Selecting a full suspension bike from all the options on the market may be difficult. For example, this guide includes only the most outstanding examples based on five different dimensions of riding excellence. From do-everything trail slayers to electrifying endorphins, we’ll show you exactly which bikes you should consider. And we’ll also reveal what to look for based on specific models, and what to understand to get the ideal bike for your ambitions and improvement as a rider.
Trail Bikes
Trail bikes are the all-rounders of the mountain biking world and are designed to be efficient on climbs and confidence-inspiring on descents. They are built for most riders seeking the most capable machine as they cover a wide range of terrain types on an average ride. Their suspensions are typically longer, with more travel ranging from 120mm to 150mm to allow for big hits while remaining comfortable on the smoother sections. When shopping, one should be attentive to the geometry details since a more modern, longer, and slacker design will give you more stability at speed. The previous season’s model from your local shop will save you money, and the only noticeable difference is the bits and bobs or the color differences from last year’s new rides.
Santa Cruz 5010
The Santa Cruz 5010, for example, is a playful and agile trail bike with a good pop on its suspensions that turns any trail into a playground.
Trek Fuel EX
The Trek Fuel EX is another popular choice that can blend efficient pedaling with a downhill capability on an average level.
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO
The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is a leaning-trail bike with an adjustable suspension that can run on many terrains without shaking its structure.
YT Izzo
Finally, the YT Izzo is a direct-to-consumer option on the market and is a fast, light, and efficient trail bike.
Enduro Bikes
Enduro bikes are the weapon of choice for riders who need to conquer the most aggressive trails. These machines are meant to be pedaled to the top of a mountain and raced down the steepest, most difficult descents imaginable. With suspension travel ranging from 160mm to 180mm, these bikes’ frames are built such that they give you the best experience in descending over going downhill as fast as possible. A high-quality, adjustable suspension system is a requisite feature from manufacturers such as FOX or RockShox. Therefore, you can tweak the bike’s performance to match your weight and riding style. Additionally, you will require non-negotiable four-piston hydraulic disc brakes to guarantee your safety due to their accelerative nature. Always check their frame pivot points for wear and tear, and ensure that there is no leaking oil from the suspensions under examination.
Yeti SB160
A dual-link suspension with a Switch Infinity platform that gives you traction and the ability to absorb the jolts.
Transition Spire
It has a low and slack geometry, which is why its geometry is extremely steady and confident.
Pivot Firebird
This long-travel enduro bike rides better than most others, meaning it is an excellent choice for riders who want to climb and descend on humongous mountain days.
Canyon Strive
An enduro racing bike equipped with the Shapeshifter system, which can change frame geometry and suspension characteristics instantly.
Electric Bikes
""Electric bikes have taken mountain biking by storm in recent years, and full suspension electric models are at the forefront of this trend. Combined with pedal assist from a motor and battery, these bikes allow riders to climb steep grades and descend quickly on the same day. ENGWE is a brand that has been leading the drive for powerful technology in user-friendly design. For example, ENGWE Engine Pro 3.0 Boost is a state-of-the-art electric full suspension bike designed to explore.
This bike is perfect for anyone looking to cover a lot of ground using less energy or looking to venture further. Featuring a powerful motor, the rugged motor helps riders with pedal assistance uphill and helps crest not just hillsides but also steep trails. The high-capacity, easily detachable battery ensures that it lasts all day long without worrying about running out of charge. The comfort-oriented dual suspension system improves bump sensitivity. Front and rear shocks work together to cushion potholes, ripples, lines, and jumps over rough routes. Extra-wide tires allow unmatched traction and confront a variety of terrains, including gravel, sand, and even snow. What distinguishes these bikes is that they fold, making them simple to store in a garage or transport in the trunk of a hatchback car.
Ideal for:
Tackling steep grades with ease.
Cross-Country Bikes
At the opposite extreme are Cross-Country bikes: pure-blooded racing machines optimized for 100% efficiency. Full suspension bicycles with the lightest weight and the least travel are available on the market. Although most models only feature 100mm to 120mm of suspension travel, this is all that is required. The bicycle’s singular objective is to convert every watt of the rider’s power into forward movement. When purchasing an XC bike, weight is the simplest way to optimize the bike to improve the stiffness-to-weight ratio; demand the carbon fiber frame. A remote suspension lockout system on full suspension bikes allows you to lock out your suspension through a handlebar-fitted lever, which you will naturally access for sprints or smooth slopes. In critical races, the lockout feature can determine whether or not you will be successful.
| Feature | Typical XC Bike Characteristic | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension travel | 100mm – 120mm | Not designed for extended downhill travel |
| Frame material | Carbon fiber (preferred) | Lightest material for the best stiffness-to-weight ratio |
| Key feature | Remote Suspension lockout | Dynamically improve your bike on the fly |
| Primary goal | Climbing speed, Pedaling speed | Maximizes power transfer for pure speed and efficiency |
Specialized Epic World Cup
The Specialized Epic World Cup is a legendary racing bicycle; its innovative suspension system blurs the line between rigid and complete suspension.
Scott Spark RC
The Scott Spark RC has mastered the World Cup circuit. The striking visual element of the Spark RC is the way the rear shock is concealed. The Scott is the lightest, stiffest, and most adaptable bike.
Cannondale Scalpel
The world-renowned Cannondale Scalpel has strengthened its design with FlexPivot chainstays. It’s one of the market’s lightest and most efficient bikes.
Downhill Bikes
Downhill bikes, also known as DH bikes, are the most specialized tools in the whole mountain biking world. They are made for exactly one thing – going downhill as fast as humanly possible. With 200mm of suspension travel, massive brakes, and geometry inspired by a motocross bike, DH bikes are designed to absorb insane impacts from jumps and rock gardens. They are not designed to be ridden uphill at all, and they’re typically used at lift-serviced bike parks or with the help of a shuttle bus. A very important thing to note for a potential buyer is their specificity: a DH bike is not a versatile, do-it-all mountain bike. If you’re considering buying a used DH bike to save some money, you need to have the frame professionally inspected for cracks and check the suspension’s service history. DH bikes endure crazy forces throughout their service life.
Trek Session
A legendary platform that has brought numerous World Cup wins and world championships, known for its very composed and highly tunable suspension.
Santa Cruz V10
Arguably the most iconic DH bike ever, the V10 is a performance benchmark that has been updated many times over the last two decades of racing.
Commencal Supreme DH
A brand that screams gravity riding, Commencal’s latest Supreme DH sports a high-pivot suspension design to offer exceptional square-edge bump compliance.
What is the most important factor when choosing a full suspension bike? Here is what you should primarily focus on. Make sure your chosen type of bike matches the type of terrain you intend to ride the most. It’s no fun riding a long-travel enduro bike on gentle climbs and a lightweight XC bike on steep, technical descents.
In conclusion: if you are trail riding, opt for 120mm-150mm of travel. If you are into fast climbs and efficiency, select 100mm-120mm. And if you ride aggressively, take the bikepark laps, and race enduro, you would need 160mm or more.
Are more expensive bikes better? Not necessarily. A higher price tends to get you lighter components and more adjustable suspension in general, but a well-designed aluminum bike and middle-of-the-road components will offer 90 percent of the performance of a top-of-the-line carbon model at a fraction of the cost, and this will usually be a much better value. The “best full suspension bike” is the bike that you want to use because it makes you want to ride more.
