Choosing the Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike can feel overwhelming. With countless options available, finding the perfect ride for your needs and budget requires careful consideration. Fortunately, we’ve rigorously tested a range of full suspension bikes, drawing on years of experience reviewing thousands of mountain bikes since 1997. This isn’t just a list compiled from catalogs; these are the top mountain bikes we’ve actually ridden and evaluated, ensuring you get the best buying advice possible.
Polygon Siskiu T8
1. Polygon Siskiu T8
Best Value Full-Suspension Bike
Wheel Size: 27.5in or 29in | Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.6kg | Suspension Travel: 150mm f/140mm r (27.5in), 140mm f/135mm r (29in) | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Progressive geometry and sizing
- Exceptional value for money
Reasons to Avoid:
- Chain ideally needs upgrading to Shimano
For riders seeking the best full suspension mountain bike without breaking the bank, the Polygon Siskiu T8 stands out. Available in both 27.5in and 29in wheel configurations, it offers versatility for different riding styles and preferences. The 29er version prioritizes speed and rollover capability with slightly less travel, while the 27.5in option provides enhanced agility and a touch more suspension for playful trails. Regardless of wheel choice, you benefit from a high-quality alloy frame and fully adjustable Fox suspension components.
The Polygon Siskiu T8 delivers performance and handling that rivals significantly more expensive bikes, making it an incredible value proposition. With a specification sheet that holds its own, the only suggested immediate upgrade is the chain, ensuring this bike is trail-ready straight from the shop.
Read the full review of the Polygon Siskiu T8
Cannondale Habit 4
2. Cannondale Habit 4
Most Fun Trail Bike Under £2k
Wheel Size: 29in (XS frame gets 27.5in wheels) | Frame Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.2kg | Suspension Travel: 140mm f/130mm r | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Agile and confidence-inspiring handling
- Perfectly tuned shock
- Playful and balanced ride feel
- Solid SRAM DB8 brakes
Reasons to Avoid:
- Basic RockShox Recon RL fork
- Slightly clunky Deore drivetrain with KMC chain
- Maxxis Rekon tires lack wet weather grip
Cannondale’s Habit 4 redefines the best full suspension mountain bike in the sub-£2,000 category. Remarkably, this trail bike combines direct-sales value with the advantage of being available at physical stores. Despite its accessible price point, the Habit 4 is equipped with respectable tires, quality suspension, and a dropper post, all built around an attractive alloy frame that’s ripe for future upgrades.
The Habit 4’s nimble handling and responsive suspension create a ride that’s both fun and comfortable. It encourages playful riding while maintaining composure across various trail gradients. As highlighted in our review, this bike “nails the fundamentals of geometry, suspension and efficiency,” delivering an engaging and responsive ride quality that belies its budget-friendly price.
Read the full review of the Cannondale Habit 4
Specialized Status 160
3. Specialized Status 160
Best Budget Mixed Wheel Play Bike
Wheel Size: 29in f/27.5in r | Frame Sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 | Weight: 15.75kg | Suspension Travel: 160mm f/160mm r | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional value
- Inspiring and playful handling
- Wide size range
Reasons to Avoid:
- Less refined NX shifting
- Limited official product information
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Specialized Big Hit, the Status 160 captures the essence of fun and playful riding, making it a top contender for the best full suspension mountain bike for riders prioritizing thrills. This mixed-wheel setup bike, with a 29in front and 27.5in rear wheel, offers an affordable entry into high-performance mountain biking. Available in two travel options – 140mm and 160mm – the Status caters to various riding styles, but both promise a grin-inducing experience on the trails.
The Specialized Status 160 is designed for riders who value fun above all else. It’s not built for setting records or long-distance efficiency; it’s built to make every ride an exciting adventure. With its mullet wheel configuration, affordable price, and playful character, the Status 160 is a fantastic choice for riders seeking a bike that encourages creativity and fun on the trails.
Read our full review of the Specialized Status 160
Specialized Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite
4. Specialized Stumpjumper Evo
The Ultimate Adjustable Trail Bike
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame Sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 | Weight: 14.6kg | Suspension Travel: 160mm f/150mm r | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptionally versatile and fun trail bike
- Adjustable geometry and frame storage
Reasons to Avoid:
- Smaller 30t chainring may limit top-end speed
The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo, our Trail Bike of the Year for 2022 and winner of our adjustable trail bike test, is arguably the best full suspension mountain bike for riders who demand adaptability. This bike seamlessly blends playful handling with high performance, offering unparalleled adjustability through head angle, BB height, and chainstay adjustments, resulting in six distinct configurations.
Available in both alloy and carbon frames to suit different budgets, and with an extensive size range, the Stumpjumper Evo ensures an ideal fit for almost every rider. Equally capable as an enduro shredder or a trail ripper, the Stumpjumper Evo enhances every ride and even includes internal frame storage for essentials.
Read our full review of the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp
Yeti SB120 T-Series T1 MY 23 mountain bike pack shot
5. Yeti SB120
Best Short Travel Down-Country Ripper
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame: Turq carbon, 120mm | Weight: 13.3kg | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional all-around performance
- Superlative suspension
Reasons to Avoid:
- More agile than aggressively focused
The Yeti SB120 captivated us with its remarkable balance of speed and comfort, making it a top pick for the best full suspension mountain bike in the down-country category. Tested against the Santa Cruz Tallboy, the SB120 impressed with its rapid acceleration and forgiving nature. It’s a bike that isn’t afraid to show a more compliant side, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.
The SB120’s suspension delivers exceptional grip while efficiently responding to pedaling inputs. A touch of frame flex enhances its ability to hold lines on natural terrain, making it ideal for varied trails rather than solely bike park environments. For mountain bikers who appreciate heritage and performance, the Yeti SB120 is a bike that evokes passion and delivers a memorable riding experience.
Read our full review of the Yeti SB120
Santa Cruz Tallboy X01 AXS RSV 2023
6. Santa Cruz Tallboy
A Two-Wheel Terrier: The Down-Country Bike That Thinks It’s an Enduro Bike
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame: Carbon CC, 120mm | Weight: 13.08kg | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Outstandingly fast and aggressively focused
Reasons to Avoid:
- Demands a skilled rider
- Less comfortable on technical trails
With its aggressive character packed into a short-travel frame, the Santa Cruz Tallboy is a standout contender for the best full suspension mountain bike for experienced riders seeking speed and agility. Despite offering only 120mm of travel, the Tallboy provides an incredibly engaging and direct connection to the trail, rewarding skilled riders with exceptional performance. It features 29in wheels and a choice of two carbon frame options to match different budgets.
Our review described the Tallboy as having “bristling in-your-face aggression” thanks to its stiff frame, ‘fast or F-off’ suspension, and progressive geometry. This bike is designed for riders who thrive on pushing their limits and appreciate a responsive and demanding ride. While not as forgiving as the Yeti SB120, the Tallboy offers a fabulously rewarding experience for those with the skills to handle its focused performance.
Read our full review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy
Transition Spur X01
7. Transition Spur X01
Best Down-Country Bike for Effortless Speed
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.25kg | Suspension Travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Perfect balance of speed and capability
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Striking aesthetics
Reasons to Avoid:
- Business-like focus on ground contact
The Transition Spur X01 is widely considered the original and arguably still the best full suspension mountain bike in the down-country category, especially for riders prioritizing speed. It masterfully combines trail bike capability with XC bike efficiency, feeling incredibly fast across various terrains while encouraging riders to push their boundaries on descents.
To maximize its potential, it’s recommended to maintain a lightweight build, including a SID fork and fast-rolling tires. The Spur delivers effortless speed and momentum, elevating the mountain biking experience to a new level. It’s like experiencing mountain biking at 1.5x speed, making it perfect for riders who value both climbing efficiency and descending prowess.
Read our full review of the Transition Spur
Mondraker Raze Carbon RR mountain bike
8. Mondraker Raze
Next Level Performance with Integrated Data Logging
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.65kg | Suspension Travel: 150mm f/130mm r | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Fast and highly capable
- Integrated suspension data acquisition (MIND system)
- Excellent on-trail performance
Reasons to Avoid:
- Requires a 4G connection for full MIND functionality
Mondraker’s Raze RR represents a leap forward in suspension technology, making it a compelling choice for tech-savvy riders seeking the best full suspension mountain bike with advanced features. Building on Mondraker’s Forward Geometry revolution, the Raze RR introduces MIND, an integrated suspension data acquisition system that simplifies and enhances suspension setup and analysis.
Beyond its innovative technology, the Raze RR is a fantastic trail bike in its own right, striking a perfect balance of speed, compliance, and capability within the short-travel trail category. The MIND system elevates its performance, offering next-level technology for a minimal additional cost.
Read our full review of the Mondraker Raze Carbon RR
Scott Spark RC WC
9. Scott Spark RC WC AXS
Best XC Race Bike
Wheel Size: 29in | Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.12kg | Suspension Travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptionally efficient pedaling
- Hidden shock for reduced maintenance
- TwinLoc remote suspension control
Reasons to Avoid:
- Suspension could be more supple in Descend mode
The Scott Spark RC WC AXS is a trophy-winning machine and the best full suspension mountain bike for XC racing. With a history of Olympic gold medals and numerous victories, the Spark RC boasts a sleek carbon frame with modern geometry, making it both incredibly fast and surprisingly capable on descents. Its integrated shock design reduces maintenance, and the TwinLoc remote suspension control offers a significant advantage for maximizing efficiency on climbs without compromising downhill confidence.
The Spark RC WC AXS is designed for riders who demand peak performance and efficiency. Its race-oriented design and advanced features make it a top choice for XC competitors and riders who prioritize speed and agility on the trails.
Read our full review of the Scott Spark RC WC AXS
Nukeproof Giga
10. Nukeproof Giga
Best Long-Travel Enduro Bike
Wheel Size: 27.5, 29in or mullet | Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 15.4kg | Suspension Travel: 180mm f/170mm r | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Massive travel without compromising agility
- Surprisingly dynamic and playful
Reasons to Avoid:
- Michelin tires are slow and temperature-sensitive
- Brand’s future uncertainty may impact warranty support
The Nukeproof Giga defies expectations, proving that a long-travel enduro bike can also be surprisingly versatile, earning its place as the best full suspension mountain bike for enduro enthusiasts. Offering a massive 180mm of front and 170mm of rear travel, combined with a slack head angle and large wheel options (27.5in, 29in, or mullet), the Giga is built to handle the toughest terrain. Remarkably, it pedals efficiently even on uphill sections, making it more than just a downhill specialist.
The Giga is poppy and playful, feeling far from a sluggish, purely downhill-oriented machine. It’s a race-worthy enduro bike that remains enjoyable for everyday trail rides. However, potential buyers should be aware of the brand’s uncertain future, which could affect warranty support.
Read our full review of the Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory
Hardtail vs. Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
When considering the best full suspension mountain bike, it’s important to understand the fundamental differences between full suspension and hardtail bikes. While price differences often influence this decision, hardtails offer inherent advantages beyond cost.
Hardtails are lighter, require less maintenance, are easier to clean, and can be faster on smoother trails. These factors, combined with their lower price point, ensure hardtails remain a popular choice.
However, full suspension bikes offer significant benefits, primarily in control. They maintain better ground contact, providing superior traction and composure, especially on rough terrain. Full suspension bikes also enhance comfort and reduce fatigue, particularly on longer rides.
The drawbacks of full suspension include higher weight, often lower component specifications at the same price point compared to hardtails, increased maintenance needs for bearings and pivots, potential mud accumulation, and cleaning complexity. Furthermore, improper suspension setup can negatively impact the ride quality and efficiency of a full suspension bike.
Carbon vs. Aluminum Full Suspension Frames
At the mid-to-high-end price range, buyers often face the choice between a carbon frame with lower-spec components or an aluminum frame with better parts, often at a similar price. In most cases, opting for the better-equipped aluminum model is the wiser choice.
While carbon frames offer weight savings (around 700g at most) and a different ride feel – often stiffer and sometimes more damped – the cost increase is significant, typically around £1,000 for similarly equipped bikes.
The primary benefits of carbon are ride feel and strength, but the “racy” carbon feel isn’t universally preferred. Some riders actually prefer the feel of aluminum. For most riders, the performance gains from a carbon frame don’t justify the added expense.
Mountain Bike Wheel Size: 27.5in vs 29in vs Mullet
The debate over best full suspension mountain bike wheel size continues, but the differences between 27.5in and 29in wheels have become less pronounced. Modern 29ers offer ample suspension travel (up to 170mm+) and refined geometry, narrowing the performance gap. Many brands now offer both 27.5in and 29in versions of the same model, allowing riders to choose based on personal preference.
29er wheels offer increased stability and better grip, but can feel taller in tight corners and may contact the rider’s rear on steep descents, especially for riders under 6ft. 27.5in wheels can be stiffer, offer lower front ends, and provide more clearance on steep terrain. They can also feel more nimble in tight turns.
For riders 6ft and taller, 29ers are generally recommended. Riders under 5ft 6in may find 29ers too large. Mullet bikes (MX), combining a 29in front wheel with a 27.5in rear, offer a compromise, providing the rollover benefits of a 29er front with the agility of a 27.5in rear, ideal for playful riders or those with shorter legs.
Suspension Design Considerations
While once a major point of differentiation, modern best full suspension mountain bike suspension designs are generally very effective. The mountain bike industry has matured, and most current designs perform well, albeit with subtle differences in feel and responsiveness.
While the four-bar (Horst Link) design was once considered the gold standard, and single pivots were criticized, today, both and many other designs are capable. The rear shock and its tunability are now arguably more critical than the frame suspension design itself. Modern shocks offer extensive adjustability to compensate for minor frame design characteristics.
Bike companies have largely moved away from flawed designs, and the differences between current suspension systems are subtle. Understanding suspension theory and setup is more important than fixating on specific frame designs.
Geometry of a mountain bike frame
Geometry Matters Most
Frame geometry is paramount in determining how a bike rides. Even the best full suspension mountain bike with top-tier suspension components will perform poorly with flawed geometry. Conversely, excellent geometry can often compensate for less sophisticated suspension.
Modern mountain bike geometry trends favor longer reach, steeper seat angles, and slacker head angles. These features enhance performance across various terrains, not just for descending. Slacker head angles do not inherently cause front-end wander on climbs, which is more related to seat angle and top tube length.
Lower bottom bracket heights improve stability and cornering, but riders who frequently encounter pedal strikes may prefer a slightly higher bottom bracket. Chainstay length is another geometry element to consider. While short chainstays are often touted for agility, longer chainstays can enhance stability and climbing performance.
Standover height is also regaining importance due to the prevalence of long-travel dropper posts. Shorter seat tubes accommodate these posts, but geometry is a complex interplay of multiple factors. It’s crucial to consider the overall geometry rather than isolated measurements.
Budget for Your Full Suspension Mountain Bike
For budgets under £1,000, a hardtail mountain bike remains the recommended choice. Sub-£1,000 full suspension bikes tend to be heavy and equipped with lower-end components that can compromise the riding experience.
Capable and enjoyable best full suspension mountain bikes are available in the £1,000 to £2,000 range. While not exceptionally lightweight, they offer a balanced weight and feature perfectly adequate components from reputable brands. Some cost-cutting measures and generic finishing kit may be present, but they generally won’t significantly detract from the bike’s overall performance.
Mountain biker riding
Choosing the Right Bike Size
Riding the wrong size bike is a common issue. Contrary to the myth that smaller bikes are more nimble, they are actually less stable, less comfortable, and potentially less safe. Avoid purchasing a bike that is too small, even if it’s a bargain. A well-sized, affordable bike with good geometry will always outperform a smaller, higher-spec bike.
Utilize online size calculators provided by most bike brands, consult with other owners, and refer to bike reviews that include rider height and size information. Our reviews typically include this data to guide your sizing decisions. Also, consult our comprehensive guide to choosing the correct mountain bike frame size. Remember that fit can be adjusted to some extent with saddle position, stem length, and handlebar height, but the frame size itself is fundamental.
