 of the best trail mountain bikes you can buy, focusing on mid and short-travel options for everyday riding. We want to help you find the model that best suits your intended riding style, geography, and budget; with so many options on the market, we understand the challenge. Our team of professional mountain bike testers spent countless hours riding and testing these bikes while focusing on and scrutinizing every aspect of their design, performance, and component specification. We hope this review helps you find your next bike, no matter where or how you ride.
Nice build, modern geometry, plush suspension, quick/maneuverable, hard charging downhill performance
Svelte design, Quiet in the rough, 29" or MX wheels
Affordable, versatile, good build for the price, lively and playful, DW-Link suspension
Affordable, nice component specification, lively, fast climber, lightweight
Cons
Pricey, Slightly heavy
Costly, No frame storage, Wiggly dropper post
200mm native rear brake, Only minor changes from past model
A little heavy, SRAM Code R brakes, bar/stem combo limits adjustability
Geometry isn't adjustable, no frame storage, costly
Overkill for tame trails, Fox 36 Rhythm fork, moderate weight
Less small bump compliance, Expensive, Heavier than expected
Build tested is very expensive, too much bike for mellow XC terrain
Active rear suspension-more reliant on climb switch, Annoying brake pad rattle
Bar/stem combo limits adjustability, Heavier wheels, Tires provide a speed limit
Actual seat tube angle is relatively slack, lackluster freehub engagement, can be overwhelmed in aggressive terrain
Heavy for a 120mm carbon bike, chattery in high-frequency chop
Heavy, may be overkill for some riders and locations
Linear rear suspension feel, a little heavy for carbon, not the sportiest climber
Heavy, No frame storage, Linkage is a net negative
Heavier weight, shorter travel-requires skilled rider in super aggressive terrain
Non-aggressive tires, steeper head tube angle, requires skilled pilot in rowdier terrain
Bottom Line
Ibis does it again, somehow the Ripmo V3 is even better than its predecessors; with added frame storage and mixed wheel compatibility, this is the trail bike to have
A versatile mid-travel 29er that leads with its suspension design and follows with exceptional build quality
This phenomenal trail bike incorporates almost everything we could ask for, but it's not significantly different from the outgoing Stumpjumper EVO
The new Fuel delivers progressive geometry, a host of modern features, and a spectacular ride right off the bike shop floor; this bike crushes
Highly active suspension system with tremendous attention to detail, this bike may be perfect, but it lacks the adjustability and storage of many of its modern rivals
A heavy-hitting longer travel trail bike with an innovative, highly adjustable geometry
An excellent mix of elegance and brawn, the Hightower almost defines the trail bike category, and it has become more capable than ever
Updated geometry and a move to mixed wheels make this aggressive trail bike better than ever
A beautifully well-rounded mid-travel trail bike at a very competitive price
The Gen 4 delivers ample versatility and all of the modern features on our want list, with climbing and descending chops that you'd think were mutually exclusive
A swift, responsive, and lightweight trail bike for carrying speed and putting in miles
The Santa Cruz Tallboy is a highly capable, versatile, and hard-charging short travel trail bike
The aluminum framed Ibis Ripmo AF is an aggressive trail bike with a reasonable price tag
The Rift Zone Carbon 2 is fun short travel trail bike with the angles to get aggressive
A playful bike designed for crushing technical terrain while maintaining snappy handling. The suspension redesign doesn't net tangible gains while creating new issues
Just as versatile, fun, and playful as the carbon version in a more affordable but slightly heavier aluminum-framed package
The Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 is a lively, lightweight, mid-travel trail bike with an XC attitude
The latest iteration of the Specialized Stumpjumper, known as the Stumjumper 15, isn't a huge change from the previous Stumpjumper EVO, but that might be a good thing. With 145mm of 4-bar travel and a three-position headset holding a 150mm fork, the new bike is playful and wildly adaptive. A new FACT 11m, symmetrical front end has enhanced torsional rigidity and hosts the GENIE shock, a collaboration by Specialized and Fox that provides a more “coil-like” ride quality. Specialized provides pages of stats about how the shock improves ride quality, and while it performs well, it feels like an incremental improvement.
The bike is responsive and agile in its steepest geometry settings, quick to accelerate with positive anti-squat performance. In the slackest setting, a 63.5 headtube angle (62.5 with a coil shock) doesn't raise an eyebrow at nasty, steep, treacherous lines. From park laps to chill xc laps with the kids, the Stumpy 15 never felt like the wrong bike for the job. Our testers loved how composed the bike felt at eye-watering speeds, but it still climbs with enthusiasm thanks to the steepish (76.7 - 75.8) degree seat tube angle and outstanding traction.
Available in six carbon and three alloy models, including three with coil shocks, there's a Stumpy 15 for everyone. The carbon Comp model we tested uses Sram's S1000 Transmission drivetrain, which performed every bit as well as the costlier / lighter AXS offerings. Carbon models have no derailleur cable routing and use a revised, easy-to-use SWAT 4.0 downtube storage. Our bike weighed just shy of 33 pounds; we'd appreciate less weight, but if it's the price of performance, we pay. Our only real gripe with the bike is the native 203 brake mount in the rear paired with Maven brakes; the combo delivers DH stopping power that simply felt like too much on a trail bike.
The Stumpjumper 15 just does it all; a fantastically well-rounded trail bike that will leave you wondering if you really need all those hooks in the garage.
The Ibis Ripmo V3 is the most impressive, aggressive trail bike we've ever tested. A 64.5 head tube angle, longer wheelbase, and updated kinematics give the bike an intrepid feel without robbing it of its renowned agility. The Ripmo is wildly confident and capable in aggressive terrain and ultra-high speeds. Like its predecessor, the bike maintains its mythical climbing abilities, adept low-speed handling, and maneuverability in tight, technical terrain.
The DW-Link suspension provides a stable yet sensitive pedal platform and solid mid-stroke support. Ibis nailed the design of the Ripmo; it's the bike other manufacturers should be benchmarking. Many bikes have similar geometry numbers, but few have the confidence-inspiring bravado the Ripmo has. Now, with Mx wheel compatibility and in-frame storage, the bike is even more versatile.
We were dubious that Ibis could improve on the last Ripmo, but our testers unanimously loved this bike. Whether scrambling up a steep climb or charging the hard line, this bike was competent, composed, and confidence-inspiring. “I loved how Ripmo V3 always felt like the ideal bike, no matter how nasty the terrain,” commented one tester. The consensus is, “It's the best trail bike we could imagine riding and feels more capable than any bike we've tested previously.”
The Revel Rascal XO Transmission is more than it would appear on paper. The 130mm carbon framed bike doesn't look exotic or have wild geometry numbers, but don't judge this book by its cover. The Canfield Brothers Suspension design gives this bike tremendous traction and a spry, playful quality. A solid pedaling platform, deep stroke support, and uncoupled suspension sensitivity are hallmarks of the CBF design. Focusing pedaling forces around a center of curvature instead of an instant center creates a consistent feel everywhere in the travel. If that sounded cryptic, read more on Revel's website. The Rascal has modern geometry numbers but resists the super long and slack treatment that is so ubiquitous. This kept the wheelbase short and the handling snappy. This Rascal is a better climber than the outgoing model, given its steeper seat tube angle, especially on larger models. Equipped with the SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain and Revel's RW30 Thermoplastic Carbon wheelset using Industry Nine Hydra hubs, your inputs are quickly rewarded. Top-notch suspension from RockShox and a thoughtful selection of parts leave us little to complain about. The Rascal's numbers, suspension, and specs all come together to create a bike that is more than the sum of its parts; synergy comes to mind.
The Rascal does not feature adjustable geometry, nor does it have downtube storage, which are increasingly common on trail bikes. While adjustable geometry certainly adds to a bike's versatility, the Rascal sits in a Goldilocks zone that we'd be reluctant to mess with. We found some nits to pick with the saddle and some undesired play in the dropper post, but nothing that stands in the way of wholeheartedly recommending this bike. Aggressive riders looking for a courageous bike with a big mountain appetite will be thrilled; Revel actually guarantees your happiness with their bikes.
The Yeti SB140 is Yeti's do it all while having fun bike. This 140mm 29er will impress you with its ride quality, delivering performance beyond what the geometry table explains. The feel of this suspension is sublime; it's immediately clear that you're on a premium product. Whether you're riding fast-rolling flow trails, hard scramble climbs, all-day alpine missions, or airing out the jump line, the Yeti rear end is ultra sensitive and responsive. Climbing traction is outstanding, while positioning is near ideal; the rear wheel tracks through technical terrain and rough climbs with magnetic grip. Pointing it downhill is equally impressive; the Yeti maintains incredible small bump sensitivity throughout its travel. Accurate and confidence-inspiring, the SB140 devours all but the nastiest sections of vert. The bike embodies precision and balance; it has that trail bike swagger but feels a bit more mature.
There are a lot of “perfect, do-it-all bikes,” but this is a connoisseur bike, and the nuances of its performance may not be apparent to novice riders. If your list of demands for a new trail bike includes frame storage or adjustable geometry, the SB140 won't make the cut. Similarly, keep shopping if you're trending toward more aggressive trail bikes. The Yeti feels agile, athletic, and capable; it never feels like it relies on its big fork to do the talking. It delivers heroic levels of traction, allowing you to find new limits to cornering and braking. The Yeti SB140 will slay the vast majority of singletrack trails in North America.
The Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS is the fourth iteration of Trek's acclaimed Top Fuel that they're now billing as a “down-country” bike. (What does that even mean?) This 120mm OCLV carbon trail bike climbs like an XC racer with crisp, fast handling and an ultra-supportive pedal platform. The bike is quick and agile, with an adequately steep 76.3-degree seat tube angle to help you keep the power down.
When pointed downhill, the bike drops its XC persona and becomes everything a modern trail bike should be. The rear end feels planted, and while not exactly supple, the ABP suspension does an amazing job of isolating braking forces. A 65.9-degree headtube angle and 1227mm wheelbase give the bike stability and just enough courage to get aggressive without ever feeling lethargic or unwieldy.
Trek gave the bike a 4-way Mino-Link to provide adjustable geometry and leverage while also making it capable of running a 130mm shock and 140mm fork. 29" wheels come stock, but it's MX compatible if you'd prefer to run a smaller rear wheel. In-frame storage, a 34.9mm seat tube that can take long droppers, UDH, and a lifetime warranty sweeten the pot.
While the Top Fuel is a departure from the trail bikes that dominate our trails today, it's more versatile and capable than I ever imagined. If you or the trails you ride don't require six inches of travel, consider this short-travel alternative; Trek even guarantees you'll love it.
In recent years, several consumer-direct brands have made waves in the mountain bike industry by selling quality bikes for less than their mainstream counterparts. Ari (formerly Fezzari) is among those brands, and the Delano Peak is their mid-travel trail bike that sports 135mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 150mm fork. The geometry of this carbon fiber 29er is fairly modern, and our testers were thoroughly impressed with the bikes versatility. On the descents, it picks up speed quickly and maintains its composure in hard-hitting terrain. At the same time, it maintains responsive handling and isn't so long and slack that it languishes in tighter spots or lower speeds. The steep seat tube angle provides a comfortable and efficient seated position for those long climbs and scrambling up techy sections. Power transfer feels directly down into the pedals, although we used the compression damping switch on the rear shock to maximize efficiency on the ups and in rolling terrain. The Elite build we tested is also spectacular for the price. If you want to save a little money without sacrificing performance, this dialed mid-travel ride is an excellent value.
The YT Izzo is the shortest travel model in their line of trail, all-mountain, and gravity mountain bikes. With 130mm of front and rear wheel travel, this lightweight carbon 29er is YT's most trail-oriented model, with a fairly modern geometry that lends itself more toward the XC side of the trail riding spectrum. Weighing in at just 27.5 pounds in the size large we tested, it's also the lightest trail bike we've ever tested. This bike is fast, agile, and very responsive. It's a spirited climber and thrives in rolling terrain under a rider who likes to keep the heart rate high. The bike crushes the descents with a playful and precise demeanor that eats up smooth and moderately aggressive terrain alike. The Core 4 build we tested is a fantastic value. The Izzo wouldn't be our first choice for super aggressive riders or terrain, but that isn't its intended purpose. Not all trail bikes need to be the same, and we feel the Izzo meets the need for a light, fast, and agile bike made to carry speed and ride many miles on your bike.
The Izzo is a lively bike that encourages you to go fast and pop off trailside hits.
Credit: Laura Casner
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Out for some comparison testing on the local trails
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Why Trust GearLab
Our professional mountain bike test team spends a lot of time riding, researching, tinkering, and thinking about mountain bikes. Our experienced testers are industry veterans, competitive racers, salty shop guys, and local trail devotees who have spent years putting test bikes through their paces. The vast and varied terrain of the northern Sierra in the greater Lake Tahoe area is the headquarters for testing. Big backcountry epics, shuttle laps, flow trails, and chunky raw downhills are all out the backdoor of our bike-testing home base. We don't simply ride these bikes for a week or two and then move on. No, these bikes are passed between riders for months and tested for hundreds of miles each.
Our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor,Joshua Hutchens, has been in the bicycle industry since the age of 12. This native Californian spends an inordinate amount of time on two wheels. His extensive experience in bike shops, bike parks, and on the trail has helped him develop a critical eye for what matters. He has traveled the world as a bicycle guide, leading tours of spectacular locations. Joshua has ridden and raced almost every discipline of cycling and now coaches youth mountain biking. Neighborhood kids know him as Papa-wheelie, and he's been known to ride no-handed wheelies. A meticulous mechanic, he brings skills and curiosity to our process.
Jeremy Benson is an East Coast native who has been riding mountain bikes since the early 1990s. He moved to North Lake Tahoe in 2001 and has been obsessively riding the area trails ever since. A competitive gravel and mountain bike racer, Benson spends more time in the saddle than most while testing, training, and riding just for the fun of it. He is also especially tough on and critical of gear and has spent over a decade working as a product tester and reviewer in both the ski and mountain bike industries. Benson is a local trail expert and the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe, a comprehensive guide to the trails of the Lake Tahoe region.
Pat Donahue is our former Senior Mountain Bike Editor turned bike shop owner and has been riding a revolving door of bicycles for a decade and a half. He has ridden well over 100 bikes in that time and is passionate about connecting people with the right bicycles. He has ridden and tested bikes in a huge range of locations and trails ranging from burly bike park laps to heinous all-day epic rides. He has an affinity for super steep and chunky trails and is especially adept at testing the durability of wheels and tires.
Other than measuring and weighing the bikes we test, we spend lots of time riding them to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and performance differences.
Credit: Laura Casner
Analysis and Test Results
Our team is continuously scouring the market for the latest and greatest mountain bikes. When we see a great new bike released, we buy it and put it through our rigorous testing process. Each of our testers spends weeks riding each bike before passing it on to the next. When testing is complete, we compare notes and cross-examine to bring you this all-encompassing trail mountain bike review. Each bike is ranked in terms of fun factor (worth 25%), downhill performance (35%), uphill performance (35%), and ease of maintenance (5%). We compare the best of the best below. The bikes' intended applications, build qualities, and prices range widely. Our favorite trail bikes shine even with less-than-ideal components, and the best are appropriate for a wide range of terrain.
If you appreciate a good value, consumer-direct brands like Fezzari (pictured here), YT, Canyon, and Commencal typically beat the mainstream brands on price.
Credit: Laura Casner
What's the Best Value?
With such an enormous variety of bikes, pinpointing which will offer the best value for your needs can be a big task. We assess overall performance and how the bikes performed relative to price. Sure, you can buy a bike that requires a second mortgage on your house, but you certainly don't have to. Many of the reasonably priced bikes we test are just as much fun as the high-priced competition. The Polygon Siskiu T8 is a great example. This affordable bike has a modern trail riding geometry, comes with components ready to rip, and is quite nice for the price. Consumer direct brands like YT, Canyon, Ari, and Commencal also provide a lot of value to the consumer and typically sell bikes for less than the mainstream competition.
Worse Value
Better Value
Charging down some chunder on the Ibis Ripley.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Fun Factor
Thomas Aquinas once said, “Fun factor is critical when evaluating a trail mountain bike.” We ride bikes for fun, and we assume you do too. That's why fun factor is worth a hefty 25% of the final score.
The Trek Top Fuel epitomizes a modern, zippy, fun-loving trail bike. Everything about piloting this carbon-framed 120mm travel 29er is a blast. The latest update gives the Top Fuel a much more versatile platform. The Top Fuel feels Uber-efficient, snappy, and fun without overplaying its hand. The update gave the frame adjustable geometry and leverage and also compatability to run it 130/140 as well as MX. You can save some cash and get the alloy version and you still get all of the adjustability and downtube storage.
Fun means different things to different riders. If you like a quick, snappy, and playful ride, the YT Izzo is tons of fun.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 also has a very high fun factor. This mid-travel 29er climbs extremely well, shreds downhill, and operates with razor-sharp handling. This bicycle is fun on a huge range of trails, and you'll never feel like it's overkill. A bike that is fun on any trail you put in front of it is somewhat of a rarity. Likewise, the mid-travel Revel Rascal is a blast to ride. The Rascal's moderate geometry gives it a very well-rounded performance, while its unique CBF suspension design provides a damp and refined ride feel. The YT Izzo Core 4 proved to be incredibly fun to ride. This lightweight, quick, and playful bike had us pushing the pace on the climbs and descents. It handles with precision and an energetic lively feel that we found to be an absolute blast.
Just because a bike isn't expensive doesn't mean it can't be a blast to ride. The Polygon Siskiu T8 is a prime example.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Polygon Siskiu T8 is an impressively versatile bike, given its extremely affordable price. Here at OutdoorGearLab, we find versatility to be very fun. The Siskiu performs well above its asking price, and we feel it is one of the best values for a trail bike that you can find. This rig is a reasonably efficient climber with a calm pedal platform. Once at the top of the hill, downhill performance is incredibly fun, composed, and confidence-inspiring. This bike is more fun to ride than many that cost twice as much.
The Ripmo V2 is a confident and hard-charging descender.
Credit: Laura Casner
Some of the longer travel and harder charging options are quite fun in their own right. The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 C S, Ibis Ripmo V2, and Specialized Stumpjumper EVO are a blast for steep, aggressive trails. These long-legged 29ers climb nearly as well as their shorter travel counterparts and really shine when the pitch steepens. They are extremely fun in that they are not limited to certain trail types; you can jump aboard one of these bikes and ride as aggressively as you want. They may not be the most efficient bikes, but they are as close as you can get to a do-it-all mountain bike.
Trail bikes are all about versatility. The very best models perform as well on the climbs as they do on the descents.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Downhill Performance
Ripping the descents is undoubtedly the lynchpin of a fun mountain bike experience. While all of the bikes in this review are categorized as trail bikes, some are more fun to ride downhill than others. A bike's geometry, suspension platform, and component specification are the primary factors that influence its downhill performance. This metric is worth 35% of the final score.
The Ibis Ripmo V2 is an impressive descender, especially considering how well it climbs. The Ripmo has modern geometry and instills confidence when rolling into some sketchy terrain. A 160mm fork is paired with a 2.5-inch Maxxis Assegai and creates a supremely confident front end. Rolling into a steep chute or nasty rock garden is confidence-inspiring. The Ripmo is great over small bumps and has a calm yet sporty rear end, while the long-and-low geometry delivers an extremely stable ride at high speeds. Similarly, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is capable of tackling super aggressive terrain. This 150mm travel 29er charges hard, and its FSR suspension design devours bumps, chunk, and drops as if they weren't even there. Add to that the fact that you can dramatically alter this bike's geometry with simple adjustments, and you can set it up how you like for your riding style and terrain.
We can't find enough good things to say about the Ripmo, this bike has “rip” in its name for a reason.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Gen 3 Santa Cruz Hightower is a highly capable and confidence-inspiring descender amongst mid-travel trail mountain bikes. It places riders in a confident position to work down a steep section of trail and provides excellent stability at speed. It is difficult to find the Hightower's speed limit, and the 145mm VPP suspension keeps the rear end calm, especially on bigger impacts. This bike is capable of tackling seriously rough and steep descents; there is no question that this bike rides more aggressively than 145mm of travel suggests. The Ari Delano Peak also impressed us on the descents. This mid-travel ride fooled us into thinking it had more travel than it actually did, with impressive stability at speed and a geometry that didn't flinch when the trail got steep and rough. While testing, we found ourselves pushing our limits of speed and terrain and exceeding our expectations of what this bike was capable of.
The new Bronson comes alive in steep, rough terrain and is a great choice for aggressive riders.
Credit: Laura Casner
Another standout performer on the way down is the new Santa Cruz Bronson. This 150mm travel bike has been a mainstay in the Santa Cruz line for nearly a decade and was updated for the 2022 model year with a revised geometry and a move to mixed wheel sizes, also known as mullet or MX. The 29-inch front wheel provides a confident and stable front end, while the 27.5-inch rear wheel keeps the rear end quick and lively. Thanks to the fairly long wheelbase and slack head tube angle, we found the Bronson to shine in steep, aggressive terrain while still remaining highly maneuverable for quick direction changes, slashes, and playful antics.
Ripmo V3 is a dreamy ride, up or down.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
We would be remiss not to give kudos to some of the shorter travel trail bikes for their impressive downhill performances. Modern geometry trends are taking the capability of bikes with less travel to new heights, and bikes with a little less travel may be more appropriate for many riders and riding locations. The Santa Cruz Tallboy may be short on travel with just 120mm in the rear and a 130mm fork, yet this bike is capable of tackling just about anything you are. This bike is a blast to ride on all types of terrain and is only limited in more aggressive terrain by its modest travel numbers. The Top Fuel is another shorter travel rig that rips on the descents. It has a slightly steeper head tube angle than the Tallboy, with identical amounts of travel and strikingly similar geometry. This lively and quick-witted bike will have you riding most things faster than ever while seeking the fun line down the hill.
Today's shorter travel trail bikes, like the Norco Optic C2, are impressive descenders too.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Norco Optic C2 is a short travel bike with an aggressive geometry that is an absolute blast on the descents. The Optic is keen to party, assuming high speeds and steep, rough trails are your kind of party. This bike punches well above its short travel pay grade and will inspire the confidence to charge harder than you'd expect for a 125mm trail bike. While not particularly aggressive, the YT Izzo is a downhill slayer on the right terrain. This bike carries speed exceptionally well and slices and dices the trail with sharp handling.
The lightweight YT Izzo proved to be one of the fastest climbers we've tested.
Credit: Laura Casner
Climbing Performance
While grinding uphill may not be as adrenaline-inducing as charging a descent, it is equally important in a trail mountain bike. Being able to ascend a long climb comfortably is critical in choosing a bike. It is no surprise that short-travel bikes dominate this category. It is worth noting that some of the longer travel options provide exceptional uphill skills, especially when you consider how aggressively they attack the descent. Generally speaking, the geometry of a bike is the primary element dictating rider comfort and handling, while the suspension platform plays a major role in efficiency. Climbing performance is worth 35% of the final score.
The YT Izzo is an exceptional mountain bike that stands out for its impressively light weight of 27.5 lbs and quickness in the ascents. Its carbon construction keeps it light and comfortable. It's a fast-rolling bike that rewards riders who push the pace. On the other hand, the Trek Top Fuel is a marvel of modern geometry, offering a playful and efficient ride. Its ABP suspension system provides excellent traction under braking forces and helps to keep the bike calm when the trails are anything but. Its efficient climbing performance and geometry give it gravel bike like ascending prowess.
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is an excellent climber. Considering how capable this bike is on the downhill, it is especially impressive. The ABP suspension is active enough to deliver fantastic rear-wheel traction while still offering a firm pedal platform. Pair this dialed suspension design with carbon wheels and sticky rubber; you have a formidable uphill weapon. The Fuel EX 9.8 is a bike that you can climb on all day long while still being able to shred down the hill.
but does it climb like a goat?
Credit: Casey Montandon
The Ibis Ripmo V2 is a surprisingly effective climber. Thanks to the steep seat tube angle, riders are placed in a comfortable and upright position right on top of the cranks. Seated climbing efficiency is impressive, and standing climbing loads are calm with a very minimal amount of pedal bob. There is little need to use the climb switch on this 147mm bike. It rides fairly high in its travel to help keep your pedals from smashing rocks or obstacles. There's no doubt that this is one of our most confident descenders, with uphill abilities far better than you'd expect from this ripping 29er.
You gotta get up to get down. The Ripmo V2 is great at both.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Yeti SB 140 is also a sure-footed climber. The suspension performance of this bike enhances traction while keeping the rider in the optimal position.
The most important thing is matching you bike with your riding style and terrain.
Credit: Laura Casner
Maintenance
Mountain bikes can be quite expensive and require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. It is recommended to refer to the product manuals of each bike component to determine the necessary service schedules. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your bike.
Full Suspension vs. Hardtail
It is undeniable that a full suspension trail mountain bike outperforms a hardtail bike in just about every ride category. However, hardtail bikes have a maintenance advantage. Those pivots, seals, and bearings must be maintained to keep your bike running smoothly. It is recommended to clean, regrease and torque your suspension pivots multiple times a year. This will also ensure that your bike operates quietly and efficiently but will cost you at least some time in the work stand.
If you ride often and hard, you'll need to maintain your bike more regularly.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Maintenance Schedule
Just like keeping up with regular car services, smaller, more frequent services can save you big bucks in the long term. Here's a quick and dirty primer:
Before Every Ride — Check tire pressure, brake function, axle torque levels
After Every Ride — Clean and lube chain, wipe down stanchions
Weekly — Clean off mud and debris, check spoke tension
Bi-Weekly — Check for and tighten any loose bolts, check headset for proper tightness, clean pivots, check fork and shock pressure
Monthly — Check chain wear and brake pads. Replace as necessary
Annually — Complete professional overhaul
A well maintained bike will keep you on the trail and out the bike shop.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Ease of Maintenance Ratings
Some bikes are more challenging to maintain than others. We ranked the ease of maintenance for the bikes in our test based on the following criteria:
Suspension Pivots — How often they need to be serviced, how complicated that service is, and how expensive the bearings or bushings are.
Fork and Shock — These are the most expensive components on your bike and also the most complicated. Suspension products should be serviced at least once a year. Manufacturers will tell you to replace wiper seals far more frequently. This all depends on trail conditions and how frequently you ride. We rate the forks and shocks based on how often the oil and seals need to be changed, how often they require a complete rebuild, and how costly and accessible that service is.
Dropper Post — Just like any suspension product, a dropper post needs to be serviced periodically. Certain designs require far more attention than others. Mechanical droppers are often preferred as opposed to hydraulic units, which have a high number of seals that wear and require replacement. Having a dropper post means more maintenance (and fun), and most quality mountain bikes come with one.
Brakes — Brake pads wear, and the hydraulic fluid needs to be bled to have air pockets removed from the lines. This should be done annually. We score Shimano brakes a little better than SRAM. Shimano has a long service interval and uses mineral oil and a simpler bleed process. SRAM brakes require corrosive DOT 5.1 fluid and a more complicated bleed process.
Drivetrain — Chain, cassette, and chainrings all wear together. Chain wear is measured by elongation, and we can't give you an exact amount of mileage, but we typically replace chains at around 1200-1500 miles and replace cassette and chainring with every other chain. We don't account for drivetrain wear and tear in the rankings.
Tires — Different rubber compounds burn at different speeds. Expect to purchase one or two sets of tires per season for your trail mountain bike. We don't consider tires in the rankings.
Wheels — It is important to have proper spoke tension on your wheels. It is a good idea to have them trued and tensioned at least once a year to avoid serious issues. We don't include wheels in the score, either.
Our fork and shock ease of maintenance rankings reflect the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. According to owner manuals, Fox suspension items require less attention than RockShox, but anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise.
Mountain biking is a blast. The most important thing is to get a bike that matches your riding style and suits your terrain, then get out and ride.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
There are lots of amazing bikes, and bike gear, on the market these days, and our list of favorites keeps growing every year. The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO and Ibis Ripmo V2 are outstanding longer travel options. These bikes are perfect for folks who want to ride a wide range of terrain and charge hard when given the opportunity. The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is the best mid-travel bike in our test, with well-rounded performance and capabilities beyond its travel class. Those seeking great value should be sure to check out the affordable Polygon Siskiu T8.
