Looking to bring your rides to a whole new level with full suspension mountain bikes for trails? You’re in the right place.
We’ve gathered some of the best full-suspension mountain bikes you can buy right now. Consider these models if you want to take your rides up a notch and put your skills to the test. We’ve included bikes in different price categories, suitable for beginners and advanced riders, with top-notch quality components and modern geometries.
Dive in and discover your next adrenaline-pumping ride today!
P.S. If you’re thinking of skipping the shuttle on your way up the trails, don’t miss our top recommendations for the best electric mountain bikes.
Contents
- Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
- 1. Cannondale Habit 3
- 2. Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3
- 3. Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
- 4. Orbea Occam H20 LT
- 5. Salsa Spearfish Carbon SLX
- 6. Devinci Chainsaw A 29 GX
- 7. Santa Cruz Blur 4 C S
- 8. Norco Sight C1
- 9. Yeti SB135
- 10. Ibis Ripley SLX
- Best Women’s Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
- 11. Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro
- 12. Juliana Furtado 5
- Which Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Is Right for You?
Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
1. Cannondale Habit 3
2. Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3
3. Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
4. Orbea Occam H20 LT
5. Salsa Spearfish Carbon SLX
6. Devinci Chainsaw A 29 GX
7. Santa Cruz Blur 4 C S
8. Norco Sight C1
9. Yeti SB135
10. Ibis Ripley SLX
11. Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro
12. Juliana Furtado 5
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension travel: 140/130 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM G2 R Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 27.5 or 29″ x 2.4″
What is the best affordable full-suspension mountain bike? Do you know? We do.
The Cannondale Habit 3 introduces riders to the dual-suspension world with ease. It is meant as a stepping stone in the full suspension world, especially for riders who plan to stick around.
It comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with a wide-range 10-50T cassette and a 30T crankset.
When it comes to the colors, this model is available in a beautiful silver-gray paint job!
The Habit 3 is by far the best full-suspension mountain bike for trail enthusiasts who are interested in learning the ropes of riding front and rear squish.
Thanks to an aggressive head tube angle, the handling is stable and perfectly suitable for challenging trails and descents, which is what most riders aspire to do.
It has 140mm of front travel provided by a RockShox Pike fork. The rear shock is a RockShox Deluxe Select+ from the same quality class with 130mm of travel. A dropper post is included in the package as well.
The Habit 3 is equipped with SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes which means a lot on the trails when you’re attacking sketchy descents and need precision and power.
This bike is available in four sizes and rolls on 27.5″ or 29″ wheels with 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector/Rekon tires.
2. Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3
Best Race-Ready Full Suspension Trail Bike
MSRP: $5,649
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX Shadow 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.4″ Maxxis Recon
If we had to use just one word to describe the Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3, it would be FUN. If we could use two, then we’d label it as fun and capable.
Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3 is a versatile mid-range trail bike that can jump, descend, drop, and make short work of ligth and loose trails.
The DRT 3.3 treads the trails with Maxxis Recon 2.4 tires that come in 27.5″ or 29″ diameters, depending on the frame size.
The Shimano SLX Shadow groupset is a real treat in this price range — it gives you 12 speeds, a wide-range drivetrain, and precise shifting.
Braking is provided by Shimano Deore hydraulic discs, combined with massive rotors that will disperse heat and enlarge the braking surface.
For those who like spending the day outside or even doing multi-day rides, Co-op Cycles has allocated enough room for a water bottle cage on the frame.
All in all, don’t hesitate to get the Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3 if you want a high-performing and fun trail bike that’s ready for racing and other types of mountain adventures.
3. Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
Best Carbon Trail/XC Race Bike
MSRP: $4,400
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension travel: 150-160 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Code-R Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.3″
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is an aluminum masterpiece of a trail bike. It has a long list of amazing features and massive 29″ tires to support you on your way to the top of trail riding. That’s why it is one of the best full-suspension mountain bikes.
First of all, we should tell you about the Fox Float 36 Rhythm fork with 150-160mm of travel, which is more than enough to get you over any obstacle on a high-paced run down the trails. It also comes with a Fox Float X Performance rear shock.
When you get this bike out on the trails and the suspension starts working its magic with the help of the huge 29″ tires, you will realize that Stumpjumper’s price is more than justified.
This Specialized full-suspension mountain bike also boasts high-quality SRAM NX Eagle components. It comes with a 12-speed drivetrain that will let you pedal where you thought it was impossible to do so before. The brakes are SRAM Code-R hydraulic discs, with 200mm front and rear rotors.
In conclusion, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is the perfect carbon trail/enduro bike to choose if you have big dreams.
4. Orbea Occam H20 LT
Crème de la Crème of All-Mountain Riding
MSRP: $3,999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension travel: 150 mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: Maxxis Dissector 29″ x 2.4″
The Orbea Occam H20 LT is a flagship bike with a versatile nature that will allow you to use it for different types of riding.
This Orbea full-suspension mountain bike has a very high bottom bracket which means that you can finally start going more “over” obstacles than trying to find a way “around” them. It’s a great choice to tackle rockier terrain thanks to the higher ground clearance.
This bike isn’t cheap, but it has some mouth-watering components and offers top-class performance. What impressed us the most and what you’ll like the most is the Fox 36 Float Performance fork and Fox Float X Performance 2-Pos rear shock. They provide 150 mm of travel and come with some handy adjustments.
Few things can get in the way of the Orbea Occam H20 and hold their ground against its massive wheels, progressive geometry, and high travel.
What also makes this bike special are the Maxxis Minion 2.5″ and Dissector 2.4″ tires. The Shimano SLX rear derailler does not need any special introduction. The same can be said for Deore hydraulic disc brakes.
The head tube angle is slack at 66 degrees, which is just right for more aggressive rides. This slack geometry is excellent for riders who like testing their limits and choosing challenging lines.
In conclusion, if you want to hit the podium in races, the Orbea Occam H20 is the bike that will help you do it.
5. Salsa Spearfish Carbon SLX
Split-Pivot Suspension
MSRP: $4,799
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano SLX Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.35″ Maxxis Ardent/Ikon
Salsa’s Spearfish Carbon SLX is a good-looking trail/cross-country mountain bike intended for intermediate to advanced riders who want to hit jumps and speed around berms.
This is an all-around capable model that does well on singletracks thanks to its large 29″ wheels. The front and rear suspension will dampen vibrations when you’re riding off-road and give you a lot more control and grip when the terrain becomes rough.
Learn more: Mountain Bike Suspension
The RockShox SID Select+ fork offers 120mm of travel, and the same goes for the Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock.
The Spearfish Carbon is a fantastic full-suspension bicycle for trail enthusiasts who want the best bang for their buck thanks to an affordable carbon frame.
This bike also comes with a 1×12 Shimano SLX drivetrain that consists of a 10-51T cassette and a 30t crank. A granny gear like that will never leave you lacking the right cadence for any hill. Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power with plenty of strength that is not often seen in this price range.
All in all, the Salsa Spearfish is a bargain as it gives you more than enough in terms of performance and style but doesn’t leave you without a dime in your pocket!
6. Devinci Chainsaw A 29 GX
Best for Aggressive Descents
MSRP: $4,799
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: Maxxis Minion 29″ x 2.5″/2.4″
The Devinci Chainsaw A 29 GX is an attractive and capable enduro bike that will make itself visible on the trail in numerous ways. The most important of those are speed, great components, sturdy 29″ wheels, and versatile capabilities.
Devinci Chainsaw is an aluminum bike that offers outstanding value for its price which is reflected in the carefully picked parts. Moreover, it has tons of travel, which makes it a serious contender on the trails.
If you’re an experienced enduro rider or you’re planning to become one, the Chainsaw bike is right for you. It offers 170 mm of front and 160 mm of rear travel with its Rockshox ZEB Rush RC fork and the Rockshox Super Deluxe Select R rear shock.
If you want to have a bike that’s capable of bombing any descent, you should aim for a bike with plenty of travel and even more stopping power, such as Devinci Chainsaw.
The Chainsaw’s super-slack head tube angle allows the bike to react the moment it gets input from the rider. Other positive aspects include powerful SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes, and a high mid-range SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed rear derailleur.
Honestly, there are few bad things we can say about Devinci Chainsaw. It’s a well-balanced bike that offers a lot of value for the money and looks super sleek as well.
7. Santa Cruz Blur 4 C S
Best XC Full Suspension Mountain Bike
MSRP: $5,599
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Level TL Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.4″ Maxxis Aspen
A top-notch carbon trail bike for around $5,600 can give you a lot in terms of on-trail performance, precision, and fun. Santa Cruz is shaking the market with this high-end Blur 4 C S trail machine that we can best describe as exciting! Of course, we understand it costs a lot of money, but it’s not that much when you consider the value you receive.
The Blur C S is an outstanding trail bike that features 29″ wheels, stiff and responsive handling, and mid-range reliable SRAM GX Eagle components.
When you’re on the trail and hit the downhill part of the track, all you will be worrying about is travel. Luckily for you, the Blur boasts a RockShox SID Select+ fork with adjustable travel and a lockout option for climbing. Therefore, you will have maximum squish when the trail becomes the hardest.
The rear shock is a RockShox SIDluxe Select+, which also has several levels of adjustability to fine-tune your ride.
On top of that, this Blur model comes with ultra-strong SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes with massive rotors, as well as Maxxis 2.4″ tubeless-ready tires. It’s a combination that translates to confidence on the challenging trails.
All in all, not many bikes will give you as much as Santa Cruz Blur 4 C S for such an attractive price.
8. Norco Sight C1
Best Pedaling Performance
MSRP: $6,399
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: Maxxis Assegai/Minion 29″ x 2.5″/2.4″
The Norco Sight C1 is one of the best full-suspension bikes for gravity riders you can get right now. It has super-long travel and super-slack geometry, so there are few downhill courses that will present a challenge for it.
The best thing about this bike is definitely the suspension that can transform the bike either into a pedaling machine or into a descending monster. It all depends on what you need at the time. The RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock offer 160 mm and 150 mm of travel, respectively.
Norco Sight C1 is built around a lightweight carbon frame with a 64-degree head tube angle. This aggressive geometry will help you descend faster and tackle more technical trails.
Component-wise, the SRAM X01 Eagle groupset puts 12 gears at your disposal. The SRAM Code RSC 4-piston hydraulic brakes will stop you on a dime and help you control your speed easily. That’s possible thanks to massive rotors.
One of the more impressive parts of the Norco Sight is its Maxxis Assegai and Minion 2.5″ (f) and 2.4″ (r) tires that grip any kind of surface. Plus, they are wrapped around DT Swiss M1700 Rims that are tubeless-ready.
Bottom line: Norco Sight C1 is one of the best full-suspension mountain bikes on this list for a reason! All in all, if you want some of the best components with a reasonable price tag, this carbon beast is the best FS bike for enduro courses.
9. Yeti SB135
Best Value Race-Ready Trail Rig
MSRP: $6,000
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150/135 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
- Brakes: SRAM G2 R Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon/Minion 29″ x 2.6″
If you still haven’t considered this modern USA-based manufacturer as your next bike supplier, maybe it’s time to change that. We’ll try to do it by showing you the fantastic new Yeti SB135. This is the company’s entry ticket into the elite trail and all-mountain bike scene.
Yeti SB135 comes with 29″ wheels that make it nimble, fast, and predictable even on the most challenging trails.
This bike comes with a super-stiff carbon frameset with a premium Switch Infinity suspension. This combination will fill you with confidence and give you utmost control when storming technical descents.
One thing that puts Yeti SB135 in the trail category is the luscious 150 mm of travel on the Fox Performance 36 fork, combined with a Fox Performance Float 135mm rear shock. Thanks to the Switch Infinity translating pivot, the pedaling and braking forces will not affect the suspension performance.
This bike has a slack head tube angle of 65.4 degrees which makes it ride really well on the descents and roll over obstacles with its huge wheels. On the other hand, the seat tube angle is quite steep, which makes this Yeti bike a great climber as well, as you will need to get yourself up those hills before you can go down.
Let’s also not forget the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed derailleur operating on a 10-52T cassette, with a rich gear ratio for any hill profile. The brakes are SRAM G2 R hydraulic discs, which have impressive stopping power in all conditions thanks to massive rotors.
In conclusion, you should get Yeti SB135 if you want to win races or fall in love with all-mountain and trail riding all over again.
10. Ibis Ripley SLX
Best Climbing and Descending Balance
MSRP: $6,399
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 130/120 mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano SLX Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.4″ Maxxis DHR2/Dissector
The Ibis Ripley SLX is made for fast and playful rides on flowy trails that demand both skills and endurance. It comes with 29-inch wheels, which makes it perfect for going fast. It’s built from premium carbon, so it’s stiff, lightweight, and responsive.
See more: Full Review of Ibis Bikes
The biggest highlight of the Ibis Ripley is its suspension. It’s incredible and makes the bike so capable.
The fork is a Fox Float 34 Factory, whereas the rear shock is a Fox Float Factory DPS. You can select the perfect setting for any trail that you ride. All that is to help you break boundaries and reach new heights on the trail.
The Ripley has Shimano SLX components, including a 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51T cassette. The brakes are the Shimano SLX M7100, so you’ll be able to stop on a dime anytime.
The Ripley is one of the models from Ibis aimed towards XC and trail riders who want to get as much bang for their buck as possible.
In conclusion, if your ideal ride is fast and aggressive with a lot of challenging climbs and technical descents, the Ibis Ripley will be your best friend.
Best Women’s Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
11. Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro
Best Freeride Mountain Bike
MSRP: $4,299
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT420 Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: Maxxis Minion/Dissector 29″ x 2.5″/2.4″
Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro is a very capable full-suspension mountain bike. It’s intended for brave women who want to completely immerse themselves in the world of off road riding.
Related: Full Review of Liv Bikes
It’s built around an carbon frame with a tapered head tube, internal routing, a downtube guard, and exquisite suspension.
The fork is a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 (140mm) with air spring pressure and rebound adjustments. The rear is a Fox Float Performance shock has plenty of adjustability as well. It allows you to customize how the bike behaves depending on the terrain and your riding style.
Liv Intrigue also touts a SRAM SX mid-range 1×12 drivetrain with a huge 11-50T gear range. You can climb a wall with it!
The star of the show is the Maxxis Minion front and Dissector rear tire. They are 2.5″ 2.4″ wide, which means you will not be lacking grip no matter the terrain or surface.
Experienced riders will also know enough to appreciate Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc brakes that will embolden both male and female riders to take new and more challenging lines on their future rides.
So, if you’re on the lookout for an affordable and capable freeride bike with massive tires and dependable components, Liv Intrigue is the one.
12. Juliana Furtado 5
Best Women’s Full-Suspension Bike
MSRP: $7,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140/130 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Code Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.4 (front) 27.5″ x 2.4″ (rear) Maxxis Minion
We can wrap up this list with an excellent women’s trail bike that easily proves its worth on the rides. Juliana Furtado 5 is a high-end full-suspension bike with a steep price and several aces up its sleeve.
If you’re a female trail enthusiast looking to have as much fun on the trails as possible and excel in different categories, the Juliana Furtado 5 will meet all your needs.
This is a versatile mullet carbon trail bike intended for a little bit of everything on the trail. It has 140 mm of front and 130 mm of rear travel provided by a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock. This setup will let you go absolutely berserk on the downhills. It’s more than enough to deal with most obstacles on your rides.
Juliana Furtado 5 has a slack head tube angle of 65.2 degrees. It is perfect for downhill trail rides. It ensures a nimble, springy, and responsive ride. You will truly feel the response of the bike to every bit of input you give it.
However, considering that this bike has a bulky FS setup, it has a slightly higher weight as well. The SRAM Code hydraulic disc brakes do a fantastic job of supplying you with more than enough stopping power.
All in all, if you have expectations and you want a well-equipped women’s mullet trail bike that can do a little bit of everything, we believe that this Juliana Furtado model is the one.
Couldn’t find the right bike? Consider pre-owned full-suspension mountain bikes on The Pro’s Closet.
Which Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Is Right for You?
Having reviewed hundreds of bikes, we’ve gained extensive knowledge about which features really make a difference in the real world, enabling us to guide you in making the right choice.
Riders who want to excel on trails on an FS bike should choose Cannondale Habit 3.
If you want one of the best freeride models and you plan to ride hard, choose Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro and you will get great value for your money.
If you’re looking for a capable beginner or intermediate model with 29″ wheels, you can’t go wrong with Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3.
But, if you’re updating to a more capable enduro bike, Devinci Chainsaw is for you.
If your ideal type of mountain biking is trail and enduro riding, definitely check out the Yeti SB135.
However, if you’re looking for a top-tier aluminum trail bike that you can use for racing and exploring, then Specialized Stumpjumper is for you.
We can’t recommend the Norco Sight C1 enough if you want a fun and versatile all-mountain/enduro bike that can do it all in the mountains.
If you have decent money to spare and you want a top-of-the-line aluminum bike, Ibis Ripley SLX will make you happy.
However, if you want the best spec’d all-rounder that’s fun and challenging to ride, choose Santa Cruz Blur 4 C S.
Salsa Spearfish is a phenomenal trail bike that you can buy if you want an all-around great performer.
If you want the best suspension setup you can get on this list for the money and 29″ tires, then Orbea Occam H20 is the right pick for you.
And, if you want the best women’s model and you have the money to spare, choose the Juliana Furtado 5.
Happy riding!
Hello Jeff:
Thanks for your super quick response when I wrote on the Bike Size article. The suspension article you directed me was super. Now I have a clear idea of what should be the front and rear travels for all-mountain. Also that my size is an L for sure.
Having said that, you ask me If I rode on pavement, and I do not only on trials. Based on what I told you about me in the other article that I wrote to you, an been an intermediate rider, what full-suspension bike will you recommend me worth $3000 or under.
If you can give me 3 choices that will be great if I do not put you on a spot.
The choices I gave seem only OK and not great so I need to explore other great options. Can you help me, please?
Thanks so much for all your help.
Hi Guillermo,
I see. Thanks for the update. Let me see… can you check out my article about Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes For Trails? So far these are the best brands within the price-range tou asked for.
I like the the Ghost FR AMR 6.7 . Due to tire size and coil over rear suspension. Does it come in carbon or just aluminum ?
All FR AMR models come with aluminum frames. But Ghost has other FS bikes with carbon frames, such as SL AMR 6.9 and 9.9.