15 Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes in 2024 – Top Models in All MTB Disciplines

Image source: cannondale.com

Full-suspension mountain bikes are the go-to for mountain bikers who want the ability to handle anything the trail has to offer. 

Finding the best full-suspension mountain bike is a highly personal endeavor, as riders have individual preferences, body shapes, technical abilities, and trails they use. 

As a result, a bike perfectly suited to one individual may be inappropriate for the next. So, to help you find the right bike as a new rider, consult a more experienced rider or the buying guide at the end of this article. 

This article will review 15 of the best full-suspension mountain bikes for 2024 and finish with a brief guide on choosing the perfect dual-suspension MTB. 

1. Pivot Mach 4 SL Ride

Pivot is a MTB-specific brand with a range of high-value-for-money models. The Mach 4 SL Ride is their race-ready XC model.

This 29er trail bike has 120mm of travel front and 100mm rear from a Fox Float 34 Performance Step-cast fork and a Performance Float DPS shock. These impressive suspension parts offer plenty of support for riders tackling cross-country races or fast, flowy trail rides.

The groupset comprises a set of Shimano SLX M7100 hydraulic disc brakes with tons of stopping power and an XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain with a standard 10-51t MTB cassette for climbing steep hills more easily.

The other notable features of this bike are a Fox Transfer Elite dropper seatpost for enhanced descending capability and rapid Maxxis Ardent Race EXO 2.2″ tires that maximize rolling speed for XC riding.

Overall, this bike will suit intermediate and experienced cross-country/trail riders who want to take their rides to the next level.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

2. Ibis Ripmo AF SLX

Best all-rounder trail bike for fast, gnarly trails

The Ibis Ripmo AF SLX is one of the industry’s best high-travel trail mountain bikes. Ibis are masters in designing top-level MTBs, and the Ripmo is a perfect example of their expertise in action, starting from the original version.

The Ripmo uses a Marzocchi Bomber Air rear shock paired with a 160mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil fork. These parts link with Ibis’s DW-Link suspension platform that simultaneously enhances climbing efficiency and downhill performance. 

This bike handles like a dream at high speeds on rough terrain. However, it maintains a playful edge that helps lend to the do-it-all persona. Ibis chose a high-performance Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain for this build, paired with a 10-51t cassette and 4-Piston hydraulic discs. 

The wheelset includes underwhelming Blackbird Send aluminum alloy rims and Ibis hubs wrapped in Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.4″ tires on the front and back. The aluminum frame has space to run 2.6″ tires, should you want to beef up the grip and comfort. 

Other design features that make this bike stand out include the modern progressive geometry that balances stability with an efficient climbing position and the coil shock compatibility for a more supple suspension feel. 

Don’t miss out on the Rimpo AF SLX if you have a big budget and want a fast and fun trail bike with impressive capability all over the mountain. 

Buy from Jenson USA    

3. Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3

The best affordable choice for light trails and XC riding

REI’s Co-op Cycles is known for its affordable and reliable bicycles across all disciplines. The DRT is their range of MTBs, and the 3.3 is the highest-spec model of the bunch and the best full-suspension mountain bike for beginners. 

The DRT 3.3 has a lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy frame with 140 mm of travel on the front and rear. The suspension includes a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and a
RockShox 35 Gold RL Debonair fork. This combination performs well for the price range.

The groupset is all Shimano SLX/Deore, consisting of powerful four-piston Deore hydraulic disc brakes and a reliable SLX 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette. 

All models of the DRT 3.3 use Co-op’s aluminum double-wall wheels. However, the XS and S models use Maxxis Recon 2.4″ tires on the 27.5″ rims, and the three larger ones use Maxxis Recon 2.4″ tires with 29″ wheels. These are relatively fast-rolling tires with a solid cornering grip. 

The spec of this bike is suited to light to moderate trail riding, perfect for beginners and riders switching from a hardtail. Add the DRT 3.3 to your shortlist if you want a solid performer and you value reliability at a reasonable price. 

Buy from REI

4. Devinci Django A29 Deore

Best low-travel trail bike for fast climbing and moderate downhills

Canadian brand Devinci is an expert in mountain bike design, and the Django A 29 is the premium aluminum build on the Django lineup. 

This short-travel bike is suited to riders who want a fast machine to thunder over bumpy trails and up climbs. The frame is an Optimum G04 aluminum alloy with impressive stiffness-to-weight characteristics, 2.6″ tire clearance, lots of frame protection, and internal cable routing. 

The bike’s suspension includes a 140mm Rockshox Revelation RC fork and a 120mm Deluxe Select+ shock. The Split Pivot suspension linkage enhances these parts by isolating acceleration from braking forces to increase grip and pedaling efficiency.

The Django has modern trail bike geometry that balances stability on technical routes with a natural and balanced climbing position. Additionally, you have a geometry flip chip for on-the-trail adjustments. 

Other notable features include the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette, Shimano Deore brakes, and Maxxis Minion DHF/Aggressor 2.5″ tires. 

Consider this premium aluminum trail bike if you want high-end performance at a reasonable price. 

Buy from evo.com

5. Cannondale Jekyll 1

Best for aggressive enduro riding

The Cannondale Jekyll 1 is an impressive race-ready enduro bike designed for stability on chunky descents at high speeds.

The Jekyll 1 is one of the best mountain bikes with front and rear suspension you’ll find at this price thanks to the innovative design features.

Cannondale pulled no punches with the Jekyll, incorporating all their top-end frame technologies to deliver a luxurious ride quality. Their Proportional Response design means the suspension is tuned specifically for each size, and the geometry of the bike changes to accommodate different size riders. 

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Next, the four-bar suspension linkage isolates braking forces from suspension, improving pedaling efficiency and enhancing grip when you need it most. This system means your Fox Float Factory 38 170mm fork and Float Factory X2 165mm shock can perform better than they would individually. 

Another great feature of this bike is the Ai Offset drivetrain which delivers more tire and mud clearance while allowing for a stronger rear wheel.

For the groupset, you have a SRAM NX Eagle with a wide-range 12-speed 10-52t cassette, an X1 crankset, and SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes with 220/200mm rotors. 

Overall, this is an excellent bike, but it isn’t cheap. Consider the Jekyll 1 if you want a high-performance enduro bike from a big-name brand like Cannondale. 

Buy from Mike's Bikes

6. Diamondback Yowie

Best for trail rides with lots of climbing and flowing descents

The Diamondback Yowie is a mid-travel trail bike with excellent all-rounder characteristics and high-level features. 

Due to the carbon frame material, the Yowie is pretty lightweight and responsive. It comes with excellent components, including a full SRAM NX Eagle groupset with a 12-speed derailleur, 11-50t cassette, and SRAM Guide T hydraulic discs. 

The suspension system is the most impressive part of this bike. It includes a Rockshox Pike Select 130 mm fork and a RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ 130 mm shock. These components benefit from Diamondback’s Level Link, which enhances pedaling efficiency, traction, and overall ride quality, making 130 mm feel like 140 mm. 

The wheels are a slight disappointment for a $4,500+ bike. These include proprietary Blanchard alloy 28R rims and hubs wrapped in Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4″ and 2.25″ tires. These balanced tires help keep speeds high without sacrificing too much grip. 

All things considered, this is a fast and capable trail bike that suits riders who tackle long days in the saddle with plenty of elevation gain and a variety of trails. 

Buy from REI.com

7. Salsa Blackthorn

Best premium do-it-all trail/enduro bike

The Salsa Blackthorn is one of the most versatile longer travel trail bikes you’ll find, capable of tackling light enduro riding while maintaining smooth and efficient climbing ability. 

Salsa Cycles chose a RockShox Super Deluxe Select rear shock paired with a 160 mm RockShox 35 Gold RL fork for this build. The Split Pivot+ suspension linkage enhances these components by boosting climbing efficiency and descending performance. 

The Shimano groupset combines premium Deore and mid-tier SLX components with four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The cassette is Shimano’s widest 10-51t 12-speed, providing a massive range for climbing the steepest grades. 

One impressive thing about this bike is the compatibility with 29″, 27.5″, and mixed-wheel setup, giving riders several possibilities based on their favored terrain or the trail conditions. The stock tires are Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ and Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ on WTB ST i30 wheels. 

If you have a limited budget and you’re looking for an exceptionally versatile trail/enduro bike to crush almost anything that comes your way, the Salsa Blackthorn could be the bike for you. 

Buy from REI.com

8. Alchemy Bikes Arktos 140

Best Top-Tier Build

The Alchemy Arktos 140 is a premium trail bike with an award-winning frame and various customization choices available. 

This bike utilizes Alchemy’s Sine Suspension design which is a dual-linkage platform designed to enhance pedaling efficiency as well as traction and control on gnarly descents. The suspension includes a Fox 36 29 Factory Kashima 150mm fork and a Fox Float Factory Kashima shock.

The frame is Alchemy’s most advanced carbon fiber layup. The incredibly stiff frame has a triangulated rear swingarm, oversized suspension linkages, and compact design to enhance durability and improve suspension kinematics.

Like most of their bikes, the Arktos has an impressive build kit for the price, including Industry Nine 29 Enduro-S Hydra rims, a Fox Factory Transfer 175mm dropper, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO and Minion DHR 2.4″ EXO tires. Choose between SRAM GX, X01, or Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrains at checkout. 

Overall, the Alchemy Bikes Arktos is a well-balanced trail option that performs well wherever you go thanks to the impressive design and componentry.

Buy from Alchemy Bikes

9. Yeti SB140

Best value dual suspension mountain bike for racing

The Yeti SB140 is the brand’s medium-travel trail/cross-country bike designed for racing and huge days on the trails with lots of climbing. 

Yeti chose a 160mm Fox Factory 36 fork paired with a Factory Float X shock and linked by their patented Switch Infinity platform. This system allows Yeti to custom tune the suspension to match the bike’s intended characteristics; speed and agility.

The premium carbon fiber frame has an integrated hanger and axle, Boost dropouts, internal cable routing, and a press fit bottom bracket. Additionally, the geometry is stable and comfortable, thanks to a medium reach, a forward-biased posture, and a low bottom bracket.

This build kit includes an SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur with a 10-50t cassette, a OneUp dropper seatpost (150-210 mm), SRAM Code R four-piston brakes, DT Swiss E1900 rims, and Maxxis Assegai and Minion 2.5″ and 2.4″ tires. 

Don’t look past Yeti’s SB140 if you have high ambitions and want a premium bike to help you fulfill them. 

Buy from Jenson USA

10. Orbea Occam SL H30

Best full suspension mountain bike 2024

The Orbea Occam SL H30 is the best-selling build in the series, with an eye-watering price matched by the exceptional design and specs. Agile geometry, progressive suspension, and 29er wheels mean this bike can handle all but the gnarliest downhill terrain.

The two-part linkage used on this bike enhances the performance of the individual components as Orbea tuned it to improve control under successive big impacts, making this bike capable of light enduro riding. 

The suspension is 140 mm front and rear, with a Fox Float Performance Remote Push-Lock EVOL shock and a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork. And you also get an OC MC20 Mountain Control Dropper post.

Orbea chose a full Shimano Deore groupset for buttery-smooth shifting. This setup includes a rear derailleur, 10-51t 12-speed cassette, and Deore shifters.

Other notable features of this trail beast include the Maxxis Dissector and Rekon 2.4″ tires, Selle Royal 2058 DRN saddle, and 29″ tubeless-ready rims. 

All things considered, this is a world-class trail bike with the price tag to match; consider it if you’ve got a high budget and want the best of the best. 

Buy from Jenson USA

11. Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R

Best low-travel trail bike for downhill riding

The Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R is a low-suspension travel trail 29er and the more expensive of the two aluminum models on the Tallboy lineup.

This bike is one of the most capable bikes in this category for downhill riding. Santa Cruz tunes the lower-link VPP suspension to deliver maximum support on chunky terrain, which is seen on its other models as well, such as the Blur. 

For a low-travel XC/trail bike, the Tallboy doesn’t ascend as well on technical terrain but can thunder up smoother climbs with relative ease. The suspension components include a 120mm Fox Float Performance DPS rear shock and a 130mm RockShox Pike Base fork. 

The groupset is SRAM NX Eagle with Guide T four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, which is typical for this price range, providing reliable performance. Additionally, Santa Cruz chose a Maxxis Dissector and Rekon 2.4″ for tires. However, the bike has clearance for 2.6″ tires. 

If you want the general characteristics of a low-travel aluminum trail bike that can ride on rougher downhill terrain from time to time, then look no further than the Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R. 

Buy from Jenson USA

12. Salsa Horsethief Carbon SLX

Best for aggressive trail riding and bikepacking

The Salsa Horsethief is a trail 29er that handles aggressive riding and is surprisingly steady on rough downhill terrain. 

This trail bike comes at a premium price but easily justifies it with high-end components and innovative engineering.

The groupset is a full Shimano SLX setup with Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc brakes, a 10-51t cassette, and a 30T crankset. In addition, the Horsethief impresses with a TranzX Dropper Post that is always a welcome sight on trail bikes.

The combination of a RockShox Pike Select+ RC fork and Fox Float DPS Performance shock is enhanced by Salsa’s Split Pivot suspension design. This system is stable and efficient while pedaling and highly supportive when tackling chunky terrain, making long days on the trail feel well within reach. 

The wheelset chosen includes WTB ST Light i30 wheels and Maxxis 2.5″ front and 2.4″ rear tires. Unfortunately, this wheelset is a little disappointing for a bike that costs more than $4,000. 

Salsa chose predictable trail geometry with a longer, lower, and slacker setup that inspires confidence on descents without sacrificing comfort on climbs. 

This is a solid choice for trail riders who lean toward more aggressive riding and bikepacking due to numerous mounts. Add the Salsa Horsethief to your shortlist if you have a big budget. 

Buy from REI.com

13. Marin Rift Zone Series

Best entry-level full suspension mountain bike

The Marin Rift Zone is the brand’s flagship full-suspension mountain bike. It falls neatly into the low-travel trail category, optimized for speed on climbs and flowy descents. This series includes the best full suspension mountain bike under $2000.

The low rear travel means the Rift Zone is efficient going uphill, at the loss of a bit of traction when tackling rough climbs. The slightly less forgiving suspension encourages fast, standing efforts up steep sections to stay as stable as possible. 

While descending, the Rift Zone is perfectly comfortable on light to moderate trails. As a trail and cross-country mix, this bike will be twitchy and lose traction on heavy, chunky downhill sections. However, it holds speed excellently on XC trails. 

Marin offers a 27.5-inch and 29er version of the Rift Zone, meaning you can select for maneuverability and acceleration or speed and roll-over ability from your wheel choice. 

If you’re a rider who loves flowy trail days with plenty of ups and downs, this efficient XC bike pedals like a dream. In addition, the range of affordable builds means you can choose the Rift Zone as your first full-suspension mountain bike. 

Buy from Jenson USA

14. Juliana Wilder C GX AXS TR

Best women’s XC bike with trail capability

The Juliana Wilder C GX AXS TR is the more capable big sister to the regular model, featuring extra travel and a more robust build. It’s our pick for the best full-suspension mountain bike for the money. 

Juliana designed the Wilder to be a featherweight ripper, balancing the capability for fast cross-country riding and mixed trail riding. The frame is Santa Cruz’s Carbon C with excellent stiffness-to-weight characteristics, complementing this bike’s character. In addition, it has slack and long geometry for an XC bike, improving stability and handling on rougher trails. 

The Wilder C GX AXS TR build suspension components include a Fox 34 120mm fork and a 115mm Fox Float Performance Elite shock. These join by a single pivot Superlight platform that enhances rear-wheel traction and sensitivity on climbs and descents while improving overall pedaling efficiency. 

Other notable features include the proportional chainstay geometry for consistent qualities across disciplines, Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tires, and an SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain with an 11-52t cassette.

Consider Juliana’s Wilder if you’re a woman who loves fast XC riding and tackling flowy trail days with plenty of climbing. 

Buy from evo.com

15. Santa Cruz Bullit

Best full suspension electric mountain bike

The Santa Cruz Bullit is a mixed-wheel enduro electric mountain bike with almost unlimited capability but an eye-watering price to match. 

The 170 mm of front and rear travel comes from a RockShox Super Deluxe Select shock and a ZEB fork. To enhance the monstrous ability of this bike, you have DoubleDown tire reinforcement on a 2.5″ Assegai front tire and a 2.4″ Minion DHR II rear tire. The wheelset comprises Race Face ARC HD 30 rims with E13 SL E-Spec hubs to handle repeated jumps on an almost 50 lb bike. 

SRAM provides a GX Eagle AXS drivetrain with a 10-52t cassette and SRAM Code brakes. These brakes come with appropriately massive 220/200mm rotors to help keep you safe on the trail, which is especially important with electric mountain bikes. 

The electronics are Shimano’s high-end Shimano EP801 mid-drive motor with 85Nm of torque and 400% assistance from four modes. The battery is a 630 Wh unit that provides a modest amount of juice. 

Overall, this is the best electric mountain bike for the money that would be a joy for any enduro rider who wants the thrills of rough descents without the strain of uphills. 

Buy from evo.com

All You Need to Know About the Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

As we stated in the introduction, choosing the best full-suspension mountain bike isn’t as simple as picking the best components. Mountain biking trails and dual-suspension bikes vary so greatly that it’s essential to know what you’re looking for before starting to search. 

The following section will cover some of the most important things to consider when choosing. Remember, you can purchase a bike that almost fits your requirements and make changes to the build kit to enhance or modify performance. 

The Type of Riding You Do and Your Technical Abilities

The type of trails and terrain you intend on riding is the most important consideration when choosing a full-suspension mountain bike. Selecting a model that doesn’t leave you feeling under or over-biked is crucial. 

Dual-suspension bikes fall into five broad categories that match the difficulty and characteristics of the trails. Of course, your technical mountain biking skills should also influence your decision. For example, if you’re a beginner to intermediate rider, you may want a slightly higher travel bike that will be more forgiving and make challenging trails feel easier. 

• Cross-country (XC): 100-120mm travel

Cross-country bikes are built for efficiency and speed on long rides. XC racing demands efficient and lightweight climbers with enough capability to handle moderately bumpy trails.

Beginners should avoid XC bikes as they aren’t very forgiving and require a high level of proficiency. Juliana’s Wilder is an example of a wicked fast and lightweight XC bike. 

• Trail/Cross-country: 120-140mm travel

Low to mid-travel trail/XC bikes are more capable and stable on chunky, technical trails while maintaining excellent pedaling efficiency for long rides with lots of elevation gain.

These bikes have less of a focus on keeping the weight low, instead favoring comfort, stability, and traction. The Orbea Occam typifies an all-rounder trail mid-travel trail bike. 

• High-Travel Trail/Light Enduro: 140-160mm travel

The high travel trail category is a popular bike as it hits the sweet spot of efficiency and descending capability for many riders. These bikes open up most trails without completely swallowing climbing ability.

High-travel trail bikes are capable on all but the most extreme terrain but require technical proficiency when venturing onto gravity trails. The Pivot Switchblade is an excellent example of this style. 

• Enduro: 160-180mm travel

Enduro bikes are the most downhill-capable bikes that you also use for riding uphill. The category arose from enduro-style racing, which records rider times on descents and not on the uphill sections.

This means manufacturers can maximize descending capability without worrying about pedaling efficiency and weight for climbing. These bikes can handle the roughest terrain but are overkill for someone who mostly rides light trails. Cannondale’s Jekyll is a solid enduro choice. 

• Downhill: 180-200mm travel

Downhill bikes are built for one purpose; descending. These heavy-duty bikes are ultra-capable on the world’s gnarliest trails and bike parks. However, you better not plan to ride uphill on a DH bike. Instead, count on taking a shuttle or a lift back to the top. This article doesn’t include any DH-specific bikes, but the Santa Cruz V10 is a prime example. 

Which Wheels Should I Choose?

Wheels have a massive impact on how a MTB rides. Variable like wheel size, material, and design influence the ride feel. For example, you can choose a bike with 26″, 27.5″, or 29″ wheels, each of which has different characteristics.

The bigger a wheel is, the more speed it can gain and maintain. In addition, you get more traction and stability on larger wheels. In contrast, smaller wheels accelerate faster, are more maneuverable, and are lighter.

Steel, aluminum, and carbon wheels also have different properties, carbon being the lightest and stiffest but also the most expensive. On the other hand, aluminum wheels are cheaper but aren’t as light or stiff.

Finally, rim width is another consideration. Wider rims allow you to run wider tires or get more traction from your current tires. 

Which Tires Should I Choose?

Tires are the most influential component that you can change quickly and easily. Riders can choose different widths, tread depths and patterns, material thicknesses and characteristics, and between tubeless and tubed tires (if the wheels are tubeless-ready).

Tubeless tires are more puncture-resistant, can run lower PSIs for more traction and comfort, and are self-repairing. We also have a detailed tubeless tires guide you can read.

Lightweight tires are more susceptible to punctures but provide better ride characteristics and reduce weight. In contrast, heavier tires are more durable.

You can also choose tires that roll faster but offer less grip or super grippy tires that create more rolling resistance. However, too little traction will require you to ride slower to stay upright, so finding the sweet spot is essential.

Finally, the width of a tire changes the level of traction, comfort, and rolling speed. Narrower tires are lighter and faster but offer less traction and aren’t as comfortable. 

Frame Materials Explained

Almost all full-suspension mountain bicycles are carbon fiber or aluminum. Carbon is undoubtedly the best frame material if the price isn’t an issue. Well-manufactured carbon is super light, stiff, and strong, offering unbeatable ride characteristics. On the other hand, aluminum is much cheaper and reasonably light, strong, and stiff. 

There is also a limited number of steel and titanium bikes on the market. Steel is cheap, strong, durable, and compliant but is very heavy. Titanium packs similar characteristics and is lighter, but it costs more.  

It’s worth noting that a high-end aluminum frame with excellent components (like the Diamondback Release 3) will likely be cheaper and ride better than a decent carbon frame with low to mid-level parts. 

Sizing and Geometry

When searching for a full-suspension mountain bike, we recommend trying out a range of bikes in your size at a bike shop to find one that suits your body and riding style. As with any bike, the geometry is highly individual and will impact how you feel when riding in terms of comfort and stability.

Once you become familiar with a bike you like, you can use its geometry to compare it when shopping for a new one. Additionally, you can change stem length, saddle position and height, and handlebar width and rise to personalize a bike’s geometry to your body. 

Some bikes even have flip chips and adjustable geometry that lets you change the handling and overall performance on the go.

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