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Best Mountain Bikes 2022 Release

By Sam Millers   /  Last updated - November 16, 2023   /  Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes, Hardtail, Mountain Bikes, Reviews

Here’s a selection of 2022 MTB releases – the best new mountain bikes to buy online.

mountain bikes 2022

All of the bikes listed below are the latest in their existing long-run series. However, we also hope to see new brands in the market in 2022 as there’s always a demand for MTBs by mountain-bike-specific brands, which people are looking for more and more often.

Have a look, and feel free to recommend your selections or any you think should be included as we try to update this post as frequently as possible.

  • High-end models
  • Trusted MTB brands

Best Full-Suspension MTBs in 2022


 

Norco – Shore A2

norco shore a2 2022

Freeride

MSRP: $4,599
Reserve now at Jenson USA!

The Norco Shore A2 is an impressive new release with an electric blend of purple, pink, and blue in the paint finish that will be sure to turn heads on the trails in the coming year.

The Shore A2 Freeride mountain bike is perfectly balanced to tackle wicked, technical descents and steep climbs. 27.5″ wheels, long travel, integrated idler pulley, and an innovative suspension link system ensure a precision downhill and efficiency going up.

Norco uses its most up-to-date frame manufacturing processes to ensure one of the best quality aluminum builds with sleek internal cable routing and integrated frame protection.

Finally, finish this off with a high-quality tubeless-ready wheelset that provides smooth riding with fewer flats. Be sure to consider this premium Norco mountain bike at an affordable price!

  • Tires – 27.5 x 2.5″
  • Frame – Aluminum
  • Drivetrain – 10-51T Shimano Deore CS M6100
  • Brakes – Shimano BR MT520 hydraulic disc
  • Fork – RockShox Zeb R 180mm
  • Rear Shock – RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate 180mm

Buy from Jenson USA


Yeti – SB130

TURQ-Series TLR X01

yeti 2022 mtb

Switch Infinity suspension system

Enduro / All-Mountain / Trail
HT: 65° / ST: 76°

MSRP: $6,500
Jenson USA

The Colorado-based brand Yeti is leaving nothing out with its SB130 C2 model.

The new SB130 by Yeti is an incredible piece of engineering with a unique ride quality that results from constant innovation and testing.

The utilization of a flat and high anti-squat curve decouples chain forces from suspension, so it can work more efficiently to absorb impacts, giving the Yeti this distinct feel.

These anti-squat characteristics and Yeti’s patented Switch Infinity suspension mean they can fine-tune the bike’s kinematics to reduce fatigue, meaning you’ll have more left in the tank.

On the new SB130, they’ve added 10mm on the front and 7mm on the rear, and a slacker head tube angle for better handling and downhill performance. Overall, there are eight spec changes, including wider bars, bigger tires and wheels, and more powerful brakes.

  • Frame – C-series carbon
  • Fork – Fox Performance 36 150mm
  • Shock – Fox Performance Float X 130mm
  • Drivetrain – SRAM GX Eagle 10-52T
  • Brakes – SRAM G2 R 4-Piston
  • Wheels – DT Swiss M1900 30mm 30mm, Boost hubs
  • Tires Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5″ EXO / Aggressor 2.3″ EXO
  • Dropper Seat Post – Fox Transfer

Size Recommendations

S 5’1 – 5’7″
M 5’5″ 5’11”
L 5’10” – 6’3″
XL 6’3″ – 6’7″

Buy from Jenson USA


Yeti Cycles – 160E C1

E-MTB on a TURQ Carbon frame

yeti 160 emtb

Trail, All-Mountain, Enduro, Race

MSRP: $10,700
Evo.com

The 160E C1 by Yeti is an e-MTB built for racing which is the result of the company’s most ambitious project to date spanning over five years of collaboration and development between engineers and athletes.

With this electric mountain bike comes the release of a new e-MTB specific suspension platform called Sixfinity. This system delivers unrivaled speed and performance. In addition, it is highly tunable to suit your riding style, the particular trail, and the demands of an e-bike’s extra power and weight.

The 160E C1’s high travel suspension and the motor’s power make this enduro/trail bicycle perfect for use all over the mountain, meaning you can do more trails and more laps.

To add to that, the 2022 model has stylish internal cabling with secure closure points and an integrated chain guide. Finally, you will be taking advantage of one of the best motor and battery combinations on the market, Shimano’s EP8 series.

  • Frame – C1 Turq Carbon
  • Fork – 170mm travel E-Tune Fox Performance 38
  • Rear Shock –  160mm travel Fox Float X2 Performance
  • Drivetrain – 12-speed Shimano SLX
  • Brakes – SRAM Code R 220/200mm rotors
  • Wheels – DT Swiss EX1900 300 Boost hubs
  • Tires –  F – 29×2.5″ Maxxis Assegai EXO R – 2.4″ Maxxis Minion DHR DD
  • Dropper Post – OneUp

Electronics

  • Motor – 250W Shimano EP8
  • Battery – Shimano 630W Internal
  • Display – Shimano EM8

Buy from Evo.com


Niner – WFO RDO

Super Enduro Mountain Bike

niner RDO full suspension mountain bike

MSRP: $4,800
Jenson USA

Niner’s WFO RDO is an enduro MTB that allows riders to take their riding to the next level with unapologetically modern technology.

Firstly, Fox’s high-travel Float Performance GRIP EVOL fork suspension is seamlessly linked with the Float X2 Performance EVOL rear shock.

This bike’s ride quality is significantly boosted thanks to the RDO carbon frame with a geometry flip chip, full sleeve cable guides, and CVA suspension. In addition, this system boosts big hit capability, and efficiency uphill, making this the ideal bike for riders who love going up and downhill confidently.

The carbon fiber frame virtually eliminates trail chatter keeping you fresher for longer. Finally, the forward geometry on this Niner bike provides superior stability and control over technical sections.

  • Frame – Niner RDO carbon
  • Rear Shock – 170mm Fox Float X2 Performance EVOL
  • Fork – 180mm Fox Float Performance GRIP EVOL
  • Brakes – SRAM G2 R
  • Tires – Schwalbe Magic Mary EVO 2.6″ / Hans Dampf EVO 2.6
  • 12-speed SRAM SRAM SX/X

Find it on JensonUSA.com


Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson C R 2022

santa cruz bronson 2022

Trail / All-mountain

MSRP: $5,049
Evo.com

Santa Cruz Bronson 4 C R MX 2022 is a versatile full suspension MTB with great components that result in a premium ride quality on all parts of the mountain.

This bike uses a 29″ wheel up front and a 27.5″ rear wheel which simultaneously improves climbing and descending capabilities. Both tires used are tubeless-ready Maxxis Minions, DHF and DHR.

The balanced geometry Carbon C frame has fully integrated cable routing and integrated frame protection. For suspension, you can rely on 160mm of travel on the front and 150mm of VPP travel on the back.

Other great components on this all-mountain bicycle include the SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with an 11-50T gear range, SRAM hydraulic disc brakes, an SDG Tellis Dropper Post, and a WTB Silverado Race saddle.

  • Frame: Carbon C
  • Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select 160mm travel
  • Rear shock: Fox Float X Performance 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM NX drivetrain 12-speed
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc
  • Seatpost: SDG Tellis dropper
  • Wheels – 29×2.5″ / 27.5×2.4″ Maxxis Minion DHF, Race Face AR Offset 30 Rims

Santa Cruz Bronson Size Recommendations

XS – 4’8″ – 5’1″
S – 5’1″ – 5’5″
M – 5’5″ – 5’9″
L – 5’9″ – 6’1″
XL – 6’1″ – 6’4″

Buy from Evo.com


Knolly Chilcotin 151 XT

knolly chilcotin 2022 mountain bike

Enduro / All-mountain

MSRP: $6,699
Jenson USA

If you’re looking to set some new personal records on your favorite descents in 2022, you’ve got to consider Knolly’s Chilcotin 151 XT enduro/all-mountain bike.

This wicked-fast 29’er perfectly balances descending and climbing ability despite having 160mm of travel on the front and 151mm on the rear. Thanks to the patented Fourby4 system, this balance is possible. The design maximizes rear shock performance and traction while also reducing brake squat.

The 2022 Chilcotin has increased rear hub spacing and a proprietary seat tube design (OSD) that allows riders to easily transition between an efficient pedaling and an aggressive downhill riding position. In addition, human-centric sizing provides optimal geometry for a wide range of riders.

  • Frame: 6061 alloy
  • Fork: Fox Float 36 Grip2, Perfomance Elite 160mm travel, 44mm offset
  • Shock: Fox X2 Factory 151mm travel
  • Brakes – Shimano XT 4-piston, 180mm
  • Derailleur: Shimano XT8100 Shadow Plus 12-speed 10-51t
  • Tires: 29×2.5″ & 29×2.4″ Maxxis Assegai, DHR2

Size Recommendations

M – 5’7″ – 5’10”
L – 5’10” – 6’2″
XL – 6’2″ – 6’5″

Buy from Jenson USA


Norco Range C3 2022

norco range c3 mountain bike

MSRP: $5,599
Jenson USA

Norco’s Range C3 2022 model is a mid-level enduro-style MTB built for pure all-around performance on every part of the mountain.

This aggressively designed bike has a full carbon fiber frame with 170mm travel RockShox ZEB, Charger R fork, and Fox DHX2 Factory Coil rear shock. The frame geometry is designed with Norco’s Ride Aligned and High Virtual Pivot to maximize efficiency both while climbing and descending.

The Range C3 comes with a Shimano SLX RD-M6100 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51T gear range to improve climbing potential and performance on softer terrain. Additionally, this bike has powerful Shimano BR-MT520 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and high-performance tubeless-ready Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ DD TR / Dissector 2.4″ WT DD TR tires to give you confidence no matter the terrain or conditions.

Finally. with the TranzX Dropper Post lowering and raising your saddle is quick and easy with the press of a lever.

Buy from Jenson USA


Orbea Occam M10 LT

Orbea Occam M10 LT Mountain Bike 2022

MSRP: $6,899
Evo.com

The Orbea Occam M10 LT 2022 takes the regular Occam to the next level with more aggressive geometry, improved Fox 36 and DHX Factory suspension, and 10mm extra travel. This OMR Carbon trail bike makes all-day riding feel easy while also offering respectable enduro performance.

At the moment you have a stylish infinity green finish in medium or large. Orbea has made innovative design changes to improve the ride quality of this bike in every department.

New two-part linkage improves the rigidity and durability of the Occam, reducing the chance of something coming loose. The 2022 model also replaces inefficiencies of the shock tunnel with a shock that offsets on the frame’s left side.

Orbea’s commitment to excellent and constant innovation makes their bikes some of the best to ride. Their lengthy design and testing process are evident in the significant improvements to their Occam LT.

  • Frame – Full carbon OMR Orbea Monocoque Race
  • Fork – Fox 36 Float Factory 150mm
  • Rear Shock – Fox DHX2 Factory Coil 150mm
  • Drivetrain – 12-speed Shimano XT
  • Brakes – Shimano XT hydro 4-piston brakes
  • Seatpost – Orbea OC2 dropper-post
  • Wheels – 29″ Race Face Turbine R 30
  • Tires –  Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra 2.5″ / Maxxis Dissector 3X MaccTerra 2.4″

Buy from Evo.com


Ibis Ripmo X2 XT

ibis ripmo 2022

Enduro, All-Mountain

MSRP $6,899
Jenson USA

The Ibis Ripmo X2 all-mountain/enduro is a sleek MTB with premium components chosen for high performance whether climbing or descending.

This frame on this bike is full carbon and is designed with modern geometry including a steep, 76-degree seat tube, long reach, long dropper post compatibility, and extra clearance for tire sizes up to 2.6″.

The fork on the Ripmo X2 is the Fox Float 38 Factory Series with 160mm of travel and a 147mm Fox Float Factory X2 on the back shock. This bike also has DW-Link suspension that improves overall performance.

Additionally, you can rely on a mid-range Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-51T cassette. Handling the Ripmo is made easy with Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless-ready Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ tires, and a Bike Yoke Revive Dropper post.

  • Frame –  Carbon
  • Fork – Fox Float 36 Factory Series, 160mm Travel
  • Rear Shock – Fox Float Factory X2 210 x 55mm
  • Drivetrain – Shimano XT 12-Speed
  • Brakes – Shimano XT M8120  4-Piston
  • Wheels – Ibis S35 Aluminum
  • Tires – Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5″

Buy from Jenson USA


Ibis Ripley GX 2022

Ibis Ripley GX Mountain Bike

MSRP: $5,899
Backcountry

Bikes don’t come much better than the Ibis Ripley GX 2022. Each component has been carefully chosen to maximize performance, minimize weight, and create a truly race-worthy ride feel.

To do so, Ibis has started with a premium carbon fiber frame. This frame integrates DW-link suspension with 130 mm travel Fox Factory Float 34 on the front and Fox Factory Float DPS 120mm on the rear. Additionally, the frame has been designed with integrated protection, size-specific chainstays, and boost spacing.

This version of the Ibis Ripley has an SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed groupset. To make climbing and pedaling on difficult terrain easier, the cassette has a 10-52T gear range.

Finally, you can rely on Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes, Maxxis DHRII/Dissector tires, a Bike Yoke Revive dropper post, and a WTB Volt saddle to ensure comfort and performance on all your cross-country rides.

  • Frame – Carbon
  • Drivetrain – SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain 12-speed
  • Fork – Fox Factory Float 34 130mm
  • Rear Shock – Fox Factory Float DPS120mm
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX Hydraulic
  • Tires – 29×2.4″ Maxxis DHRII/Dissector
  • Seatpost – Bike Yoke Revive dropper
  • Rims – Ibis 933 aluminum

Buy from Backcountry.com


Juliana Roubion

Juliana - Roubion C S Complete Mountain Bike - Women's 2022

Women’s Enduro

MSRP: $5,949
evo

The Roubion by Juliana is a women’s enduro MTB with world-class performance and unbeatable durability.

The Roubion comes with a high-grade carbon c frame that offers top-level stiffness, strength, and weight. The geometry on this bike is optimized for maneuverability and the Lower-Link Mounted VPP suspension provides huge flexibility and super-smooth ride quality.

For suspension, you can rely on a premium Fox 36 Float Performance fork paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock. The drivetrain on the Roubion is an SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed which is lightweight, durable, and high-performing.

Other notable components are the SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes, Maxxis Minion 2.5″/2.4″ tires, and durable Race Face AR Offset 30 Rims.

  • Frame – Carbon C
  • Drivetrain – SRAM GX Eagle 1×12-speed
  • Fork – Fox 36 Float Performance 160mm
  • Rear Shock – RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Rear Shock 150mm
  • Brakes: SRAM Code R hydraulic disc
  • TiresMaxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5″ + Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 x 2.4″
  • SeatpostRockShox Reverb Stealth
  • RimsRaceface AR Offset 30

Buy on evo.com


Santa Cruz Tallboy 2022

Santa Cruz Bicycles - Tallboy C R Complete Mountain Bike 2022

XC

MSRP: $4,800
evo

Santa Cruz’s new 2022 Tallboy Carbon C is a sleek XC mountain bike with innovative design features and great mid-range components.

The frame on this bike is a high-quality carbon c with excellent stiffness and a featherweight feel. The frame uses lower-link VPP suspension with 120mm travel Fox Float DPS on the back and 130mm Fox Rhythm 34 on the front.

The VPP design maximizes the efficiency of the suspension, resulting in a supremely responsive feel and excellent performance in cross-country riding. Santa Cruz also incorporates longer travel geometry using a 65.5-degree head angle, a generous front center, and a short offset fork.

Other notable components on the Tallboy are wide-range SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes, and the Maxxis Dissector/Rekon tires. Finally, this bike uses a durable and reliable SDG Tellis dropper post.

  • Frame – Carbon C
  • DrivetrainSRAM NX Eagle 1×12-speed
  • ForkFox Rhythm 34 130mm
  • Rear ShockFox Float DPS Performance 120mm
  • Brakes:  SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc w/Avid Centerline 180mm
  • TiresMaxxis Rekon/Dissector 29″ x 2.4″
  • SeatpostSDG Tellis
  • Rims –  Race Face AR Offset 30 29″

Buy on evo.com


Santa Cruz 5010 C R 2022

2022 santa cruz 5010 review

Trail & All-Mountain

MSRP: $4,799
Evo.com

Santa Cruz’s 5010 series is a feature-rich trail bike that is lightweight, nimble, and ready for ripping rugged trails.

Santa Cruz’s 2022 5010 C R is available in two beautifully simple finishes, a golden yellow and black combination or a stealthy Stormbringer purple.

The C R model is the most affordable in this year’s range, half the price of the high spec $9,599 race-ready version. That said, it certainly doesn’t perform only half as well.  A full carbon fiber frame with progressive geometry, agile 27.5″ wheels, and high-end Maxxis Minion DHR II tires are all consistent across the range and lend to a sweet ride feel all over the mountain.

Santa Cruz’s lower-link VPPTM system makes the 140/130mm travel feel like much more going down while improving efficiency on the climbs. In addition, tailored geometry makes you feel perfectly at home on the 5010.

  • Fork – RockShox Pike Select 140mm travel
  • Shock – Fox Float Performance DPS 130mm travel
  • Frame – Carbon C
  • Drivetrain – 12 speed SRAM NX Eagle 11-50t
  • Brakes – SRAM Guide T
  • Wheelset -WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0
  • Tires – 27.5″ x 2.4″

Size Recommendations

XS – 4’8″ – 5’1″
S – 5’1″ – 5’5″
M – 5’5″ – 5’9″
L – 5’9″ – 6’1″
XL – 6’1″ – 6’5″

Buy from Evo.com Read Our Full Review


Santa Cruz V10 2022

Santa Cruz Bicycles - V10 CC X01 MX Complete Mountain Bike 2022

Downhill

MSRP: $8,899
Evo.com

Downhill MTBs don’t get much better than the Santa Cruz V10. This bike comes with a world-class Carbon CC frame, a pro-performance SRAM X01 groupset, and the most refined suspension performance possible.

This bike benefits from the highest attention to detail in any Santa Cruz bike. It utilizes 215mm VPP travel suspension to create World Championship level responsivity and performance. The V10 uses a Fox DHX2 Factory Coil rear shock and Fox 40 Factory which has Variable Valve Control to allow for external fine-tuning of suspension performance.

The V10 comes fitted with mixed-size wheels (29″ up front and 27.5″ in the back). The larger front helps to provide maximum grip and a smoother and more solid stance on rough terrain and turns while the smaller rear wheel helps you initiate turns while remaining maneuverable.

Finally, this bike has top-end SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip tires, a Fizik Alpaca Gravita X5 saddle, and a fatigue-minimizing Santa Cruz Carbon Handlebar.

  • ForkFox 40 Factory 203mm
  • ShockFox DHX2 Factory Coil 215mm
  • Frame – Carbon CC
  • DrivetrainSRAM X01 DH 7-Speed
  • BrakesSRAM Code RSC w/Avid Centerline 200mm rotors
  • WheelsetRace Face ARC HD 30
  • TiresMaxxis Assegai MaxxGrip 3C | 29 x 2.5″/ Rear 27.5 x 2.5″

Buy on evo.com

Best Hardtail MTBs in 2022


Marin El Roy 2022

marin el roy 2022 trail all-mountain bike

All-mountain

MSRP: $2,699
Jenson USA

Marin’s El Roy 2022 model is a fun mid-range hardtail mountain bike built for excellent durability and all-mountain performance.

The El Roy uses a Series 3 CrMo steel frame which is double-butted. This bike is optimized with internal dropper routing, a long-reach gravity-oriented geometry with 63° headtube and 78° seat tube angles, and investment cast dropouts for extra strength and flexibility.

This bike comes with a Marzocchi Z1140mm fork to help smooth out rough trails and tubeless-ready Marin double-wall rims with 2,5″ Maxxis Assegai tires to boost traction and comfort.

Finally, Marin has fitted the el Roy with a reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, powerful Shimano BR-MT420 hydraulic disc brakes, and an X-Fusion Manic dropper post for quick raising and lowering of the saddle.

  • Frame – Series 3 Double-Butted and Formed CrMo Tubing
  • Fork – Marzocchi 140mm
  • Drivetrain – Shimano Deore M6100 12-Speed
  • BrakesShimano 4-piston hydraulic discs
  • Wheelset – Marin Double-Wall Alloy TR Rims
  • TiresMaxxis Assegai MaxxGrip 29″ x 2.5″

Buy from Jenson USA Buy on GovVelo.com


Santa Cruz Nomad C R 2022

Santa Cruz Bicycles Nomad C R Mountain Bike

MSRP: $5,149
Evo

Santa Cruz’s Nomad hardtail bike is the company’s flagship all-mountain/enduro model, designed to be ridden harder for longer. If you’re looking for a versatile mid-range MTB, look no further than the Nomad.

This bike features a full carbon-c frame with Lower-Link Mounted suspension, proportional chainstays, integrated flip-chip, and internal cable routing. The frame also has an integrated headset molded rubber swingarm and downtube protection, boosting durability.

Combined with the aggressive frame geometry is a list of great components. These include an SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes, a RockShox 170mm travel fork, and Maxxis 2.5″/2.4″ tires. 

  • FrameCarbon C
  • Fork – RockShox ZEB 170mm
  • Shock – RockShox Super Deluxe Select 170mm
  • Drivetrain – SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed
  • Brakes – SRAM Guide RE hydraulic
  • Rims –WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 27.5″
  • TiresMaxxis Assegai 27.5″x2.5″/Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″ 

Buy on evo.com


Marin Bobcat Trail 4 2022

marin bobcat trail

Trail & XC

MSRP: $919

The Bobcat Trail 4 by Marin is a cheap hardtail for riders who want to try mountain biking in 2022.

This entry-level MTB has modern ‘Marin Trail Geometry’ that provides responsive and confidence-inspiring handling.

The Bobcat Trail uses a light Series 2 aluminum frame which helps keep costs down while still delivering excellent ride qualities. In addition, a Suntour 120mm travel fork provides plenty of suspension for light to moderate trails.

A notable characteristic of this bike is the change in wheel size in the smaller models (XS/S) from 29″ to 27.5″ wheels which optimizes the performance for the smaller frames.

Finally, Marin left the door open for long-range adventures in the backcountry by including rear rack mounts.

  • Frame – Series 2 aluminum frame 6061
  • Fork – SR Suntour XCM HLO DS fork 120mm travel
  • Drivetrain – 9-speed microSHIFT Advent 
  • Brakes – Tektro M275 hydro brakes
  • Tires – 27.5 x 2.25″ WTB Trail Boss

Buy on evo.com Buy on GovVelo.com

About the Author

Sam Millers

Sam Millers is the guy behind Bikexchange.com. From the early days of three wheels to conquering challenging mountain trails, Sam's love for cycling knows no bounds. With a background in web development, Sam seamlessly combined two of his greatest passions – cycling and technology. As the creative force behind Bikexchange.com, he shares insightful stories, expert tips, and engaging content for fellow cycling enthusiasts. When he's not exploring new biking routes or tweaking website codes, Alex enjoys sipping on a post-ride espresso and planning his next cycling adventure. 

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