Mountain bikes have drastically improved from 15 years ago when front-suspension-only hardtails and V-brakes were the norm. Technology is evolving exponentially to maximize performance, comfort, and efficiency while catering to the demands of individual riders. From wheel size to suspension to component-quality, riders can be picky about what they purchase. Plus, bike companies continue to up the ante producing dozens more models every year.
The result? A massive, drool-enducing bike market, that’s sometimes so daunting, it’s overwhelming to choose. No sweat. We did the research for you—Men’s Fitness narrowed down this year’s bikes to the ten best. The only tough part for you? Picking just one.
Trek Fuel Ex 8
The Trek Fuel Ex 8's do-it-all suspension capabilities make it ideal for singletrack obstacle-riddled terrain. The bike’s full-suspension system gives riders the precise suspension required to absorb every bump, while maintaining crucial speed. The DRCV fork has dual chambers that alternate, while the rear shock automatically adjusts its volume as needed. This allows riders to max out the use of Fuel Ex 8's 120 mms of travel for an effortless flow and smooth ride—especially when that rock jumps out of nowhere. ($2,730; trekbikes.com)
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29
The Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 full-suspension 29er climbs like a machine. The dropped downtube lowers riders’ center of gravity for greater stability and control on tight turns. But the components are the secret weapon here. The custom SRAM S-1250 XC Trail double crankset improves ground clearance on steep, rocky sections, and tension on the X9 shifter can be adjusted on the fly to match the demands of shifting terrain. The FSR Comp 29’s big travel (130 mms on both the fork and rear shock) paired with big wheels will steamroll over almost anything—rock, root, and tree—without shaking you like a ragdoll. ($3,000; specialized.com)
Raleigh Talus 29 Elite
The Raleigh Talus 29 Elite is the 29er that will spare your wallet and still perform. An excellent endurance rider, the 29 Elite displays surprising versatility and smoothness for a heavy (around 30 lbs) aluminum beast. The 29 Elite moves well on varied terrain but specializes in bearing loads on long cross-country rides, and the hardtail, though less absorbent than full-suspension, won’t lose power with each pedal stroke for a more efficient ride. But don’t expect to outpace your buddies on steep climbs or downhill bombs with this tank. ($1,750; raleighusa.com)
Diamondback Mission Pro
Diamondback’s Mission Pro is currently only offered as a frameset, but that means a custom build that perfectly suits any rider’s style. Diamondback built The Mission Pro with their exclusive Knuckle Box single-pivot four-bar suspension platform that sits low in the frame to lower a rider’s center of gravity. Lower air pressure in the rear shock means lower frame loading that results in longer shock life, and the tapered head tube enhances steering and strength with long-travel forks for superb downhill riding. Good luck finding a trail this frame can’t handle. ($1,850 (frame); diamondback.com)
Ibis Mojo HD
Ibis’s long-traveling burly 26” Mojo HD is ideal for aggressive all-mountain riders who spend time on the lifts. Ibis’s dw-link suspension system, with 160 mm of rear-wheel travel (the frame will take forks with up to 180mm of travel), makes all-day trail riding a breeze, and the carbon monocoque frame (external skin bears the load) means the Mojo HD is superlight to boot. Bottom line: The HD crushes other bikes on climbs and downhills alike. It’s also Brian Lopes’ favorite ride: “I can ride pretty much anything I want to ride on that bike.” You’re not Lopes, but if you can’t ride it on the HD, you can’t ride it. ($2,500; ibiscycles.com)
Niner Jet 9 RDO
Niner is the sole 29er-only mountain bike company, so it’s fair to say they know the game. Case in point—the Jet 9 RDO (Race Day Optimized) Niner’s first carbon full-suspension frame that rides like a 26er—fun, agile, and lower-riding than most 29ers. Unlike most 29ers, it’s fleet enough to pick sweet lines on technical downhills, yet still steamrolls over logs on ascents. Its patented CVA (Constantly Varying Arc) suspension system is designed specifically for 29ers to isolate pedaling forces for efficient strokes in all three chainrings, good for outlasting your pals. (Frame and rear shock: $2,599; Complete bike from $4,748; ninerbikes.com)
Jones Titanium Spaceframe singlespeed 29er
Jones’ strange-looking singlespeed, unsuspended mountain bike doesn’t appear at first glance to be a desirable mount for rough trails. But designer Jeff Jones created the Titanium Spaceframe singlespeed 29er with simplicity and smoothness in mind to build one of the best-handling rigid off-road bikes you’ll find. The bike’s geometry promotes efficient, precise riding that responds immediately to a rider’s every movement. The truss front fork and loop handlebars (with two available hand positions) offer spot-on steering, while the plush 29-inch wheels yield a surprisingly cushy ride. This bike will get strange looks, but the unique construction makes for pure, fun riding. ($6,199; jonesbikes.com)
Scott Genius 710
29ers devour bumps, but they can be cumbersome and unwieldy. 26ers are light and agile, but often can’t confront the sort of rock gardens 29ers blast through. Can’t decide? Enter the Scott Genius 710. Scott’s new bike, just released for 2013, utilizes a brand new wheel standard positioned at 27.5 inches—exactly halfway between a 26er and a 29er. The hybrid wheel size rolls over obstacles like a 29er but with the agility of a smaller wheel. That also reduces the travel limitations of big wheels to allow 150mm of full-suspension travel. Here’s to the demise of bipartisan riding. ($5,775; genius.scott-sports.com)
Yeti SB-95
Yeti introduced its popular Switch Technology suspension to rave review last year with the 26-inch SB-66, and then brought it to the realm of 29ers with the newer SB-95. The unique platform uses an eccentric pivot mechanism that changes direction mid-stroke (about 100 mm into the travel) to control chainstay length and maximize pedal efficiency. The 29er iteration has 5 inches of travel for a plush ride and smooth climbing that doesn’t sacrifice small-bump sensitivity and still corners like a 26er. Save up for a new set of tires, though. The factory set wears out quickly. (Frame only: $2,250; Compete bike from $3,400; yeticycles.com)
Cannondale Scalpel 29er
Cannodale’s Scalpel 29er is a smooth, lightweight rocket on the trail, perfect for cross-country racers looking for a boost. Like any big-wheeled mount, it will give racers an edge on rough, rocky terrain, though it only boasts 100 mm of travel (it’s not a downhill bike). Cannondale uses its ECS (Enhanced Center Stiffness) technology for torsion control that delivers instant response to rider input and Zero Pivot technology that gives it an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio. The lefty fork on the Scalpel 29er is Cannondale’s lightest, but it’s plenty strong and fluid on bumps. ($7,600; cannondale.com)