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Best Trail & All-Mountain Bikes (130-160 mm travel)

By Mark   /  Last updated - December 29, 2023   /  Best-Of-Reviews, Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes, Mountain Bikes

mountain biker with two bikes

Mid-travel full-suspension MTBs tend to cover a broader spectrum of mountain biking applications than other more specific MTB styles. With front and rear travel in the 130mm to 160mm range, these mountain bikes are usually classed as trail or all-mountain bikes.

These bikes are able to handle relatively mountainous conditions like rocky trails and singletracks but are less agile on descents than dedicated downhill MTBs. The suspension is usually just tight enough that it can still swallow up obstacles and vibration without losing too much speed and momentum while having a comfortable geometry to climb as well.

Check out the best models we recommend!


Best Full-Suspension Trail & All-Mountain Bikes


1. Ghost – Riot AM Essential

ghost riot AM essential mountain bike

MSRP: $3,300
REI.com

The mighty Ghost Riot AM Essential stands out for its versatility and surprisingly high component level given the price.

Ghost chose a reliable RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and FS-35 Silver fork, each with 160mm travel, modern trail bike geometry, and a one-piece rear triangle and rocker link that enhances stiffness and power transfer. 

The Riot AM Essentail is worthy of consideration for anyone looking for a bike made by a reliable brand with solid componentry. However, the downside of this bike is that the Shimano BR-MT500 brakeset with 180mm rotors isn’t powerful enough. 

  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX 12-speed, 10-51t
  • Shock: 160mm travel RockShox Deluxe Select+
  • Fork: 160mm RockShox FS-35 Silver
  • Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″/DHR 2.4″ EXO+ 

Buy on REI


2. Ibis Ripmo SLX

Ibis Ripmo SLX

MSRP: $6,699

The new Ibis Ripmo SLX is one of the best trail mountain bikes on the market today, built around a premium full carbon frame with internal cabling and 2.6″ tire clearance.

It features a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain with SLX M7120 hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm and 147mm DW-Link suspension. 

With high travel suspension, the Ibis Ripmo is clearly intended for rougher terrain than most trail bikes. So lower the dropper post and charge down steep declines with stability and confidence, knowing the Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ tires have your back.

  • Frame: Carbon
  • Fork: 160mm, Fox Float Factory 38
  • Shock: 147mm Fox Float Factory X2
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed

Buy on Mike's Bikes


3. Cannondale – Moterra Neo 4

Best all-around e-mountain bike by a well-known bike brand

cannondale moterra neo 4

MSRP: $5,900
REI

Cannondale’s Moterra Neo 4 delivers an impressive combination of smart design, modern technology, and carefully chosen components.

The progressive geometry is low on the ground with a long wheelbase, steep seat tube, and slack head angle. This makes for a stable and comfortable ride on chunky descents.

Travel is at 150mm front and rear. This makes the Moterra Neo 4 an ideal enduro bike, best for charging down singletrack and through rock gardens. The RockShox suspension and SRAM SX groupset are solid choices, with Cannondale using its own in-house handlebar and stem.

  • Fork: 150mm, RockShox Recon RL Silver 
  • Shock: 150mm, RockShox Deluxe Select R
  • SRAM SX
  • SmartForm C2 Aluminum

Buy on REI


4. Yeti – SB130 CLR Factory (Lunch Ride)

YETI SB130 C-SERIES CLR FACTORY

Pivot 29 Race XT Trail Mountain Bike

MSRP: $7,400
Jenson USA

This top-quality, versatile carbon all-mountain bike from Yeti will take you anywhere you want to go. Whether attacking flat desert terrain or rocky mountain passes, you’ll find the SB130 29er adapts to whatever you throw at it.

The C-Series Lunch Ride version of the Yeti SB130 features more capable geometry, tires, and longer-travel suspension.

With Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension platform, this bike has super efficient pedaling and an almost bottomless feel.  

Some standout components include the Fox Factory Float X 147mm shock, Factory 36 160mm travel fork, Fox Transfer Dropper, SRAM Code R 4-Piston, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ and Minion DHRII 2.4″ EXO+ tires. 

  • Fork: Fox Performance 36 160mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Performance Float X 147mm
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
  • Frame: Carbon C-Series

Buy from Jenson USA


5. Santa Cruz – Hightower 2

Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Mountain Bike

MSRP: $5,499
Evo.com

The Santa Cruz Hightower fits the needs of an advanced mountain biker and is one of the best-rated mountain bikes for trail riding.

The Hightower comes in aluminum or carbon frame versions, with SRAM gears, Maxxis tires, and high-quality suspension. The Hightower is on our list as it is considered one of the more capable bikes in its category.

The Hightower C R Kit features a carbon frame with VPP suspension and flip-chip tuning. It has 150mm of front travel on the Fox Yari RC and 145mm on the rear with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock.

  • Fork: 150mm, Fox Yari RC
  • Shock: 145mm, Fox Float DPS Performance shock
  • Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle
  • Frame: Carbon fiber

Buy on Evo.com


6. Niner – RIP 9 RDO 2-Star

NINER RIP RDO 2-STAR

MSRP: $4,799
Jenson USA

The Niner RDO 2-Star is a high-performance trail 29er with a mid-range price. It comes packed with excellent technology like CVA suspension, full-sleeve internal cable routing, and an SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.

The RDO Carbon frame uses progressive and adjustable geometry that can handle a huge variety of trail scenarios. With 140mm of rear Fox Float X Performance EVOL 2 shock combined with a Fox 36 Float Rhythm fork the RIP 9 RDO 2-Star is the perfect bike for charging along singletrack and bouncing over rock gardens.

  • Fork: Fox 36 Float Rhythm 150mm
  • Shock: Fox Float X Performance EVOL 2 140mm
  • Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle
  • Frame: RDO Carbon

Buy on Jenson USA


7. Juliana – Furtado

juliana furtado C S

MSRP: $5,799
Mike’s Bikes

Juliana is one of the top mountain bike brands for women, having developed the first female-specific MTB back in 1999. The new 27.5″ Furtado is a carbon full-suspension trail bike with lower link suspension for better traction and a low center of gravity for stability. It’s built supreme maneuverability on all types of off-road terrain, whether you’re going downhill or uphill.

The Furtado benefits from RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock with a RockShox Pike Select+ fork that provides 140mm of travel. Combine this with SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes and Maxxis Minion DHR 2.4″ tires and you get a MTB that closely resembles the excellent Santa Cruz Hightower.

  • Fork: 140m, RockShox Pike Select+ 
  • Shock: 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
  • SRAM GX Eagle
  • Carbon C frame

Buy from Mike's Bikes


8. Revel – Rascal XT

Revel - Rascal XT Mountain Bike

Revel - Rascal X01 Complete Mountain Bike 2023

MSRP: $7,199
evo.com

For pro-level competitive riders, Revel mountain bikes have created the Rascal: a full carbon dream team of killer components and groundbreaking technology. For maximum pedaling efficiency, the Rascal’s Japanese Toray fiber frame utilizes the Canfield Balance Formula (CBF) to focus 100% of your power into the chainring, providing you with solid, stable speed over any terrain.

Add a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and a Pike Ultimate fork, and the ground seems to melt away below while you float around corners and over obstacles with ease. This is all driven by Shimano’s podium-winning XT M8100 drivetrain and controlled by the solid XT 8120 hydraulic braking system. For the trail, all-mountain, or even enduro, you’ll struggle to find a better MTB than the Revel Rascal.

  • Fork: 140mm Fox Float 36 Factory
  • Rear Shock: 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
  • Shimano XT
  • Carbon fiber

Buy on evo.com


9. Marin – Alpine Trail Carbon 2

Marin Alpine Trail Carbon 2

MSRP: $4,499
Jenson USA

Marin Bikes is a renowned mountain bike brand for those who like affordability and reliability from a MTB company.

The Alpine Trail Carbon 2 is the premium model of this 29er series, offering excellent climbing and descending abilities in one package.

Quality components include a 12-speed Shimano SLX M7100 groupset, a Fox 38 Performance Elite, 160mm fork, a 150mm Float X Performance shock, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ Maxx Terra/Assegai 2.5″ Maxx Grip tires. 

With Marin’s proprietary MultiTrac suspension, you get a balanced platform that improves efficiency and bottom-out control simultaneously. When the aggressive geometry of the Alpine Trail is combined with high travel suspension, it makes for an adaptable all-mountain bike that can tackle every kind of ride.

  • Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite 160mm
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float X Performance 150mm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed
  • Frame: Carbon fiber front triangle, alloy rear triangle

Buy on Jenson USA


10. Transition – Sentinel X01

MSRP: $5,250
evo.com

This 29″ beast from Transition bikes pairs 150mm of rear with 160mm of front travel, putting it on the high-end of mid-travel MTBs. You’ll feel just as comfortable hitting jumps or tackling steep drops with this bike, as you will charging over rock gardens and along a single track.

It’s the perfect all-rounder and it comes in a range of builds, with drivetrains ranging from SRAM NX Eagle and Shimano Deore XT to the GX Eagle and SRAM’s top-quality X01. The top range X01 combines Fox Float suspension with SRAM Code RSC disc brakes, leaving you with nothing but confidence as the mountainside blurs past beneath you.

  • Fork: 160mm, Fox Float 36 Grip 2 Factory
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory 2-Position
  • SRAM X01 Eagle
  • Carbon fiber

Buy on evo.com


11. Orbea – Occam H30

Orbea Occam H30 Mountain Bike

MSRP: $2.999
Jenson USA

The Orbea Occam is a high-performance MTB for a relatively low price, considering it boasts a hydroformed aluminum with a Shimano Deore groupset and high-quality suspension. You even get an OC MC20 dropper post and internal cable routing.

The lightweight setup makes for easy, all-day riding, and with 140mm of front and rear travel you can take on a variety of terrain. A broad gearing range takes the pain out of uphills, and solid Shimano hydraulic brakes make steep descents easy to control.

  • Fork: 140mm, Marzocchi Bomber Z2
  • Rear Shock: 140mm, Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Shimano Deore 1×12-speed
  • Aluminum

Buy on JensonUSA.com


12. Rocky Mountain – Instinct Carbon 50

Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 50

MSRP: $5,809
Jenson USA

For a top-quality and highly versatile all-mountain bike, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 50, with a Smoothwall carbon frame built to accommodate 29″ wheels.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but with a 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain and SLX 4-piston hydraulic brakes, we’d expect nothing less.

The lightweight frame uses Rocky Mountain’s RIDE-9 adjustable geometry, progressive sizing, and high-end suspension components for a premium trail feel. 

Highlights of this bike include the Fox 36 Float Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float DPS Performance 140mm shock, Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 and DHR II  MaxxTerra EXO+ tires, and the smooth shifting XT drivetrain. 

  • Fork: 150mm, Fox 36 Float Performance
  • Rear Shock: 140mm, Fox Float DPS Performance 
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT
  • Frame: Carbon fiber

Buy on Jenson USA


13. Devinci – Troy C/A29 GX

devinvi troy c/a 29 gx mountain bike

MSRP: $5,419
Jenson USA

Devinci is a lesser-known bicycle brand that produces highly affordable MTBs and gravel bikes. The Troy 29er uses Split-Pivot suspension on a premium carbon/aluminum frame with 150mm of travel for a customizable feel with better compliance and traction.

As one of the best full-suspension bikes on this list, the Troy has surprisingly good front and rear suspension, supplied by Fox. It includes an adjustable Flip Chip for quick changing between Hi/Lo mode. The brakes are SRAM Code R four-piston hydraulic discs with Race Face AR35 Offset TR rims and Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires.

  • Fork: 150mm Fox Float 36 Performance GRIP
  • Rear Shock: 150mm Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite 
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX 12-speed
  • Frame: Carbon front triangle, aluminum rear triangle

Buy on Jenson USA


14. Diamondback – Release 3

Diamondback release mountain bike

MSRP: $4,100
REI

The Release is a 29″ Diamondback full-suspension mountain bike with an aluminum frame, providing a stiff and durable ride without raising the price too high. It rides on a top-quality Fox Performance Float setup with 140mm front and 130mm rear travel and Diamondback’s Level Link suspension platform, an ideal balance of speed and absorption. Additionally, a Shimano XT M8100 12-speed drivetrain offers tough components where you need them most.

No corners are cut on the wheels though, with Diamondback Blanchard running Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 29 x 2.3″ tires, a combination that is well supported by Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes. Overall, the Release is a killer trail bike that expertly keeps down costs without sacrificing quality, resulting in great value for money.

  • Fork: 140mm, Fox 34 Performance Float
  • Rear Shock: 130mm, Fox Performance Float DPX2
  • Shimano XT 12-speed
  • Aluminum frame

Buy on REI.com Buy on GovVelo.com


15. Marin – Rift Zone

marin rift zone

MSRP: $1,899
Jenson USA

The Rift Zone is a highly affordable MTB from Marin that combines impressive frame design with reliable components. On the frame, you get stiff, lightweight Series 3 6061 aluminum with Boost spacing, has ISCG05 tabs, and internal cable routing.

  • Fork: 1RockShox Recon Silver RL 130mm
  • Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R, Custom Tune 120mm
  • Shimano Deore, 11-Speed
  • Aluminum

With a balanced 130mm of front and 120mm rear travel from RockShox and X-Fusion, you will be able to descend with ease. Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and a high-ratio Shimano Deore11-Speed drivetrain ensure you won’t struggle to keep up with the best out there. You don’t need to be a genius to know that this bike offers excellent value for money. 

Buy on Jenson USA Buy on GovVelo.com


16. Yeti – SB140 TLR T2

yeti sb140 TLR t2

MSRP: $9,100
Jenson USA

A pro mountain bike for pro riders, the Yeti SB140 TLR T2 is as much a mouthful as it is a bike packed full of features. Hop on and feel the ground smooth out before you as the Fox Factory suspension swallows up vibrations and the SRAM X01 drivetrain powers you forward without faltering.

  • Fork: 160mm, Fox Factory 36 GRIP 2
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float X Factory
  • SRAM X01 Eagle
  • TURQ-series Carbon fiber

With a huge 160mm of upfront travel, you’ll have no trouble taking on big jumps or steep drops, with a Fox Factory Transfer dropper seat post giving you the space you need. The stiff SB140 carbon frame complements low-slung stability with an aggressive 65-degree head angle, resulting in a fast and fun all-mountain trail bike that excels in extreme conditions.

Buy on JensonUSA.com


17. Evil – Following LS 

Evil Following LS GX Mountain Bike

MSRP: $6,450
Evo.com

Evil is one of those underrated mountain bike brands that seldom fail to impress. The carbon-framed Following comes in various groupset flavors, with the one pictured featuring SRAM GX Eagle running a 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM G2 RS disc brakes and RockShox suspension.

  • Fork: 130mm Rockshox Pike Ultimate Charger 2 RC2
  • Rear Shock: 121mm RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT
  • SRAM GX Eagle
  • Carbon

It’s an agile 29″ trail charger that can tackle rough terrain with a decent 130mm of upfront travel on a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork. The bike has a fun feel to it, bouncing along with confidence and just an edge of excitement. With this setup, the Maxxis Minion DHF tires work especially well wrapped on Industry Nine Enduro S rims.

Buy on evo.com


18. Cannondale – Habit 4

cannondale habit 4 mountain bike

MSRP: $3,025
REI

The Cannondale Habit 4 29er is a burly trail machine designed with speed in mind.

A RockShox 35 Gold RL 140mm fork and Deluxe Select+ 130mm shock allow for some aggressive riding, while the progressive geometry and Proportional Response design make for a consistent ride across the sizes. 

  • Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL 140mm
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+ 130mm
  • Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
  • Frame: Aluminum

Both the SRAM SX drivetrain and two-piston Shimano disc brakes are great parts that are trail-proven. The slack geometry and Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ and Aggressor 2.4″ EXO tires also make it easier to tackle chunky terrain with confidence. 

Buy on REI.com


19. Ibis Ripley XT

Ibis Ripley XT

Ibis mojo carbon mountain bikes in two colors with frames

MSRP: $6,999

Ibis has long been touted as one of the best mountain bike brands worldwide and its flagship Ripley XT carbon trail bike hammers home that truth with a premium component list and ultra-light design. 

With 130mm of front and 120mm of rear travel, supported by DWLink suspension and V5 Kinematics, the Ripley is the perfect carbon trail bike.

  • Fork: Fox Float 34 Factory Series, 130mm Travel
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float 34 Factory Series, 130mm Travel
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 Shadow Plus
  • Frame: Carbon fiber

The steep 76-degree seat tube and high ratio 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain make hill climbing a cinch, while the XT M8120 4-piston disc brakes combined with thick Maxxis DHRII/Dissector 29 x 2.4″ tires ensure descents are safe and nimble.

Notable extra details include internal cable routing and an ISCG mount plus a polycarbonate downtube protector.

Buy from Jenson USA


20. Norco – Sight A1

norco sight a1

MSRP: $5,599
Jenson USA

The Norco Sight A1 is a 29er aluminum bike fitted with premium RockShox suspension and designed with Norco’s Ride Aligned Design System for exceptional ride characteristics. This bike has excellent climbing and descending capabilities. 

  • Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2, 160mm
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT, 150mm
  • SRAM GX Eagle
  • Aluminum

Norco bikes produced the Sight with ease in mind, so you can spend longer in the mountains supported by a 12-speed a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain should power run low. Additionally, Maxxis Assegai and Dissector tires and SRAM Code RSC four-piston hydraulic disc brakes keep you in control at all times. 

Buy on JensonUSA.com


21. Santa Cruz – 5010 5 C R

santa cruz 5010 5 c r mountain bike

MSRP: $5,300
Mike’s Bikes

The 5010 5 C R from Santa Cruz Bicycles is a powerful trail bike designed for agility and speed. This bike benefits from pure MTB DNA from Santa Cruz, with a lightweight Carbon C frame that tears through the countryside, powered by a high ratio SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Guide T hydraulic disc brakes.

  • Fork: RockShox Pike Base, 140mm
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance DPS 130mm
  • SRAM NX Eagle
  • Carbon fiber

Utilizing Santa Cruz’s proprietary VPP suspension link system, this bike rides like a high-end bike. For any adventurous rock hoppers out there, you get 140mm of front and 130mm of rear travel to absorb the impact of those particularly courageous maneuvers.

Charge along with confidence knowing your innovative suspension system and Maxxis Minion DHR II tires will ensure you stay on track.

Buy on Mike's Bikes Read Our Full Review


22. Devinci Marshall

Devinci - Marshall A 29 SX 12s Complete Mountain Bike 2023

MSRP: $2,649

The Devinci Marshall is a serious alloy beast with more to give than you could read from the specs.

Besides having all the boxes ticked to conquer the rough and smoother trails with ease, what stands out the most is the mixture of solid mid-range components from TranzX dropper seat post, Maxxis Minion tires, and of course, the SRAM SX Eagle derailleur.

Finally, the bike comes with an 11-50t cassette and SRAM’s Level T precise hydraulic disc brakes that will stop you on a dime.

  • Fork – RockShox 35 Silver TK SoloAir
  • Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select R Debonair
  • Aluminum Optimum G04 Frame
  • SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain

Buy from evo.com


23. Norco – Fluid FS 1

Norco Fluid FS 1 Mountain Bike

MSRP: $3,399
Evo.com

The Norco Fluid FS 1 is an affordable trail bike that combines a dependable Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain with a supple RockShox Pike Select 130mm fork, Deluxe Select 120mm shock, and aluminum frame.

The design of spec of this bike results in respectable performance without breaking the bank. It’s a great intermediate full-suspension bike for trail or XC riding without any extreme jumps or drops.

  • Fork: RockShox Pike Select 130mm
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select 120mm shock
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed
  • Frame: Aluminum

Norco’s progressive design and modern trail geometry lend to this bike’s playful and confident trail performance. It has the perfect amount of suspension to ride comfortably along rocky singletrack and mountainous trails without swallowing up all your power.

Buy from Evo.com


Buying Guide


ibis ripley mountain bikes

Ibis Ripmo – Big Wheel, Big Travel Speed Demon. What’s great about this bike is that Ibis Cycles manufacturers their own set of 29″ carbon wheels that can accomodate tires up to 2.8″ in width. “

What to Expect & How to Choose?

Trail bikes have quickly become the most common form of full-suspension MTBs, designed to tackle all forms of terrain while maintaining comfort over a long distance. Trail bikes fall between XC and Enduro bikes, offering sufficient downhill handling while retaining speed over flatter sections.

They usually have a seat tube angle in the 74-75 degree range, with shorter chainstays and longer reach. Travel ranges from as little as 120mm all the way up to 160mm, with both 29″ and 27.5″ wheel sizes popular.

You should consider your style of riding before selecting a mid-travel MTB. While they all have similar characteristics, the type of riding you intend on doing will define how much travel is ideal. 

Suspension Travel

If you enjoy charging downhill or attempting small jumps, you’ll want to choose something in the higher travel range.
If you prefer racing along bumpy off-road or gravel tracks at high speed, aim for something in the lower travel range.

Wheels & Tires

Other points to consider include wheel and tire size. Larger 29″ wheels are better for speed and absorption, whereas the small 27.5″ wheel size is more agile on downhills and sharp corners. 2.5″ width is somewhat average, while 2.8″ is considered as wide.

Different MTB Disciplines

XC vs. Trail

Cross-country (XC) is generally considered the most traditional mountain bike style with the most versatile usage. Hence the name, Cross-Country Mountain Bikes can handle all types of terrain from smooth singletrack and gravel roads to rocky trails and technical mountain tracks.

XC mountain bikes typically have a shorter wheelbase for agility and steeper geometry for easier hill climbing. Head angles are in the range of 69-71 degrees, with seat tube angles between 74-75 degrees. They usually have the lowest amount of travel, from 90-100mm, and 29″ wheels for a faster, stiffer ride.

>>> Related: Best Short-Travel Mountain Bikes (100-130mm range)

Trail/All-Mountain vs. Enduro

Enduro bikes attempt to combine aggressive downhill geometry with uphill climbing ability, resulting in a bike that can tackle highly technical courses over varied terrain. 

They typically have the longest, lowest, and slackest geometry of all MTB styles, making them less comfortable over long distances, but also more versatile. They are both stable on downhills and powerful on ascents, with suspension in the 150-180mm range and tires from 2.3″ to 2.8″ thick.

>>> Related: Best Enduro Mountain Bikes (150-180mm range)

27.5″ vs. 29″ – The Endless Debate

Mountain bike wheel sizes have become a hot topic recently, after years of 26″ wheels dominating the market. Since the 29″ wheels began gaining popularity in the mid-2010s, manufacturers began experimenting with different wheel sizes, introducing the mid-sized 27.5″ or also known as the 650b wheel size. Nowadays, almost all MTBs use either 29″ or 27.5″, with subtle but noticeable differences between the two. You’ll still find 26″ wheels on smaller frame sizes on some models.

  • Being larger, 29″ wheels are better for taller riders and while they offer less acceleration, they have better traction and attack angle which eventually means better speed.
  • 27.5″ wheels are faster and lighter, with better maneuverability and greater versatility.

27.5″ MTB wheels are also known to have the availability to fit wider tires of up to 3″ in width, while the standard max clearance for 29″ tires is 2.6″

>>> Related: Best Mullet Mountain Bikes


FAQ


FAQ

Which are the best mountain bike brand on this list?

Ibis, Yeti, Santa Cruz, Revel, Transition, and Evil are some of the boutique-type brands in the MTB business, while Salsa has the most models available. Cannondale has also done a great job providing online shoppers with a variety of mountain bikes from their fleet.

What is the best all-mountain bike?

The different types of mountain bikes might confuse most riders, but it isn’t actually as confusing. An all-mountain bike is basically built 70% for ascending and 30% descending, making it a few notches harder to ride than the regular trail bike.

Do you need the rear suspension lock-up switch?

Climbing is a part of mountain biking, and if you tend to be the climber who climbs while seated, a rear suspension-lock-up switch might be useful for you. The switch works wonders on longer-travel bikes with slacker geometry, while you’ll generally see the switches on higher-end models.

Where to buy trail and all-mountain bikes?

These are the best online bike shops to buy mountain bikes online

Mike’s Bikes
Awesome set of high-end and mid-range mountain bikes, both full-suspension and hardtail

JensonUSA
Obviously one of the more known stores that will fix you up a good deal

Evo.com 
Bikes & frames by the best brands available

GravityCoalition
You can find pretty sweet last-size deals there on full-suspension and eBikes as well.

REI
Cannondale, Co-op Cycles, and Salsa mountain bikes are represented.

About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark is a cycling enthusiast and freelance writer specializing in travel and technology. He has traveled to 56 countries worldwide, cycling through Africa and Europe. You can contact him on Twitter @splshrollstmble. Mark is behind most of the current bicycle reviews in Bikexchange today. You can check his journeys @splashrollstumble. Specializes in best-of reviews, bike brand reviews, bicycle reviews.

One thought on “Best Trail & All-Mountain Bikes (130-160 mm travel)

  1. PETER ALEXANDER says:

    How come no Banshees on this list?

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