Best All-Mountain & Enduro Bikes with 150-180 mm Travel
Enduro-style mountain bikes are relatively new to the MTB scene, with the discipline only gaining widespread popularity over the past five to six years. The earliest recorded enduro-style race was in France in 2003 but MTB bikes with enduro-specific geometry and suspension were only developed later.
An enduro MTB race usually consists of all competitors riding up a mountain and then racing down the other side in a timed event. The concept was apparently influenced by rally car and motorbike racing and often includes up to 6 timed downhill stages plus several uphill ‘transfer’ stages.
Best Enduro and All-Mountain Bikes in 2024
1. Yeti Cycles SB160 C1 SLX
2. Santa Cruz Hightower AL R
3. Norco Range C3 2022
4. Revel Rail XT
5. GT Force Sport
6. Pivot Firebird
7. Devinci Spartan
8. Orbea Rallon M20
9. Alchemy Arktos
10. Yeti Cycles SB150 T1
11. Niner WFO RDO 2-Star
12. Norco Shore A2
13. Ibis Ripmo AF Deore
14. Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 4 C R
15. Pivot Switchblade
16. Juliana Roubion CC X01 AXS
17. Evil Insurgent
18. Santa Cruz Bicycles Nomad C S
19. Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 50
20. Orbea Occam M30 LT
21. Marin Alpine Trail XR
22. Cannondale Jekyll Carbon 1
1. Yeti Cycles SB160 C1 SLX
MSRP: $6,700
Jenson USA
Best for enduro and all-mountain riding, this 29er from Yeti cycles is designed to crush downhills and provide a comfortable platform for spinning to the top again.
It features a high-end carbon frame and a Fox 38 Performance fork with 170mm travel, running on DT Swiss EX1900 rims and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ and Minion DHR II 2.4″ tires.
The frame incorporates Switch Infinity rear suspension with 160mm of travel and a Fox Performance Float X shock with a refined leverage ratio for better heat management and small-bump compliance. If you’re a true MTB fan, you’ll find the Yeti SB160 an excellent descender with the added advantage of some decent climbing skills, making it a solid enduro bike.
- Fork – 170mm, Fox Performance 38
- Shock – 160mm Fox Performance Float X
- C-Series Carbon
- Shimano SLX 12-speed
- 29×2.5″ & 2.4″
2. Santa Cruz Hightower AL R
MSRP: $4,299
Mike’s Bikes
With 150mm of travel on the front and 140mm on the rear, the Santa Cruz Hightower AL R is a full-suspension mountain bike that means business. The aluminum frame keeps it as affordable as possible without sacrificing durability.
Santa Cruz Hightower Review: A Lively All-Rounder Trail Mountain Bike
The SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and 11-50t cassette will get you up any mountain required, with solid SRAM G2 R brakes to keep you safe on the way down.
The wheelset includes RaceFace AR Offset 30 rims wrapped in Maxxis Minion DHR and DHRII EXO tires. This bike also has a high-travel SDG Tellis dropper post to help you descend like a beast.
- Fork – RockShox Yari RC 150mm
- Shock – Fox Float DPS Performance 140mm
- Aluminum
- SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed
- Maxxis Minion DHF and DHRII 2.4″
4. Revel Rail XT
MSRP: $7,099
Evo.com
Revel Rail is a high-quality, competitive-level enduro bike kitted out with only the best components and technology, which explains the high price tag.
Not only does it benefit from Shimano’s killer XT drivetrain and four-piston brakes, but it’s also decked out with a top-shelf RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, providing 165mm of the rear and 170mm of front travel.
The frame is carbon fiber and features complete internal cable routing and Canfield Balance Formula suspension technology. The 27.5″ wheels are combined with 2.5″/2.4″ wide Maxxis DHF/DHRII EXO+ tires that ensure both speed and control.
- Fork – 170mm, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
- Shock – 165mm, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
- Carbon frame
- Shimano XT Eagle groupset
- 27.5 x 2.5″/2.4″ tires
5. GT Force Sport
MSRP: $3,025
Jenson USA
The GT Force Sport is an entry-level all-mountain bike with an X-Fusion 02 Pro RL 150mm shock with a RockShox 35 Silver TK 160mm fork, using a Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain and 2-piston Tektro hydraulic brakes.
The Force Sport is clearly intended for some extreme riding, but it also doubles as a versatile trail machine. You get top-quality Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires, burly 29″ WTB STX i29 rims, and GT’s LockR pivots.
- Fork – RockShox 35 Silver TK 160mm
- Shock – X-Fusion 02 Pro RL 150mm
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano Deore drivetrain
- 29×2.5/2.4″
6. Pivot Firebird
MSRP: $6,599
With a massive 165mm of rear travel and 170mm of fork travel, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Firebird is a downhill MTB. However, with the supportive DW-Link suspension, 29″ wheels, and super-short chainstays, this beast can climb hills just as well as it can charge down them.
Despite a slack 65-degree head tube, the front wheel maintains solid traction when climbing, thanks to a 44mm offset that keeps it closer to the steering axis. With a carbon frame, Fox Float Performance suspension, and a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain, it’s clear to see that Pivot hasn’t cut any corners on the Firebird.
- Fork – 170mm, FOX Float 38 Performance
- Shock – 165 mm, FOX Float X Performance
- Carbon frame
- Shimano Deore XT components
- 29×2.6″
7. Devinci Spartan
Carbon fiber
MSRP: $6,149
evo.com
Devinci incorporates a range of modern technologies into this carbon 29er, including Split Pivot suspension and geo-adjust flip-chip technology, and modern geometry with rider-optimized chainstays. This, combined with a Fox 38 Performance fork and Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock, means the Spartan delivers firm suspension with 170/160mm of travel and just enough bottom-out support to maintain stability and pedaling efficiency.
Additionally, you get a high ratio SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, making this enduro riding MTB a solid climber and a drop-swallowing beast. Not only that, the SRAM Code R disc brakes and Maxxis Assegai/Minion tires ensure you descend with confidence and agility.
- Fork – 170mm, Fox 38 Performance
- Shock – 160mm, Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
- Carbon
- SRAM GX Eagle
- 29×2.5″ & 2.4″
8. Orbea Rallon M20
MSRP: $5,499
Fortunately, the only bad thing we can say about this 160mm travel mountain bike is the price. The Orba Rallon M20 is a collection of top-quality parts that make up one of the best mid-range enduro bikes available. With Orbea’s Pure Enduro geometry, this bike is tuned to allow you to tear down the mountain with ease and charge to the top again after.
Race Face AR 30 29″ wheels combined with high-level Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed gearing make hill climbs a breeze – not to mention the OC2 dropper post.
- Fork – Fox 38 Float Performance 170mm
- Shock – Fox Float X Performance 160mm
- Frame – Carbon Fiber OMR
- Drivetrain – Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed
- Tires – Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ / Minion DHR II 2.4″
9. Alchemy Arktos
MSRP: from $6,499
Alchemy Bikes
Alchemy’s Arktos is an enduro bike with a hand-made carbon frame and a stronger focus on downhill charging than other bikes in this category. The long, slack geometry makes it great at handling sharp corners on steep declines, while a high ratio 12-speed drivetrain allows for easier hill climbing.
Pedaling and braking are carefully separated from the suspension by a patented Sine Suspension System, allowing the powerful hydraulic brakes to lock in traction without compromising stability. The high-end Industry Nine 29 Enduro-S carbon wheels are a notable addition, giving the Arktos a highly professional feel.
- Fork – 170mm, Fox 38 29 Factory Kashima
- Shock – 165mm, Fox X2 Factory Kashima EVOL LV
- Carbon
- Shimano XT, SRAM GX, or SRAM X01
- Maxxis Assegai 29×2.5″ DC EXO TR / Dissector 27.5×2.4″ 3T EXO TR (MX)
10. Yeti Cycles SB150 T1
High-performance, professional enduro race bike
MSRP: $8,600
Evo.com
The Yeti SB150 is a popular, podium-winning enduro MTB racing bike with a super-long wheelbase and massive amounts of travel. You get a full 170mm upfront and 150mm rear, which when combined with the 29″ wheels and extended reach makes this the 4×4 of MTBs. It’s a very big, very fast bike that amateur riders might find difficult to control.
Yeti’s industry-leading Switch Infinity precision dampening system is paired with Fox Factory suspension to make a bike that sails past the competition. Steep, rocky mountain passes fade away below you as the 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain carries you upwards with ease.
Yeti has always managed to put out one of the best enduro mountain bikes for the market, hence the reason why many riders say that Yeti is the brand they’d get once they’d hit the jackpot and could afford one!
- Fork – 170mm, Fox Factory 38 GRIP 2
- Shock – 150mm, Fox Factory X2
- Carbon
- Shimano XT
- 29×2.5″ & 2.4″
11. Niner WFO RDO 2-Star
MSRP: $5,449
Jenson USA
The WFO RDO 2-Star is an enduro-specific MTB racing bike fitted with an ultra-wide ratio SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes. The lightweight carbon monocoque frame and Niner Alloy wheels make for easy hill climbing, while the Fox 38 Float Performance GRIP 180mm fork and 170mm Float X2 Performance shock swallow up any nasty bumps and vibrations, allowing for smooth, agile descents.
One cool thing about this Niner bike is that its suspension is tuned specifically for better stroke efficiency with even more bottom-out support than usual. In addition to that, the steep frame geometry takes on enduro terrain with an aggressive style, supported by a geometry flip-chip and a KS Lev Si dropper post.
- Fork – 180mm, Fox 38 Float Performance
- Shock – 170mm, Fox X2 Performance
- Carbon
- SRAM SX 12-speed
- 29×2.6″
12. Norco Shore A2
MSRP: $4,599
evo.com
Norco Shore A2 is a high-end 27.5″ enduro MTB that is built for fast descents and doubles as a DH machine. This Norco bike uses a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain for high-end performance and a wide 10-51t gear ratio for easier climbing.
The Shore A2 uses Norco’s highly-customizable Ride Aligned geometry and a Horst-link suspension system technology with a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH rear shock and RockShox Zeb R fork. This four-bar linkage which helps improve braking, maintain high traction, and smooth pedaling efficiency.
- Fork: RockShox Zeb R 180mm
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH 180mm
13. Ibis Ripmo AF Deore Air
MSRP: $3,599
The Ripmo is an affordable enduro-focused Ibis MTB, keeping costs down with an aluminum frame and mid-range Shimano Deore groupset. It doesn’t cut back on aggressive, mountain-taming suspension, though, with a 160mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil fork up front and a 147mm Marzocchi Bomber air shock on the rear.
The wheels have fairly standard Blackbird Send rims but are fitted with top quality, time-tested Maxxis Assegai EXO+ tires, ready to tear up the countryside with tight traction and smooth rolling. At only $3,599, the Ibis Ripmo is a great enduro MTB option for those who want a high-quality bike with a moderate budget.
- Fork – 160mm, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 coil
- Shock – 147mm, Marzocchi Bomber air
- Aluminum
- Shimano Deore 12-speed
- 29 x 2.5″
14. Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson C R
MSRP: $5,499
Evo.com
Santa Cruz Bronson C R is a mixed-wheel (mullet) enduro bike and the ultimate jack-of-all-trades for charging downhill and uphill. Santa Cruz’s VPP suspension platform uses a lower-link shock for better traction and smoother compliance over obstacles, making it ideal for floating along rocky trails at speed.
The RockShox Lyrik Select suspension provides 160mm of upfront travel and 150mm of Fox Float X Performance in the rear. The Carbon C frame includes a FlipChip for slackening the head tube angle even more. The only slight disappointment is the use of an SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain; we would have expected better on a bike in this price range.
- Fork – 160mm, RockShox Lyrik Select
- Shock – 150mm Fox Float X Performance
- Carbon C
- SRAM NX Eagle
- 29×2.5″ & 27.5″x2.4″
15. Pivot Switchblade
MSRP: $7,699
The Switchblade from Pivot is a long travel mountain bike with 29″ wheels and progressive, enduro-focused geometry. The carbon frame uses hollow-core molding for lightweight stiffness and DW-Link suspension to ensure no power transfer is lost when pedaling.
The Fox Factory suspension system provides 160mm of front travel with 142mm on the rear, just enough to absorb big drops while also staying tight on hill climbs. When combined with a potent mix of Shimano XT and XTR gearing and braking components, you get a bike that thrashes down mountain trails at speed without losing traction and control.
- Fork – 160mm, Fox Factory 36
- Shock – 142mm, Fox Factory Float X
- Carbon frame
- Shimano XT & XTR components
- 29 x 2.5″ & 2.4″
16. Juliana Roubion CC X01 AXS
MSRP: $10,549
Evo.com
Juliana is famous for its excellent female-specific bike designs, and this women’s enduro bike is no exception. With the lightweight Carbon C frame with lower-link mounted VPP suspension and an adjustable Fox 36 Float Factory fork, you get a smooth ride every time, no matter your style.
The wide-ratio 1×12 SRAM X01 Eagle groupset with Code RSC brakes needs no introduction, known for its reliable shifting on ascents and superior braking on descents.
For solid grip and traction, Santa Cruz Reserve 30 V2 Carbon rims are paired with ever-popular Maxxis Minion MaxxGrip tires. It may not be the cheapest women’s enduro bike out there but Juliana certainly made sure it’s one of the best!
- Fork – 160mm, Fox 36 Float Factory
- Shock – 150mm, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
- Carbon frame
- SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- 29 x 2.5″ (f) & 27.5″ x 2.4″ (r)
17. Evil Insurgent
MSRP: $9,050
Evo.com
Evil may be a less-known bike brand but that hasn’t stopped them from producing a top-quality carbon enduro ready for racing. The Insurgent uses Evil’s own DELTA system for suspension which you can tune for varying track conditions and spring and damper parameters.
The 180mm of fork travel and 168mm of rear travel combined with 27.5″ wheels result in a fun, agile riding experience and the lightweight integrated carbon frame looks awesome! Buyers get a pro-level SRAM X01 Eagle groupset, SRAM Code RSC brakes, and a Bike Yoke Revive dropper.
- Fork – 180mm, RockShox ZEB Ultimate
- Shock – 168mm RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate
- Carbon
- SRAM X01 12-speed
- 27.5 x 2.5″ & 2.3″
18. Santa Cruz Bicycles Nomad C S
MSRP: $6,799
The Nomad is a carbon-framed Santa Cruz mixed-wheel enduro MTB designed specifically around improved hill-climbing abilities. With a convenient FlipChip adaptor, you can easily adjust it to your preferred cycling style wherever you are on the mountain. The excellent lower-link VPP suspension benefits from a RockShox Super Deluxe Select + shock and is complemented by a Fox 38 Float Performance fork, both with 170mm of travel.
We think that the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain offers great value for a bike in this price range, especially with a wide-ratio 10-50T cassette, helping to scramble up those steep ascents.
- Fork – 170mm, Fox 38 Float Performance
- Shock – 170mm, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
- Carbon
- SRAM GX Eagle
- 29 x 2.5″ + 27.5 x 2.4″
19. Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 50
MSRP: $6,199
Jenson USA
This Rocky Mountain all-mountain bike balances lightweight material with an innovative Ride-9 adjustable geometry frame. It utilizes the high gear range of a 10-51T cassette in the 12-speed Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain to provide excellent hill-climbing abilities and solid Shimano XT four-piston brakes for confident descending.
The suspension combines a Fox 38 Float EVOL GRIP Performance 170mm fork with a Fox Float X Performance shock, resulting in a smooth, trail-blazing ride over any terrain. Finish that off with a WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 wheelset and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ and Minion DHR II 2.4″ EXO+ tires, and you have a bike that offers incredible value for money!
- Fork – 170mm Fox 38 Float EVOL GRIP Performance
- Shock – 160mm Fox Float X Performance
- Carbon
- Shimano XT/SLX
- 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.5/2.4″
20. Orbea Occam M30 LT
MSRP: $4,999
Evo.com
Orbea has recently emerged as a leading MTB manufacturer, producing several elite-level bikes. The Occam is a carbon mountain bike with high-end components at a justified price.
You get a solid Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain and Shimano Deore M6100 hydraulic brakes, paired with Race Face AR 30 Rims and the ever-popular Maxxis Minon DHF 2.5″/Dissector 2.4″ tires.
The suspension includes a Fox 36 Float Performance fork and Float X Factory shock, each with 150mm travel. A solid piece of machinery for long weekends in the mountains.
Affordable enduro mountain bikes aren’t such a common sight just yet, but you can’t really go wrong with Orbea when it comes to mountain bikes.
- Fork – 150mm, Fox 36 Float Performance
- Shock – 150mm, Fox Float X Factory
- Carbon frame
- Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed
- 29 x 2.5″ & 2.4″
21. Marin Alpine Trail 7
MSRP: $2,999
Jenson USA
If you’re looking for an affordable full-suspension trail/enduro mountain bike, the Marin Alpine Trail is worth considering.
This 29er from Marin features a high-performance aluminum frame that isolates pedaling and braking forces to improve traction and control with MultiTrac suspension. The extra-long wheelbase and slack headtube angle inspire confidence when landing a jump or descending at speed.
The Shimano Deore gears and MT420 4-piston brakes make up the groupset, providing hassle-free hill climbs and solid, confident descents. With a 150mm RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and a Yari RC fork with 160mm of travel, you can’t go wrong with Marin Alpine Trail 7.
- Fork – 160mm RockShox Yari RC fork, 160mm
- Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+ 150mm
- Shimano XT groupset
- Vee Tire Flow Snap 29 x 2.6″ Tubeless-Ready
22. Cannondale Jekyll 1
MSRP: $6,150
Mike’s Bikes
The Cannondale Jekyll Carbon 1 is a 165mm travel 29er, a solid enduro-style bike with a carbon frame, SRAM Code RSC 220/200mm rotor hydraulic disc brakes, and a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.
Naturally, it benefits from Cannondale’s famous Proportional Response design, complete customization by size, such suspension layout, geometry, and chainstay length.
And that’s not all – it comes equipped with Fox Float Factory 38 170mm fork and a Fox Float Factory X2 shock. Throw in a killer Cannondale DownLow dropper post, WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ Minion DHR II 2.4″, EXO+ tires.
- Fork – 170mm, Fox Float Factory 38
- Shock – 165mm, Fox Float Factory X2
- Carbon
- SRAM NX Eagle
- 29 x 2.5/2.4″
Top Picks in Different Categories
What are the best 29er enduro bikes of 2024?
- Ibis Ripmo – Best all-around mountain bike, a playbike
- Yeti – SB165/150 – Best performance bike
- Santa Cruz Bicycles – Most enduro bike models on their range
What are the best 27.5″(650b) enduro bikes of 2024?
- Revel Rail
- Intense Tracer
Best Enduro mullet mountain bike:
Alchemy- Nine7Five is the number one mullet bike in the enduro scene.
What are the best tires for enduro mountain biking?
- Maxxis Assegai EXO
- Maxxis Minion DHRII
- Maxxis Dissector
What is the best drivetrain set-up?
1×12-speed is the most commonly used drivetrain among enduro bikes. 10-50T, 10-51T, 10-52T.
Best brakes for enduro riding?
Most enduro mountain bikes use 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 200mm(f) or 180mm(r) rotors. Shimano brakes are known for their progressive on/off feel, while SRAM has quite a progressive engagement.
Best saddle for enduro riding?
Most bikes have been using the WTB Silverado on enduro bikes.
FAQ
Is the enduro bike a good all-rounder?
Enduro cycling is more specific than trail or cross country but since they’re built to handle both steep descents and hill climbs, they do make great all-rounders. However, unless you plan to do a lot of technical descents at speed, you don’t really need to spend the extra for enduro-specific MTB.
What is an enduro mountain bike best for?
Enduro MTB, other times also categorized as the All-Mountain bike is ultimately built to descend. Technically, you can use any MTB to ride an enduro-style course but you’ll find it easier on a purpose-built enduro MTB. These bikes typically have longer travel than standard MTBs, slacker geometry, and higher bottom brackets to allow riding over larger obstacles.
What are the top 3 ’boutique-type’ enduro mountain bike brands?
Ibis, Yeti, and Santa Cruz Bicycles. These three MTB brands have put out the most specific set of enduro, all-mountain, trail, and XC bikes.
What brands belong to the top 10 of full-suspension enduro bikes?
On the top 10 list of enduro bikes, after Ibis, Yeti, and Santa Cruz, we would go for:
- Evil
- Pivot
- Juliana
- Orbea
- Devinci
- Revel
- Transition
>>> Related: Best Mountain Bike Brands
27.5″ or 29″ for enduro?
27.5″ bikes are better for either shorter riders or technical sections, while 29″ allows for a better speed and roll-over.
Trail/All-Mountain vs. Enduro
The mixture of the Enduro MTB and trail bikes are better known as the all-mountain bikes. Enduro mountain biking usually tackles more extreme terrain than typical trail or all-mountain riding. To handle this, enduro mountain bikes have more travel on the suspension and a longer wheelbase, making it more stable over obstacles and more agile on steep, technical descents.
Gravity/Downhill vs. Enduro
Downhill, or ‘gravity’ bikes, are designed specifically for racing down steep descents as fast as possible and have no uphill climbing abilities. Enduro bikes have similar downhill capabilities but with some sacrifices so that hill climbing is possible, like shorter travel and a dropper seat post.
Is 140mm enough for enduro?
140mm on the front might be fine for light enduro racing, while it’s recommended to have slightly more.
Is 130mm enough for enduro MTB?
Yes, when it is 130mm on the rear end for a lighter rider, anyone under 160lbs.
What are the best places to find enduro mountain bikes for sale online?
Besides the Facebook marketplace, craigslist, and local bike stores, more and more people are looking for bike stores online to find the most suitable model to fit their needs. Down here you’ll find a list of the best places to buy enduro mountain bikes online:
- JensonUSA – Top brands represented
- REI – Cannondale, Salsa
- Backcountry – Top brands represented
- Competitive Cyclist – Top brands represented
- Planet Cyclery – Cannondale, Intense
How much does an average enduro mountain bike cost?
Since they usually benefit from advanced suspension technology, and enduro bike price is usually high compared to standard trail MTBs. For a decent enduro MTB, you’ll want to spend at least $4,000, although some are available for $3,500. Considering how high some prices are, the average is around $5,000.
Enduro MTB frame materials
Right now there are only two main materials available to get an enduro mountain bike.
Aluminum – A cheaper and more affordable option that’s great for intermediate or beginner cyclists. Ibis Ripmo is an ideal example that high-end brands use aluminum frames compared to most other boutique brands that have gone for the carbon only. Alloy enduro bikes are not as common but offer super value for the money!
Carbon – A material that dominates the whole cycling industry for a good reason – it’s lightweight and has superb vibration-reducing qualities. Why carbon might not be suitable for beginner cyclists? Although the overall quality of carbon has significantly increased over the years – beginner cyclists must know how to properly handle the bike to and from the trails, and obviously when riding one as well!
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