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Enduro rider going over roots and rocks on a trail

The Best Enduro Bikes of 2023

Get up to get down with our seven favorite bikes in the category

Enduro rider going over roots and rocks on a trail

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

The goal of an enduro bike might seem straightforward: to go downhill fast and with style without sacrificing all your pedaling efficiency. But slightly different geometry and new tech can really change how each bike achieves that goal. Our seven favorite bikes in the category this year are all insanely fun, but in their own unique ways.

The Winners at a Glance

Santa Cruz Nomad

Canyon Strive

Deviate Claymore

Transition Patrol Carbon

Orbea Rallon M-LTD

Commencal Meta SX

How We Test

Pinkbike ’s enduro bike Field Test went down this year in Bellingham, Washington. It was run by Mike Kazimer, Alicia Leggett, and Matt Beer, and they biked a lot of laps to get all the testing in. They faced some classic Pacific Northwest conditions: mud, rain, and every slippery forest feature you can imagine (think roots and rocks). Essentially, the goal was to test each bike in the same conditions to give them all an equal playing field. The criteria for inclusion in the test were simple—the bike just had to classify as an enduro bike. But there are many different ways an enduro back can get you downhill, and that’s exactly what we wanted to find out for ourselves.

Pinkbike also long-term tested the new enduro bikes this year so reviewers could get a sense of the bikes in different conditions. Tests ranged across North America, from British Columbia to Washington.

Santa Cruz Nomad ($11,199 as tested)

Santa Cruz Nomad

Pros: Very well-balanced handling; thoughtful frame features; outstanding performance in steep and technical terrain

Cons: Stock tires hold the bike back in some situations

Best For: High-speed, high-stakes riding and racing

The Nomad has been a perennial favorite with enduro racers and aggressive trail riders. Recently, Santa Cruz revamped this long-travel brawler with a mullet setup: a 29-inch front wheel (for roll-over benefits) paired with a 27.5-inch rear wheel (for agility).

It ticks all the boxes you’d expect to find on a modern enduro bike: it has 170 millimeters of front and rear suspension, internal downtube storage, room for longer travel dropper posts, plus generous chainstay and downtube protection from impacts.

But the sixth-generation Nomad is really a study in incremental improvements. Our testers all felt it has a blend of predictable handling and stability at speed that makes it an extremely enjoyable bike to ride. Its confident handling urged us to push our boundaries, becoming better riders in the process. This performance isn’t cheap, but the Nomad offers a level of refinement that isn’t present in many of its competitors. —Mike Kazimer

Read the full review

Canyon Strive CFR ($7,299 as tested)

Canyon Strive CFR

Weight: 35 pounds

Pros: Fast but not a barge; stable yet supple suspension; adjustable reach

Cons: The seat tube could be steeper, even in pedal mode

Best For: Steep, technical downhills

The last time Canyon updated the Strive was in 2019, and they’ve been working on a new version since then. The goal with the original was to make it work as a day-to-day trail bike and an enduro racer, with 150 millimeters of rear travel and a 66-degree head angle. For this iteration, they added 10 millimeters to the rear and steepened the head angle to 63 degrees. It only comes in Canyon’s top-tier carbon, including the back end and rocker link. It has Canyon’s Shapeshifter tech, which allows the rider to switch between a low, slack, and supple downhill mode to a higher, steeper, and firmer pedal mode—all from a lever on the handlebars so you don’t have to take your hand off the grip.

Switching to the pedal mode on this bike is a game-changer on the climb. The 76.5-degree seat angle could be steeper, but because of the Strive’s firmer suspension and higher antisquat, it still feels comfortable. Overall, the Strive performed best while descending on steeper, more technical terrain, though it still felt balanced and the suspension felt supportive on the flatter stuff, too. “It’s when braking that the suspension impresses most,” reviewer Seb Stott wrote. “It doesn’t rise up and pitch forwards as much as many Horst link bikes, so the bike feels stable and settled even when during short, sharp braking periods. But at the same time, the suspension feels very supple even when on the brakes over rooty and rocky surfaces.” —S.S.

Deviate Claymore ($3,696 as tested)

Deviate Claymore

Weight: 34.7 pounds

Pros: High-performing suspension; fun on moderate terrain

Cons: No size small; same chainstay length on all sizes

Best For: Racing; riders looking for a long travel, do-it-all downhill machine

The Deviate Claymore surprised testers with its versatility, given its 165 millimeters of travel, high-pivot suspension design (the main pivot location is located nearly halfway up the seat tube), and 29-inch wheels. It also had the slackest head-tube angle (64.3 degrees), and the longest reach (490 millimeters for size large) out of the seven bikes we had at the field test in Bellingham. However, that head angle is balanced by a 78-degree seat angle, which helps the bike feel more manageable on climbs.

That seat angle definitely works wonders, as the Claymore felt more than capable on the uphill, which we were not at all expecting. It provided a comfortable, upright climbing position, and the chainstay length of 441 millimeters with the rearward axle path had us feeling centered. We’d normally expect a high-pivot bike like this to be a bit of a beast and mostly just excel with traction and eating up tricky sections. But the Claymore had a playfulness to it that helps the bike feel more well-rounded. We were thoroughly impressed by how well it did landing, and we had a really hard time getting it to bottom out on larger jumps. It wasn’t the best in the category in terms of cornering, but the smooth ride still bumped the Claymore to the top of our lists. —M.K.

Yeti SB160 ($10,500 as tested)

Yeti SB160

Weight: 35.5 pounds

Pros: Calm, stable ride; was comfortable to take down mellower trails

Cons: Only a 29-inch wheel configuration and specific geometry makes it hard to customize

Best For: Enduro racing; ready for all sorts of downhill scenarios

The SB160 is all-new in Yeti’s lineup this year, and it has a few key differences compared to the SB150. First of all, the SB160 has 160 millimeters of rear wheel travel and the head angle mellows out to 64 degrees, although it also has a 170-millimeter length in the fork. Yeti also refined the chain-slap protection and increased the downtube clearance. Perhaps the biggest news, however, is that Yeti added another size to the lineup, with chainstays and seat tube angles now tailored to each size. The small has 435 millimeters of reach, while the XXL goes all the way up to 525 millimeters.

Perhaps the largest note about how the Yeti rides is how smooth it is, which translates to an impressive uphill performance as well. “Because the suspension was easy to read and doesn’t articulate rapidly through the first third of the travel, that allowed for predictable pedal placement through technical climbs without striking the cranks,” said reviewer Matt Beer. The 77.5-degree seat tube angle and low slack also helped us push our weight toward the front of the bike. Though you might think this would mean that the bike would make some sacrifices on the downhill, the SB160 didn’t lose any momentum descending. Maybe because it doesn’t have any crazy geometry numbers, this Yeti was just a solid performer in most scenarios. This is critical in a race, where you can encounter many different situations. Although you do have to pay attention to the tune, the SB160 wanted to go fast, it really came alive when we started charging and was noticeably quiet on the trail. —M.B.

Transition Patrol Carbon ($6,699 as tested)

Transition Patrol Carbon

Weight: 33.6 pounds

Pros: Good at steep cornering; light on the uphill; great value

Cons: Geometry competes with the 160-millimeter fork

Best For: Softer, steep trails with lots of playful features

This year’s Patrol is the first carbon version of the bike, losing about 2.8 pounds, although it has all the same geometry and travel as the aluminum version of the Patrol that dropped in 2021. It has a 27.5-inch wheel in the back and a 29-inch wheel in the front, but two different lengths of chainstays. The Patrol features 160 millimeters of travel in both the front and rear (putting it in between Transition’s 170-millimeter Spire and 140-millimeter Sentinel). That said, 10 millimeters of travel can be added to both ends by changing out suspension stroke lengths.

On the descent, we preferred the Patrol for playing, not for racing, given its pretty standard suspension, geometry, and weight. Riding it that way felt natural, although its 63-degree head angle had us going a bit faster than what we’d prefer with the 160-millimeter fork. The Patrol Carbon really comes to life on soft but steep trails with a ton of berms and jumps (cough, Bellingham). We weren’t in love with this bike on the uphill—it felt a little floppy due to the 63.5 head angle with the larger front tire and high stack. Still, the steep seat angle kept our center of gravity central enough on the climb to make the downhill worth it. —M.B.

Orbea Rallon M-LTD ($4,999-9,999)

Orbea Rallon M-LTD

Weight: 31.9 pounds

Pros: Very good grip from rear suspension; mixed wheel compatible; versatile geometry

Cons: Head angle could be slacker to be more balanced with low weight; chain retention problems with stock equipment

Best For: Riders looking for a long travel machine that’s extremely versatile and doesn’t lean too heavily in any direction

The Rallon was updated in 2022, and though there weren’t any major changes on paper, a few refinements are hiding in plain sight. Most noticeable is the room for storage in the carbon downtube, as well as some tweaks to the geometry (mainly the reach). The reach in the size large jumped from 455 millimeters to 485 millimeters in the steeper setting. Orbea also added a few millimeters to the chainstay and the head tube is now ever so slightly slacker at 64 degrees.

The Rallon is the kind of bike where you get on it and you feel comfortable right away. It doesn’t focus on anything in particular, but that’s exactly what you want for an enduro racer when you could encounter many different conditions. It’s a very capable climber, as you’d expect from a race bike, and when we had to stand up in the saddle to power up a steep section, we felt like we had plenty of traction. We will say that the bottom bracket drop is low, which you have to keep in mind when pedaling up rocky ascents. Again, there was nothing groundbreaking about the downhill on the Rallon, but that’s what we loved about it. Although it has 160 millimeters of travel in the back and 170 millimeters in the front, it still had tons of energy on switchbacks and tighter sections that needed the correct body positioning to gain speed. We always felt controlled and centered on this bike. —M.B.

Commencal Meta SX ($5,800 as tested)

Commencal Meta SX

Weight: 35.9 pounds

Pros: Can cruise over anything; impressive traction and stability

Cons: Heavy; not very agile

Best For: Bike parks; riders who prefer steep, rough terrain

At first glance of the frame, the Meta SX is similar to Commencal’s other enduro options: it’s aluminum, with internally routed cables, and the frame is protected by rubber padding. But Commencal clearly took the time to refine the Meta SX and try something new. It’s their first enduro racer with mixed wheels, and the updated Meta has one less centimeter on the reach than the previous version, though that centimeter is added to the chainstays on the rear end. Riders can switch the head angle from 64 to 63.6 degrees with a flip chip as well.

There’s no getting around that the Meta SX is a heavy bike, which you can feel on the climbs. It’s efficient, comfortable, and doesn’t have much sagging, but it doesn’t love cornering. Though it’s not a poor climber by any means, we’d describe it best as slow and steady. On the other hand, the two words we’d use to describe the Meta SX downhill are long and stable. They day we tested this bike was rainy and slick, so it was important to have a rig with excellent traction. The Meta SX delivered, especially on off-camber sections. It just felt confident and carried momentum very well on straight lines. In general, quick, sharp turns are not the Meta’s speciality, but on rough terrain and when pointed down, this bike shines. —M.B.

Yes, all enduro bikes are aiming at getting you downhill, fast. But it’s important to consider climbing performance as well, assuming you won’t be using your enduro bike solely at bike parks. Also keep in mind the type of terrain you’ll be riding—is it going to be steeper? More technical? Do you need a bike that focuses on excellent traction? Will you have to deal with lots of flatsections and mellower trails as well? Are you planning on hitting jumps and being playful, or will you be racing? Would a mullet bike serve you? Answering these questions will help inform if you’d do better with a bike that has longer versus shorter travel, various head and seat angles, or a heavier versus lighter bike. It’s also a good idea to look around at what locals are on in the area you’ll be primarily riding.

Once you’ve nailed down these key factors, the field will have significantly narrowed down. See if you can get on a few test rides before you commit to anything, and ask your friends or your local bike shop gear nerds what they’ve been liking these days. Enduro bikes are so good now that chances are you won’t go wrong, as long as you get your basics down.

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6 Extra-Long-Travel Single Crown Bikes - Garda Trentino 2018

Cube weigh in with the burliest of all the long-travel weapons - the 190mm Hanz. With full Fox Factory suspension but without a dropper post in some ways it is the closest to the old freeride parkbike ethic. Without going down the direct sales route Cube are not far behind on the value front with the range starting at 2 499 Euros and going up to 3 999 Euros for the one shown here.

Cool Features

  • This topic has 21 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated 9 years ago by shifter .
  • 180mm ish travel pedalable bikes

Looking at a new bike, fancy a 180mm ish bike. Has to be ok ish to pedal so not a DH bike. My thoughts so far are spesh enduro evo expert and cube fritzz 180. Any other ideas I have not thought of?

Scott Genius LT is only 170mm travel but other than that is a trail-orientated long-travel bike which could fit your bill.

Cannondale Claymore if you can find one…. 180 f&r, switchable to 140f&110r (talas fork, and DYAD shock)

Found this bargain one….. 2nd Hand FS link

Scar P.s. only just read you were looking for “new” lol.

By 180mm and pedalable, do you mean –

a) something something that is essentially a DH bike, that if you’re patient, with an easy gear, you can slowly twiddle your way back to the top, you’re your own uplift as it were

b) a 180mm bike you can pedal on xc/trail rides, and pedals well enough you can keep enough speed on the flatter, less technical trails that the 180mm of travel is worth having and not simply slowing you down to snails pace

Because I don’t think b exists or can realistically exist.

Aren’t most people wanting bikes like these normally riding an ellsworth?

My mate has a canyon torque ex and has pedalled that on some big days out in the lakes and peaks. Big bike like will never be the best pedaller but he seems happy with his canyon.

New Bionicon Edison Evo will be a good bet – my Alva 180 has been awesome on the EWS and Superenduro races I’ve done – all upwards of 45k.

You’re not gonna get xc climbing performance but as long as you view climbs as just a means to earn the speed a big bike gives on the descents, you’ll love it.

Did that for several years on an Intense Uzzi VP (I think that’s 170mm in short travel, 180mm longer) with a 170mm Lyric U-turn up front (not a factory spec fork!)

Except being heavy (35lb, inc Reverb and a twin ply rear tyre), it climbed reasonably well, and descended in fine fashion, as you’d except. The geometry is tweakable, so you can make it more XC-ish or more DHish depending on what you’re doing. Downsides are that it wasn’t especially stiff, chain devices were an utter PITA (very little room around the BB, and the lower link got constantly twatted on stuff.

I did all day rides in the Peaks and Lakes quite happily on it. Wouldn’t want to do flattish XC rides, but anything where you get a big enough DH to warrant slogging it up the hill, it was fine.

Specialized Enduro Expert Evo.

180mm front and rear from Boxxer forks and an Ohlins shock (mmmm, ohlins!)….10 speed cassette out back so should be able to winch it up most things….been thinking about something like this too as i tend to use my hardtails for general trail riding but i’d like something more for places like Bike Park Wales, Antur Stiniog, Alps holiday etc without going down the full DH rig route….the current crop of 160mm FS bikes are all very good but can still end up out of their depth on uplift days.

yeti asr7 ,owned one with 160mm forks and wonderfully all rounder, NOT a DH bike but everything else great, one of the best technically climbing bikes I have owned

Canyon torque. Mate has one and loves it.I borrowed it for a bit and if it had been available frame only would have one. It’s his only bike as he sold a remedy as it wasn’t getting used.

The recently discontinued orange patriot is surprisingly good at pedaling.

There’s still some frames kicking around new I think.

Giant reign x with 180mm 66rc3 ti, 170 rear. Its my all day xc doubles up on dh bike. Quite excellent.

Although it hasn’t quite got the requested travel on the back the new Nomad surely ticks your box.

Liteville 601 and 901 both look pretty awesome!

Got a Process 153, I’m selling my 180mm bike as its redundant, plus I can take this on 50 k loops round afan

Rose Soul Fire http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/products/bikes/mtb/enduro–downhill/soul-fire/

Surprised no more has mentioned the Yt capra.

I was going to mention the Capra, the Nomad and Intense Tracer are both 165mm and will take 180mm forks at a push but are more suited to 160-170mm.

I ride my 35lb+ enduro evo on longish rides, as well as uplift/alps type stuff. In fact it’s really my only bike, so it needs to go everywhere. 170mm 55Rc3’s up front, 180mm from a CCDB coil at back.

You have to cast aside the idea of being ‘nimble’ up any hill, but it’ll go anywhere your lungs can point it.

When the going gets rough….. Well, it’s a splendid bike to be on.

+1 on the nomad, rode a Demo 8, a V10 (which really wanted to justify being able to buy like) as well as my nomad in whistler, genuinely preferred the nomad.

Thanks for thoughts folks. Enduro evo expert is still my favourite at the moment, has the advantage of being 650b for future proofing reasons only. Can’t justify the cost of SC nomad just too much money for what you get.

Fritzz 180 is cheap at Winstanleys in small or large.

The topic ‘180mm ish travel pedalable bikes’ is closed to new replies.

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  • EMTB Discussion

What other 170mm + travel e-bikes are out there.

  • Thread starter Plummet
  • Start date Mar 19, 2023

Plummet

  • Mar 19, 2023

Hey team, As you can see in a couple of my first posts on this forum I'm interested in a Pole Voima which is 190/190mm travel. Before I hit send on ordering one of these i'd like to explore if I missed any other bikes on the market that I should look it. To begin with I am a carbon slut and a weight weenie. I prefer a lighter bike and will go to reasonable lengths to make a bike as light as practical. However I will not compromise performance for weight savings. My perfect wish list would be a a mullet set up 180/200mm travel e-bike appropriately slack in the 20-23kg range with carbon frame with removable battery with battery options 600-750wh. I do a lot of hikeabike and lift over many fences. So lighter is better. My daughter has an Orbea Rise and at 20kg which is easily chuckable over a fence. 25kg bikes are just that much heavier. That said have decided than I want full power and the option to replace batteries midway through the day and I see little point having a 20+kg bike that has less descending ability than my 14kg slayer. I typically ride super steep tight natural tech as a preference. I'm also chasing my 14yo boy on jumps and drops on flow trails. some of that stuff is getting BIG. Like crankworks DH track big. The bike I get in the perfect world can run down a world class dh track and hit super tight steep tech. What I have discovered is that most of the carbon options sit in the 160mm range and are Typically full 29er with a bb too low to then mullet it. These are the bikes I have considered thus far. YT Decoy. Almost ideal. It is mullet and carbon, Battery to small however. I'd like more travel. Pricing is competitive. Uno Mith, Wont ship to nz. I really like this bike, but it is a bit light on rear travel, Its also getting into dentist pricing to import. Orbea wild 2023 was at the top of the pile for a while. But the non removable battery, high price and its only 160 rear kind of kill it for me. I'd want to 180 the front and mullet the back which which make the geo go out of kilter. Yeti, santacruz, pivot are dentist prices $20+k nzd for decent build so they our. A bullet really appeals. But it's just too pricey. Whyte is too heavy and alloy. I was interested in a Scott Ransom Eride. Reviews are good. But they are discontinued and not available in NZ. Plus its a bit heavy. The closest option I have found is the Specialized Kenevo and then slap a 29er fork and wheel on the front. These are still pricey in NZ and made more so by the time i slap an extra fork/wheel on. But i've been, by several people, advices against specialized e-bikes because of repeated motor failures. Plus I really don't like the yoke style suspension design. So I come back to the Pole Voima, 190/190 with a dh rating. It's alloy which isn't my preference. But reviews are good and the funky looks , CNC machined 2 piece construction appeal to the engineer in me. I must admit, I'm watching the failed switch arm warrantee claim closely. If I do purchase the Voima I will be riding it full pace down downhill tracks. It wont be getting a sedate life of trail riding. One of the reasons I like carbon is that I can repair carbon frames if I break them. Glued 7075-T6 frames.... no so much. Your thoughts and ideas appreciated  

Mikerb

E*POWAH Elite World Champion

  • Mar 20, 2023

E180 RSX MX.JPG

Zimmerframe

www.emtbforums.com

Introducing the new Focus Jam2 and Sam2 – your perfect match?

www.emtbforums.com

The Best Specialized eBike Ever... One MASSIVE Problem!

youtu.be

Nerds On Dirt MTB

Active member.

20230311_122548.jpg

  • Mar 21, 2023

I also would love to have a bike that is good for tresspassing fences and jumping doubles, light and rampage capable, cheap and hitech, even better if it could ride me back in time just 20 years….  

  • Mar 22, 2023
  • Thread starter
Mikerb said: Carbon? No.....Light?...no................but who wants a fragile light carbon bike to throw down rocky descents? Forget the rest and go for the best bike for the job.............Whyte E180 RSMX View attachment 109679 Click to expand...

Honestly the Pole rides so dang good!! I was on a decoy and a gen3 Levo before the Pole, and this thing somehow is just as fun and poppy as the decoy but with 190/190 and a Bosch 750 system. I’m the dude that broke his and still would buy again in a heartbeat.  

theloamwolf.com

Dissected: The New Fezzari Timp Peak

theloamwolf.com

Durrti said: Honestly the Pole rides so dang good!! I was on a decoy and a gen3 Levo before the Pole, and this thing somehow is just as fun and poppy as the decoy but with 190/190 and a Bosch 750 system. I’m the dude that broke his and still would buy again in a heartbeat. Click to expand...
B1rdie said: I also would love to have a bike that is good for tresspassing fences and jumping doubles, light and rampage capable, cheap and hitech, even better if it could ride me back in time just 20 years…. Click to expand...
Zimmerframe said: Pole Pole Pole .... but to try and be more objective .... Your profile says you're from Kiwi land, so I'll answer with video's as you probably have a beer in your hand. I'll try and stick with Rob Rides options, merely for consistency. Some options .. Personally, I like the Jam2 (despite having a preference for 180mm bikes) It just rides better than it should, despite the weight (Does feel like you're hefting something HEAVY around when you're not on it). So there's the Sam2 (longer travel) .. New versions just out. Some more info : Introducing the new Focus Jam2 and Sam2 – your perfect match? This is the new Focus Jam2 and Sam2. Rob has ridden the bike, so make sure you check out his video before reading on. It seems Focus is branching out. Not only do they make bikes, now they’ve started match-making too. They’re trying to match... www.emtbforums.com You were interested in the Mith, so another exotic option : (From Sam's .. think there is a Rob one, but was too lazy too look) Also slightly off the normal option list, the Fulgar Mula (170/160) : Back to the Focus option again .. this one was a bit of a re-build .. but if you went that way, you end up with a longer Jam and Rob got the weight down on this example : And the Kenevo option re-visited .. it really is a well balanced and capable bike with good weight specs when all considered : The Best Specialized eBike Ever... One MASSIVE Problem! This is an INCREDIBLE Bike, 180mm front and rear, Fox Factory 38, X2 Shock, huge travel, 23KG weight, 700Wh battery, a BEAST!!One HUGE problem - Specialized... youtu.be Click to expand...
  • Mar 23, 2023

Yo dude, Crestline fits the bill. Do you build the vertical racks here haha?  

Robstyle said: Yo dude, Crestline fits the bill. Do you build the vertical racks here haha? Click to expand...

Inventors of fire pits and bike racks | Plummet Industries | Taranaki

www.plummetindustries.co.nz

Fanfic bikes….. 2x Dh rigs on 200mm…. The higher Race spec and a lower Factory spec…. 2x Super enduro on 190mm…. The Race spec and the Factory a lower spec….. 1x enduro on 180mm…..  

Mart-e said: Fanfic bikes….. 2x Dh rigs on 200mm…. The higher Race spec and a lower Factory spec…. 2x Super enduro on 190mm…. The Race spec and the Factory a lower spec….. 1x enduro on 180mm….. Click to expand...

Suns_PSD

Crestline or Levo with Cascade are the only 2 in this category I'd consider.  

  • Mar 24, 2023

Im looking for something similar in spec as well, not a ton to choose from, a shuttle lt would be ideal but at $26k it’s nuts. i saw mondraker level r that looks good but alloy and heavier also non removeable battery but 11.5k at moment , others are a lot more for similar spec. I like norco range but doesn’t seem available. A few friends rate the reign (170/160) in the chunky stuff around here. Let us know how you go.  

  • Mar 25, 2023
Suns_PSD said: Crestline or Levo with Cascade are the only 2 in this category I'd consider. Click to expand...

Gavalar

Plummet said: Hey team, As you can see in a couple of my first posts on this forum I'm interested in a Pole Voima which is 190/190mm travel. Before I hit send on ordering one of these i'd like to explore if I missed any other bikes on the market that I should look it. To begin with I am a carbon slut and a weight weenie. I prefer a lighter bike and will go to reasonable lengths to make a bike as light as practical. However I will not compromise performance for weight savings. My perfect wish list would be a a mullet set up 180/200mm travel e-bike appropriately slack in the 20-23kg range with carbon frame with removable battery with battery options 600-750wh. I do a lot of hikeabike and lift over many fences. So lighter is better. My daughter has an Orbea Rise and at 20kg which is easily chuckable over a fence. 25kg bikes are just that much heavier. That said have decided than I want full power and the option to replace batteries midway through the day and I see little point having a 20+kg bike that has less descending ability than my 14kg slayer. I typically ride super steep tight natural tech as a preference. I'm also chasing my 14yo boy on jumps and drops on flow trails. some of that stuff is getting BIG. Like crankworks DH track big. The bike I get in the perfect world can run down a world class dh track and hit super tight steep tech. What I have discovered is that most of the carbon options sit in the 160mm range and are Typically full 29er with a bb too low to then mullet it. These are the bikes I have considered thus far. YT Decoy. Almost ideal. It is mullet and carbon, Battery to small however. I'd like more travel. Pricing is competitive. Uno Mith, Wont ship to nz. I really like this bike, but it is a bit light on rear travel, Its also getting into dentist pricing to import. Orbea wild 2023 was at the top of the pile for a while. But the non removable battery, high price and its only 160 rear kind of kill it for me. I'd want to 180 the front and mullet the back which which make the geo go out of kilter. Yeti, santacruz, pivot are dentist prices $20+k nzd for decent build so they our. A bullet really appeals. But it's just too pricey. Whyte is too heavy and alloy. I was interested in a Scott Ransom Eride. Reviews are good. But they are discontinued and not available in NZ. Plus its a bit heavy. The closest option I have found is the Specialized Kenevo and then slap a 29er fork and wheel on the front. These are still pricey in NZ and made more so by the time i slap an extra fork/wheel on. But i've been, by several people, advices against specialized e-bikes because of repeated motor failures. Plus I really don't like the yoke style suspension design. So I come back to the Pole Voima, 190/190 with a dh rating. It's alloy which isn't my preference. But reviews are good and the funky looks , CNC machined 2 piece construction appeal to the engineer in me. I must admit, I'm watching the failed switch arm warrantee claim closely. If I do purchase the Voima I will be riding it full pace down downhill tracks. It wont be getting a sedate life of trail riding. One of the reasons I like carbon is that I can repair carbon frames if I break them. Glued 7075-T6 frames.... no so much. Your thoughts and ideas appreciated Click to expand...

RS 75/50 EEB (SOLD OUT) – Crestline Bikes

crestlinebikes.com

Plummet said: Hey team, As you can see in a couple of my first posts on this forum I'm interested in a Pole Voima which is 190/190mm travel. Before I hit send on ordering one of these i'd like to explore if I missed any other bikes on the market that I should look it. To begin with I am a carbon slut and a weight weenie. I prefer a lighter bike and will go to reasonable lengths to make a bike as light as practical. However I will not compromise performance for weight savings. My perfect wish list would be a a mullet set up 180/200mm travel e-bike appropriately slack in the 20-23kg range with carbon frame with removable battery with battery options 600-750wh. I do a lot of hikeabike and lift over many fences. So lighter is better. My daughter has an Orbea Rise and at 20kg which is easily chuckable over a fence. 25kg bikes are just that much heavier. That said have decided than I want full power and the option to replace batteries midway through the day and I see little point having a 20+kg bike that has less descending ability than my 14kg slayer. I typically ride super steep tight natural tech as a preference. I'm also chasing my 14yo boy on jumps and drops on flow trails. some of that stuff is getting BIG. Like crankworks DH track big. The bike I get in the perfect world can run down a world class dh track and hit super tight steep tech. What I have discovered is that most of the carbon options sit in the 160mm range and are Typically full 29er with a bb too low to then mullet it. These are the bikes I have considered thus far. YT Decoy. Almost ideal. It is mullet and carbon, Battery to small however. I'd like more travel. Pricing is competitive. Uno Mith, Wont ship to nz. I really like this bike, but it is a bit light on rear travel, Its also getting into dentist pricing to import. Orbea wild 2023 was at the top of the pile for a while. But the non removable battery, high price and its only 160 rear kind of kill it for me. I'd want to 180 the front and mullet the back which which make the geo go out of kilter. Yeti, santacruz, pivot are dentist prices $20+k nzd for decent build so they our. A bullet really appeals. But it's just too pricey. Whyte is too heavy and alloy. I was interested in a Scott Ransom Eride. Reviews are good. But they are discontinued and not available in NZ. Plus its a bit heavy. The closest option I have found is the Specialized Kenevo and then slap a 29er fork and wheel on the front. These are still pricey in NZ and made more so by the time i slap an extra fork/wheel on. But i've been, by several people, advices against specialized e-bikes because of repeated motor failures. Plus I really don't like the yoke style suspension design. So I come back to the Pole Voima, 190/190 with a dh rating. It's alloy which isn't my preference. But reviews are good and the funky looks , CNC machined 2 piece construction appeal to the engineer in me. I must admit, I'm watching the failed switch arm warrantee claim closely. If I do purchase the Voima I will be riding it full pace down downhill tracks. It wont be getting a sedate life of trail riding. One of the reasons I like carbon is that I can repair carbon frames if I break them. Glued 7075-T6 frames.... no so much. Your thoughts and ideas appreciate Plummet said: Hey team, As you can see in a couple of my first posts on this forum I'm interested in a Pole Voima which is 190/190mm travel. Before I hit send on ordering one of these i'd like to explore if I missed any other bikes on the market that I should look it. To begin with I am a carbon slut and a weight weenie. I prefer a lighter bike and will go to reasonable lengths to make a bike as light as practical. However I will not compromise performance for weight savings. My perfect wish list would be a a mullet set up 180/200mm travel e-bike appropriately slack in the 20-23kg range with carbon frame with removable battery with battery options 600-750wh. I do a lot of hikeabike and lift over many fences. So lighter is better. My daughter has an Orbea Rise and at 20kg which is easily chuckable over a fence. 25kg bikes are just that much heavier. That said have decided than I want full power and the option to replace batteries midway through the day and I see little point having a 20+kg bike that has less descending ability than my 14kg slayer. I typically ride super steep tight natural tech as a preference. I'm also chasing my 14yo boy on jumps and drops on flow trails. some of that stuff is getting BIG. Like crankworks DH track big. The bike I get in the perfect world can run down a world class dh track and hit super tight steep tech. What I have discovered is that most of the carbon options sit in the 160mm range and are Typically full 29er with a bb too low to then mullet it. These are the bikes I have considered thus far. YT Decoy. Almost ideal. It is mullet and carbon, Battery to small however. I'd like more travel. Pricing is competitive. Uno Mith, Wont ship to nz. I really like this bike, but it is a bit light on rear travel, Its also getting into dentist pricing to import. Orbea wild 2023 was at the top of the pile for a while. But the non removable battery, high price and its only 160 rear kind of kill it for me. I'd want to 180 the front and mullet the back which which make the geo go out of kilter. Yeti, santacruz, pivot are dentist prices $20+k nzd for decent build so they our. A bullet really appeals. But it's just too pricey. Whyte is too heavy and alloy. I was interested in a Scott Ransom Eride. Reviews are good. But they are discontinued and not available in NZ. Plus its a bit heavy. The closest option I have found is the Specialized Kenevo and then slap a 29er fork and wheel on the front. These are still pricey in NZ and made more so by the time i slap an extra fork/wheel on. But i've been, by several people, advices against specialized e-bikes because of repeated motor failures. Plus I really don't like the yoke style suspension design. So I come back to the Pole Voima, 190/190 with a dh rating. It's alloy which isn't my preference. But reviews are good and the funky looks , CNC machined 2 piece construction appeal to the engineer in me. I must admit, I'm watching the failed switch arm warrantee claim closely. If I do purchase the Voima I will be riding it full pace down downhill tracks. It wont be getting a sedate life of trail riding. One of the reasons I like carbon is that I can repair carbon frames if I break them. Glued 7075-T6 frames.... no so much. Your thoughts and ideas appreciated Click to expand...

best 180mm travel bikes

My wife has a Husky HC LE that is 180mm 27.5 and they used to have a 200mm travel version as well, EP8 motor and 630 battery, it’s heavy but the motor makes up for the weight. My Intense Tazer is 52lbs and I can notice the weight lifting it on the rack.  

cappuccino34

Have a serious look at the Fulgur Mula (see video above) it's 160/170, but the suspension is incredible and I don't actually use as much of the travel on mine as I do on my Fox/Rockshox equipped bikes, despite the Fulgur being very much more plush. In the shock is a hydraulic bump stop damper, so it absorbs more bump energy deep in the stroke, so it never bottoms out despite being really plush. EXT now also do 180/190 forks if you ever managed to bottom the 170 out, but I haven't done so far, despite doing some stuff that's really well beyond my comfort zone. The truth is that it's so capable that it makes doing big stuff too easy, and you can go SO fast on rough, rocky stuff that it's just incredible. On the downside, the Polini bottom motor covers are just crap. If you ride fast rocky stuff you'll be changing them almost daily. They are really cheap to replace but if they didn't break in the first place it would obviously be better. I've got so fed up of changing them I've commissioned the manufacture of some robust carbon/kevlar ones, that also better protect the chainring too. My second gripe is the speed sensor picks up from a magnet on a spoke, which is just ancient history stuff. That said, it's dead simple to change the sensor (for a Shimano one) and use a disc mounted magnet instead. My bike originally had the internal range extender in the frame but I took it out to reduce the front end weight. If I need more range I use less motor and more pedal power. 500 is enough for my needs. They now do an 'Evo' battery that allows an external extender, and they also do a new bike with an 880 internal battery. The power setting adjustability is the best on any bike available, period. There's five setting 'groups', with five levels in each group. Two groups are fully customisable. You can adjust how much effort is required for a given assistance, as well as how much max assistance, in each of the five levels as well as being able to adjust how much the motor runs on when you stop pedalling. The other thing that's really nice is that when you get to the speed limit, it doesn't chop the assistance like other motors do, it blends out gradually so that you're not bobbing in and out of power, or having the rug whipped from under your feet when you don't want it. One minor gripe with the electronics side is that it doesn't transmit ride data to external devices besides your Polini phone App. So if your nav is capable of recording your actual pedal power, cadence etc, it can't (yet) receive the data from the bike, despite the bike having Bluetooth to communicate with your phone. I'm meeting with a Polini guy in a few weeks so I'm going to put some suggestions forward. They're a relatively small but forward thinking company (compared with Bosch/Shimano/Yamaha) so they might be receptive to feedback and ideas.  

InRustWeTrust

InRustWeTrust

E*powah master.

Vitus e-sommet, very much bike for the money  

Plummet said: Doesn't look like crestline ships to nz. Including tax and shipping it would be hitting $25k... I refuse to pay $25k. Click to expand...

Chairman

Absolutely believe more long travel bikes are needed. Currently riding my Moterra with a 200 mm boxer and modified pick up linkage which gives 185 in the rear. Huge improvement on standard 160 front and rear and that was with a well sorted suspension setup.  

Robstyle said: They definitely do, you'll need to email them for a price. It's priced at the same end as all the other top dog bikes for sure. Click to expand...
Chairman said: Absolutely believe more long travel bikes are needed. Currently riding my Moterra with a 200 mm boxer and modified pick up linkage which gives 185 in the rear. Huge improvement on standard 160 front and rear and that was with a well sorted suspension setup. Click to expand...

irie

irie said: Whether increased travel is desirable (for example 160/160 vs 185/200 above) depends entirely on what the bike is to be used for. Click to expand...

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Top 8 Best Enduro Bikes | The best enduro mountain bikes ridden & reviewed

There is no doubt about it. We have entered an exciting age in the world of enduro bikes. The sport is growing exponentially with self-perpetuating momentum. Technology available on bikes is more refined and capable than ever, which is leading to a boom in the expanse and quality of trails exploding all over the world, which fuels riders to go out and push these bikes to new limits, and opening the gates to new shredders entering the sport for the first time. Enduro racing has also become gnarlier and more competitive than ever, driving bike brands to go back to the drawing boards, constantly chasing better. And this, you guessed it, feeds back into greater bikes and accessibility to the sport. And so the cycle continues.

We here at Flow are, let’s be honest, giant nerds when it comes to this stuff. We live and breathe these machines and the places they can take us, and are absolutely buzzing to be a part of the industry at a time such as this. And with the demands required of modern-day enduro bikes and their riders, we find this is a particularly concentrated segment of innovation, with exciting new tech pouring in at an astonishing rate that we believe is truly making improvements in leaps and bounds to the bikes we ride, and the fun we can have on them.

The Trek Slash is also a contender as one of the Best Enduro Bikes

We’ve tested a boatload of these ultra-capable machines, and as an outlet for all of this excitement, we have compiled the following list of enduro bikes available now that we think are pushing the sport in the right direction. While every bike in this list can descend with the best of them while still climbing to the beginning of the next trail or stage, each of them possesses unique design features and ride characteristics that set them apart from the competition, and one another.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t necessarily need an ‘enduro bike’ to race enduros. Even some of the world’s best are choosing slightly shorter options —  Canyon CLLCTV’s Dimitri Torodo has been racing a Spectral at World Cups while Charlie Murry from the Specialized Enduro Team has been riding a Stumpjumper EVO .

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are some popular bikes — like the Specialized Enduro — that aren’t here. The reason for that is that we haven’t tested one, and therefore can’t comment on its performance and how it compares to others in this category. Sure, we could make some assumptions based on what other folks have said, but that’s not how we run this show.

So without further ado, here are eight of the best enduro bikes we’ve ridden and reviewed.

  • Looking for something a bit more svelte? Check out our pick of the top XC bikes
  • Keen for some help on the climbs to maximise your adventures? Check out our pick of the top e-MTBs

The best enduro bikes ridden & reviewed

Is the 2023 Giant Reign the best enduro mountain bike?

Giant Reign

Highs: Race-ready geometry and spec, fantastic composure in the rough stuff, mullet compatibility via a 3-position flip-chip, well-placed frame armour. Lows: Frame storage hatch impractically small, the stiff 35mm bars transfer a bit of chatter up front.

Overhauled, stretched out and beefed up in all the right places, the all-new Giant Reign has entered 2023 with its best tyre forward — proving its race-winning potential already at the opening round of the Enduro World Cup in some seriously rowdy Aussie conditions.

  • Squid’s Eye View Part 1 | Maydena EDR through the lens of Kristina Vackova
  • Squid’s Eye View Part 2 | Maydena EDR through the lens of Justin Castles

Compared to its previous iteration, the Reign’s travel has been stretched out to 170mm up front and 160mm on the rear, activated via the fabled Maestro platform to deliver an awesomely plush, confidence-inspiring ride. The head angle has been slackened, chainstays stretched and reach increased, boosting the Reign’s enduro capabilities through the roof. Although this bike was never made for XC courses, power transfer is surprisingly efficient when stomping on the pedals, and its 15.04kg weight isn’t too hefty when compared to similar bikes in the category. Even with a climb switch on the rear shock, we predominantly left the bike in the fully open mode, serving up plenty of traction on loose and techy climbs. This bike really comes into its own however the moment you bring gravity into the equation.

Giant Reign enduro mountain bike

With flip chips allowing for high, mid and low positions, the Reign allows riders to dial in the bike’s geometry for riding style, trail type or wheel configuration. With the flip-chip set to the low position, the 63.5° head angle rewards those that like to attack the descents. On the flip side, the high setting raises the BB to provide greater clearance for technical climbs, which are aided by the nice and steep seat tube angle of nearly 78°. We did however find that in this high-BB setting, the bike felt quite tall and awkward to handle. This setting does also allow the party animals out there to drop in a 27.5in rear wheel to go full-mullet if desired. All models also come with an adjustable long-stroke dropper post, which is a great feature by our books. The burly frame protection is well placed and provides not only great protection, but a nice and quiet ride regardless of how teeth-chattering the trail is.

The all-new Reign is as attractive as enduro bikes come these days, both in its curvy, understated aesthetic (we think), and its four competitively priced, well spec’d models. The Reign SX model has also made a comeback, with this model sitting even further in the gnar-zone, and features a dual crown fork and coil shock for those that have no interest in pedalling up, and full interest in sending big. You can see all of the specs, prices and details of the full lineup in our first-look article.

To dive deeper into just why we think this bike deserves its place on the list of the latest and greatest, check out our full 2023 Giant Reign review .

The Merida One-Sixty ranks right up there amongst our best enduro mountain bike shootout

Merida One-Sixty

Highs: Modern enduro geometry, super playful suspension characteristics, mullet compatibility, 230mm dropper post, wide offering of models to suit most riders. Lows: Cramped in-frame storage, issues with dropper post on test bike, headset cable routing

Gracing our eyeballs since its launch in late-2022 is the completely redesigned Merida One-Sixty. The aim of the game was to deliver one of the most playful, capable and versatile enduro bikes on the market. And gee-whiz, has Merida delivered.

From the very moment it was released, the One-Sixty struck us as an entirely different bike when placed next to its predecessor. And upon our first five minutes on the trail, we were able to confidently confirm that it too feels like an entirely new bike. The One-Sixty is right on the money with modern enduro bike geometry, employing a playful mix of longer, lower and slacker to result in a rig that is just as comfortable on backcountry epics as it is the enduro race stages — a statement few current bikes out there can boast.

The One-Sixty offers a few interesting changes between sizes. Firstly, sizes up to the medium come stocked with a 27.5in rear wheel and the large and XL options as full 29ers. The suspension receives a size-specific tune and making the leverage ratio more progressive the further up the sizing chart you move, providing greater support for heavier riders. When rocking the mullet configuration, the frame offers 171mm of rear travel, while opting for the 29er will reduce it to 160mm. This ample rear squish paired with a 170mm fork —or 180mm if you want to go big — makes this bike feel just at home on full-blown downhill laps as it does on undulating adventure rides. The head angle sits at a relaxed 64° whereas the very steep 79° seat angle still provides a comfortable climbing position.

Merida One-Sixty

Merida has now done away with the rearmost pivot on the bike, instead opting for a Flexstay rear triangle that the brand claims to boost stiffness, drops weight and creates a unique, lively ride characteristic. We can confirm that this bike is particularly playful, popping off jumps and blasting through chunky terrain with an energetic feel. The excellent seat angle on the One-Sixty places you in a comfortable position to tackle the climbs, however the lively suspension kinematic does feel a little over-zealous when you’re cranking hard out of the saddle.

The bike feels incredibly agile on those particularly curvy trails when the smaller rear wheel is dropped in — a fact that is far less apparent when running the 29er option. The tradeoff here is the increase in high-speed stability and composure on technical climbs. The great thing is, any new One-Sixty model in any size will be able to take either setup with the flip of a 2-position chip in the rear linkage.

The One-Sixty is available in 5 different models spanning both alloy and carbon chassis, each boasting a solid assortment of tiered spec options. Ranging from value-focused fit-outs to the stuff our wallets have nightmares about, we are genuinely impressed at Merida’s offering of a race-ready enduro bike the entire way through the lineup. Every model benefits from the same geometry, mullet options, primo Maxxis rubber and 230mm adjustable dropper post. Nice one, Merida!

Whether you’re looking to enter the gnarly end of the sport or you’re up for a blingy new upgrade to your fleet, check out the Merida One-Sixty review  to fill yourself in on the rest of the tech, the niggling issues we encountered, alongside a side-by-side comparison to one of the most popular enduro rigs on the market.

The Canyon Strive is a proven contender for the best enduro mountain bike

Canyon Strive

Highs: One of the most race-aligned production bikes available, versatile personality thanks to the Shapeshifter, incredibly stable at speed through any kind of terrain. Lows: Race-focused geo makes it less appropriate for everyday riders, and length makes the bike tougher to handle on tighter trails.

The Canyon Strive. Perhaps one of the most aggressive and well-known enduro sleds received a remake for 2022, incorporating feedback from racers like 2021 EWS Champion Jack Moir — before he changed teams of course. The result is something wildly aggressive, a veritable weapon beneath the right rider.

But what has changed from the previous model? To cope with the increasingly bonkers nature of modern enduro stages and the breakneck speeds they are raced at, the latest Strive CFR has been given a drastic update, taking it from one of the most conservative to one of the most aggressive, race-focused bikes out there. Travel has been bumped up from 150 to 160mm, which is paired to a 170mm fork. As previously, the bike still features Canyon’s trademark Shapeshifter system in order to radicalise the geometry to the extent it has.

For those unfamiliar, the Shapeshifter is a handlebar remote-activated system with two options – Pedal or Shred. This lever activates a gas spring in the rear shock, altering the bike’s geometry, travel and suspension kinematics on the fly. This allows the rider to shorten travel to a much rampier 140mm, raise BB height by 15mm and steepen the head angle by 1.5°.

Canyon Strive enduro bike controls

Whether you’re stomping on the pedals in flat sections or conserving energy on the climbs, the Shapeshifter can lead to significant benefits in a race setting. With such powers being brought to your fingertips, this granted the Canyon team the freedom to make this bike seriously aggressive when in Shred mode. Sporting a mega-slack 63° head angle (the same as Canyon’s DH bike, the Sender), this bike feels right at home on the enduro circuit’s steepest trails. To further add to the Strive’s race alignment, reach has been stretched out to a very long 480mm on a medium — a figure that would not be uncommon on many competing brands’ large frames. So you’re able to actually reach the bars at all, a nice’n’steep 76.5° seat angle puts riders in a reasonably comfortable pedalling position, while a nifty reach adjust headset allows further dial-ability of your cockpit.

There are currently just three models available in the Strive, including an extra-pimped out special edition Troy Lee Designs model for those chasing the same look and spec list as the Canyon team riders.

There is so much more to this weapon than we were able to cover here, so make sure you take a look over the 2022 Canyon Strive Review to fill in on the specifics.

The Cannondale Jekyll is among one of the best enduro mountain bikes we've tested

Cannondale Jekyll

Highs: Unique design delivers excellent stability and handling, scaled rear centre between sizes, double-take factor. Lows: Could use a longer dropper post, shock cavity captures trail crud.

While we’ve now had a bit of time to process the new Jekyll since its greatly hyped release in mid-2021, we still can’t help but let out a little sheeesh every time we see one. Cannondale caused quite a stir with their addition to the growing family of high-pivot enduro sleds , taking a truly innovative approach to their offering geared towards the rowdy end of the sport.

Just one look at this bike tells you that it is something different. The unique frame delivers 165mm of well-balanced, progressive squish via a redesigned four-bar linkage, driving a rear shock that sits tucked exceptionally low in its downtube hollow. A 170mm fork up front completes the equation, making this a ride created to deal with some seriously gnarly terrain. The real eye-catching feature of this bike is its mid-high pivot design, implemented to provide a more rearward axle path that makes it feel as though the suspension doesn’t just soak up those square edge hits, but instead moves with the terrain.

An idler pulley then helps to minimise chain growth and pedal-kick as the suspension moves through its travel. You’ll find a similarly situated pivot placement on the GT Force, and a much higher pivot design on the Norco Range, among a few other long-travel bikes on the market. The Jekyll is 29in specific, with no adjustable geometry or flip chips to be found. This renders the bike incapable of rocking the mullet hairstyle, just in case you were wondering.

Cannondale Jekyll

But when the going gets tough, how do these space-age aesthetics and fancy features translate into on-trail performance? The Jekyll’s well-balanced geometry, supple suspension and thoughtfully selected components make for an incredibly stable bike at high speed, while also not feeling as long and cumbersome as some of the other enduro-specific rides out there today.

The bike is reasonably hefty, with our large-size test bike weighing in at 16.14kg, however much of this weight sits low in the frame, adding to its feeling of unmovable stability and rail-like cornering. The highly active suspension can be felt on steep climbs, and the climb switch on the shock is made difficult to reach due to the shock’s tucked-away placement. A 77.5° seat angle does however position the rider comfortably for stints in the saddle. When it comes down to it though, it is the descending prowess of the Jekyll that really shines. A 64° head angle and tall riser bar give this bike a fun yet sure-footed feeling at any speed. We do however wish that Cannondale stocked this bike with a longer dropper, with the 150mm dropper post limiting manoeuvrability.

There are two Jekyll models available, both with the same carbon frame and high-pivot design, offering a mid-level and a high-end fit-out. Both models are great value, however we imagine that many folks wanting to race this bike may have a few initial upgrades that they might make before it reaches that A-list spec that we all dream of. Another cool thing? Each size of the Jekyll comes with slightly altered pivot placements, scaling the rear centre, retaining a balanced position and optimising suspension kinematics for different sized riders.

Overall, we’re mighty impressed with this striking enduro whip, performing exceptionally well throughout our testing period regardless of what we threw at it. To dive further into the Jekyll’s nooks, crannies and hollows, take a read of our full review here .

best 180mm travel bikes

Highs: Incredibly capable descender, adjustable dropouts, immediately comfortable geometry. Lows: Hefty, sluggish on the climbs, fairly noisy.

Having played things rather conservatively in years gone by, GT has made a statement with the release of the Force for 2022. An undeniable shred-sled, the Force is a high-pivot monster with an insatiable appetite for sketchy terrain. But is it perfect? Read on to find out.

The GT Force is an exclusively 29in enduro beast with a set of credentials that immediately tell you exactly what this bike is about. At 16.24kg for a size medium with a carbon mainframe and alloy rear triangle, the bike is no featherweight fighter. It rocks 170mm up front paired with 160mm at the rear, with the mid-high pivot, four bar suspension layout tracing a slightly rearward axle path over the traditional up-and-down movement, albeit moving only about 10mm backwards as it plunges through its travel. This does however help the bike to not only deal with chunky terrain, but also accelerate through it as you hurtle your way down just about anything in front of you. The idler pulley then helps to deal with chain growth and pedal kickback, a similar design to what you’ll find on the Cannondale Jekyll and the Norco Range.

The 63.5° head angle, towering stack height and out-of-the-box riser bars means this bike will excel on anything pointing downwards, be it enduro stages or downhill bike park laps. A very steep seat angle of 78° balances such aggressive numbers nicely, making it quite a comfortable bike to climb on, too. However, the aforementioned weight of the bike will still have you working hard for those trailheads. The rear dropouts on the Force feature a flip chip that allows riders to extend or shorten the length of the bike, dialling in its character to suit the rider style or terrain, be it tight and jibby, or freight-train-without-brakes kinda riding.

GT Force

The suspension on the Force does take a bit of noodle-scratching to figure out, with us having to remove fork tokens and stray from recommended suspension pressures before we landed on a set-up that felt balanced. Once we did though, this bike felt phenomenal, tracking the terrain beautifully and making us want to push harder through the sketchy stuff than we usually feel comfortable doing.

With all of these praises, it must also be mentioned that this bike is by no means quiet. Chain angle in the lower gears causes noisy rubbing on the idler pulley chain guide, and cable routing is noisy and causes rubbing at points.

When we reviewed the Force there were three models available, however for 2023 it appears PSI is only bringing the top-end Force Carbon Pro LE into Australia. This build comes in at $7,999 AUD, and features a slick set of running gear from Rockshox and SRAM.

We had a lot to say about this bike, and not all could be said here. Head over to the full review of the GT Force to get the rest of the good stuff!

best 180mm travel bikes

Norco Range

Highs: Incredibly capable and confidence-inspiring descending, great tyre combo Lows: Lifting the bike above ankle-height, manoeuvrability on tighter trails

After a four-year run with the previous layout, 2022 brought us the hotly anticipated redesigned Norco Range. A high pivot, low-slung monster truck of a bike that doesn’t just excel on rough trails, but devours them.

We’ll start this off by addressing the elephant in the room. This is one big-boned beast. Our Large size Norco Range C2 test bike, with its carbon chassis, 29in hoops, tubeless-setup DoubleDown tyres, coil shock, GX drivetrain with idler pulley and a chainring bash guard for good measure, all came in at a hefty 17.15kg. This figure puts it well beyond most of the enduro field we have ever tested, and even places it amongst some of the lighter e-MTBs out there.

When the terrain points down however, this weight all but goes out the window, making this bike one seriously aggressive high-speed descender. 170mm of super supple travel front and rear, the frame employs a funky Virtual High Pivot design that allows this bike to swallow entire trails whole. The linkage allows the rear wheel to move significantly backwards as the suspension compresses, meaning it can avoid becoming hung up on large square-edge hits, allowing you to track perfectly — and rapidly — across the gnarliest terrain imaginable.

Norco Range

The idler pulley, much like the GT Force and the Cannondale Jekyll, prevents chain growth and reduces pedal kickback while the linkage does its thing. A mega-slack head angle of 63.25° makes the handling feel like a DH bike on the descents, while a conversely steep 77° seat angle means this bike is actually quite comfortable to climb —providing you’re not in a rush to get where you’re going. With the distant reach and the bike growing in length as the suspension compresses, it can be a tough rig to wrangle on tight trails, preferring to hold the wide line around most corners as opposed to cutting in tight. In fact, it’s actually quite difficult to break traction on this beast, meaning you’ll want to pick your line from the start, hold on tight and let this beast of a bike do its thing.

The Range features size-specific geometry with a scaled rear centre length to ensure weight distribution remains optimal regardless of frame or rider size, retaining the same confidence-inspiring handling characteristics across the size curve.

The Range is made up of three models, spanning from mid-level to high-end componentry, all coming ready to race right out of the box.

If you want to find out more about the bike that could double as the boulder that chased Indiana Jones in the first movie, then check out our full 2022 Norco Range review here.

best 180mm travel bikes

Pivot Firebird

Highs: Super stable yet responsive feeling on rough terrain, still a fun bike on more chilled and longer rides, bling bling Lows: Eye-watering price tag, rattle from gear and dropper cables, under-gunned tyres

After 13 years and four highly successful preceding models, the Pivot Firebird has entered its 5th evolution for the 2022 season. And damn, is this thing a stunner. We assure you that these clean, refined looks are only surface level however, with the Firebird 29 being one seriously mean bike the moment you throw the leg over it.

It wouldn’t be incorrect to label the Firebird 29 as the fighter jet of enduro bikes, being an ultra-premium, high-performance ride worthy of the World’s fastest pilots. Its sleek carbon frame delivers 165mm of travel, which is paired with a 170mm fork and rolling on fancy 29in wheels out of the box. This can be set up to suit just about any rider however, with a 2-position flip-chip enabling a 0.6° head angle alteration and 6mm BB height adjustment, or a mullet conversion if desired. The frame will also handle swapping out to a 180mm fork if you’re that way declined. Head angle in the low position sits at a relaxed 64°, with the seat angle spanning between 76°-77° – a figure that fluctuates based on the frame size. Yep, the rear centre of each frame is scaled to suit the size, ensuring a balanced weight distribution of the rider regardless of the selected frame size.

These geometric figures place the Firebird right within the range of modern enduro bikes, positioning the rider from the get-go to conquer any descent or climb before them. It is the incredibly balanced, super progressive suspension characteristics of this bike that really make it shine through. The DW-link design delivers insane traction and a rearward axle path, meaning obstacles become less of a concern as you charge through them faster than you previously thought possible. The nuance of this bike that helps it stand apart from others in the category however is its lively feeling. Where some other bikes truck through chunky rock sections in a straight line as you barely register their existence, the Firebird retains a delicate feedback beneath you that allows you to manipulate the bike as you please without it ever feeling uncomfortable — a trait being the result of a light, stiff frame, balanced geometry, well-tuned suspension and superb componentry.

Pivot Firebird

The overall weight of our Large test bike came to 14.66kg, an impressive figure for a long-travel enduro bike. This number does factor in the lightweight EXO+ tyre casings however, which we found to be insufficient for the kind of riding this bike is otherwise capable of.

The Pivot Firebird comes in a mind-boggling 15 spec combinations, the “most affordable” of them still a staggering $10999. With this kind of price tag though, you can be sure that you’re not just getting a pretty showbike, but a mean, performance-oriented machine that lives for the top step of the podium. But yes, it does look pretty damn sweet too.

If you need any more convincing on the prowess of this bike, jump over to our full review of the 2022 Pivot Firebird 29 her e.

best 180mm travel bikes

Highs: Supple yet very lively suspension performance, quiet ride, well armoured Lows: Comparatively slack seat angle, tight access to in-frame storage

The Slash. The very silhouette of this bike is instantly recognisable, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one model or another out on the trails on any given day. The 2021 season saw Trek’s flagship enduro rig undergo a major overhaul, making one of the world’s most popular enduro bikes better than ever before. So, what’s new?

To cope with the rigorous demands and silly speeds of modern enduro racing, the Slash has added 10mm of travel to both ends of the bike, with 170mm up front and 160mm at the rear. Trek, alongside RockShox, have co-designed a proprietary rear shock, especially for the Slash that delivers a supremely responsive and buttery feeling to the suspension regardless of the trail type or conditions. This is largely due to the ultra-tuneable proprietary rear shock found throughout most of the range. The overall package delivers quite a progressive spring rate, meaning we were able to go big on this bike without ever feeling like we were blowing through the travel. Trek’s initial suspension setup guide also proved to be a great baseline that we didn’t need to stray far from at all.

However following RockShox’s major revamp of its boingers and the launch of Flight Attendant , Trek has shifted back into off-the-rack rear shocks.

From the moment we jumped on the Slash, we noticed the welcome changes over the geo of the previous model of Slash. Trek’s Mino Link flip-chip features a low and a high position, with the low position rocking a head angle of 64.1° and a seat tube angle of 75.7°. The high position will lift the BB height by 7mm and steepen the head and seat angles by 0.5°. This seat angle may just be one of the only slight niggles we have with the Slash’s geometry, sitting a little slacker than many other bikes within the category. Once we slid the seat forward on the rails however, this brought things to a much more comfortable climbing position, closer to 78°.

In fact, bike does climb surprisingly well, provided you remain seated. As soon as you stand up to put the power down, that super-active suspension will join the party and gobble up some of that precious energy you’re expending. The total package of our Slash 9.9 X01 came in at a very respectable 14.56kg, making it much more pleasant a bike for those longer days than much of the competition.

Trek Slash

Although it can definitely be a plough-machine if that’s how you want to ride, the Slash is surprisingly playful despite having such supple and active suspension. If you want to switch line mid-send through a rock garden, the Slash will happily oblige. Much of this feeling comes down to the short chainstays, making it all too easy to shift weight over the back of the bike to maneuver how you see fit, aided further by the ample mid-stroke support that can give you that needed pop in the rough stuff if you want to get airborne. It possesses traction in spades, yet the playful nature and short stays of the bike allow you to break the rules and square corners off if you feel like it.

The closer you look, the more detail you’ll find on this bike. Trek have revised their Knock Block headset allowing greater range of motion before abruptly stopping, and beneath the bottle cage mounts you’ll find a handy, albeit rather tight downtube storage window. The frame protection is all exceptionally well placed and gave us peace of mind even on those particularly loose, rocky trails.

There are currently 10 models of the Slash available, ranging from entry-level alloy models through to robo-suspension space-bikes from the future.

All in all, we believe that the Slash is one enduro bike that isn’t just defined by its geo chart, instead excelling in areas that pleasantly surprised us once out on the trail, culminating in an exhilarating and incredibly fun ride. And for most of us, isn’t that why we ride in the first place?

There is plenty more to learn about this mega-fun enduro bike, so make sure you take a read over our full review of the 2021 Trek Slash to fill in on the rest. But, Trek has also just revamped its big travel bruiser, and changed the suspension layout to a high-pivot design. We have one coming to Flow HQ, but in the meantime, here’s what you need to know. 

Honourable mentions

While our list here is of the creme de la creme of the category, there are a pair of bikes that we felt also garnered a mention on this list.

Best Enduro Bike: Polygon Collosus N9

Polygon Collosus N9

First up is the Polygon Collosus. This alloy bruiser has a solid build kit and spot-on geometry, and with a competitive price tag, we expect you’ll see a lot of these ripping around your local trails.

Best Enduro Bike: Polygon Collosus N9

With chunky tyres and supple suspension, it hugs the ground like it’s made from velcro and laughs in the face of rough and technical terrain. The IFS suspension platform also gives it fantastic pedal efficiency, but it has 16 pivot bearings that will need to be looked after over the lifespan of the bike.

With that, it’s chonky at 17.88kg, it lacks mullet compatibility and tool storage or accessory mounts.

But priced at $4,999 AUD, it’s half the cost of some of the other bikes on this list and the value-to-capability proposition is through the roof. Read more about the Polygon Gollsus N9 here .

Best enduro bike Marin Alpine Trail 7

Marin Alpine Trail 7

Coming in below the $4,000 price barrier, the Marin Alpin Trail 7 is a stupendously capable bike for the money. Built around 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, it’s one of those slightly shorter travel, but ready for shreddy steep and technical riding, bikes we mentioned at the top.

With a robust chassis and contemporary geometry paired with smooth and sorted suspension, it’s ready for hard-hitting descending and corner-ripping shenanigans. There’s is plenty of progression built into the rear suspension, so you can access all the travel, but it’s never obvious when you’ve run out.

The Alpine Trail 7 is for riders who prioritise getting down the mountain as fast as possible while being able to jump, jib and manual along the way. This is a bike that rewards and aggressive pilot on more demanding trails.

The Marin Alpine Trail 7 is definitely one of the best value enduro bikes on the market

When things go back up, it’s not the sprightliest climber, and the rear end is active, which is a boon on crumbly surfaces and techy ascents. Thankfully there’s also a climb switch for when it’s time to put the watts down.

It’s not an all-day pedaller, but that’s not what it’s supposed to be, and there are other bikes in Marin’s range designed for that purpose. It’s gimmick-free, simple, well spec’d and a ball of fun to ride.

For more, read our full review of the Marin Alpine Trail 7 .

Wrapping up

Enduro has absolutely exploded, and the bikes are becoming ever more capable and reliable — as is a requisite of the racing format. There was a time not all that long ago, there would be an audible groan at the proposition of going uphill aboard a slacked-out gravity rig, with 160mm+ of rear travel. Now these bikes can tackle terrifyingly steep, nasty and rough gravity trails, and then pedal back up to the top no problem.

Better still, brands are taking these big travel bruisers in a tonne of different directions — high pivot vs non-high pivot, mullet vs no-mullet, etc. — and rethinking every aspect of these bikes all in the pursuit of creating the best enduro platform. With that, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of bikes we’d love to test, like the Forbidden Dreadnought, Nukeproof Mega and the new Santa Cruz Nomad — we have that last one coming, so stay tuned.

And with that, we’re constantly reviewing bikes, and we’ll be updating this feature as we come across more bikes worthy of this list.

If there’s something you’d like to see, sing out in the comments and let us know.

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Atherton AM.170 M1 first ride review

Mick Kirkman

  • Mick Kirkman
  • September 19, 2023

Inspired by Dan Atherton’s riding in the Dyfi, the AM.170 is a long travel, mullet wheel enduro bike that's available in an incredible twenty two size configurations.

Atherton AM.170

Atherton AM.170 Credit: Mick Kirkman

Product Overview

Atherton am170 m1.

  • Extensive sizing options. High-end build with unique ride quality. Competitively priced given what’s involved in the manufacturing process. Fox Factory suspension offers a wide and usable range of adjustment
  • The rubberized protection started to peel away under the down tube

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

We’ve seen it the Atherton AM.170 perform at the highest level in Gee’s latest Ridgeline IV video where he ventures high into the Dolomite mountains on an epic trip, but how does it stack up against the best enduro bikes on the market? We took this boutique long-travel rig out first on the Athertons’ home turf at Dyfi bike park and then straight into the local tech trails of North Yorkshire. This test may be tagged as a ‘first ride’ but we’ve put a serious number of hours in on this AM.170 in M1 spec.

It’s stating the obvious that Atherton bikes have come a long way in a relatively short space of time. But when a manufacturer of a relatively niche design, using inherited technology from a failing brand, turns it around in such a spectacular fashion, it’s something that bears repeating.

Need to know

  • Mixed wheel size mountain masher with 170mm frame travel
  • Unique frame construction combined with DW6 suspension offers a unique ride quality
  • Fox 38 Factory fork drivers 180mm travel, with 4-way adjustable damping to match the DHX2 coil shock
  • Available in 22 size configurations.

Atherton AM.170

When it come to travel, the AM.170 sits below the World Champs winning AM.200 in Atherton’s line up.

To add to multiple glowing bike reviews, one of Atherton’s most spectacular achievements is scoring World Cup and World Championship DH wins against the biggest and most affluent brands and teams on the planet. The Atherton DH rig is definitely competitive then, but how does this translate to its latest 170mm travel big hitter sharing the same DNA, technology and production methods?

  • Best enduro mountain bikes: 150 to 180mm monsters

Dubbed the AM170, this is the bike Dan Atherton wanted for ripping up DH tracks and massive jumps in Dyfi bike park, and riding the local natural techy steeps and still be able to ride back up to the top again under his own steam.

No surprises then that it’s solid and pretty hefty, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a one-trick-pony freeride or mini-DH bike, I quickly discovered it still pedals and climbs very efficiently for how capable it is.

Atherton AM.170

The carbon tubes bonded into titanium lugs give the brand’s bikes a distinctive look

Like every Atherton bike (this is the fifth), the frame is made in Machynlleth from a skeleton of carbon tubes bonded into 3D-printed titanium lugs.

  • Ridgeline IV video: Gee Atherton rides the Dolomites

I’ve ridden every Atherton bike so far and followed their progress from the somewhat rough and raw first AM150 prototype, through multiple refinements to the point now where the brand is clearly exploiting the full potential of the unique construction and DW6 suspension design.

Atherton AM.170

With multiple seat tube and reach options the AM.170 gets as close to a personalised fit without going full custom

Atherton bikes sees customisation and rider fit as a critical part of the puzzle, so it offers 22 size options, reflecting low, regular, tall or X-tall seat tubes and reach numbers spanning from 410mm up to 530mm. Now if that sounds crazy, well it kinda is, but thanks to Atherton’s fit calculator, that factors in arm and leg length as well as rider height, it remarkably easy to land on a good fitting bike.

  • Atherton AM.130.X trail bike: first ride review

Offering so many options is clearly easier when your frame’s made by bonding tubes together, rather than needing extremely costly carbon moulds for each individual size. But the downside to Atherton’s approach is that it’s more time consuming than having a traditional carbon moulded frame. Atherton bikes have to wait 16 hours for its sole Renishaw additive machine to lay down powdered titanium with a laser to produce the titanium lugs. These component parts then need significant hand-finishing before tubes of any dimension can be inserted. Artisan? You bet.

Atherton AM.170

The rubber down tube protector on our press bike started peeling at the edges during the test period

This build process obviously lends the Atherton’s bike a unique look, but less obvious is the DW6 6-bar suspension layout with an additional, barely visible, link behind the bottom bracket. It adds weight and complexity, but as we delved much deeper into this in the AM130 review, it’s clear that it also affords tuning suppleness and progression with neutral pedalling characteristics. It also retains low levels of anti-rise; presumably contributing to Atherton’s signature composed ride character that’s really stable and calm under heavy braking on the steeps.

Atherton AM.170

The DW6 6-bar suspension layout is a proven constant on all four Atherton frame platforms

Another factor to the smooth and damped ride feel is Atherton using custom lugs for each application and understanding the tuning of the carbon tubes that connect all of the lugs. This is key to the ride quality.

Adapting the thickness and rigidity of the carbon tubes adds compliance and damping in certain zones of the frame and it means that even with rock-solid lugs and pivot hardware, the frame feels sturdy, but not so bony and stiff as to reduce off-camber grip and comfort.

Atherton AM.170

The finish and craftsmanship gives a real boutique look to the AM.170

How it rides

Once on board, a low top tube and straight-through seat tube keeps the AM170 down away from your knees and thighs, so the bike fades into the background as you ride – the neat cable routing and effective frame protection keep it from rattling your ear drums too.

The rubberised frame protection isn’t as elegantly finished as some of the big brands though, and the corner of the downtube protector had already started to peel away slightly during testing.

With so many options on AM170 builds, I won’t delve into the sorted specification too much, aside from a special mention for Hayes Dominion A4 brakes . This choice was originally dictated by the DH race team’s sponsorship, but all the riders loved the brakes so much that it was a no-brainer to offer them to the public. With Galfer pads, power is ridiculous (arguably class-leading), but there’s less modulation than Hope’s latest stoppers and the stubby lever blade doesn’t quite have a big enough ‘hook’ at the fingertip.

Atherton AM.170

Team-approved Hayes Dominion brakes are paired with Galfer 200mm rotors front and rear

Plenty of brands use similar geometry on their longer travel enduro rigs and even share the familiar Fox 38 fork and DHX2 shock, but Atherton’s DW6 suspension and the damped chassis manage to bring something different to the table.

From my first ride at Dyfi with team rider base settings on the suspension, the bike seemed to glide almost effortlessly across rough ground. So you get the sense that you’re always cruising along with lower vibration levels though the chassis than many equivalent travel bikes. It’s no sofa though. The AM170 rides precisely and sharp, but never bites back, does anything weird or unsettling and holds its shape so well, you can hammer without feeling like you’re the one getting hammered.

Atherton AM.170

Fox supplies the suspension front and rear on the AM.170, with a coil rear shock on our test rig

The AM170 is so neutral in fact, you could argue it’s a bit middle of the road. To me, this is where the magic lies though. It just feels right in every area. With minimal tweaking and set up, it’s anything but boring when the bike is so sorted it compels you to tackle ever harder trails and bigger jumps. As such, I ticked off more features and nailed steeper sections at Dyfi than on any other bike I’ve ridden there, including similar long travel rigs from big brands like Canyon, YT, Evil and Specialized.

Atherton AM.170

FOX 38 fork, Stan’s Flow EX3 rims and Conti’s Kryptotal rubber are well chosen components

Aside from morphing me into an Oakley jump line addict desperate for another hit, the AM170 offers a solid foundation to tweak its character. Playing with the compression dials on the Fox suspension can yield results from plenty of support for sends and big berms, to a slink-down-the-steeps bump swallower. And remarkably, it works equally well in either guise.

So where many bikes with distinct characteristics tend to pigeon hole themselves, the AM170’s neutrality allows a broad range of tuning for a broad church of riding possibilities. It also stands out for being a far more efficient climber and pedaller than a bike this capable has any right to be.

Atherton AM.170

Dyfi bike park makes an ideal testing and development location

My only complaint then, was having to give the AM170 back before my Alps summer holiday. Because, for riding DH tracks, Morzine steeps and a blend of natural enduro trails, I struggle to think of any other bike I’d rather ride than this rounded package that rides lighter than the scales suggest and looks unique to boot.

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The best enduro mountain bikes of 2024 | 25 top-rated enduro MTBs

The big-hitting rigs you need to look out for in 2024

Ian Linton / Immediate Media

Looking for the best enduro bike? You’re in the right place; here we list the best enduro bikes on the market in 2024, as tested by our experienced, independent test team.

Enduro racing is currently at the forefront of mountain biking, with the demands of epic days on the pedals competing with long, technical descents that challenge downhill courses for their difficulty.

As such, the latest breed of enduro bikes have to be able to spin up hills as well as throw themselves down steep chutes, through rock gardens and over huge gaps.

Not all enduro bikes are born the same, though, and some will be better suited to long days in the mountains, with pedalling characteristics to boot, while others are basically downhill bikes in disguise – flat-out down the gnarliest of tracks, but possibly more of a slog back up the other side.

We’ve put together a buyer's guide at the bottom of this article to help you choose the best enduro bike for you.

The best enduro mountain bikes of 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Norco shore 2.

Norco Shore 2 freeride mountain bike

  • Price: £3,399/$5,199 as tested
  • Pros: Dialled geometry; fast handling
  • Cons: Weight might be a problem for some

Although its weight may be an issue for some, the Shore is one of the best-riding, confidence-inspiring, long-travel mountain bikes on the market and all for a reasonable asking price. Offering 180mm of rear-wheel travel, the Shore is a high-pivot enduro mountain bike with a Horst-link suspension design.

Built around an aluminium frame, the Shore features an excellent and progressive geometry with a generous 480mm reach, 63-degree head tube angle and 445mm chainstays on our size large.

Norco is one of the only brands to vary chainstay lengths across its range. Considering its weight, the Shore climbs well despite the MaxxGrip compound on the Maxxis DoubleDown casing tyres, which we swapped to a MaxxTerra.

The Shore is a very comfortable bike to ride over rough terrain and is also incredibly predictable. Thanks to the ideal geometry, you can weight the front wheel confidently and it feels super-composed, both at speed and in technical sections.

  • Read our full Norco Shore 2 review

Canyon Strive CFR

Canyon Strive enduro mountain bike

  • Price: £5,999/$7,299/€6,299 as tested
  • Pros: Chassis provides stability at high speeds; race bike feel with high-performance potential
  • Cons: Suspension can feel harsh at low speeds

The Strive CFR is Canyon's race bike offering 170mm of travel and 29in wheels.

The Strive is well-specced compared to its contemporaries, with a Shimano XTR drivetrain and brakes paired with a Race Face Next RS crankset.

The Shapeshifter system allows for better on-the-fly adjustment to the bike's geometry and presents a marked improvement on the previous model.

  • Read our full Canyon Strive CFR review

Cotic RocketMAX Gen4 Mullet Silver

Cotic RocketMAX Gen4 Mullet Silver full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,949 as tested
  • Pros: Stable and confident through turns; carries speed well
  • Cons: Not as forgiving as other bikes

Cotic's RocketMAX shines when pointed downhill, carrying speed well, and is able to rail corners with ease. The bike can be run as a 29in or in as a mullet, which we tested.

The bike's composure is hard to fault, although we did find it to be a little noisy and less smooth than others, with chain slap being a distraction on bumpy trails.

Cotic offers a host of customisable spec, with our test bike featuring a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and a Cane Creek Double Barrel Kitsuma coil shock.

  • Read our full Cotic RocketMAX Gen4 Mullet Silver review

Devinci Spartan HP GX

Devinci Spartan HP GX 12s enduro mountain bike

  • Price: $6,149/€6,249 as tested
  • Pros: Impressive suspension; really well-specced for the asking price
  • Cons: Steeper head tube angle would aid in climbing

The Spartan HP is a bump-munching, race-ready, high-pivot enduro machine and the entry model we tested has a solid spec for the price. The suspension platform is impressively supple, with a 170mm fork at the front and 160mm at the back.

The frame is fully carbon fibre (including rocker link) and our test bike was specced with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Code R brakes. The Spartan is sure-footed on tight and twisty trails, and it’s at home when ridden aggressively with intent. When pushed very hard, the Spartan can punish its rear wheel, though. We'd prefer a steeper seat tube angle for climbing.

  • Read our full Devinici Spartan HP GX 12s review

Merida One-Sixty 6000

Merida One-Sixty 6000

  • Price: £4,600 as tested
  • Pros: Impressive geometry; well-considered parts
  • Cons: Seatpost scores easily

Merida's One-Sixty 6000 is our 2023 Enduro Mountain Bike of the Year , pipping the competition with its exciting and capable ride feel.

The bike offers well-balanced suspension that enables you to smash through technical sections, with the RockShox ZEB Select fork and Super Deluxe Select working well to iron out the trail.

A well thought-out spec, featuring a Shimano XT shifter connected to an SLX derailleur, makes for crisp shifting, while keeping the price point to a minimum.

The bike is seriously capable, lapping up gnarly trails while maintaining a fun, flickable character.

  • Read our full Merida One-Sixty 6000 review

Norco Range C1

Norco Range C1 high pivot enduro mountain bike

  • Price: £8,999/$8,249/€9,999 as tested
  • Pros: Excellent suspension with impressive descending performance
  • Cons: Pedal bob when climbing

The Range C1 is a hard-charging gravity monster, with smooth suspension that's helped by a well-considered geometry.

While the Range C1 is designed for hard-hitting gravity-fed descents, it also performs well on mellower trails considering its bulk.

The geometry isn't the most aggressive out there, which makes for a comfortable climbing position for long days in the saddle, although the suspension provides some pedal bob.

Norco has given the Range C1 a spec list that is all but impossible to upgrade, which is quite the task considering its asking price.

  • Read our full Norco Range C1 review

Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite

Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite for Bike of the Year 2023

  • Price: £4,900 as tested
  • Pros: Good comfort and confidence-inspiring
  • Cons: Brakes aren't the punchiest

Nukeproof's Mega 297 Carbon Elite keeps things exciting when you want them to be, with the geometry striking the right balance between speed and nimbleness.

The suspension is well balanced, with the Mega 297 Carbon Elite using a Fox 38 Performance Elite and an X2 Performance rear shock , which swallow up bumps with relative ease.

The bike feels well within its comfort zone on most trails and passes this reassurance on to the rider, boosting confidence.

  • Read our full Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite review

Propain Spindrift Al MX Performance

Propain Spindrift Al MX Performance full

  • Price: £5,013/$5,253/€5,013 as tested
  • Pros: Pedals well for its long travel; alloy frame just as capable as carbon rivals
  • Cons: Upgraded shock may need a retune

Propain's Spindrift Al MX Performance is a freeride-focused long-travel bike aimed at bike parks and gnarly downhill trails.

On the hills, we found ourselves reconsidering the stereotypes of long-travel bikes, with the Spindrift proving to be an efficient climber despite its 180mm of front and rear travel.

While it wasn't XC quick, a good seating position and supportive platform made it rival most enduro bikes up the hills.

When pointed down the trail, the bike felt happy to charge through the roughest stuff and gobble up hard hits with ease. However, we found the shock struggled with high-frequency pumps due to a medium compression and rebound tune.

This didn't reduce confidence in the bike, but would be something we'd change if we were riding more natural trails.

  • Read our full Propain Spindrift Al MX Performance review

YT Capra 29 Core 4

YT Capra 29 Core 4 full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £5,199/$5,299/€5,299/AU$9,999 as tested
  • Pros: Fast from the get-go; lively and comfortable character
  • Cons: Bottom bracket feels too high

YT's Capra 29 Core 4 offers great value for money, with a Fox Factory 38 fork and an X2 Factory shock used to absorb rough trails.

The frame has been around since 2021 and offers a playful ride on various types of trail, though we found the bottom bracket a little high.

The Capra 29 is incredibly well rounded, and while some bikes may perform better on downhills, the versatile nature of the Capra makes for an easy-going, confidence-inspiring ride.

  • Read our full YT Capra 29 Core 4 review

Bird Aeris 9 Shimano 12-speed

Bird Aeris 9 Shimano 12-speed full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,333 as tested
  • Pros: Good value for money with custom build options; well-balanced geometry
  • Cons: Not the most responsive ride

Bird's Aeris 9 Shimano 12-speed offers a competitive build for the money, with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock used to gobble up the bumps.

The Aeris 9 offers masses of stability and security through technical sections, providing plenty of rider confidence when you need it most.

We found the bike lacked a little when it came to playfulness, being focused more on heavy hits and carrying speed through rough terrain.

  • Read our full Bird Aeris 9 Shimano 12-speed review

Bold Unplugged Ultimate

Bold Unplugged Ultimate full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £10,999/$10,999/€10,999 as tested
  • Pros: Balanced geometry; stellar climbing performance
  • Cons: Limited customisation

Bold's Unplugged Ultimate offers high levels of innovation with its neatly integrated rear suspension, one-piece Syncros cockpit and comprehensive in-built toolkit.

The bike features 160mm of rear travel controlled by a Fox Float X Nude Factory hidden in the frame , while the front of the bike is supported by a 170mm Öhlins RFX38 M.2 fork.

We found the ride to be superbly balanced, with precise and playful handling complemented by a calm and capable ability through the gnarliest terrain.

This continues when faced with a hill, because the modern geometry and TracLoc suspension system makes spinning up easier than on its contemporaries.

While its design causes restrictions in spec choice, the Unplugged is without doubt a superbike – and is priced accordingly.

  • Read our full Bold Unplugged Ultimate review

Cannondale Jekyll 2

Pack shot of the Cannondale Jekyll 2 full suspension mountain

  • Price: £4,800/$4,550/€4,999/AU$6,899 as tested
  • Pros: Striking looks; composed when it matters
  • Cons: Not the best value for money

The Jekyll 2 uses the same carbon frame as the top-end Jekyll 1, just with a lower component spec. It's a striking-looking enduro bike, with its hidden shock designed to lower the centre of gravity and a great paintjob. It's available as a 29er only.

The high-pivot suspension design incorporates Cannondale's Ai asymmetric rear triangle to increase frame clearance. There's an idler wheel in the chainline to help prevent the kickback that can come with high-pivot kinematics.

Spec-wise, there's Shimano Deore, which despite being low-spec for the Jekyll 2's price, worked just fine. Cannondale specs 165mm cranks to reduce pedal strikes. Suspension is provided by a 170mm RockShox Zeb Select fork and a Fox Float DPX2 Performance shock with 165mm of travel. We had issues with wheel build quality though.

We really liked the forward seated position and absence of bob when climbing. Head back down and the Jekyll's balanced handling and geometry make it predictable and easy to guide through turns.

We also rated the Cannondale Jekyll 1 at 4 stars if you fancy a more decked-out spec.

  • Read our full Cannondale Jekyll 2 review

Canyon Strive CFR Underdog

Canyon Strive CFR Underdog full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,799/$4,999/€4,999/AU$7,399 as tested
  • Pros: Shapeshifter helps on the hills; ground-hugging suspension
  • Cons: Not the liveliest ride

Canyon's Strive CFR Underdog is the German brand's lowest-tier enduro race bike. It features meaningful geometry adjustment and Shapeshifter technology that can steepen the seat tube angle for climbing.

The Strive CFR Underdog has a calm demeanour on steep terrain and goes a long way to boost rider confidence, though the bike requires more effort than its competition on more sedate trails.

Gearing and brakes come in the form of Shimano XT, while a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and X2 Performance rear shock are used to eat up the trail.

  • Read our full Canyon Strive CFR Underdog review

Canyon Torque Mullet

Canyon Torque Mullet CF8 full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,499/$5,399/AU$7,299/€4,799 as tested
  • Pros : Balanced ride feel from sorted geometry and good spec for its price
  • Cons: Not quite as grippy and ride-smoothing as others

The Torque is now available as a 29er, 27.5in bike or this mullet option with a carbon frame and in all sizes except small. It comes with 175mm of travel out back from its Fox DHX2 Factory shock and a Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 fork with 170mm travel.

There's a flip chip built in that changes geometry by 0.5 degrees and bottom bracket height by 8mm.

The Torque isn't quite a full-on enduro bike; we didn't feel it had quite the grip or bump-swallowing ability of the best. The updated Canyon Strive is designed more specifically to fit that mandate.

As usual with Canyon, you get a great spec for the price, with Shimano XT and DT Swiss wheels with Maxxis tyres.

Downhill performance delivered fun by the bucketful, with well-balanced, predictable handling. There's a bit more feedback over bumpy terrain than some of its rivals though.

  • Read our full Canyon Torque Mullet review

Deviate Highlander II

Deviate Highlander II high pivot trail mountain bike

  • Price: £7,050
  • Pros: Impressive suspension with excellent pedal efficiency
  • Cons: Head angles could be slacker to meet performance potential

While it only has 145mm of rear-suspension travel, the Highlander II is designed for everything from epic days in the saddle to bike park laps.

The high-pivot suspension soaks up bumps, providing for smooth and calm descending, while remaining composed uphill, resisting pedal bob.

While the geometry is relatively balanced, the relatively steep 65-degree head angle makes it twitchier and harder to manage on steep turns.

  • Read our full Deviate Highlander II review

Devinci Chainsaw GX 12S

Devinci Chainsaw GX 12S full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,999 as tested
  • Pros: Impressive downhill performance; robust design
  • Cons: Chain guide adds drag

The Chainsaw is designed for bike park laps and steep downhill terrain, featuring a high-pivot suspension design that delivers 170mm of rear travel.

While it's not destined for climbing prowess, the bike will get you up a hill comfortably, though the chain guide at the bottom adds drag. We found removing it made a significant difference.

The Chainsaw proves seriously fast downhill, with the rear end soaking up bumps of all sizes and frequencies, while still remaining engaging on smoother tracks, unless the gradient is too mellow.

The bike suits aggressive riders smashing out big features, and would make a good seasonaire bike.

  • Read our full Devinci Chainsaw GX 12S review

Giant Reign 1

Giant Reign 1 full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £3,999/€4,499/AU$5,699 as tested
  • Pros: Well-considered spec for price; incredibly capable
  • Cons: Not the fastest through the rough

Giant's latest Reign now has 160mm of rear travel, bringing it up to date with a lot of the other bikes on this list.

The Reign 1 offers good spec, with quality components such as a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and a Float X Performance Elite rear shock bolted to a well-refined frame.

The bike comes with meaningful geometry adjust that allows for slack, medium and steep ride settings to cater for the type of riding you do.

Giant's Reign 1 descends quickly, offering racers and riders high levels of confidence in technical sections, though we found the cockpit a little stiff on rough terrain.

  • Read our full Giant Reign 1 review

Hope HB.916

Pack shot of the Hope HB.916 full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £6,995 as tested
  • Pros: Impressive geometry with dependable spec; calm and controlled through the rough stuff
  • Cons: Suspension is hard to set up for lighter riders

Hope's new HB.916 enduro bike features a high-pivot linkage delivering 160mm of rear travel. The bike feels well-balanced and happy to plunge into the most technical terrain without dulling any of the fun.

The HB.916 is specced with the British brand's own wheels, brakes and crankset. Our tester didn't take to Hope's carbon bar though, feeling that it was too stiff.

An Öhlins RXF38 M2 fork supports the front of the bike with 170mm of travel, while a TTX2 Air shock controls the rear. We found it took a while to find the right setup for the bike.

  • Read our full Hope HB.916 review

Intense Tracer 279 Expert

Intense Tracer 279 Expert full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £4,999/$5,499/€5,499 as tested
  • Pros: Impressive frame details; useful toolkit and internal storage
  • Cons: Heavy SRAM NX Eagle cassette

The Tracer 279 Expert is the American brand's mixed wheel-size enduro bike with 170mm of suspension travel front and rear.

Intense has paid attention with the frame, with the fancy carbon adorned with titanium hardware and featuring functional fenders to keep mud away from the rear shock.

The bike uses a full SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and a Fox DHX2 Performance Elite coil shock translates into a relatively hefty bike. However, efficient suspension anti-squat and a comfortable pedalling position make winching to the top of a trail bearable.

Downhill, the bike provides plenty of support and impresses with its bump swallowing on square-edge hits, while the mullet wheel size and modern geometry keep the Tracer manoeuvrable through tight and technical trails.

The Tracer doesn't provide the best value for money, but the frame has plenty of performance potential with some upgrades.

  • Read our full Intense Tracer 279 Expert review

Propain Tyee AL 29 Performance

Propain Tyee AL 29 Performance full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £5,250 (with upgraded brakes and wheels)
  • Pros: Fast and agile ride; good climber
  • Cons: No size small on the 29in version

Direct-to-consumer brand Propain is renowned for offering great value for money and its enduro Tyee offering is no exception. Available in either 27.5 or 29-inch wheels, as reviewed here, the bike climbs efficiently and the brand's PR010 suspension system, consisting of two counter-rotating links, resisted any bob during testing.

On the descents, it has plenty of pop and playfulness, and its agility means you can switch between lines without a lot of effort.

Our test bike came with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, upgraded Formula Cura brakes and RockShox suspension, the rear a coil shock that Propain says is a no up-charge extra if you don't want to use an air shock.

Although the aluminium frame transmits more feedback than other best enduro bikes, the Tyee is a serious amount of fun to ride and it's a great jack-of-all-trades.

  • Read our full Propain Tyee AL 29 Performance review

Orange Alpine Evo LE

Orange Alpine Evo LE enduro mountain bike

  • Price: £5,900 as tested
  • Pros: Inspired geometry; spot-on spec for the asking price
  • Cons: Narrower margin for error than other suspension designs

Orange's single-pivot Alpine Evo LE comes shod with 155mm of rear-wheel travel and a 6061-T6 aluminium frame. Our test bike was equipped with a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset and suspension courtesy of RockShox.

It feels best when worked hard, offering a sharp yet efficient ride. There's a narrower margin for error with the single-pivot design, but once you've mastered a particular jump or trail feature, the Alpine excels, landing with a notable surge in speed.

  • Read our full Orange Alpine Evo LE review

Pole Stamina 160 Remastered

Pole Stamina 160 Remastered enduro mountain bike

  • Price: €5,684 as tested
  • Pros: Fantastic appearance; exceptionally progressive geometry; incredibly fast
  • Cons: The suspension requires careful setting up

The Finnish brand's mid-travel trail-cum-enduro bike features adjustable travel (by swapping out the shock yoke) and is compatible with both 29in wheels and a mullet setup. It's an outrageously fast bike to ride on all terrain types and despite its stand-out geometry, it pedals well on both uphill and flatter terrain.

Its descending performance is remarkably stable and calm, and it can be ridden incredibly quickly over any terrain with composure and calmness. You'll want to pay careful attention to the suspension setup, which can feel quite aggressive, and will require some fettling for it to be optimal.

  • Read our full Pole Stamina 160 Remastered review

Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS RSV Coil

Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS RSV Coil full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £8,999 as tested
  • Pros: Confident handling on all terrain; well-designed glovebox
  • Cons: Flip chip does little to change the bike's geometry

Santa Cruz's Nomad proves years of small refinements are just as important as unique design features. The mullet set-up makes the Nomad more capable than the previous model when pointed downhill, with the bike making a happy companion through the gnarliest of terrain.

The coil shock gives a supportive platform to push against when pumping down the trail, with the 170mm of rear travel happy to eat up even the biggest impacts.

While the price is steep, the Nomad is ready for whatever you throw at it.

  • Read our full Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS RSV Coil review

SCOR 4060 LT GX

Pack shot of the SCOR 4060 LT GX full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: €6,899/$7,199 as tested
  • Pros: Very efficient to pedal
  • Cons: High bottom bracket

SCOR is Swiss brand BMC's enduro division, with this 4060 LT GX featuring 29in wheels and 160mm of rear-wheel travel. The bike is nearer to an aggressive trail bike than it is to a downhill bike, and its low weight and snappy geometry give a feeling of eagerness even at moderate speeds.

The 348mm bottom bracket height doesn't give the most planted feel through turns, though this doesn't take away from the bike's sense of fun. While not suited to the steepest, roughest trails, the 4060 LT GX provides a great all-round ride.

  • Read our full SCOR 4060 LT GX review

Vitus Sommet 297 AMP

Vitus Sommet 297 AMP full suspension mountain bike

  • Price: £5,500/$5,999/€6,300/AU$8,800 as tested
  • Pros: Good spec for the money; fun and playful on every trail
  • Cons: Not as confident as other bikes on this list

Vitus' Sommet 297 AMP is seriously fun to ride, with the bike feeling poppy and behaving predictably in the air.

As the brand has become synonymous for, the Sommet 297 features a drool-worthy spec for the price, with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and SRAM GX Eagle AXS electronic groupset.

The bike doesn't offer the same ground-hugging and confident feel as other bikes on this list, though it's likely to put an equally big smile on your face.

  • Read our full Vitus Sommet 297 AMP review

What is an enduro bike?

Rob Weaver riding a Nukeproof Giga mtb. BikePark Wales . Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil , Wales. April 2022 .

Which came first, enduro racing, or the enduro bike? It's a bit chicken and egg, but the race genre and the bike genre have pushed each other's limits, and driven development of bike tech far beyond the confines of the course tapes.

Enduro bikes sit in the middle ground between downhill bikes and trail bikes . Like a DH bike, they're designed to get down hills as fast as possible, tackling chunky rock gardens, matted root beds, big drops and canyon-like gaps, doing it all with a little less suspension travel .

However, like the best trail mountain bikes , they're also designed to be pedalled back up; so rather than pushing to the top of the track, they can be ridden up thanks to more suitable geometry, wider gear ranges and lighter builds than a DH bike.

As such, they're slightly less capable downhill than a DH bike, but far more capable up, and more capable down but less capable up than a trail bike… got it?!

How much travel does an enduro bike have?

RockShox fork 2023

While there's no set definition of travel that defines an enduro bike, the majority have between 150 and 170mm of suspension front and rear. Some 27.5in-wheel enduro bikes may push travel a touch higher and there are a few with a little less at the rear – usually 29in bikes.

Expect to see the burliest single-crown suspension forks a brand has to offer with stanchion diameters varying from 35mm to 38mm. They're built to be stiff, smooth and supportive, with higher-end models sporting plenty of adjustability.

Manitou's Mara rear shock, one of the products reviewed in this month's Wrecked and Rated.

Rear shocks, especially when you're buying bikes from the mid-range up, will have a 'piggyback' design.

This is an additional chamber connected to one end of the shock that allows for additional oil flow through the shock. This, then, allows for better temperature management and more consistency on long descents (you'll be surprised by how warm a shock can get in use).

How the bikes use that suspension travel will vary too. Some bikes have incredibly plush suspension that totally insulates you from the trail, leading to an incredibly planted feel that's fast on steep and rough terrain.

But with all that smoothness comes more pedal-induced movement, so these bikes can often feel sluggish on climbs and flatter tracks – you'll be reaching for a lockout lever much sooner.

However, some bikes will have a more pedal-friendly suspension, which will make the uphills much easier and the flatter tracks more fun. You may lose some of that buttery feeling when you're going flat-out over rocks and roots, though.

Enduro bike geometry – what's that about?

Pole Stamina 160 Remastered enduro mountain bike

The latest enduro bikes have long, low and slack geometry . This means long front centres (and reach measurements), slack head angles and low bottom brackets. This makes them feel super-confident on steep hillsides because there's less chance of you flipping over the handlebars, and it helps you better manage weight and grip between the tyres.

Longer geometry can make the bikes a little slower to react to inputs, and sometimes you may find you need to re-address your riding technique to get the most agility out of them, but these bikes have descending speed at the forefront of their design.

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best 180mm travel bikes

Senior technical editor

best 180mm travel bikes

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Suspension travel: Understanding fork length and how it affects your mountain bike

Forks come in varying lengths of suspension travel and stanchion sizes, this is what they mean for your riding

Suspension travel

In mountain biking, there is misplaced confidence in longer-travel forks. With your front wheel having to steer and balance traction on those big trail features and steep descents, the logic is often that more suspension travel is better. But is this the case?

To better understand how the suspension travel of the best mountain bike forks influences your riding and what should be best for your trails, you need to understand the relationship between terrain absorption and trail feedback.

Modern mountain bike geometries are designed explicitly around suspension travel. For example, the best XC forks for cross-country mountain bikes are short-travel forks as the trails are relatively smooth and comprise lots of climbing. They need to be light and responsive while still providing a decent range of compression.

As you move through the various types of mountain bikes, fork travel requirements change. The weight, stanchion thickness, and travel all increase to meet the demands of each discipline – and longer forks aren’t superior in every application.

Cross-country: 100-120mm travel, 30-32mm stanchion diameter

Shorter travel forks are generally aimed at cross-country mountain biking , designed to balance performance, lightweight and just enough suspension travel to help smooth out bumpy singletrack. 

Cross-country forks can work with narrower 30-32mm stanchions because the upper tubes aren’t exposed to much leverage. This helps to keep the overall fork weight down.

But why shouldn’t you fit a cross-country mountain bike , recommended for maximum fork travel of 120mm, with a 130mm fork? Isn’t that a great idea? Not really.

Any increase in fork travel will slacken the bike and shorten its reach. Slacker head angles boost confidence in steep descending terrain, but they make a mountain bike less agile at climbing technical singletrack as well as unbalancing the bike by moving the rider's weight backward. It will also raise the bottom bracket which will cause the bike to feel less planted and confident in corners.

For many years 100-120mm forks were designed either as ultralight racing components or cheap beginner bike suspension. That has changed with the popularity of downcountry and there are now 120mm forks that have much stiffer crowns.

Consider the terrain you are riding. A 100- to 120mm lightweight cross-country fork will be ideal if your trails are smooth and flowing. The shorter suspension travel gives a more responsive feel and you’ll enjoy greater trail feedback through the handlebar and grips.

Shorter suspension travel forks also bob less when climbing up steep trails in a standing position. Many short travel forks further support climbing with the addition of a lockout switch.

Trail: 120-150mm travel, 34mm stanchion diameter

The best trail mountain bike market is probably the most competitive category in mountain biking and these bikes are often ridden right up to their design capabilities.

Reasonably efficient climbers and confident descending bikes, the trail machine is a hybrid between cross-country and enduro. And as you would expect, it needs a fork with more travel and stiffness than those 100-120mm options.

There has been significant development with the Fox 34 in recent years. RockShox has reacted too with its latest Pike range, blending 35mm stanchions with low fork weight.

At 150mm of suspension travel, you are probably pushing the limits of what a 34mm stanchion can deal with, especially for aggressive trail riding. The sweet spot for suspension travel and stanchion size for trail bikes would be 130- to 140mm.

Yet again, it is a tale of less being more. If you use a 34mm stanchion fork at the upper reaches of its travel, there might be a higher risk of terrain-induced steering deflection due to flex. Those roots and rocks can ping you offline, despite being sure of your steering inputs.

Too much travel can also dull the feedback of your trail bike. We recommend that a trail fork ideally have 34mm stanchions, at 130-140mm, for a 29er - possibly, up to 150mm, for the smaller 27.5in wheel size.

As fork travel increases with trail bikes, the latitude of responsiveness from your damper becomes more complex. You will see premium trail bike forks offering high- and low-speed compression adjustment, allowing riders to balance full travel benefits on gnarly terrain without having the fork dive too much in high-speed berms. 

Enduro: 150-180mm travel, 35-38mm stanchion diameter

The fork stiffness formula is simple: when adding more suspension travel increase stanchion size.

Single-crown fork design has had to go longer, with the best enduro mountain bikes now ripping down terrain once reserved for downhill rigs. RockShox and Fox introduced 38mm stanchion single-crown forks last year, especially for the riding demands of enduro mountain biking .

Having more travel is great but potentially useless if the fork internals can’t make the best use of it. That 180mm enduro fork is pointless if it blows through its travel or is entirely unresponsive to small-bump impacts.

With 150- to 180mm single-crown forks, you don’t need a lockout control for climbing, but you want to control the multiple channels of compression and rebound. Balancing the increased leverage effect and fork dive under braking in steep terrain is the crucial enabler with long-travel single-crown forks.

As a forks suspension travel lengthens, set-up becomes crucial. This is why you'll find 150- to 180mm enduro single-crown forks with intricate compression and rebound adjusters and dials. These allow riders to make the best of all that travel by configuring the damping circuits and rebound to work across all terrain.

A decade ago, the idea of a 180mm single-crown fork that could provide an adequate compression platform for pedaling uphill was unfathomable. But today’s big-hitting 38mm single-crown forks are hugely adaptable, giving riders all the precise cornering support and cushioning when landing those huge drops or landings.

Downhill: 180-200mm travel, 40mm stanchion diameter

These are the largest forks you can buy with the most suspension travel and a dual-crown design to cushion the rider from the huge, repeated impacts when riding the most technically demanding descents possible.

With the amount of leverage involved at 200mm of travel, and considering how slack the best downhill mountain bikes are, the dual-crown design is crucial. There would be enormous flex issues if you were to produce a single-crown fork at 200mm of travel and ride it down very steep and technical terrain.

Downhill riders are less bothered by weight or climbing efficiency. This frees engineers to focus all their resources on making the stiffest structure containing sophisticated internals and valving.

The speeds that downhill bikes roll over highly technical terrain require exceptional torsional stiffness at the axle to prevent riders from being deflected off-line and crashing. That dual-crown structure increases the stiffness of these long-travel forks, although steering angle is reduced, at very low speeds.

Dual-crown forks are at the complete opposite spectrum of those short-travel,100-120mm forks, with nearly rigid lockout control. Downhill mountain biking is solely about descending, with huge dampers that react intuitively to terrain impacts and help maintain the front tire's contact with the ground when cornering and braking.

  • Suspension 101 : Everything you need to know about your mountain bike suspension dials
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Lance Branquinho

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect , Lance has written for MBR.com , Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.

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The 7 Best Road Bikes That Cater To Every Type Of Cyclist In 2024

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It’s a great time to be a road cyclist. The bikes are lighter, the drivetrains shift effortlessly and some of the tech from more expensive, racy bikes has made its way into even the most basic models, leading to some of the best road bikes I’ve seen. These days, even entry-level road bikes can hold their own in weekend group rides, and make for some pretty sweet riding.

However, the variety means it’s tougher to make a decision, especially if you’re relatively new to road cycling. In an effort to help you sift through the two-wheeled madness, I polled our contributors, editors and bike-savvy friends to come up with a list of the seven best road bikes for the most common types of riders, from rookies to weekday crit racers.

These are the best road bikes of 2024.

Once you get into road cycling, you might find that it’s time for some new gear. I’ve got you covered there as well, whether you need helmets , pumps or storage solutions . When you’re ready to test your hand at gravel (because that time will inevitably come), I have a list of our favorites for off-road fun as well.

Below, the very best road bikes for any level of rider.

  • Best Road Bike Overall: Ribble Endurance SL Disc
  • Best Value Road Bike: Specialized Allez
  • Best Road Bike For Beginners: Canyon Endurance CF 7 Disc
  • Best Road Bike For Racing: Cannondale CAAD13
  • Most Versatile Road Bike: Santa Cruz Stigmata
  • Best Aero Road Bike: Cervélo S5
  • Best Climbing Road Bike: Trek Émonda SL 7

Best Road Bike Overall

A winner for almost any road biking need.

GEOFF NUDELMAN FOR FORBES

Ribble Endurance SL Disc

Frame Material: Carbon fiber |  Frame Weight: 2.38 pounds |  Max. Tire Clearance: 32 millimeters

What I like about Ribble’s Endurance SL Disc is that it checks off a lot of boxes and I didn’t have to spend a ton of money to get there. It’s a blast to ride, tackles climbs with aplomb and was an ideal bike when I wanted to make the jump to something more serious—but not $8,000-superbike serious. The ride quality is right in the middle, where it doesn’t feel too stiff or too soft. You can also line up a Shimano 105-equipped model for under $2,700, which levels the playing field for a road bike that can take long days or even basic race events. I loved riding this bike through my first organized metric century last year. It’s certainly not the best-known brand in the U.S., but it’s worth a look and comes in enough trims and models to satisfy even the neediest road warrior. 

  • A great “next step up” bike without feeling like too much
  • Great ride feel, even over unpredictable tarmac
  • Reasonable groupset and spec choices
  • Limited service in the U.S.
  • In-house componentry is being phased out in certain cases

Best Value Road Bike

Reasonable performance at a palatable price.

Specialized

Specialized Allez

Frame Material: Alloy (carbon options available on higher trims levels) |  Frame Weight: 5.18 pounds (Sprint model, alloy) |  Max Tire Clearance: 35 millimeters (Sport model)

The Allez is a classic. It’s powered pros to the podium and remains a trusted companion for amateur riders around the world, as well. For under $1,500, Specialized has a nice, entry-level road bike with some of the trickle-down engineering from more expensive versions of the model. This is a bike that a new rider will learn the sport with, then upgrade particulars later on as their skill and experience improve. Last year’s refresh of the Allez Sport saw an introduction of wider tire clearance and the ending of a rim brake option, noting an increased affordability in the preferred stopping power for most riders these days. 

  • Simple and easy to maintain
  • Affordable disc-brake technology
  • A so-so ride feel that may not satisfy more experienced riders at the base trim

Best Road Bike For Beginners

A great starting point that won’t feel like biting off too much, canyon endurance cf 7 disc.

Frame Material: Carbon fiber |  Frame Weight: 2 pounds |  Max. Tire Clearance: 35 millimeters

Canyon has really come into its own as a purveyor of a wide range of bikes , and does especially well with a rotation of road bikes that can also venture into gravel territory. This flexibility makes its way down to something as simple as the CF 7, which comes as a nicely equipped starter bike for someone new to the sport. The more relaxed geometry means a more comfortable ride for someone not used to the angles and specifics of road riding, and there’s enough clearance to pop on 33- to 35-millimeter tires for off-road riding. Starting at less than $2,200, it’s also a considerable value, even for the lower end of the road bike market. 

  • Nice ride feel and some graduated engineering from pricier bikes
  • Good flexibility for beginner gravel
  • A solid value
  • Canyon has some proprietary components that may make upgrading a headache

Best Road Bike For Racing

A beloved choice for podium placement.

Mike's Bikes

Cannondale CAAD13

Frame Material: Alloy |  Frame Weight: 2.6 pounds |  Max. Tire Clearance: 30 millimeters

The CAAD series is synonymous with bike racing. The aggressive geometry makes it ideal for hugging tight corners and making the most of draft lines, all while improving tire clearance for bigger race tires (as that becomes more of the norm). Keep in mind, this is all within an alloy frame, which continues to buck the carbon trend (save for the introduction of a carbon fork). For $3,700, Cannondale equips its mid-level race bike with the very respectable SRAM Rival groupset (or the also-good Shimano 105 Di2 group as shown here). There’s also an entry-level Optimo line with rim brakes and simple drivetrains for those just getting into racing. 

  • Proven performance from a long-standing bike model
  • Everyday riding flexibility with fender bridge attachment
  • Alloy is out of fashion, and the ride performance isn’t for everyone

Most Versatile Road Bike

When the terrain is as much off-road as it is on, santa cruz stigmata.

Frame Material: Carbon fiber |  Frame Weight: 4.12 pounds |  Max. Tire Clearance: 50 millimeters (1x groupset), 45 millimeters (2x groupset)

The very idea of what makes a bike “versatile” has changed. Perhaps just a few years ago, it meant the ability to climb, compete in racing  and  be comfortable for a Gran Fondo. Now, the emergence of gravel riding blurred the lines between on- and off-pavement riding, and it’s safe to say the majority of road bike buyers now at least want an option to equip for gravel. So while the Stigmata is sold as a “gravel bike,” it shares many roadie characteristics, such as drop bars and an endurance geometry. However, you also get the flexibility to run mountain bike–level tires and even add a suspension fork for the roughest days. This isn’t going to be a long race bike on pavement, but it will certainly do just fine on the weekend rides, and you’ll be prepped for those spontaneous off-road adventures. 

  • Plenty of comfort for on-road riding
  • Everything someone would need for every stage of their development as a gravel rider
  • A perfect companion for bikepacking
  • All of that flexibility means losing speed and performance compared to leaner road bikes

Best Aero Road Bike

When speed and performance matter above all else.

Frame Material: Carbon fiber |  Frame Weight : 3.25 pounds |  Max. Tire Clearance: 34 millimeters

Aero is all about eeking out an extra few watts and saving weight and drag wherever possible. In this case, if it’s good enough for the Jumbo-Visma racing team, it’s good enough for us. The S5 is engineered to compete, and the current edition has reduced the overall drag of the frame by another 65 grams. The notable “V” stem adds another element of ferocity to the bike, and when matched up with some updated Reserve wheels, it’s a world-beater. It’s not cheap, but top-level equipment typically isn’t, and those who’ve decided to buy an S5 surely understand the value of a good investment. 

  • Near the top of its class; anything from here is probably custom-built
  • Superior ride feel and performance
  • Not the absolute lightest-weight option compared to its peers
  • Aero build means only specific componentry will work
  • Easily ventures into “too much bike” territory for someone who isn’t regularly racing

Best Climbing Road Bike

Conquer the hills without trying to catch your breath, trek émonda sl 7.

Frame Material: Carbon fiber (with one alloy option) |  Frame Weight: 1.38 - 2 pounds, depending on model |  Max. Tire Clearance: 28-30 millimeters, depending on model

Trek’s Émonda series is described by those who ride it as the ideal “all-rounder,” doing much more than climbing duty. Trek’s carbon engineering places the frame nicely for pulsating descents, but with plenty of oomph to hold its own in the fastest pace lines. Most bikes in the group are plenty light for the vast majority of climbing days, and only true mountain conquerors may want to opt for the top-level SLR 7 or 9. These bikes are relatively easy to find given Trek’s expansive national distribution, and come in no fewer than a dozen different variations, so it’s very likely you can find the exact spec you’re looking for. 

  • Does a lot of things very well, from pacing to climbing
  • A comfortable ride feel
  • Lots of color combinations available
  • Lower-trim models don’t have that “thrill” that racier or sportier bikes have

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We love riding bikes and are out on the roads testing the latest models year-round. We mix in the latest components and tech to see which road bikes stand up to the conditions our editors and contributors require.

Our writer for this story, Geoff Nudelman , rides year-round in the Pacific Northwest, and tests several bikes each year. Gear editor Cam Vigliotta is also an ardent cyclist, and handles most of the biking equipment, which he also tests in the Pacific Northwest. This guide was last updated February 2024.

How I Chose The Best Road Bikes

Between our writers, editors and the cycling groups they ride with, I had a pretty wide swath of bikes to test and choose from. I gleaned real-life feedback from those who ride regularly, and in all kinds of conditions. While there isn’t one best one-size-fits-all bike, I pooled feedback from a number of sources to offer a well-rounded list that represents the best current road bikes out there. I also wanted them all to be relatively easy to find while keeping budget somewhat in mind.

I’m also mindful that a “best” road bike for one cyclist may not be the “best” for another, so I made sure this guide included a range of options for cyclists of all levels, riding styles and budgets.

How To Choose A Road Bike

Finding a “good” road bike first requires some introspection. It’s very easy to get caught up in the long list of features and specs that make up modern road bikes, and you could end up buying something that has too much (or too little) for the type of roads you’ll ride most often.

First, think about the types of rides you’ll embark upon most. There isn’t a wrong answer here, but you can justify a much more budget-friendly road bike if you’re sticking to bike paths instead of open roads. There is plenty of capable mid-level componentry that will do quite well on a solid alloy bike. The price of carbon fiber has come way down over the years, so even at the low-end, you could find a well-equipped bike that will be a pleasure to ride on the bike path.

If you’re going for longer rides or on roads with mixed traffic, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to go the carbon or titanium route with mid-to higher-level componentry. Comfort and fit are essential to a positive ride experience, and many riders find that carbon and titanium offer a better ride quality compared to alloy.

Also be sure to check out the used market. Beyond the usual suspects, a marketplace like The Pro’s Closet offers verified bikes that are often a great value compared to new counterparts. There’s a good chance you can get more bike for your money going through a verified used route. And if you don’t know enough about bikes to confidently buy a used one online, be sure to visit a local bike shop, where you can have a real conversation about the best bike to match your needs.

What Are The Best Road Bike Brands?

There are great road bike brands in every category and price range. The most readily available brands include Trek, Specialized and Cannondale. Most local bike shops stock them (or the brands have their own stores), and they tend to have the widest range of road bike models and sizing.

Next are the growing lineup of direct-to-consumer brands like Ribble and Canyon. These companies have limited physical footprints and do most of their business online. They also carry a wide range of road bike styles, sizes and models.

Then, there are the lower-volume, higher-end brands like Pinarello, Cervélo, Bianchi, Colnago and others. These brands typically serve a road bike enthusiast who already knows what they want, and have a more advanced level of engineering in predominantly carbon fiber frames that come in at a higher price. For even more guidance you can peruse this guide to best bike brands of 2024 .

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Table of contents, what are the best emtb forks (2024).

eMTB forks

Forks are the piece of equipment which attaches your front wheel to your bike, however, they’re much more than that. They offer cushioning when hitting lumps and bumps, help you take on gnarly terrain and the type of fork you have can completely change your riding experience.

E-MTBs which are geared up for downhill and enduro riding have longer forks and provide more travel (movement). Meanwhile, cross-country, general trail and touring bikes have smaller forks and less travel.

Let’s dive head first into the world of e-bike forks

Best for Downhill

RockShox Boxxer Ultimate

RockShox Boxxer Ultimate

Best for enduro.

FOX 38 Factory Grip 2

FOX 38 Factory Grip 2

Best for trail.

RockShox Pike Ultimate

RockShox Pike Ultimate

What’s the importance of a quality e-mtb fork.

The suspension setup on your e-MTB and particularly the forks dictate the type of riding your bike is capable of doing. Of course there are a few other factors, such as geometry, but a burly suspension is the component which makes your bike descent-focused, capable of taking the big drops and big impacts.

Without a decent fork setup your bike isn’t capable of heading into some of the gnarlier terrain and it can lead to injury.

Features of a Good Fork

E-MTB riding takes you to all sorts of varied terrain, with many different obstacles in your way, such as rocks, drops, roots and bumpy surfaces. Forks help your suspension soak up those impacts and help prevent those vibrations being thrown through your arms. This creates a much smoother riding experience and prevents you getting quite as tired, quite as quickly.

Performance

A good set of forks not only brings comfort, but also raises your overall bike performance, particularly in the e-bike suspension. Your bike can cope better with the obstacles and move faster over them safely, without giving you big jolts or throwing you off the bike. A good set of forks will help you glide over obstacles and keep you moving at pace.

With the forks making you feel both more comfortable and helping the bike perform better, this helps improve handling. You feel more in control with a good set of forks and this is very useful on the most technical terrain. Without a good set of forks, you would be feeling big impacts and the bike struggling, which reduces handling and control.

The three factors above lead to a safer riding experience . If you feel more comfortable, your bike is performing better and your handling is improved, this leads to a safer ride. A good set of forks helps to reduce the chances of crashing on bobbly and challenging terrain.

Customisation

The very best e-MTB forks allow you to tweak your setup to match the needs of the day's trails or change them to the needs of the rider. This allows you to have a bespoke riding experience, which will amplify all the points above.

Best e-MTB Forks

Rockshox boxxer ultimate – best for downhill.

RockShox Boxxer Ultimate

  • Price – $1,899
  • Weight – 2.56kg
  • Travel – 180mm – 200mm
  • Wheel size compatibility – 27.5 inch & 29 inch
  • Type of riding – Downhill
  • Adjustability
  • Elite standard
  • Slimmer than competitors

The RockShox Boxxer is among the burliest fork setups on the market; it offers big travel, at up to 200mm, and is known for its reliability. It’s capable of taking on some of the wildest terrain and it’s valued by many of the top elite downhill riders as the fork of choice.

It’s been upgraded recently, with a new Charger 2.1 damper, which has ironed out a few kinks from past inceptions and it creates a much smoother riding experience. The fork’s rebound is one of its biggest selling points, it recoils better than most out there and means you retain traction on the trails and keep moving at pace.

The price is a big downside, it’s an expensive beast and it’s tubing is narrower, which some riders feel makes it less robust, but we’re content overall.

Links to product:

Fox 38 Factory Grip 2 – Best for Enduro

Fox 38 Factory Grip 2

  • Price – $999
  • Weight – 2.18kg
  • Travel – 160mm – 180mm
  • Wheel size compatibility – 29 inch
  • Type of riding – Enduro
  • Ultra comfortable
  • Great customisation
  • Narrow travel parameters

Performance-wise, it’s hard to compete with the FOX 38 Factory forks. They can take on some gnarly terrain and often feel comfortable throughout – there is the perfect mix of dampening and recoil, which means you’re often gliding over obstacles.

They’re capable of taking on some of the toughest challenges you can throw at them, however, if you want to take on the biggest jump lines, then they won’t offer you enough travel. Otherwise, they’re as versatile as you can get, with excellent handling, tonnes of reliability and durability.

The price is steep, but you’re getting an excellent enduro product, and they’re often viewed as the best e-MTB fork for versatility.

Fox 38 Factory Grip 2

FOX 38 Float Factory Grip 2

You can read more about how the FOX 38s performs on an e-MTB, in this Canyon review:

Torque:ON 9 review

Canyon Torque:ON 9 Review (2023)

Rockshox pike ultimate – best for trail riding.

RockShox Pike Ultimate

  • Price – $1,054
  • Weight – 1.86 kg
  • Travel – 120mm – 160mm
  • Type of riding – Trail
  • Versatility
  • Reliability
  • Dampening could be improved

RockShox is undoubtedly one of the top companies on the market. The Pike Ultimate is a light setup, however it still has a stiffness that instills confidence out on the trails.

It’s robust, with the company’s best dampening technology and it has an ease of use to be able to tweak the setup – in terms of adjustability, this fork is right up there.

You can dial in the setup easily, which makes it very attractive to lots of different standards of rider. It’s compatible across a range of bikes, with a top end travel ability of 160mm – this range of options places it among the best forks for e-MTB.

Overall, it’s a beauty and RockShox manages to undercut some of the competition out there.

Link to product:

RockShox Pike Ultimate

Fox Float 32 Factory Step-Cast – Best for XC

Fox Float 32 Factory Step-Cast

  • Price – $829 (from $1,039)
  • Weight – 1.38 kg
  • Travel – 100mm
  • Wheel size compatibility – 27.5inch and 29 inch
  • Type of riding – XC and Touring
  • Struggles on the gnarly stuff
  • Limited range

One of the major headlines here is the incredibly lightweight nature of these front forks for e-mountain bikes. A low overall bike weight is exactly what you need on a good XC ride and these help contribute to that.

At only 32 inches long and with 100mm of travel, they’re clearly not made for the gnarly terrain, but they adequately do the job on an XC course and offer a pretty stiff ride, good for traction and speed.

They can still take a few lumps and bumps, but you would want to upgrade to a FOX 34 if you wanted anything more tricky than simply some undulating bobbles.

Fox Float 32 Factory Step-Cast

FOX 32 Float SC Factory

Marzocchi bomber z2 – best fork for touring and bikepacking.

Marzocchi Bomber Z2

  • Price – $419
  • Weight – 2 kg
  • Travel – 100m – 150mm
  • Type of riding –   Touring, Bikepacking, XC & Trail
  • Can’t take the big hits

The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is one of the best options out there for longer distance riding. Although it doesn’t carry FOX’s name, it actually has very similar technology as some of FOX’s top components, particularly in the air spring department.

The fork offers great stability, which is fantastic for longer distance riding, however, you can also adjust the setup if you need to take some on some more lumps and bumps.

Within its parameters it provides one of the smoothest riding experiences on moderate terrain, but it soon struggles in the descent-focused world as well as when things become more challenging.

It’s also super lightweight, which makes it efficient and it comes in at a very reasonable price – a good e-MTB suspension fork for people who want to pedal for hours on end.

best 180mm travel bikes

Marzocchi Bomber Z2

Forks e-mtb frequently asked questions (faqs), how to choose the best e-mtb forks for you.

Think about the style of riding you’re most likely to be doing and your own ability. Are you experienced and want to take on the technical descent lines? Or are you heading on regular bike packing trips? Or are you new to the e-MTB game?

All these factors dictate the type of e-MTB forks you need. If you’re a beginner you don’t need a long travel gnarly set-up, go for something simple, which will build confidence – low travel and stability. If you’re gearing up for some wild terrain, you need long travel and playfulness.

How Much Travel Do I Need on My e-MTB Suspension Setup?

This isn’t an exact science and some other factors come into play regarding frame geometry, but this is a good general rule:

Cross country: minimal travel (to build up traction & speed) – 100-120mm travel.

Bikepacking/touring: low travel depending on terrain of the route – 100-140mm travel.

Trail: medium travel – 120-150mm travel.

Enduro: long travel – 150-180mm travel.

Downhill: seriously long travel – 180mm-200mm travel.

Are e-MTB Forks Different?

Yes, e-MTB forks are different from regular forks. E-MTBs are heavier bikes than normal mountain bikes and you’re often travelling at higher speeds. This puts a lot more pressure through the front of the bike and the forks need to be able to cope with that.

There are extra dampeners put in, to soak up the pressure and they often have air sprung components, to help with the recoil.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, our guide to the best e-MTB forks out on the market right now. Having the right set of forks on your bike for the style of riding you’re doing is hugely important. Think long and hard about what type of trails you want to be hitting – downhill, enduro, XC, bikepacking or just beginner style singletracks.

All of this dictates what you need – long travel versus short travel, cushioning suspension versus stiffness, etc. We’ve highlighted which sort of forks suit which sort of riding – so now you have no excuse to get it wrong. Go outside, hit the trails and put these forks through their paces.

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Aventon Ramblas e-bike unveiled as brand’s first mid-drive performance electric bike

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Aventon, the Brea, California-based electric bike brand known for pushing the budget electric bike market into higher quality territory, has just announced its highest-performance model yet. The new Aventon Ramblas is the brand’s first dedicated electric mountain bike and features an Aventon-developed mid-drive motor with impressive torque and power.

Despite Aventon being known largely as a lower-cost electric bike company, the Ramblas looks set to compete with e-bike models well outside of Aventon’s normal stomping grounds.

The move makes sense for Aventon though, which has spent the last few years rolling out progressively more refined and higher-quality models that focus on bringing more features into the budget category.

The Ramblas takes that initiative further than ever for Aventon, especially with the company’s new powerplant. For the first time ever, Aventon is showing off its A100 mid-drive motor with torque sensor, which was developed in-house by the company to power the new Ramblas electric mountain bike.

The IP67-rated motor comes with personalized tuning capabilities via the Aventon app and features a total of 15 pedal assist levels made up of three profiles (eco, trail, and turbo) each with five levels. The motor carries a 250W continuous power rating, a 100 Nm torque spec, and can also be completely submerged in water.

best 180mm travel bikes

Don’t be worried about that supposed “250W” designation on the motor. Nearly every mid-drive motor on the market is rated at 250W, which helps offer the widest distribution options, including in countries with lower power limits. As the company explained, the real peak output power maxes out at 750W:

Ramblas’ motor maintains a nominal output of 250w, where “nominal” signifies the sustained power output during a standardized test over a specific time. Depending on the motor type, turbo mode with full power can deliver peak power of 750 watts. This is great for climbing hills and on trails, as well as rolling through city streets.

The 100 Nm torque rating provides the real “oomph” info, as torque ratings are not regulated and thus motor manufacturers don’t have to play underrating games with the spec sheet in order to slip them past regulators. Since torque values can tell the real deal, they’re the best way to gain insight into a motor’s actual performance from the spec sheet.

In this case, 100 Nm puts Aventon’s new mid-drive motor near the top of the list for retail motors, surpassing essentially all the various motor models offered by industry heavyweights such as Bosch, Brose, Yamaha, and Shimano.

Powering the motor is a 36V 708Wh battery comprised of 21700-format LG battery cells. The company claims it can support a range of up to 80 miles (130 km).

best 180mm travel bikes

The 56-lb (25.4 kg) 6061 aluminum e-bike includes a RockShox 35 fork with 130mm of travel, SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, KS dropper seat post, and 4-piston SRAM hydraulic disc brakes with a 200mm rotor in the front and 180mm rotor in the rear. LED lighting is also built into the chainstays to keep the bike visible from the rear.

The bike is available in four frame sizes of S, M, L, and XL. All models feature 29×2.4″ Maxxis tires except for the S frame size, which includes 27.5×2.4″ Maxxis tires.

The e-bike lacks a throttle and maxes out at 20 mph (32 km/h), keeping it within Class 1 designation in the US and ensuring access to the largest number of mountain bike trails possible.

The Aventon Ramblas carries an MSRP of $2,699 and is already available from Aventon’s site as well as the company’s wide network of local dealers.

best 180mm travel bikes

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C., This Year

Make the most of your time in the nation’s capital when the city is painted pink.

March 19, 2024, marks the spring equinox, the day when the sun crosses the equator and heads north. Those in the Northern Hemisphere can look forward to longer hours of serotonin-boosting sunshine, warmer temperatures, and nature budding back to life.

Few U.S. cities undergo this seasonal transformation more beautifully and dramatically than Washington, D.C., with its 3,800 cherry blossom trees. Gifted to the nation's capital by Tokyo's late mayor, Yukio Ozaki, back in 1912, they remain a visually striking symbol of renewal, hope, and friendship.

Their synchronized blooming is so cherished that there's an annual National Cherry Blossom Festival (held this year from March 20 through April 14) that draws more than 1.5 million people from around the globe. As for the best time to see the blooms? The National Park Service predicts peak blooms from March 23 to 26 in 2024, and visitors can stay tuned to the NPS Bloom Watch website for updated information about their progress.

Because the window to view the cherry blossoms is so fleeting, here's a handy guide to help you strategize and make the most of a trip to Washington, D.C., to see the stunning display this spring.

Tidal Basin

One of the most photographed sites during cherry blossom season, this 10-foot-deep reservoir between the Potomac River and Washington Channel reflects the more than 1,400 Yoshino cherry trees that border it. Their soft, whitish-pink hue and delicate almond scent entice the senses. This basin also provides terrific photo ops near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

But with such wide appeal comes crowds. If you want to steer clear of the masses, drop by early in the morning when the natural light illuminates everything, including the water, with a warm, flattering glow. Or, a smarter option, book a room at the Salamander . The stately hotel boasts unfettered views of the Tidal Basin, plus, it's within easy walking distance to the trees.

U.S. National Arboretum

Situated on the eastern edge of the nation's capital, the U.S. National Arboretum maintains a wonderfully hushed vibe all year round. This nature and preservation center is quite isolated, accessible only by car and stretching across 446 acres. It boasts more than 70 types of cherry trees. Also worth scoping out is the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum , which displays about 60 diminutive, meticulously pruned specimens.

For some of the city's top locally owned restaurants, hop back in the car and head about two miles away to the H Street Corridor. The buzzy neighborhood is home to The Little Grand , which serves up cocktails and pizzas by beloved New York chef Bobby Hellen in a stylish, discreet setting. Another exciting option, Daru turns out delicious riffs on classic Indian dishes. (The black daal with burrata is a knockout.)

National Mall

Another popular stop for visitors regardless of the time of year is the National Mall. To peep the puffy blossoms, head just west of the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, where you'll spot little clusters of trees.

For a bite nearby — and since you'll already be on your feet — stroll over to Old Ebbitt Grill , a beloved city institution founded in 1856, known for its raw bar, crab cakes, and burgers. Another terrific option is Immigrant Food by chef Enrique Limardo. The visionary concept celebrates the rich culinary contributions of America's immigrants in a vibrant, colorful setting.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

The Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, encompassing 16 acres, is home to the aptly named Cherry Hill . Come springtime, the slope transforms into a cascading sea of pink with various types of trees, including Sargent's and winter-flowering cherries. You can also spot other resplendent blooms (magnolias, forsythias, and tulips) around this time of year.

Afterward, treat yourself to a well-crafted drink. Lead bartender Engidawork "Engi" Alebachew is shaking up original libations for the occasion at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons. And at Fitzgerald's , a swanky lounge steps away from the Georgetown University campus, you can pair elevated bar snacks like Korean chicken wings or a local cheese board with some Japanese whisky from the extensive collection.

Hains Point Loop Trail

Prefer to explore the city via bike? Check out Hains Point Loop Trail in East Potomac Park. The flat, four-mile cycling route runs along the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Washington Channel, and past iconic monuments and plenty of cherry trees. For a pit stop, visit Navy Yard, the waterfront district that's boomed in recent years with noteworthy dining options. The Salt Line by Kyle Bailey specializes in sustainable seafood from New England to the Chesapeake Bay.

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Best Downhill Mountain Bikes: Our Recommendations for DH Style Riders

man riding downhill bike doing

The mighty speed demon in the world of mountain bikes – Downhill bikes are purpose-built machines.

Having the slackest of geometry and the most durable set of components to withstand the harshest ruts, jumps, and rocks, DH bikes are not for the fainthearted, that’s for sure.

The mountain biking industry is an advancing field, and there is no room for errors. We have selected some of the best, well-made, and durable mountain bikes around, have a look!

What Is Downhill Riding?

The first downhill race started on a fire road in the early seventies . Riders used rigid frame Schwinn bikes (bicycle suspension hadn’t been invented yet).

Since then the technology in downhill bikes and the courses that go with it have rapidly evolved. Now professionals are riding things that would have never been considered possible 50 years ago: scree fields, mountainsides, and even moderate rock climbs.

Downhill mountain bikes are also known as Gravity bikes due to the momentum provided by the gravitational direction from high elevations. Therefore, downhill mountain bikes are exclusively used to ride down the hill which makes riding those bikes on the horizontal ground rather difficult.

Downhill mountain bike must-have components

best 180mm travel bikes

  • Double-crown fork
  • Coil-shock with 180mm+ travel
  • Super slack geometry
  • 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors
  • A chain guide

Dual Crown Fork

crown fork

One of the key features of the majority of DH bikes is a dual crown fork. Instead of connecting to the bike via one junction on the underside of your frame’s head tube, a dual crown fork runs parallel to the head tube and makes an extra connection via a second junction above the head tube.

Dual crown forks are more rigid and heavy-duty than regular single crown forks, and they typically provide more travel as well.

27.5″ or 29″ Wheels

It is possible to pick up downhill bikes built around both 29 and 27.5 wheelbases.

The size you choose will affect the performance of the bike in different ways. 29-inch wheels roll over obstacles more easily while 27.5-inch wheels provide better handling around sharp corners and are more nimble on jumps.

Ultimately, there is no consensus on which wheelbase is better as it entirely depends on your personal preference and riding style. Back in the day 26″ was a standard size, and 27.5″ has been the most popular so far.

Enduro vs. Downhill Mountain Bike Differences

Why is Enduro better than the Downhill bike? – Enduro and Gravity/Downhill bikes share the same purpose of descending those fast, steep, and technical tracks. Although, an enduro bike has the advantage on the climbs, and it rides well on flatter / horizontal tracks.

Why is a downhill bike better than an enduro? – A coil rear suspension and double-crown fork are the main differences between DH and Enduro bikes. Also, the overall robust and ultra-durable build quality to withstand the stress the DH bikes are built for.

  • You may also like:  15 Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

10 Best Gravity / Downhill Bikes of 2024

#1 . Rocky Mountain – Slayer Alloy 50 #2 . Norco – Range C3 #3 . Santa Cruz – Nomad C R #4 . Niner – WFO RDO 4-Star #5 . GHOST – Riot AM Essential #6 . Devinci – Spartan A29 #7 . Cannondale – Jekyll 2 #8 . SCOR – 4060 LT #9 . Rocky Mountain – Altitude Alloy 50 #10 . Norco – Sight A1

1 . Rocky Mountain – Slayer Alloy 50

Rocky Mountain Slayer Alloy 50

MSRP: $4,689

Rocky Mountain is known for its exceptionally made mountain bikes and the Slayer Alloy 50 is their ultimate downhill machine in a more affordable aluminum build.

The RockShox Zeb Select RC fork provides an ample 180mm of travel, and a 170mm RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ shock has been paired with a world-class linkage design. The aluminum construction of the frame keeps everything playful.

With a wide-range Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, the Slayer is ready to climb and adapt to different types of riding. Shimano SLX four-piston brakes add legendary stopping power and reliability.

  • HT – 63.2° / ST – 75.2° / Chainstay – 443mm
  • 12-speed Shimano XT/SLX
  • RockShox Zeb Select RC fork, 180mm
  • RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ shock, 170mm
  • Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ / Minion DHR II 2.4″ 

Buy from Jenson USA

2 . Norco – Range C3

Best 29er for enduro and downhill

Norco Range C3 Bike

MSRP: $5,599

The Norco Range C3 is a 170mm travel bike that’s downhill-capable but can still handle enduro riding. 

This bike comes with an impressive range of parts. A RockShox ZEB Charger R fork provides 170mm of travel in the front, and a Fox DHX2 Factory Coil softens things up in the rear.

A Shimano SLX/Deore drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette makes for smooth shifting with plenty of gear options on the climbs.  A good choice for those searching for a bike that’s burly, bold, and capable of handling the hairiest of descents.

  • Fork: RockShox ZEB Charger R 170mm
  • Rear Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory Coil 170mm
  • Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ DoubleDown / Dissector 2.4″ DoubleDown 
  • Shimano SLX/Deore 12-speed

3 . Santa Cruz – Nomad C R

A mullet downhill bike

Santa Cruz Bicycles Nomad C R

MSRP: $5,649

The Nomad is a versatile DH bike with top-shelf components ready to shred hard and adapt to variable terrain.

Santa Cruz designed the this bike for mixed-size wheels offering riders a super nimble rear end and the speed and stability of a 29er in the rear. A 170mm RockShox Zeb R fork graces the front of the bike and provides top-quality suspension.

RockShox also provides the Nomad with a Super Deluxe Select shock, and when you factor in Santa Cruz’s premium VPP suspension linkage, these components perform exceptionally providing a bottomless feel and excellent pedaling efficiency.

Other notable features include strong SRAM G2 RE four-piston brakes and an SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that shifts smoothly and is built to shrug off high-impact collisions.

The Nomad is fast, confident, lightweight, and still burly strong. It is the result of years of design evolution and a lot of experience in MTB design and engineering.

  • RockShox Super Deluxe Select 170mm
  • RockShox Zeb R 170mm
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 RE 4-Piston
  • Tires – Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip 29″ x 2 .5″ / Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip 27.5″ x 2 .4″
  • HT: 63.5° / ST: 77-77.6°

Buy from Evo.com

4 . Niner – WFO RDO 2-Star

Niner - WFO RDO 2

MSRP: $5,449

When Niner first came on to the scene, they quickly revolutionized DH geometry and appeared on many podiums across the globe.

They are offering their iconic WFO RDO 2-Star with 29-inch wheels and a super sleek carbon frame. The time-tested geometry allows for tight cornering and great stability, made lighter and faster by the inclusion of carbon in the frame and handlebar.

SRAM SX Eagle components provide quiet, bomber shifting as well as immediate braking power designed around the needs of downhill MTB riders. The 29-inch Niner WFO RDO has a tweaked geometry and CVA suspension that encourages riders to tackle the climbs whenever necessary.

If you’re in search of a machine that straddles the line between DH and enduro geometry, look no further than Niner’s WFO RDO 2-Star.

  • Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance EVOL
  • Fox 38 Float Performance GRIP EVOL, 180mm
  • SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
  • Suspension type: CVA
  • 29×2.6″ Schwalbe Magic Mary EVO  / Hans Dampf EVO 

5 . GHOST – Riot AM Essential

ghost riot am essential downhill mtb

MSRP: $3,300

Oftentimes the highest quality bikes don’t come from the biggest or most well-known brands. Such is the case with Ghost, who has been quietly making top-quality mountain bikes for years. 

The Riot AM Essential is an enduro aluminum 29er built with mostly aftermarket parts. Like any legendary enduro bike, the Riot AM Essential’s frame has an impressive linkage system. If you are a serious park rider or racer who wants solid parts at an affordable price, the Riot AM Essential more than fits the bill.

  • Travel: 160mm (f), 165mm (r)

Buy from REI

6 . Devinci – Spartan A29

Devinci Spartan A29

MSRP: $4,799

The Devinci Spartan A29 is one of the most bombproof designs for an enduro/DH mountain bike around.

You can see that Devinci was serious about creating a ride that can handle huge impact forces with ease by using their Aluminum Optimum G04 frame material.

Both the fork and rear shock come from RockShox and are standout features amongst many great components. SRAM provides drivetrain components, with DH-specific cranks.

The Spartan A29 is rounded out with high-end features like the flip-chip adjustable geometry, SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes, and Split Pivot HP suspension linkage.

There is a good case to be made that Devinci is producing one of the world’s best-value enduro/downhill bikes with the Spartan A29.

  • HT: 62° / ST: 76.8°
  • RockShox Zeb Select Charger RC DebonAir, 170mm 
  • RockShox  Super Deluxe Coil Select R Trunnion 160mm
  • RaceFace AR35 Offset TR Rims
  • Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5 MaxxTerra, EXO+ / Minion DHR II 29×2.4 MaxxGrip, DoubleDown

Buy from JensonUSA

7 . Cannondale – Jekyll 2

cannondale jekyll 2 mountain bike

MSRP: $4,500

A podium-worthy style bike, the Cannondale Jekyll 2 boasts an array of high-quality components and a competitive price that set it apart in the world of carbon DH/enduro bikes.

An adjustable 165mm Fox Float DPX2 Performance EVOL shock is paired with a 170mm RockShox Zeb Select fork with a 4-bar, high-pivot, and size-specific kinematics suspension system for great handling and a satisfying squish to ease hard landings. 

A 12-speed drivetrain made up of select Shimano Deore M6100 components provides the perfect amount of flexibility for riding up and down different grades. The underside of this bike’s frame has a replaceable rubber casing that protects against scratching and dents.

This bike rates well on value for money, as you get some of Cannondale’s exclusive features like an idler pulley and proportional response geometry at a highly competitive price.

  • HT: 64° / ST: 77.5° 
  •  Fox Float DPX2 Performance EVOL 165mm
  • RockShox Zeb Select fork 170mm
  • WTB STX i30 TCS rims
  • Front tire: Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5″ Dual compound EXO+ 
  • Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 x 2.4″ EXO+

Buy from Mike's Bikes

8 . SCOR – 4060 LT

scor 4060 lt mountain bike

The SCOR 4060 LT is perfect as an enduro or downhill bike. This bike is packed full of features that help you pull off big jumps and offers a good balance of value and tech.

The 4060 LT uses a RockShox ZEB Select 170mm fork in combination with a 1600mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock for great suspension.

SRAM NX drivetrain parts put this bike on the same level as many other high-end bikes in terms of smooth shifting. The same goes for the SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes.

While not optimized for DH racing, the SCOR LT bridges the gap between entry-level and professional downhill mountain bikes and has a full carbon frame which is surprising for this price. 

  • SRAM NX Eagle 1×12-speed
  • RockShox ZEB Select fork 170mm 
  • RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock 160mm 
  • Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5″ EXO+ (F) / Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4″ Double Down (R)

9 . Rocky Mountain – Altitude Alloy 50

Rocky Mountain Altitude Alloy 50

MSRP: $4,739

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Alloy 50 is an aggressive downhill capable enduro bike that happily eats up park courses and maneuvers nimbly through rough terrain with its 27.5″ wheels.

The frameset is Rocky Mountain’s FORM alloy providing an excellent ride feel. A Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain allows for more versatility on uphill and flat rides, and Shimano SLX Trail four-piston hydraulic disc brakes give great braking power on steep and technical trails.

For those who are interested in all-mountain riding but still want to retain the functionality of an enduro build, the Altitude Alloy 50 provides a great combination of DH and enduro capabilities.

  • Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain
  • Fox 38 Float EVOL GRIP Performance 170mm fork
  • Fox Float X Performance 160mm shock
  • Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ / Minion DHR II 2.4″ EXO+ tires

10 . Norco – Sight A1

norco sight a1 mountain bike

The Norco Sight A1 is a go-to choice for those who like performance, affordability, and a product made by a mountain-specific brand .

The latest model meets high-end standards and geometry. This bike offers a one-way ticket to the ride of your life – it is up to you to show its way. The devil on the left shoulder says it is built for speed, and the angels on the right shoulder speak for the brakes, ultra-durable yet lightweight aluminum frame, E*Thirteen LG1 wheels, and all the rest.

Long story short – Norco is a name you can count your money in, and they haven’t cut any corners on the construction.

  • Aluminum frame
  • SRAM GX 12-speed
  • Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
  • Front fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 160mm
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT 150mm 
  • Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ / Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ tires

Buy from JensonUSA.com

What is Downhill Mountain Biking?

Downhill mountain biking (DH for short) is the practice of riding down steep and technical terrain, often with large drops.  Many ski parks operate as MTB downhill courses during the summer, and other DH parks operate year-round.

There are also downhill races on singletrack, as well as in urban settings. As the technology of DH components evolves, professional riders are pushing the limits of what can be ridden on a downhill mountain bike towards ever steeper and more treacherous terrain.

What is a downhill mountain bike?

Modern downhill bikes are all dual suspension, with shock absorption on both front and rear wheels. The design of DH bikes is focused on maximizing stability, allowing you to ride them faster over rough terrain with less vibration coming through to the saddle and cockpit.

Because of their intended purpose, DH bikes are overbuilt when compared to other mountain bikes, and are heavier as a result.

Is downhill mountain biking a dangerous sport?

Every type of cycling comes with a certain amount of risk. However, because downhill riding involves large jumps and high speeds, it is certainly more dangerous than other types of riding. Virtually all DH riders use full-coverage helmets, knee pads, shoulder pads, and armored gloves.

Many downhill parks require riders to have this personal safety equipment to use their lifts. Luckily, there are many different levels of downhill runs to choose from. Modern 4-cylinder hydraulic brakes remarkably elevate the level of safety and confidence on steep trails.

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The best way to explore Moscow! - Moscow Bike Tours

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I was a solo traveler and I just had one day in Moscow. This bike tour was great not only did it... read more

best 180mm travel bikes

Vado was a fabulous tour guide and he took us to unexpected and delightful places. His ability to... read more

best 180mm travel bikes

The best way to explore Moscow!

The cycling tour was definitely the highlight of our visit of Moscow. Vado was an excellent guide. His English is very good, he knows a lot about the city and everything's there's to see, not only the most touristy places. He is perfectly able to improvise and customise the tour to whatever you want to see or know about. As we had already seen the Red Square and its surroundings, he showed us some spots that you wouldn't normally get to see on a first visit of the city. Especially the parks were great to cycle through. He is very concerned about your safety and well-being. As we were enjoying it so much, he made the tour even much longer than was indicated on the website. We made some welcome stops for coffee, lunch and icecream. If you want, he also takes pictures of you throughout the tour (free of charge!), which is a very nice plus. I would recommend Moscow Bike Tours to anyone visiting the city, be it for the first time or not!

We had such a great time with Vado on our bike tour. He was super knowledgable of the city and had such interesting facts about things we would never even know to ask about. He took us on a private tour and we were able to customize it to what we liked. He always was conscious of our safety and did not ride too fast or too slow. I especially liked how he took pictures throughout our travel. We would love to do another bike tour with him and explore other gems Moscow has to offer.

This tour was fun, adjusted to our needs and wishes - several times actually on the tour. The guide Vado was very knowledgeable on various subjects, very willing to share it, answer questions and just a very likeable guy. He helped us finding a taxi at a reasonable rate (lot's of different rates for taxi's) and not reading the Cyrillic alphabet and since this is not a big company with a big logo (which is part of their quality) we do recommend taking a taxi to their location. We did find their bikes in the driveway and a very discreet label with their phone number. We can honestly say we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and can recommend it.

From booking this trip through to getting the photos after, Vado, with his perfect English, was a superstar, certainly not letting us down on the day with his insightful, informative and exciting bike tour around Moscow. I really do believe that this is the best (and certainly most healthy) way of seeing the busy city. You not only see the main sites, but all those small places that you would never get to see otherwise, allowing you to interact with the people and places, which would otherwise be impossible on a bus tour. Vado ensured that we went at a pace we were comfortable with and stayed safe on the roads. I was incredibly impressed with the work the local mayor is overseeing to make it a bike friendly city. This is a big thumbs up from my wife and I.

best 180mm travel bikes

I spent a week in Moscow with a friend and we wanted to get a good overview of the city on the first stay, which we got with the bike tour. The tour was worth every penny we paid for it. We started at midday right on time and the tour ended at about 7 pm with a lunch break. We got to see the main sights of the city and since we booked a private tour we could stop anywhere we wanted, to take pictures, to visit a couple of monasteries... Our guide, Nadia, was very nice, she knew many stories about many things we got to see, recommended more things we could do during our stay, restaurants we could go to, good Russian or Soviet movies we should watch... We had a great time. I would highly recommend this tour.

The tour was everyting and more than what we expected. Vado is a very frienly and knowledgeable person. He speaks fluent english with a lot of humor. We covered the whole city in 6 hours, had a lovely lunch at an old soviet diner. I would definately advice any person who visits Moscow to do the cycling tour on their first or second day. Thanks Vado for a great day well spend!

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Best places to get a panoramic view of Moscow

Moscow-City towers. Source: Getty Images / Legion Media

Moscow-City towers. Source: Getty Images / Legion Media

1. Moscow-City tower

The Empire and the Federation Towers, which are located in the new business centre in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, are part of the tallest complex of buildings in Russia’s capital. Standing on the high-altitude terraces of Moscow- City you can enjoy truly inspiring views of the Moscow River and the western part of the city.

The Sixty Restaurant - Bar (the name refers to the interior, which has been executed just like in the 1960s) on the 62 floor of the Federation tower, which makes it the highest restaurant in Europe. The average bill is around 4000 roubles /$140.

best 180mm travel bikes

The Sixty Restaurant. Source: Bar / Press Photo

You can enjoy views of the city from a bird's eye view free of charge too – you will just have to reach (on an express elevator) the new terrace of the Empire Tower (which is on the 58 floor), located at an altitude of 238 metres.

2, Presnenskaya Quay .

  2. The Vorobyevy Gory and the main Moscow State University building

One of the most popular postcard views of Moscow is from the observation deck of Vorobyevy Gory (Vorobyevy Gory or University metro station). The landscape is especially beautiful on a clear day and late at night when the city lights are turned on. The capital can be seen as if it were in your hands; this is definitely the best place for gazing at the seven Stalin skyscrapers – the famous “Seven Sisters”. From the upper floors of the Moscow State University main building, you can take in an even more breathtaking panorama.

best 180mm travel bikes

The main Moscow State University building. Source: Lori Images / Legion Media

You can enter the Moscow State University  terrace if you sign up here – 8 (495) 939 2976.

3. Time Out Bar

A bar with rather affordable prices (an average bill of 1000 roubles /$35) and a terrace with simply stunning views of Moscow. Time Out Bar is located on the 12th and 13th floor of Hotel Peking in the heart of the capital (Mayakovskaya, Triumph Square metro stations.) This is one of my favourite places, which can be found in Moscow skyscrapers; here bartenders prefer making signature cocktails.

best 180mm travel bikes

Time Out Bar. Source: Press Photo

5, Bolshaya Sadovaya Street . Open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 am.

4. City Space – a panoramic bar

City Space is the highest bar with a 360-degree view of the capital. It is located on the 34th floor of the Swiss Hotel Red Hills, and according to the 2008 Bartender's Guide, it was included in the top 10 bars in the world, and the top 50 best bars in the world by Drink International 2011. The price of one cocktail is around 900 roubles/$30, a must drink for the capital guests is the legendary Moscow Spring Punch with ginger, raspberry and honey.

52/6 Kosmodamianskaya embankment , Paveletskaya metro station.

5. Ivan the Great Bell Tower

You can have the possibility of seeing old Moscow from a bird’s eye view if you go up to the 80-metre bell tower of Ivan the Great – “the capital’s first skyscraper” which was built in the 16th century. The belfry is located in the heart of the city – right in the Cathedral Square, (it is adjacent to the Red Square). The exhibition is open to visitors and there is also an observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the Kremlin's Cathedral Square and the old streets of Zamoskvorechye. You can enter with a ticket from the Kremlin Museums.

best 180mm travel bikes

Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Source: Lori Images / Legion Media

You can enjoy the view from above with a cup of coffee, which you can get close by – on the rooftop of the Ritz Carlton, where there is a cozy 02 Lounge, which offers an unforgettable view of the Kremlin. The average bill is approximately 2500 roubles/$80.

3, Tverskaya Street . Ritz Carlton, 11th floor.

5. The Ostankino Television Tower

The Ostankino Television Tower observation deck has been open to visitors for over 40 years. During this time it has been visited by over 10 million people – from a height of 340 metres you can take a look at northern Moscow and the Moscow region. You can get to the site only as a part of a tour and preferably having booked in advance.

best 180mm travel bikes

The Ostankino Television Tower. Source: Lori Images / Legion Media

Duration of the tour is 1 hour, the tower is open to the public from 10.00 am to 21.00 pm. Pre-registration can be done by phone 8 (495) 926-61-11, it will cost 980 roubles ($28).

15/2, Akademika Koroleva street , Alekseevskaya metro station.

7. Kalina bar

Located on the 21st floor of the Lotte Plaza on Novy Arbat, Kalina Bar offers visitors a panoramic view of the Moscow City towers, Hotel Ukraine, Old Arbat street, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and many other monuments in the city centre. Besides this it offers great Western and Asian cuisine with a bill of approximately 2,000 roubles /$70.

8, Novinsky Boulevard . Lotte Plaza, 21 floor. 

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Moscow Bike TOur

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Highlights:.

  • Find adventure at every turn
  • Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
  • Enjoy the icons in style
  • Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
  • Expert commentary as you travel around the city
  • Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
  • Get an Endorphin Rush
  • Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

  • what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
  • names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
  • what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
  • how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
  • what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
  • what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
  • what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

  • where is hidden an island Moscow;
  • where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
  • why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
  • the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
  • the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
  • why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
  • where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
  • myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
  • story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
  • how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
  • what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
  • why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

  • where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
  • why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
  • why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
  • what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

  • the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
  • pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
  • the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
  • the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
  • English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
  • Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
  • the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow
  • + Private & customized tour
  • + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
  • + An authentic experience of local life
  • + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

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