Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $4,000
A $4,000 price tag is the maximum many of us are willing to pay and expect a good ride for upcoming years. The good news is – you can get a great mid-range bike made by high-end MTB-specifc brands in this price range.
Although carbon frames seem to be one step away here, you can still expect to get incredible value for the $4,000 price.
Let’s take a look at what to expect in this range.
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Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $4,000
Giant – Reign 2
Norco – Fluid FS 1
Cannondale – Habit 3
GT – Force 29 Comp
Marin – Alpine Trail XR
Orbea – OCCAM H20
Norco – Sight A2
Rocky Mountain – Element Alloy 10
Salsa – Horsethief Deore
Devinci – Marshall
Marin – Rift Zone C1 29″
Co-op Cycles – DRT 3.3
Ibis – Ripley AF Deore
Giant Reign 2
MSRP: $3,600
- Fork – RockShox Yari RC 170mm
- Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+ 160mm
- Frame – ALUXX aluminum
- Drivetrain – 12-speed Shimano SLX 10 – 51t
- Brakes – Shimano Deore BR-MT520 hydraulic 220/200mm rotors
- Wheelset – Giant AM 29
- Weight – ~32lb
The Giant Reign 2 is a full-suspension enduro MTB with a sleek, innovative design and a solid level of components to match.
The frame on the Reign 2 is durable ALUXX aluminum, which is highly responsive, using flip-chip-adjustable enduro geometry to deliver the most effective position when descending or climbing.
The race-ready Maestro suspension platform uses a 160 mm-travel rear end combined with a huge 170mm fork. Giant’s Maestro system was developed to handle to most extreme downhill conditions, providing confidence-inspiring control and traction.
Giant chose own-brand rims and premium Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ and DHR II 2.4″ DoubleDown tires for the wheelset. This tubeless-ready setup ensures durability and high traction at all times.
The drivetrain on this bike is a 12-speed Shimano Deore SLX and pairs perfectly with a wide cassette range to deliver the perfect gearing on steep climbs. Finally, the Reign 2 uses powerful hydraulic disc brakes with huge 220 and 200mm rotors.
Norco Fluid FS 1
MSRP: $3,399
- Frame – Aluminum
- Fork – RockShox Pike Select, 130mm
- Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select, 120mm
- Drivetrain – 12-speed Shimano SLX/XT
- Tires – 29 x 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector EXO
- Brakes – Shimano BR-MT420 Hydraulic disc
The Norco Fluid FS 1 is a sleek full-suspension trail bike with carefully designed geometry and suspension integration.
With this model, you can take on fast, flowy descents and challenging climbs equally well. Using a 130mm fork suspension and 120mm shock from RockShox, expect reliable performance and plenty of support.
This lightweight aluminum frame is made with Norco’s X6 alloy which is responsive and durable. In addition, this bike has smooth-rolling 27.5″ or 29″ wheels depending on the size, and modern trail geometry.
The Fluid FS 1 has a Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed drivetrain with a comprehensive 10-51T gear range. Finally, Stan’s Flow D 32H tubeless-ready rims pair with Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO tires to balance speed and traction.
Cannondale Habit 3
MSRP: $3,325
- Frame: SmartForm C1 aluminum
- SRAM NX Eagle
- SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes
- Stan’s NoTubes Arch D wheels
- Maxxis Dissector/Rekon 2.4″ EXO tires
- Fork – RockShox Pike Select 140mm
- Rear shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+ 130mm
Cannondale’s Habit 3 demonstrates all of the brand’s expertise in MTB design with an all-mountain bicycle that performs best when tackling a combination of fast technical singletrack and steep climbs in the same ride.
The lightweight SmartForm C1 aluminum frame provides a responsive base for the mid-travel suspension, including a 140mm RockShox Pike Select fork on the front and a 130mm Deluxe Select+ shock in the rear. Additionally, you have Cannondale’s Proportional Response Design and progressive geometry, which ensures consistent performance across all sizes.
Finally, this bike has a SRAM NX 12-speed setup for the drivetrain, with wide gearing that gives you plenty of climbing range. Combined with that, you have G2 R hydraulic disc brakes and Maxxis Dissector and Rekon 2.4″ EXO tubeless-ready tires for smooth, controlled riding.
Marin Alpine Trail XR
MSRP: $3,999
Jenson USA | GovVelo
- Fork – RockShox Lyric Ultimate 160mm
- Shock – RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate 150mm
- Groupset: Shimano XT/SLX 12-Speed
- Wheels – Marin Aluminum Double Wall
- Tires – Maxxis Assegai 29×2.5″ Double Down
The Marin Alpine Trail XR is unapologetically modern and full of great technology.
By fully utilizing their experience in high-level bike design, Marin has built this affordable trail mountain bike with a ride feel well above its price tag.
Most notably, the Marin Alpine Trail has the same MultiTrac suspension platform that you see on their world championship-winning bikes. The suspension comes from a 150mm RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate shock and a 160mm RockShox Lyric Ultimate 160mm fork for suspension.
The drivetrain chosen is a Shimano SLX/XR 1×12-speed with a wide range of gear choices that ensure simplicity and durability. Additionally, Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes ensure a quiet and responsive braking performance.
Finally, the wheelset includes Maxxis Assegain 2.5″ tires built for speedy downhill riding and Marin’s own-brand rims that are heavy but durable.
Buy from Jenson USA Buy from GovVelo
Orbea OCCAM
Trail
MSRP: $3,899
- Frame – Aluminum
- Groupset – SRAM GX/NX Eagle 12-speed
- Fork – Fox 34 Float Performance, 140mm
- Shock – Fox Float DPS Performance 140mm
- Brakes – Shimano Deore hydraulic disc
- Rims – Race Face AR 30c
- Tires – Maxxis Dissector/Rekon 29 x 2.4″
The Occam H20 by Orbea is another affordable trail MTB option from the famous Spanish bike brand that uses some key technology from their pro-level bikes.
With aggressive cross-country riding in mind, Orbea chose a 140mm Fox 34 Float Performance fork and a Fox Float DPS Performance 140mm rear shock. The performance of these individual pieces multiplies with the use of the two-part linkage system.
The Occam’s drivetrain is an SRAM GX/NX Eagle 1×12-speed setup with an NX shifter for more precise shifting. The brakes used are Shimano Deore hydraulic discs.
This bike’s other notable features include an OC MC20 Mountain Control dropper, tubeless-ready wheels and tires, and sleek internal cable routing. Finally, Race Face AR 30 rims and 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector/Rekon Tires provide confidence-boosting control on varied terrain.
Norco Sight A2
MSRP: $3,699
Frame – Aluminum | Fork – Fox Float 36 Rhythm 160mm | Shock – Fox Performance Float X2 150mm | Drivetrain – Shimano Deore SLX M6100
- Brakes – Shimano Deore BR-MT520 4-piston hydraulic, 200/180mm rotors
- Rims – Stan’s Flow D 32H
- Dropper post – TranzX YS105
- Tires – 29 x 2.5″ Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+, Minion DHR II 2.4″ EXO+
Norco’s Sight A2 aluminum trail/enduro bike is a beautifully balanced product with reliable components at a very reasonable price.
This 29″ full-suspension MTB uses a lightweight aluminum frame with proprietary Ride Aligned geometry. This system means riders can tune the bike exactly to their body size, skill level, and preferences using simple instructions, resulting in optimized handling and performance.
The 160mm Fox Performance Float X2 rear shock and a 150mm Fox Float 36 Rhythm fork combine to ensure you can crush enduro-level trails without feeling under-biked.
Finally, this bike has a Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain with a 10-51T cassette, making long days in the saddle feel easy, hydraulic disc brakes, durable Maxxis EXO+ tires, and a TranzX dropper post to round out its comprehensive component list.
Rocky Mountain Element
MSRP: $2,559
- Frame – FORM Alloy
- Fork – RockShox Judy Silver 130mm
- Rear shock – RockShox Deluxe Select 120mm
- Drivetrain – Shimano Deore 11-Speed
- Tires – WTB Trail Boss Comp 29 x 2.4″
- Rims – Rocky Mountain TR25 Tubeless Rims
Rocky Mountain’s Element Alloy 29er trail MTB is another excellent entry-level choice that features some of the brand’s innovative design technology seen in their more advanced bikes such as the Ride-4 adjustable geometry.
The Element uses a lightweight FORM Aluminum frame with internal cable routing and integrated frame protection. This creates a durable and sleek finish, maximizing your bike’s longevity.
The suspension includes RockShox’s Deluxe Select 120mm rear shock and Judy Silver 130mm fork. Rocky Mountain chose a Shimano Deore 1×11-speed drivetrain to keep this bike simple, light, and pocket-friendly. Additionally, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power.
Finally, the wheelset includes Rocky Mountain TR25 tubeless-ready 29″ rims, and WTB Trail Boss Comp 2.4″ tires to ensure a careful balance of control, traction, and rolling speed.
Salsa Horsethief Deore
MSRP: $3,199
- Frame – Aluminum
- Fork – RockShox 35 Silver TK 140mm
- Rear shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+ 120mm
- Drivetrain – Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Rims – WTB ST i30 29″
- Tires – Maxxis DHF/DHRII EXO 2.5″ & 2.4″ tires
The Salsa Horsethief Deore is a full-suspension trail MTB designed to perform well when thundering downhill and spinning back to the top.
To maintain an affordable price, Salsa uses an aluminum frame with modern trail geometry and components that deliver control on the descents with lightning-fast climbing ability.
The Salsa Horsethief has a 140mm suspension in the front and 120mm in the back, including a travel RockShox 35 Silver TK fork and a Deluxe Select+ shock. The efficient Split Pivot suspension is supportive throughout the travel.
For the drivetrain, you have a reliable Shimano SLX 12-speed with a hill-crushing 10-51t cassette to make long days with lots of elevation gain more achievable. In addition, you get powerful Shimano BR-M4100 hydraulic disc brakes.
Devinci Marshall Deore
MSRP: $2,649
- Frame – 6061-T6 aluminum
- Tires – 29 x 2.5″ Maxxis Minion DHF and 2.4″ DHRII
- Fork – 140mm RockShox 35 Silver TK SoloAir
- Rear shock – 130mm RockShox Deluxe Select R
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Drivetrain – SRAM SX Eagle
The Devinci Marshall is an affordable yet high-performing trail mountain bike from the premium Canadian MTB brand.
This bike utilizes Devinci’s proprietary Split Pivot suspension platform that enhances climbing efficiency and big hit isolation, making this bike more than the sum of its parts.
The SRAM SX Eagle groupset is perfectly adequate in this price range and offers reliable shifting and braking power from the SRAM Level T hydraulic discs.
Don’t miss out on the Marshall if you want tried-and-tested quality at a reasonable price.
Marin Rift Zone C1 29
MSRP: $3,799
- Frame – Carbon front triangle, aluminum rear triangle
- Fork – Marzocchi Bomber Z2 130mm
- Shock – Fox Float DPS Performance 125mm
- Drivetrain – Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Seatpost – X-Fusion Manic
- Tires – Maxxis Assegai / Aggressor 2.5″
The Marin Rift Zone C1 29″ is the premium build of one of the brand’s most iconic models, performing well above its affordable price tag.
The Rift Zone C1 uses Marin’s MultiTrac suspension system which is fine-tuned to increase big hit isolation while increasing pedaling efficiency. This works on the back of a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 130mm fork and Fox Float DPS Performance 125mm shock.
The bike features typical components for this price range including a Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset, MT420 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, an X-Fusion Manic dropper, and Maxxis 2.5″ EXO MaxxTerra tires. These components are respected and perform well for this price range.
Choose the Marin Rift Zone C1 if you want a fast-rolling and capable 29er with a premium suspension platform and reliable componentry.
Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3
XS / S – 27.5″ | M / L / XL – 29″
MSRP: $3,299
- Frame – 6061 Aluminum
- Drivetrain – Shimano SLX 1×12-speed
- Fork – RockShox Revelation Motion Control RC, 120mm
- Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select+, 120mm
- Brakes – Shimano hydraulic disc
- Wheelset – WTB ST Light i30, Maxxis High Roller 29×2.4″
Co-op Cycles DRT 3.3 is a mid-range trail MTB with versatile components and the quality expected from this reliable REI brand.
The DRT’s 6061 aluminum frame comes with 120mm travel RockShox air-sprung suspension on the front and back. Both shocks have external rebound adjust to ensure a high level of traction and smooth riding.
Depending on which model you choose, you will get 27.5″ (XS and S) or 29″ wheels (M-XL). Either size comes with wide 2.4″ Maxxis High Roller tires, which ensure excellent traction and comfort.
The drivetrain on this bike is a precise-shifting Shimano SLX 12-Speed which performs great for this price range. In addition, the DRT 3.3 has SLX hydraulic disc brakes and a remote control X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost with 100 or 150mm max travel.
Ibis Ripley AF Deore 2023
MSRP: $3,799
- Frame – Aluminum
- Fork – Fox Float 34 Performance 130mm travel
- Rear shock – Fox Performance Float 120mm travel
- Brakes – Shimano Deore M6100
- Wheelset – 29″
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHR II / Dissector 2.4″
The Ripley by Ibis is a low-travel trail mountain bike designed to give you a boost in confidence and performance when taking on the most challenging cross-country courses.
As a 120mm rear travel MTB with 29er wheels, the Ripley can hang in there with race-ready XC bikes and descend with confidence on chunkier stuff too. This combination is perfect for riders who like to mix it up.
Ibis’ DW-Link suspension system multiplies the performance of the 130mm Fox Float 34 Performance fork and Performance Float DPS shock, significantly boosting ride efficiency through isolated pedaling.
The Shimano Deore setup includes a 12-speed drivetrain that provides reliable and precise shifting, while the M6100 hydraulic disc brakes deliver excellent stopping power.
Finally, Blackbird Send Alloy rims, high-quality Maxxis tires, and a KS Rage-I Dropper round out a comprehensive component list.
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