Best Trail & All-Mountain Bikes (130-160 mm travel)
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 in 2022!
Best Full-Suspension Trail & All-Mountain Bikes
1. Salsa – Horsethief SX
Cane Creek suspension & many more interesting components around the bike
MSRP: $2,799
REI.com
The mighty Horsethief stands out for its versatility and surprisingly high component level given the price. Salsa chose a reliable RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and Recon Silver RL fork, modern trail bike geometry, and Split Pivot suspension that isolates pedaling and braking forces to improve traction and control all over the mountain.
The Horsethief by Salsa is a must-have consideration for anyone who is looking for a bike made by a reliable brand.
- 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle
- Shock: 140mm travel RockShox Deluxe Select+ fork
- Fork: 140mm, RockShox Recon Silver RL
- Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5″ / DHR 2.4″
2. Ibis – Ripmo V2 XT DVO 2021
MSRP: $4,699
Jenson USA
The new Ibis Ripmo AF GX is one of the best trail mountain bikes on the market today, featuring an SRAM GX Eagle 1×12-speed drivetrain with SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm and 147mm DVO suspension. This is all fitted on a full aluminum frame with internal cabling, 2.6″ tire clearance, and a removable ISCG mount.
With high travel suspension, the Ibis Ripmo is clearly intended for rougher terrain than most trail bikes. Lower the dropper post and charge down steep declines with stability and confidence, knowing the Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ tires have your back. Yes, the price is high… but it’s worth every penny!
- Fork: 160mm, DVO Onyx D1
- Shock: 147mm DVO Jade X Coil
- SRAM GX Eagle
- Aluminum
3. Specialized – Stumpjumper Comp
Best all-around mountain bike by a well-known bike brand
Specialized Stumpjumper 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, agile, and comfortable ride that can be finely tuned to suit your needs via the integrated FlipChip adjustment system.
Travel is relatively mid-level, at 130mm rear and 140mm front. This makes the StumpJumper an ideal trail bike, best for charging down the singletrack, popping over rocks, and, well, jumping over stumps. The Fox Float suspension and a Shimano SLX groupset are excellent choices, with Specialized using its own in-house tires and Roval rims.
- Fork: 140mm, Fox Float 34 Rhythm
- Shock: 130mm, Fox Float DPS Performance
- Shimano SLX
- Carbon fiber
4. Pivot – Switchblade
MSRP: $5,499
Competitive Cyclist
This top-quality, versatile carbon all-mountain bike from Pivot will take you anywhere you want to go. Whether attacking flat desert terrain or rocky mountain passes, you’ll find the Switchblade adapts to whatever you throw at it.
The updated version features advanced geometry with longer travel and space for both 29″ and 27.5″ wheels. With the addition of DW-Link suspension and redesigned shocks to allow for a more compact frame and larger water bottle, the new geometry is tight and aggressive.
- Fork: 160mm Fox Performance 36 GRIP
- Shock: 142mm, Fox Performance DPX2
- Shimano SLX
- Carbon fiber
5. Santa Cruz – Hightower
MSRP: $4,949
Evo.com / Backcountry
As one of the best-rated mountain bikes for trail riding, the Santa Cruz Hightower fits all the needs of a serious MTB cyclist. Hightowers come in both aluminum or carbon frame versions, with SRAM gears, Maxxis tires, and high-quality suspension. The reason that the Hightower is on our list is simple, as this is considered to be one of the more popular bikes in its travel range.
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
- SRAM NX Eagle
- Carbon fiber
Buy on Evo.com Buy on Backcountry.com
6. Cannondale – Habit 3
MSRP: $3,120
REI.com
These days it’s hard to find really good mountain bikes for around $3,000, so the Cannondale Habit 3 offers excellent value for money. It comes packed with groundbreaking technology like Proportional Response for weight-tailored suspension, DirectLine cable routing, and an SRAM NX drivetrain.
The SmartForm C1 aluminum frame uses shorter chainstays and a slack head angle for better flow and more agile handling at speed. With 130mm of rear travel combined with 140mm on the RockShox Pike Select, Habit is the perfect bike for charging along singletrack and bouncing over rock gardens.
- Fork: 140mm, RockShox Pike Select
- Shock: 130mm, RockShox Deluxe Select+
- SRAM NX Eagle
- Smartform C1 Alloy
7. Juliana – Furtado
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
8. Revel – Rascal X01
MSRP: $7,399
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 SRAM’s podium-winning X01 Eagle drivetrain and controlled by the solid G2 RSC 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 RockShox Pike Ultimate
- Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
- SRAM X01 Eagle
- Carbon fiber
9. Evil – Offering V1
MSRP: $5,699 $5,414
Jenson USA
Although lesser-known, Evil bikes is a good mountain bike brand for those who prefer a MTB-specific company. The Offering is one of their flagship trail bikes, offering excellent climbing and descending abilities in a single bike. Quality components include a 12-speed Shimano XT groupset, a 150mm Fox36 Factory Grip 2, and E*thirteen LG1 Plus 29″x 2.4″ tires
With Evil’s proprietary Delta Link suspension, you get highly adjustable, multi-link pivots that let you change from aggressive to slacker geometry with lower gravity and longer reach. When this geometry is combined with high travel suspension, the Offering makes an adaptable all-mountain bike that can tackle every kind of ride.
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory Grip 2 150mm
- Rear Shock: Fox DPX2 140mm
- Shimano XT 12-speed
- Carbon fiber
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
11. Orbea – Occam H30
MSRP: $3.299
Evo.com
The Orbea Occam is a high-performance MTB for a relatively low price, considering it boasts a full carbon frame with a Shimano Deore groupset and high-quality suspension. You even get an OC2 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. High gear ration takes the pain out of uphills and solid 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
12. Intense – Primer
MSRP: $5,499
Aventuron
For a top-quality and highly versatile all-mountain bike, look no further than the Intense Primer, with a 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 Magura MT7 Pro / Storm HC hydraulic brakes, we’d expect nothing less.
The lightweight frame uses Intense’s unique VPP-improved JS-Tuned suspension combined with an Ohlins shock and fork, providing 150mm of front and 140mm of rear travel.
13. Devinci – Troy Deore
MSRP: $3,779
Competitive Cyclist
Devinci is a lesser-known bicycle brand that produces highly affordable MTBs and gravel bikes. The Troy 29er uses Split-Pivot suspension on an aluminum frame with 140mm of travel for a customizable feel with better compliance and traction.
As one of the cheapest full-suspension bikes on this list, the Troy has surprisingly good front and rear suspension, supplied by RockShox. It includes an adjustable Flip Chip for quick changing between Hi/Lo mode. Brakes are Shimano Deore 4 Piston hydraulic discs with V2 Comp rims and Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR tires.
- Fork: 150mm RockShox Revelation RC
- Rear Shock: 140mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select R
- Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Aluminum
14. Diamondback – Release 3
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
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
MSRP: $9,100
Jenson USA / Backcountry
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 Buy on Backcountry.com
17. Transition – Scout
MSRP: $3,899
Evo.com
Transition is one of those under-rated mountain bike brands that seldom fail to impress. The aluminum-framed Scout comes in various groupset flavors, with the most affordable SRAM NX Eagle running a 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM Code R disc brakes and Fox Rhythm/Float suspension.
- Fork: 150mm, Fox Rhythm 36
- Rear Shock: 140mm, Fox Float X Performance 2-Position
- SRAM NX Eagle
- Aluminum
It’s an agile 27.5” trail charger that can tackle rough terrain with a decent 140mm of upfront travel on a Fox Float X fork. The bike has a fun feel to it, bouncing along with confidence and just an edge of excitement. With this setup, the Maxxis Assegai and Minion tires work especially well wrapped on tubeless Stans Flow D rims.
18. Salsa – Blackthorn
MSRP: $4,999
Aventuron
This modern carbon fiber Salsa 29” MTB is a rock-popping machine designed with heavy trail riding in mind. The RockShox fork with 160mm travel allows for some steep drops or park fun and the 140mm Split Pivot rear suspension gives you excellent traction on climbs, corners, and descents.
- Fork: 160mm, RockShox Lyrik Select+
- Rear Shock: 140mm, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
- Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
- EPS Carbon
Both the Shimano SLX drivetrain and SLX M7120 disc brakes are great parts that are trail-proven. The integrated FlipChip makes it easy to change between geometry modes so if you’re looking for an affordable, versatile bike, this might be the one.
19. Ibis – Mojo 4 Deore ‘2021
MSRP: $4,499
Competitive Cyclist
Ibis has long been touted as one of the best mountain bike brands worldwide and its flagship Mojo carbon trail bike hammers home that truth. With 140mm of front and 130mm of rear travel, supported by DWLink suspension and V5 Kinematics, the Mojo is the perfect all-mountain play bike.
- Fork: 140mm Fox Float 35 Factory Series Grip 2
- Rear Shock: 130mm Fox Float Factory Series, DPS with EVOL
- Shimano Deore
- Carbon fiber
The steep 76.6-degree seat tube and high ratio 1×12 Shimano Deore drivetrain make hill climbing a cinch, while M6100 disc brakes combined with thick Schwalbe tires ensure descents are safe and nimble. Notable extra details include internal cable routing and an ISCG mount plus polycarbonate downtube protector.
20. 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 an SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain should power run low. Additionally, Maxxis Assegai and Dissector tires and SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes keep you in control at all times.
21. Santa Cruz – 5010 C R
MSRP: $4,799
Mike’s Bikes
The 5010 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 Select, 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 
MSRP: $3,079
Backcountry
Here we managed to finally squeeze a must-have name in the Trail/AM game – Devinci with their latest aluminum Marshall.
The Marshall Deore 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 Deore derailleur.
Finally, the bike comes with Deore (10-51t) cassette and Shimano’s 4-piston precise hydro brakes to compensate for that.
- Fork – RockShox 35 Silver TK 140mm
- Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select R 130mm
- FORM Alloy frame with RIDE-9 Geometry
- Shimano XT/SLX 12-sp
23. Diamondback – Atroz 2
MSRP: $1,375
Jenson USA
The Atroz 2 is an affordable Diamondback trail bike that combines a dependable Shimano Acera drivetrain with entry-level SR Suntour suspension and an aluminum frame, resulting in a bike that delivers respectable performance without breaking the bank. It’s a great beginner full-suspension bike for all-mountain riding without any extreme jumps or drops.
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM, 120mm Travel
- Rear Shock: SR Suntour Raidon-R Air Shock, 100mm
- Shimano Acera 9-speed
- 6061 Aluminum
The Suntour 120mm travel fork paired with 100mm of rear travel is supported by Diamondback’s single-pivot suspension linkage allows this bike to perform above its price tag. This is the perfect amount of suspension to bounce comfortably along rocky singletrack and mountainous trails without swallowing up all your power.
Buy from Jenson USA Buy on GovVelo.com
24. Co-op Cycles – DRT 3.3
MSRP: $3,299
REI.com
The DRT 3.3 is one of many full-suspension mountain bikes with progressive wheel sizes based on frame size, 27.5″ or 29ers. Co-op cycles, part of REI mountain bikes, have made the smaller version available with 27.5″ wheels to ensure even performance for shorter riders. The DRT 3.3 has a 66/67-degree head tube angle and 75-degree seat tube angle, with a long wheelbase and low center, making it stable and agile through obstacles.
- Fork: 120/130mm, RockShox Revelation Motion Control RC
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Shimano SLX 12-speed
- Aluminum
The components are intermediate but sufficient, including a RockShox fork and shock, a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. The DRT 3.3 is certainly a decent bike with the added promise of REI’s high quality and low prices.
Buying Guide
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
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
Competitive Cyclist
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
Backcountry
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 represented.
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How come no Banshees on this list?