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Best Downhill Mountain Bikes: Our Recommendations for DH Style Riders

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 13 Best Downhill Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

Built to shred the steepest, gnarliest trails, these downhill mountain bikes are itching to go fast.

Check out our top five bikes here, then scroll down for buying advice and more in-depth reviews.

Nukeproof Dissent 290 Comp

The privateer’s choice for shredding without breaking the bank.

Commencal Supreme DH 29 Signature

2018 world champion Amaury Pierron’s ride of choice .

Scott Gambler 910 Bike

Chainstay length, BB height, and shock progression; all can be tweaked for your style of riding.

Trek Session 9.9 29

A high-end bike in a (relatively) featherweight 34.5-pound package of full send.

Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team, $10,292

A 1,250mm wheelbase provides tons of stability at speed.

29er vs 27.5 Wheel Size

If you’re planning to pursue World Cup racing dreams, a low-slung 29er with a long wheelbase is probably the way to go. More capable at high speed, it will provide its pilot the poise to push past his or her comfort zone. But if spinning park laps and mastering airborne tricks is your primary goal, a 27.5-inch-wheeled steed with a shorter rear end will be more playful and poppy—and arguably more fun.

“If you’re just getting started with downhill or are focused on racing, I’d say look at a 29er,” affirms Dylan Howes, senior R&D engineer for Trek. “They’re fast, stable, and confidence-inspiring. But if you’re already experienced and are looking to hit jumps with some style, then a 27.5 may be the better choice. It’ll be easier to whip around in the air.”

Carbon Versus Aluminum Frames

If money is no object, carbon is the choice. Its lower weight enhances acceleration, and the composite material does a better job of absorbing vibrations. “You can feel it more than on a trail bike because you’re going faster and hitting obstacles harder,” explains Howes. “I also feel like carbon bikes return energy better, so you can rocket out of corners and maintain momentum.”

But durability is another important factor, explains Nick Anderson, lead engineer for Santa Cruz. “Typically aluminum can handle a baseball-size rock strike to the down tube and still be fine,” he says. “With carbon, not so much. That can be an expensive problem—and carbon frames are already more expensive than aluminum ones.”

Coil Versus Air Shocks

Outside of wheel size, this is arguably the most hotly debated topic in the downhill bike arena. While it used to be that coil shocks were the overwhelming choice for DH sleds, air shocks have begun to catch up in recent years. Generally speaking, coil shocks are more sensitive off the top and provide more consistent performance, especially during extended descents. But they are also heavier and you can’t tune them as finely as their air shock brethren.

“Coils are more reliable and have better initial sensitivity, so the suspension will have a better overall feeling,” says Anderson, noting that Santa Cruz sells only DH bikes spec’d with coil shocks. “From a racing standpoint, riders only run air shocks to solve a problem, say if the frame’s kinematics aren’t progressive enough to provide adequate bottom out resistance.”

But Trek’s Howes points to air shocks’ adjustability as the most critical feature. “It’s so much easier to tune an air shock because you can add or take away volume spacers,” he says. “We design and spec our bikes for air shocks and feel like, for the average rider, they are definitely the way to go because of that adjustability and progressivity to better handle big hits.”

How We Picked

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, it’s time to look at our top 13 downhill bikes. We formulated this list by surveying the market, reading reviews on other sites, and observing consumer reviews from around the web. If at all possible try before you buy , as a test ride is always the best way to make an educated decision.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} —Affordable and Adjustable—

Nukeproof dissent 920 comp.

Nukeproof’s new Dissent 920 Comp is an ideal way to get into downhill riding and racing. The sub-$4,000 price affords you a robust aluminum frame, DH-tested 200mm RockShox Boxxer Select R fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select R shock, and a seven-speed SRAM GX drivetrain. The Dissent is highly adjustable, too. A main pivot flip chip provides four main pivot positions, altering the progression of the suspension, the company says. There’s also a three-position chainstay chip that allows you to adjust your chainstay length by 10mm (in increments of 5mm). Internal cable routing and Boost rear spacing bring this Nukeproof up to date with industry standards, making it a competitive ride for years of DH ambition.

—Race Proven—

Commencal supreme dh 29, supreme dh 29 signature 2020.

The Commencal Supreme DH 29 occupies a prominent place in mountain bike history as the first complete production-ready, 29-inch downhill bike to hit the consumer market. It promptly sold out two production runs, proving that big-wheeled DH bikes were here to stay. For model year 2020, the bike of World Cup superstar Amaury Pierron continues to rely on a high pivot point (HPP) suspension setup whose primary aim is to improve shock absorption and vibration damping, while also bolstering critical rear wheel traction. Component highlights of this race-ready machine include a top-of-the-line Fox Factory DHX2 shock and a Fox Factory 49 Float fork (both with 200mm of trail-smoothing travel), SRAM’s well-regarded Code R brakes with 200mm rotors front and rear, and grippy Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 tires.

—Gravity Pedigree—

Santa cruz v10 s 29, santa cruz v10 s carbon cc 29.

Arguably the most famous downhill race bike of all time, the V10 was first launched back in 2002 and has accumulated numerous World Cup race wins while being piloted by the likes of Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar, among others. It was also one of the first DH platforms to make the jump to 29er wheels, which have since become the norm at the sport’s highest level. Today, you can get a V10 with 29er or 27.5 hoops, allowing riders to choose based on height and riding style. Dedicated park rats may lean to 27.5 wheels, but the pick here is 29er for its all-out speed and rollover capability. The V10 S 29 comes with Fox Performance Elite suspension and SRAM GX drivetrain components to help keep cost in check. And like the more expensive build options, this bike features adjustable chainstay length to enhance front/rear balance, a lower suspension leverage rate to improve shock performance, and internal derailleur cable routing through the swing arm to protect the housing from damage.

—The Ultimate Race Rig—

Mondraker summum carbon pro team, summum carbon pro team.

If money is no object and you want one of the longest downhill bikes available, put the Summum Carbon Pro Team on your short list. Highlights of this five-figure bike include a full carbon 27.5 frame with a lengthy 1,250mm wheelbase in size large, and Fox Factory suspension front and rear, including the DHX2 coil shock with a superlight steel spring. The brakes and drivetrain are Shimano Saint, with DT Swiss and Maxxis getting the nod for wheels and tires. Add it all up and you have a proven race steed, as witnessed by the Summum Carbon Pro Team’s sweep of the men’s podium at the downhill world championships at Val Di Sole, Italy, in 2016.

—High-Value Spec—

Gt fury expert, fury expert.

Priced for the privateer racer on a budget, the GT Fury Expert delivers nearly all the performance of its more-expensive Fury Carbon Team counterpart, but for half the price. Available in 27.5- and 29-inch wheel configurations, the Fury platform utilizes what GT calls its LTS four-bar suspension system, which is designed to deliver ride-smoothing bump absorption, predictable braking, and minimal pedal feedback. This aluminum frame build rocks a solid X-Fusion RV 1 fork and X-Fusion Vector Coil shock, TRP Slate T4 hydraulic disc brakes, and toothy Schwalbe Magic Mary tires. And it’s available in four sizes, increasing the odds you’ll find a perfect fit.

—Full Carbon, Great Value—

Yt tues 29 pro, yt industries yt tues 29 pro.

Another dedicated downhill race bike, the Tues Pro places emphasis on speed and stability above all else. Its slack 63.5-degree head-tube angle, low bottom bracket, long chainstays, and sprawling wheelbase help keep you planted and in control even when riding on the ragged edge. The V4L four-bar suspension is superb at soaking all manner of bumps big and small. You also get an impressive component package, including Fox 40 Float Performance Elite fork and Fox DHX2 Factory shock, SRAM X01 drivetrain, and SRAM Code downhill-specific brakes. That’s a lot of value for a bike in this price range.

—Full Carbon—

Norco aurum hsp c1.

Available with 29- or 27.5-inch wheels, the Norco Aurum HSP C1 features a full carbon frame and utilizes a high single-pivot suspension setup where the rearward axle path moves the wheel in the direction of the impact, helping maintain momentum through rough terrain. It also has an idler pulley that helps isolate drivetrain forces, improving small-bump compliance while minimizing pedal kickback. This top-flight build includes a RockShox Boxxer Ultimate fork and a RockShock Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate shock, SRAM Code RSC brakes, DT Swiss FR1950 wheels, and Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 tires.

—Adjustable Headset—

Pivot phoenix pro saint, phoenix pro saint, $5,699.

One of the longest and lightest bikes in this roundup, the Phoenix Carbon has a 1,264mm wheelbase and comes in under 35 pounds for size large. (And that’s with tubes and beefy alloy wheels.) Wheel size is 27.5, meaning this is a bike that can be raced one weekend, and then whipped around the bike park the next. The DW-link suspension soaks up big hits—and actually pedals reasonably well. Head angle is a super slack 62.5 degrees, and Pivot offers an angle-adjusting headset that allows you to tweak it 0.75 degrees in either direction. Spec highlights of the Shimano Saint build include Fox Factory fork and shock and rowdy-ready DT Swiss FR560 aluminum wheels.

—Race-Day Wheels Included—

Intense m16 pro build, intense m16 pro build.

The eye-catching, sculpted lines of the M16 have made it one of the most sought-after downhill bikes. Unique features include an adjustable dual-link suspension that allows for two travel settings: 214mm and 241mm. This 27.5-wheeled trail smasher is also exceptionally light thanks in part to its full carbon design, including the rocker links, which are more typically made from aluminum. The 200mm RockShox BoXXer fork and Super Deluxe Coil World Cup shock are other highlights, and SRAM XO1 drivetrain and Shimano Saint brakes complete this race-ready package. At the time of this writing, Intense is including a set of e*thirteen Lg1R enduro carbon race wheels with every bike sold from its website.

—Lightweight—

Equipment session 9.9 29.

With a claimed weight of 34.5 pounds—with tubes—this is one of the lightest 29er DH bikes around. The frame’s adjustable Mino Link allows you to toggle between a 62.1- and 62.6-degree head angle, while also changing bottom bracket height by 10mm. Wheelbase is 1,268mm for size large, and it has 200mm/210mm of front and rear suspension. This is a top-of-the-line bike, and the parts—Fox Factory air suspension at both ends with four-way adjustable damping, Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes, MRP carbon chain guide, and a Bontrager carbon handlebar—reflect that position.

—Podium-Ready—

Transition tr11 carbon xo1, transition tr11 carbon x01.

With multiple World Cup podium wins under the expert guidance of Tahnee Seagrave, the TR11 has proven itself as one of the top downhill race bikes on the market. Long and low geometry makes it stable and predictable at speed, while the carbon frame and upper-tier SRAM XO1 build help keep this 27.5 track charger’s weight in check. The frame also has integrated molded-rubber down-tube and chainstay protectors to quiet chain slap and guard against rock strikes. Other spec highlights include a Fox DHX2 Factory shock, Fox 40 Grip 2 Performance Elite fork, Maxxis Minion 3C DH tires, and SRAM Code RSC brakes.

—Carbon-Aluminum—

Scott gambler 910, gambler 910.

The Gambler’s mixed-material frame—a carbon front with an aluminum rear—helps keep vibrations in check and prices down. It offers 200mm of travel, but it’s this bike’s wide range of adjustability that truly stands out. It can accommodate 27.5- or 29-inch wheels, the chainstay length can be set at either 439mm or 435mm, and there’s a flip chip that adjusts bottom bracket height and shock progression, allowing riders to pick the best setup for their style or track conditions. The head-tube angle is either 62.9 or 63.2 degrees, depending on the flip chip orientation. When you’re tackling gnarly steeps, Scott recommends you shorten the chainstay, slacken the head angle, and make the shock more progressive by using the lower chip setting. But if the day’s terrain is flatter, a longer chainstay, less slack setup, and higher BB is best for maintaining flat-out speed.

Specialized Demo Expert 29

Specialized demo expert 29.

The latest Demo features a new take on Specialized’s signature four-bar suspension design. This iteration has a more-rearward axle path, claimed to improve the bike’s ability to carry momentum over square-edged bumps. This characteristic was requested by Specialized-sponsored world champion Loic Bruni. It seems to work, as Bruni has been on fire in 2019. This suspension system is also on the new Enduro , which we found floated through rock gardens with no hang-ups. The Demo Expert model features an aluminum frame with increased reach (up 20mm compared to the previous version) hung with RockShox suspension, a SRAM GX drivetrain, and Code R brakes.

A former Division 1 runner, Dan grew up riding fixies and mountain bikes and now reviews everything from performance running shoes to road and cross bikes, to the latest tech for runners and cyclists at Bicycling and Runner’s World.

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A Complete Guide to DH Bikes – Everything You Need to Know

• Post author By bicycle-u
• Post date 08.12.2023

Downhill mountain biking is an adrenaline-fueled sport that requires a specialized bike designed to handle the extreme conditions of a downhill course. These bikes, known as DH bikes, are built to withstand the harshest terrains and provide riders with the maximum amount of control and stability possible. One of the key features of a DH bike is its suspension system, which is designed to absorb the impact of jumps, drops, and rough terrain. This allows riders to maintain traction and control at high speeds, ensuring a smooth and safe descent.

Another important component of a DH bike is its gearing system. DH bikes are equipped with a wide range of gears that enable riders to maintain consistent pedaling cadence regardless of the steepness of the terrain. This is crucial, as it allows riders to optimize their pedaling efficiency and conserve energy throughout the ride. Additionally, DH bikes often come with specific pedal designs that provide riders with enhanced grip and stability, allowing them to power through technical sections and maintain control in challenging conditions.

The handlebars on a DH bike play a crucial role in rider control and maneuverability. DH bike handlebars are typically wider and longer than those found on other types of bikes, providing riders with a greater leverage and stability. This enables riders to easily navigate tight corners and maintain control over the bike’s direction. Additionally, DH bike frames are designed to be strong and durable, capable of withstanding high impacts and forces associated with downhill riding. These frames are often made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum, which helps to reduce overall weight without compromising strength.

When it comes to braking, DH bikes are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes that provide riders with precise and reliable stopping power. Brakes are crucial in downhill riding, as riders need to be able to slow down and navigate technical sections with precision. The gravity-induced speeds reached during a downhill ride can be intimidating, but with the right equipment, skills, and techniques, DH bikes allow riders to safely and confidently conquer any trail or course.

Benefits of Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking comes with a variety of benefits that make it an exciting and thrilling sport for riders of all levels of experience. From the technical frames to the advanced suspension systems, downhill mountain bikes are built to withstand the unique demands of this extreme sport.

The frames of downhill mountain bikes are designed to be strong and durable. They are typically made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum to provide the necessary strength without compromising on performance. This allows riders to ride confidently and tackle challenging terrain with ease.

The advanced suspension systems on downhill mountain bikes effectively absorb the impact of rough and uneven trails. These systems help to smooth out bumps and dips, providing riders with a more comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension also improves traction, allowing riders to maintain better control over their bikes.

Downhill mountain bikes are equipped with specific gear ratios that are optimized for high-speed descents. This allows riders to efficiently pedal on flat or uphill sections while ensuring they have enough power and control during downhill descents.

One of the biggest advantages of downhill mountain biking is the force of gravity. With the help of gravity, riders can reach high speeds and experience the thrill of flying down steep slopes. This natural force allows riders to effortlessly navigate through obstacles and explore challenging trails.

Downhill mountain biking often requires riders to perform technical maneuvers and jumps. For this reason, downhill bikes are equipped with pedals that provide optimal grip. These pedals ensure that riders’ feet stay securely on the bike, even during high-intensity rides and landings.

The handlebars on downhill mountain bikes are wider and more robust than those on other types of bikes. This design allows riders to have better control and stability, especially when navigating through rough terrain. The wider handlebars also provide more leverage for steering, making it easier for riders to maneuver their bikes.

Downhill mountain bikes are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes deliver strong and consistent stopping power, even in wet or muddy conditions. This gives riders the confidence to ride at high speeds, knowing that they can quickly and effectively slow down or stop when needed.

Features of DH Bikes

DH bikes, also known as downhill mountain bikes, are specifically designed for the extreme sport of downhill racing. They have several features that make them well-suited for this gravity-driven discipline.

One of the most important features of a DH bike is its braking system. DH bikes are equipped with powerful disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions. The brakes are often hydraulic, allowing for precise modulation and control.

DH bikes usually have wide handlebars that provide increased stability and control. The wide handlebars also give riders more leverage when navigating rough terrain and tackling jumps and drops.

Another key feature of DH bikes is their suspension system. These bikes have long-travel suspension forks and rear shocks that absorb the impact of bumps and drops, allowing riders to maintain control and speed over rough and technical terrain.

Choosing the Right DH Bike

When it comes to riding downhill, choosing the right bike is crucial. The demands of gravity-fueled descents require a bike that can handle the rough and technical terrain while keeping you in control.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a DH bike is the suspension. Downhill bikes are built with dual suspension systems – a front fork and a rear shock – to provide maximum control and absorption of impacts. Look for a bike with adjustable suspension settings to tailor the ride to your preference and the terrain you’ll be riding.

Downhill bikes typically have a limited number of gears, often ranging from 7 to 10. The focus is on providing a wide range to handle steep descents and provide enough speed when necessary. Look for a bike with a reliable drivetrain that can handle the demands of downhill riding.

Tires play a crucial role in DH riding, as they are your point of contact with the ground. Look for tires that offer a good balance between traction and rolling resistance. Consider the terrain you’ll be riding on and choose tires with the appropriate tread pattern and width.

Downhill riding requires secure and efficient pedal engagement. Flat pedals are popular among DH riders because they offer more freedom of movement and allow for quick and easy foot placement. Look for pedals with good grip and durability to handle the demands of downhill riding.

When it comes to brakes, downhill bikes need to have powerful and reliable stopping power. Look for hydraulic disc brakes, as they offer precise control and can handle the heat generated during long descents. Consider the size of the rotors and the number of pistons to determine the braking power.

Handlebars play a critical role in controlling the bike and maintaining stability. Downhill bikes typically have wider handlebars to provide more leverage and stability at high speeds. Consider the rise, width, and material of the handlebars to find the best fit for your riding style.

When choosing a downhill bike, it’s important to consider these factors and find a bike that suits your riding style and the terrain you’ll be riding. Take the time to test ride different bikes and consult with experienced riders to make an informed decision.

Components of a DH Bike

When it comes to downhill (DH) mountain bikes, they are specifically designed to handle the extreme forces and gravity of downhill racing. These bikes are built with components that are designed to provide stability, control, and durability in the challenging terrain.

One of the most important components of a DH bike is the brakes. DH bikes are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes that provide strong and reliable stopping power even in steep and muddy conditions.

Another crucial component is the pedals. DH bikes often use platform pedals that provide a wide and stable surface area for the rider’s feet. These pedals also feature pins that grip the shoes, ensuring the rider’s feet stay in place even during rough descents.

Tires play a critical role in the performance of a DH bike. DH bikes typically have wide and aggressive tires with deep treads. These tires provide excellent traction on loose soil, rocks, and roots, allowing the rider to maintain control and speed.

The handlebars of a DH bike are wider and often have a raised or swept-back design. This allows the rider to have more control and stability, especially when navigating through technical sections and rough terrain.

DH bikes usually have a single chainring upfront and a wide-ratio cassette at the rear. This gearing setup provides a wide range of gear ratios, allowing the rider to pedal efficiently on both steep ascents and fast descents.

Perhaps one of the most important components of a DH bike is the suspension system. DH bikes are equipped with long-travel suspension forks at the front and rear of the bike. These forks absorb the impacts and bumps, providing the rider with a smooth and controlled ride even on rough terrains.

Overall, the components of a DH bike are specifically designed to withstand the challenging demands of downhill racing. From powerful brakes and grippy tires to wide handlebars and a robust suspension system, a DH bike is built to give riders the utmost control, stability, and confidence as they tackle the steep and technical descents.

Popular DH Bike Brands

When it comes to downhill mountain biking, there are several popular DH bike brands that are known for their high-quality bikes and innovative features. These brands have a strong reputation in the cycling community and are preferred by many professional downhill riders.

Gravity is a well-known brand that specializes in producing downhill mountain bikes. They offer a range of bikes that are specifically designed for the demands of downhill riding. Gravity bikes are known for their durability, suspension capabilities, and overall performance on rough terrains.

2. Suspension

Suspension is an essential component of any downhill bike, and many popular DH bike brands prioritize the development and improvement of suspension systems. Brands like Fox and RockShox are renowned for their high-performance suspension forks and rear shocks, which provide riders with a smooth and controlled ride on challenging downhill tracks.

Gearing is another crucial aspect of a downhill bike, as it determines the bike’s ability to handle different terrains and maintain speed. Shimano and SRAM are two popular brands that are widely used in building DH bikes. These brands offer a wide range of drivetrain options that provide reliable shifting and efficient power transfer.

Pedals play a vital role in maintaining control and stability on a downhill bike. Brands like Shimano, Crankbrothers, and DMR offer a variety of clipless and flat pedals that are designed to provide maximum grip and traction, allowing riders to confidently navigate through technical sections and rough descents.

5. Handlebars

Handlebars are an important component that affects the bike’s handling and control. DH bike brands like Renthal, RaceFace, and Easton produce handlebars that are sturdy, lightweight, and designed with downhill riding in mind. These handlebars offer different rise options and widths to suit individual rider preferences.

Brakes are an essential safety feature on a downhill bike, and brands like Shimano and SRAM are well-regarded for their powerful and reliable disc brakes. These brakes are specifically designed to provide consistent stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions that are often encountered during downhill rides.

Choosing the right tires is crucial for downhill riding, as they provide traction and control on varying surfaces. Brands like Maxxis, Schwalbe, and Continental offer a wide range of downhill-specific tires that are designed to handle the demands of aggressive riding. These tires feature aggressive tread patterns and durable compounds to ensure optimal grip and durability.

When selecting a DH bike, consider these popular brands as they have a proven track record of delivering high-performance bikes that cater to the needs of downhill riders.

DH Bike Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your DH bike in top condition and ensuring optimal performance on the trails. Here are some important maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Handlebars: Regularly check the tightness of your handlebars, making sure they are securely fastened to the stem. Replace worn or damaged handlebar grips for better control and comfort.

Suspension: Check the suspension components regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Inspect the seals, oil levels, and adjust the rebound and compression settings to ensure smooth operation and maximum performance.

Pedals: Keep your pedals clean and lubricated to prevent them from becoming stiff or sticky. Regularly check the bearings and replace them if necessary. Consider using clipless pedals for better power transfer and control.

Gravity: Remember that DH bikes are designed for aggressive downhill riding, so they experience a lot of stress and impact. Inspect and tighten all bolts and fasteners regularly to prevent any loosening or damage.

Tires: Check the tire pressure before each ride and adjust it according to the trail conditions. Inspect the tires for any cuts, punctures, or excessive wear, and replace them if necessary. Rotate the tires periodically for even wear.

Brakes: Regularly inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary. Ensure that the brake system is properly aligned and adjusted for maximum stopping power. Bleed the brakes regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Gearing: Clean and lubricate the drivetrain regularly to minimize friction and extend the life of the components. Check the gears and chain for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary. Keep the derailleur properly adjusted for accurate shifting.

Frames: Inspect the frame regularly for any cracks, dents, or damage. Check the welds and joints for any signs of weakness. Keep the frame clean and touch up any paint chips or scratches to prevent corrosion.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your DH bike is always in top shape and ready to tackle any downhill challenge with confidence. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your bike but also enhances your riding experience.

Preparing for a DH Bike Race

When it comes to participating in a DH bike race, having the right equipment and proper preparation can make all the difference. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Tires: Choose a set of tires that provide excellent traction and control, as you will be navigating through various terrains and conditions.

Handlebars: Opt for wider handlebars to give you greater stability and control over your bike.

Pedals: Invest in a pair of reliable pedals that offer a secure grip, ensuring your feet stay planted even on rough descents.

Frames: Look for a DH bike with a sturdy and durable frame that can handle the rigors of downhill racing.

Gravity: Downhill racing is all about gravity, so it’s crucial to understand how it affects your bike’s performance and adjust your riding accordingly.

Brakes: Make sure your bike’s brakes are in top-notch condition, as you will need them to provide maximum stopping power and control.

Gearing: Choose the appropriate gear ratio to tackle both steep descents and occasional climbs during the race.

Suspension: Set up your bike’s suspension to match the terrain and your riding style, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

By paying attention to these key areas and making necessary adjustments, you can maximize your performance and enjoyment during a DH bike race. Remember, practice and experience are also vital, so get out there and ride as much as possible!

Safety Tips for DH Biking

Downhill mountain biking can be an exhilarating and thrilling experience, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when riding a DH bike:

1. Check Your Brakes Regularly

Properly functioning brakes are crucial when riding downhill. Make sure to check your brakes before every ride and ensure they are in good working condition. Adjust the brake pads and cables if needed, and replace any worn-out or damaged components.

2. Use the Right Gearing

Gearing is essential for maintaining control and balance during a downhill descent. Choose a gear that allows you to effectively control your speed while still having enough power to pedal. Experiment with different gear ratios to find the one that suits your riding style.

3. Invest in High-Quality Tires

Tires play a vital role in providing traction and stability on downhill trails. Invest in high-quality tires with aggressive tread patterns that can handle rough terrain. Make sure to check the tire pressure before each ride and adjust it according to the trail conditions.

4. Inspect Your Frame Regularly

The frame is the backbone of your DH bike, so it’s essential to inspect it regularly for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. If you notice any issues, have them addressed by a professional before riding again. A compromised frame can significantly affect the bike’s performance and compromise your safety.

5. Choose the Right Pedals

The pedals you choose can have a significant impact on your ability to control the bike. Opt for flat pedals with traction pins or clipless pedals that offer a secure connection with your shoes. Whichever type you choose, make sure you are comfortable and confident using them before tackling challenging downhill trails.

6. Ride within Your Skill Level

Downhill biking can be intense, but it’s important to ride within your skill level. Pushing yourself too hard can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Gradually progress to more difficult trails and features as you gain experience and confidence.

7. Maintain a Proper Riding Position

Maintaining a proper riding position is crucial for maintaining control and stability on a downhill bike. Keep your weight centered and slightly back, with your knees bent and ready to absorb impacts. Hold the handlebars firmly but avoid locking your elbows, allowing for more responsive steering.

In conclusion, following these safety tips can help ensure an enjoyable and safe downhill biking experience. Remember to ride responsibly and always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the trail.

DH Bike Riding Techniques

When it comes to riding a downhill mountain bike, there are a few key techniques that every rider should know. These techniques will help you navigate the trails safely and effectively, allowing you to make the most of your time on the bike. Below are some essential DH bike riding techniques:

Braking: Proper use of the brakes is crucial when riding downhill. You should use both the front and rear brakes to control your speed, but be careful not to overuse them, as this can cause your tires to skid and lose traction.

Tires: Choosing the right tires is essential for downhill riding. Look for tires with aggressive tread patterns to provide maximum grip on the trails. Additionally, maintaining proper tire pressure will help optimize traction and control.

Pedals: When riding downhill, it’s important to keep your pedals level and centered. This will help you maintain balance and control over rough terrain. Additionally, using flat pedals with pins can provide extra grip and prevent your feet from slipping off.

Gearing: Choosing the right gear is important when riding downhill. You should aim for a gear that allows you to maintain a steady cadence without putting too much strain on your legs. This will help you maintain control and power through obstacles.

Handlebars: Proper hand placement on the handlebars is crucial for maintaining control. Your hands should be positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your elbows should be bent to absorb vibrations and impacts. This will help you maintain stability and control over rough terrain.

Gravity: Utilizing gravity to your advantage is key when riding downhill. Lean your body back and shift your weight rearwards to maintain stability and control. This will ensure that you have maximum traction on your tires and can navigate obstacles effectively.

Frames: Downhill mountain bikes are designed with specific frame geometry to optimize performance. The frame should be sturdy and durable to withstand the demands of downhill riding. Additionally, the suspension system should be set up correctly to absorb impacts and provide a smooth ride.

By practicing and mastering these DH bike riding techniques, you’ll be able to take on any downhill trail with confidence and skill. Remember to always ride within your limits and prioritize safety while enjoying the thrill of downhill mountain biking.

Best DH Bike Trails

When it comes to downhill mountain biking, having access to the best trails can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, having a challenging and well-maintained trail can enhance your riding experience. Here are some of the best DH bike trails around the world:

1. Gravity Park, New Zealand: Known for its steep descents and technical sections, Gravity Park in New Zealand offers a thrilling downhill experience. The combination of natural terrain and man-made features makes it a favorite among riders looking for an adrenaline rush.

2. Whistler Bike Park, Canada: Considered the mecca of downhill mountain biking, Whistler Bike Park in Canada has it all. With over 70 trails ranging from beginner to advanced, riders of all skill levels can enjoy the gravity-fed fun. The park’s well-maintained trails, varied terrain, and breathtaking views attract riders from around the world.

3. Fort William, Scotland: Known for hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William in Scotland is a must-visit destination for downhill enthusiasts. The challenging terrain, steep gradients, and epic views make it a favorite among pros and amateur riders alike.

4. Bikepark Leogang, Austria: With its fast and flowy trails, Bikepark Leogang in Austria is a DH rider’s dream. The park offers a range of trails suited for all skill levels, from beginners to expert riders. The combination of well-groomed trails and stunning alpine scenery makes it a top choice for riders looking for an unforgettable experience.

5. Whakarewarewa Forest, New Zealand: Located near Rotorua, Whakarewarewa Forest in New Zealand is known for its diverse trail network. The trails cater to riders of all abilities, from beginners to advanced. The unique geothermal landscape adds an extra element of excitement to the downhill experience.

When tackling these DH bike trails, it’s important to have the right gear and equipment. Ensure your downhill bike is properly equipped with the right gearing, handlebars, frames, tires, brakes, and pedals to handle the challenges of these trails. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the exhilaration of downhill mountain biking on these world-class trails!

DH Biking Competitions

Downhill mountain biking competitions are exhilarating events that test the limits of both the riders and their bikes. These competitions take place on challenging downhill tracks, where riders must navigate steep slopes, tight corners, and obstacles at high speeds.

Gearing is an essential component in DH biking competitions. Riders need a wide range of gears to adapt to the varying terrain and maintain speed. The right gear ratio helps riders power through climbs and maintain control during descents.

Brakes are crucial for riders to control their speed and navigate the course safely. DH bikes are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable and precise stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions.

Downhill competitions are all about harnessing the power of gravity. Riders use their body positioning and skills to make the most of gravity’s assistance, allowing them to maintain high speeds and fly over jumps and obstacles.

Frames and Suspension

The frames of DH bikes are designed to withstand the intense impacts and vibrations of downhill riding. These frames are made of strong and lightweight materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber. The advanced suspension systems on DH bikes help absorb the shocks and bumps encountered on the course, ensuring a smoother and more controlled ride.

Tires and Pedals

Tires play a crucial role in DH biking competitions. Riders need tires with aggressive treads and wide profiles to provide maximum grip and stability on various surfaces, including loose dirt, rocks, and roots. Additionally, riders use clipless pedals, which allow them to securely attach their shoes to the pedals and maintain better control and efficiency.

Overall, DH biking competitions require a combination of skill, strength, and the right equipment. Riders must be able to navigate challenging tracks, adapt to changing conditions, and push their bikes to the limits of performance.

Famous DH Bikers

Downhill mountain biking is an extreme sport that requires immense skill, courage, and perseverance. Over the years, many legendary riders have emerged in the world of downhill biking, pushing the limits of what is possible on two wheels. These famous DH bikers have become icons in the sport and have inspired countless riders worldwide.

When it comes to DH biking, having complete control over your bike is crucial. These riders are known for their exceptional abilities to handle their bikes in the most challenging terrains. They have mastered the art of using their brakes judiciously and maintaining balance while descending at great speeds.

Gravity is a DH biker’s best friend. These riders have a deep understanding of how gravity works and use it to their advantage. They skillfully navigate through steep and treacherous trails, relying on their superior bike handling skills and extensive experience.

Tires play a significant role in a DH biker’s performance. Famous DH bikers carefully choose their tires to suit the terrain they will be riding on. They opt for wide and knobby tires that provide excellent traction and grip, ensuring a smoother and more controlled ride.

Gearing is another crucial aspect of DH biking. These riders meticulously select the appropriate gearing to conquer the steep inclines and maintain speed on the descents. They ensure that their bikes have low gears for climbing and high gears for maintaining momentum.

Suspension is vital in DH biking, as it absorbs the impact of rough terrain and helps the riders maintain control. Famous DH bikers meticulously fine-tune their suspension settings to suit the specific demands of each trail, allowing them to smoothly navigate jumps, drops, and rock gardens.

The frames of DH bikes need to be strong, yet lightweight, to withstand the intense forces exerted while descending. Famous DH bikers prefer frames made of materials like carbon fiber or aluminum, which offer the perfect balance of strength and weight, allowing them to push their limits without compromising durability.

Finally, the pedals used by these riders are essential for maintaining optimal control over their bikes. They prefer flat pedals or clipless pedals that provide a secure grip and allow for quick and precise foot movements, enhancing their ability to maneuver and respond to obstacles on the trail.

In conclusion, famous DH bikers are renowned for their bike handling skills, control over brakes, understanding of gravity, tire selection, appropriate gearing, fine-tuned suspension settings, choice of frames, and pedal preferences. These riders have left an indelible mark on the sport of downhill mountain biking and continue to inspire aspiring riders to push their limits and achieve greatness.

DH Biking and the Environment

Downhill mountain biking, also known as DH biking, is an exhilarating sport that allows riders to challenge their limits and push themselves to the edge. While this extreme sport is thrilling and adrenaline-pumping, it is important to consider its impact on the environment.

1. Handlebars and Gearing

The handlebars and gearing of a downhill mountain bike play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. However, it is essential to choose environmentally friendly materials for these components. Opting for handlebars made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled aluminum can help reduce the ecological footprint.

2. Frames and Suspension

The frames and suspension systems of downhill bikes are designed to absorb the impact of rough terrain and provide stability to the rider. When selecting a bike, consider choosing frames made from recycled materials or those produced using sustainable manufacturing processes. Additionally, using suspension systems that minimize energy loss and optimize performance can contribute to a more eco-friendly ride.

The force of gravity propels downhill mountain bikers at high speeds, making tires a critical component for rider safety and performance. Opting for tires made from natural rubber or recycled materials can minimize the environmental impact associated with tire production and disposal.

Pedals are another essential part of a downhill mountain bike, as they provide grip and control to the rider. Choosing pedals made from recyclable materials and ensuring proper disposal at the end of their lifespan can help reduce waste and contribute to a sustainable biking experience.

By considering the environmental impact of the components used in DH biking, riders can make more conscious choices to minimize their ecological footprint. It is crucial for the biking community to prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the thrill of downhill biking without compromising the environment.

The Future of DH Biking

The sport of downhill mountain biking is constantly evolving, and with advancements in technology, the future of DH biking looks promising. One area where we can expect to see major improvements is in suspension systems. As riders push the limits of what’s possible, manufacturers are developing innovative suspension designs that offer even better control and stability on rough terrain.

Another aspect of DH bikes that is likely to evolve is the frames. The current trend is towards lighter and stronger materials, such as carbon fiber composites. These materials allow for greater stiffness and durability while reducing weight, improving overall performance.

As DH tracks become more technical and demanding, bikes will need to handle the increased gravity forces. This means we can anticipate advancements in frame geometry to optimize stability and handling.

Handlebars are another area that may see improvements. Manufacturers are experimenting with different shapes and materials to enhance control and comfort for riders, ensuring that they have the best grip on their bike.

Tires will also continue to evolve to meet the demands of DH riders. Manufacturers are developing tread patterns and rubber compounds that provide optimal grip and durability on various terrains, giving riders the confidence to push their limits.

Pedals will see advancements as well, with improved designs that offer better grip and stability. As riders face challenging terrain and high speeds, having reliable pedals is crucial for maintaining control on the bike.

Lastly, brakes will likely see ongoing improvements. Manufacturers are constantly developing more powerful and efficient braking systems that can handle the high speeds and technical demands of downhill riding, ensuring that riders can confidently navigate steep descents.

Overall, the future of DH biking is a combination of advancements in suspension, frames, gravity handling, handlebars, tires, pedals, and brakes. These innovations will continue to enhance the riding experience and push the limits of what is possible on a downhill mountain bike.

Questions and answers:

What is a dh bike.

A DH bike, or downhill mountain bike, is a specific type of mountain bike designed for riding on steep and rough terrain. It is built to handle high speeds, big jumps, and technical obstacles.

What sets a DH bike apart from other types of mountain bikes?

A DH bike is distinguishable by its heavy-duty frame, long-travel suspension, wide and knobby tires, and strong brakes. These features allow the bike to handle the demands of downhill racing and aggressive riding.

What are the key components of a DH bike?

The key components of a DH bike include the frame, fork, shock, brakes, wheels, tires, drivetrain, and handlebars. Each component is carefully chosen to provide durability, control, and performance on downhill trails.

Is a DH bike suitable for other types of mountain biking?

A DH bike is specifically designed for downhill riding, but it can also be used for freeride and bike park riding where there are challenging descents. However, due to its heavy weight and limited climbing capabilities, it is not ideal for cross-country or trail riding.

How much does a DH bike cost?

The cost of a DH bike can vary greatly depending on the brand, components, and level of performance. A basic entry-level DH bike can cost around $2000, while a high-end professional-level DH bike can cost upwards of $10,000.

What is a downhill mountain bike?

A downhill mountain bike is a specialized type of bicycle designed for racing down steep and rough terrains. It features a robust frame, front and rear suspension, and powerful brakes.

What are the differences between a downhill bike and a regular mountain bike?

A downhill bike differs from a regular mountain bike in several ways. It has longer suspension, a slacker head angle for stability at high speeds, stronger and more durable components, and wider tires for better traction.

Why do downhill mountain bikes have stronger brakes?

Downhill mountain bikes have stronger brakes because they need to provide sufficient stopping power to slow down or stop the bike quickly, especially when riding at high speeds downhill.

What are the main components of a downhill bike?

The main components of a downhill bike include the frame, suspension system, brakes, drivetrain, wheels, tires, and handlebars. Each component is specially designed to handle the demands of downhill racing.

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• Breathtaking Bikes for Thrilling Downhill Adventures – The Ultimate Guide
• The Thrilling World of Downhill Mountain Biking – Conquer the Trails and Experience the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
• Pivot Mountain Bikes – The Ultimate Guide for Off-Road Adventure Junkies
• Explore the Thrilling Trails with a Full Suspension Mountain Bike
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The best hardcore hardtail you can buy – 7 bikes in review

As Autumn hits and Winter looms, many riders yearn for a simpler bike; no shocks to service, no pivot bearings to replace and a more direct relationship between rider and terrain. Sometimes life is too easy, too candy-coated: your riding becomes muted, you feel detached from the challenge that used to be mountain biking – you need a hardcore hardtail to breath life into you riding.

The mighty hardtail has a special place in riders hearts; whether it’s respect for the special skill-set required to ride one well, the appreciation for a master frame builder’s creation or, as many of us paid our mountain biking dues on a hardtail, misty-eyed nostalgia for a simpler time.

What makes a hardtail hardcore?

So what does a hardtail require to be awarded, ‘hardcore’, status? Firstly, hardcore means that the bike can be thrown off, down or over anything. So, it needs to be tough and take some knocks; it’s got to be able to take a beating, dust itself off and get back up and carry on. Beautifully welded steel, aluminium or titanium tubing is the expectation and if it can be built by hand and in a shed, then so much the better. Cool frame details, masses of mud clearance and plenty of character.

Development of hardcore hardtails is the generally the domain of small rider owned brands, able to tweak designs at will, who specialises in innovation and quality, so we expect to see progressive and conflicting geometry as designers carve their ideas out of metal. A slacked out head angle is the minimum requirement and long travel forks feature widely to soak up the hits at the front in the hope that the back follows behind. Wheel sizes vary: 27.5 is popular, making the bike nimble and quick but 27.5+ offers greater comfort and traction. 29ers are beginning to take over this last bastion of smaller wheels as hardcore hardtails become more enduro focused and the bigger wheel’s ability to smooth out the trail and steam roller over terrain becomes more important.

Putting the fun in function

However, riding a hardcore hardtail isn’t about points or podiums, the riding emphasis should be on fun and versatility: hit a trail centre, session some dirt jumps, roost some loamy turns or smash the urban freeride. We want it all but being the ‘jack of all trades’ may result in being master of none so some brands will focus on a more specific riding style. In these days of super-efficient rear suspension, the hardcore hardtail retains its cult status which has nothing to do with it being the most practical choice of bike, it’s less comfortable, they have less traction, line choice is critical and mistakes will not be rewarded but somehow they embody everything that’s good about riding a bike.

The test fleet: seven hardcore hardtails

Each of the hardtails we reviewed is available in a frame only option. Many riders will either be looking to build their hardcore core hack on a budget from donor parts and spares or want to build it up to their own preferences, so we wanted to review the qualities of each frame rather than the full build.

Compared to the expense of constructing a full suspension frame, hardtails are cheap to build which means that they are a great entry into the bike building business. Consequently, there are hundreds of hardtail manufacturers and models out there. We could never have tested every bike in this category, no matter how much we’d like to, so we sourced bikes that we thought could bring something different to the test and reveal the key aspects of a frame that make a hardtail, hardcore.

The contenders

The Airdrop and Stif bikes have more ‘trail’ inspired geometry albeit with the prerequisite slacked out head angle, the shortest reach, stays, stack and wheelbases make for a great all-around traditional. ‘mountain bike’, smaller and more nimble than the enduro inspired behemoths of the Pole, Pipedreams and the Sick offerings. The longer bikes should offer increased confidence and stability when the going gets steep and technical but can quickly get you into trouble as the front end’s write cheques that the un-suspended rears cannot hope to cash. This leaves the Orange and the Stanton representing the middle ground’; two very different yet very capable all-rounders that epitomize the fun, ‘jack of all trades’ that is the characteristic of the hardcore breed.

How large is large?

Despite all our bikes being a size ‘Large’, there is a huge difference between each bike that reflects the diverse interpretation of their intended use and rider’s needs. With up to 12.5 cm difference in wheelbase, 41 mm variation in stack height and 70 mm difference in reach and 60 mm in seat tube there was a sizing chasm which means that the prospective buyer must know their numbers before parting with their cash, especially as most of these brands can’t be bought ‘off the shelf’ at your LBS.

The test conditions

We took our 7 bikes and five riders to ruggedly beautiful forests of Dunkeld in Perthshire, Scotland’s heartland. Featuring big climbs, undulating traverses and steep, enduro style trails with lots of loam, slick roots, greasy rocks, hucks and senders; the all-around ability of our hardtails would be stretched to their limits and beyond.

All the bikes we tested had their own distinct identity, strengths and weaknesses. The Stif Morf showed us how much things have progressed as a bike we considered ‘hardcore’ only a few years ago, now felt more like an all-rounder trail bike. The two aluminium bikes, the Airdrop BITMAP and the Orange Crush are both excellent trail bikes despite having different geometry ideas but once off the trail centre groomers, the stiffness of the frame material made the bike less comfortable to ride. We found that a super long front end and short stays of the Pipedream Moxie meant that the Moxie needed aggressive rider input to get the best out of the extreme geometry, so it isn’t a bike every rider will be able to ride well. For everyone involved in this group test, the two bikes battling for top slot was the Pole Taival and the Stanton Switch9er . Two quite different bikes in terms of feel and geometry that share some winning characteristics: a balanced riding position, chromoly tubing and 29er wheels. Both bikes were super fun to ride and went down faster than a hooker at a bachelor party: the Pole Taival , with its fantastic ride and ‘rider focused’ build is highly recommended and great value for money, taking our BEST VALUE award, thanks to its stunning frame, awesome all-around ability and grin-inducing handling, the BEST IN TEST laurels go to the sublime Stanton Switch9er .

All bikes in test

Airdrop BITMAP | Pipedream Moxie | Pole Taival | Orange Crush 29 | Sick Headbanger | Stanton Switch9er | Stif Morf

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Thomas Corfield Photos: Trevor Worsey

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About the author.

Thomas Corfield

After nearly 30 years of riding and coming from a career in cycle sales, UK Editor Tom is still passionate about everything mountain biking. Based in the Scottish Borders, he enjoys riding everything from solo adventures in the mountains to big social night rides.

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Best Downhill Mountain Bikes of 2024

Hills and bicycles make a natural combination. Letting gravity take over brings a primal thrill you can’t get any other way, and some riders are quickly addicted to riding down the steepest and roughest slopes they can manage. Bike manufacturers have obliged by turning out a variety of machines designed to make the most of the interface that links gravity, gradient, and obstacles. This guide to the best downhill mountain bikes should help you choose the right tool for you.

Disclaimer : Modern mountain bikes are complicated, and the jargon can be confusing at first! We’ve tried to keep it simple, but if you see terms that you don’t understand, check the explanatory sections that follow the reviews. We’ve provided more detail on every term we discuss here, and there are links you can read for more information.

For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Mountain Bikes . 

Quick Answer - The Best Downhill Mountain Bikes

• Orbea Rallon M20 View at Jenson USA
• Kona Operator CR View at Jenson USA
• Yeti SB165 Carbon C1 View at Jenson USA
• Devinci Spartan Carbon GX Eagle View at Jenson USA
• Orbea Rallon M-Team View at Jenson USA
• Marin San Quentin 1 View at Jenson USA
• Marin Alpine Trail 7 View at Jenson USA
• Banshee Darkside SLX View at Jenson USA
• Eminent Haste GX Eagle View at Jenson USA
• Yeti SB165 Turq T3 View at Jenson USA

Comparison Table - Best Downhill Mountain Bike

Reviews - the best bikes for downhill mountain biking, orbea rallon m20.

• Frame Material : Carbon Fiber
• Wheel Size : 29”
• Seatpost : Dropper
• Drivetrain : 1x12
• Fork Travel : 170mm
• Head Tube Angle : 65°
• Rear Suspension : 160mm Air
• Long Suspension Travel Soaks Up Impacts
• Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes For Superior Stopping Ability
• Slack Angles For Stability On Steep Descents
• Strong, Lightweight Carbon Frame

BEST VALUE 29” DOWNHILL BIKE

Bikes with 29” wheels have traditionally used less travel than their smaller-wheeled counterparts, partly because adding more travel with a large wheel diameter tends to lift the front end of the bike to impractical heights and partly because the larger wheels absorb shock by rolling over obstacles rather than hitting them and bouncing off. Orbea breaks the mold with this 29er, lavishly endowed with 170mm front and 160mm rear suspension, both delivered by premium Fox shocks. The result is a wildly plush big wheel bike that’s ready to roll over everything and soak up the big hits whenever they arrive. Point it at the bike park and get ready for fun!

Kona Operator CR

• Seatpost : Fixed
• Drivetrain : 1x7
• Fork Travel : 190mm
• Head Tube Angle : 62°
• Rear Suspension : 195-205mm Coil
• RockShox Boxxer World Cup Fork For Total Front End Suspension
• SRAM Drivetrain With Descendant Downhill Crankset
• Adjustable Geometry Is Ready For Any Terrain

BEST 29” DOWNHILL RACE BIKE

Kona’s flagship DH race bike jumps solidly onto the 29”-wheeled DH race bike bandwagon, matching a traditional RockShox Boxxer double crown DH fork with a pair of 29” wheels. There’s also a trick up the Operator’s sleeve: throw on a pair of 27.5” wheels and flip the suspension’s geometry chip and the bike transforms into a freeriding park bike, ready to show off the tricks and rip the berms. Whether you’re reaching for maximum velocity on a world cup DH course or strutting the style at Whistler, the Operator has you covered!

Yeti SB165 Carbon C1

• Wheel Size : 27.5”
• Fork Travel : 180mm
• Head Tube Angle : 63.5°
• Rear Suspension : 165mm Coil
• Premium Wheelset For Maximum Strength
• SRAM Drivetrain Delivers Wide Gear Range And Smooth Shifting
• SRAM Brakes Are Designed For The Roughest Rides

BEST HIGH END 27.5” DOWNHILL BIKE

Yeti takes the modern trend toward slack front ends to the extreme level with the SB165, which features a 63.5-degree head angle that until recently would only have been found on a purpose-built DH race bike. The SB 165 uses that feature on an all-around gravity sled that is at home on a racetrack, a bike park, or on an extended trail ride. Huck it off the gnarliest drop and ride it up the other side if there’s no lift to get you back to the top: the SB165 won’t be out of place going in either direction. Long travel, premium Fox suspension, and a lavish assortment of premium components round out a package that’s ready to party when the party gets wild!

Devinci Spartan Carbon GX Eagle

• Rear Suspension : 165mm Air
• SRAM Drivetrain For Wide Gear Range And Smooth Shifting
• SRAM Hydraulic Disc Brakes For Reliable Control
• Aggressive Geometry Is Ready For Any Terrain
• 2.6” Tire Clearance For Maximum Traction

This bike straddles the line between Enduro and Downhill racing, mating 29” wheels with big Maxxis Minion downhill tires and top of the line RockShox suspension to produce a big-wheeled ride that’s ready for any terrain. You get a premium carbon fiber frame with Race Face wheels, SRAM Code brakes, the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, and other equally well-selected components. The end result is an all-around 29” mountain bike that’s at home on gnarly trails, bike parks, or flat out DH racecourses. We wouldn’t call this a cheap bike but it certainly delivers value for money.

Orbea Rallon M-Team

• Wheel Size : 29"
• Asymmetrical Frame Design Gives Easy Access To Shock Adjustments
• Industry-Leading Fox Suspension Smooths Out Your Ride
• Premium Shimano XT Drivetrain And Brakes

BEST PREMIUM 29” DOWNHILL BIKE

If you like to go big on a 29er, Orbea has delivered your dream ride. The Rallon M-Team matches big wheels that gobble up trail and roll over obstacles with low-slung geometry, stack angles, and a premium Fox suspension package to deliver a true extreme 29” bike. The frame is lightweight carbon fiber, the wheelset is the premium DT Swiss EX-501, and the brakes and drivetrain are Shimano’s famed XT line. The result is a superb all-around trail bike that’s ready to step up to a Black Diamond park trail or a DH racecourse any time you are!

Marin San Quentin 1

• Frame Material : Aluminum
• Drivetrain : 1x9
• Fork Travel : 120mm
• Rear Suspension : Hardtail
• Compatible With Up To 2.6” Wide Tires
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes For Superior Stopping Ability

BEST BUDGET DOWNHILL HARDTAIL

Some people will tell you that you can’t “do DH” on a hardtail. They’re wrong. In the early days of mountain biking, everybody rode hardtails, and they rode some very gnarly hills! Full suspension is wonderful, but the hardtail is a great choice for a beginner seeking to develop a feel for the trail and strong bike handling skills. 

Marin built this affordable bike with sturdy components and the slack geometry normally found on DH race bikes. You’ll need to develop good line choice and handling skills but this ride will let you go down and go fast at a price point that wouldn’t buy you the wheelset of a serious DH race bike. Don’t let a tight budget keep you off the hill!

Marin Alpine Trail 7

• Drivetrain : 1x11
• Fork Travel : 160mm
• Rear Suspension : 150mm Air
• Tubeless-Ready Wheels
• Long Travel And Slack Angles For Steep, Rough Terrain
• 1x11 Drivetrain Delivers A Wide Gear Range

BEST AFFORDABLE 29” DH BIKE

Marin has a reputation for building affordable no-nonsense bikes that just plain do the job, and this is a great example of how that reputation was earned. There was a time when downhill riders wouldn’t dream of using 29” wheels, but that time is long past and even competitive racers are now adopting the big hoops. This bike combines the 29’” platform with the slack angles and long travel of a purebred DH ride, and Marin decks it out with solid, serviceable components that will get you down the slopes without breaking your bank account.

Banshee Darkside SLX

• Rear Suspension : 180mm Coil
• High-Strength Tubeless-Ready Wheelset
• Custom Hydroformed Tubes Add Strength But Keep Weight Low

BEST BUDGET 27.5” DH RACE BIKE

Banshee and Jenson USA combine forces to offer you this exceptional deal on a race-ready specialist DH bike. The extra-long suspension travel and ultra-slack angles on this bike are begging to be introduced to a race track, and if speed is your goal and you see competition in your future, this is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. We don’t know how long this deal will be available (and we’ll try to remove it as soon as it’s not), but it’s too good not to pass on while we can!

Eminent Haste GX Eagle

• Head Tube Angle : 65.5°
• Strong, Light Carbon Fiber Frame
• Smooth-Shifting SRAM 12-Speed Drivetrain
• High-End Dropper Seat Post Lets You Adjust Saddle Height On The Fly

BEST VALUE 27.5” DOWNHILL BIKE

Eminent Cycles may not be a household name, but the numbers on this gravity-driven ride speak for themselves. This ride features 170mm of impact-eating front travel and 160mm in the rear, matched to a high-strength carbon fiber frame with an aggressively slack front end that’s just waiting to be pointed at something steep. A premium SRAM drivetrain, a Fox Transfer dropper post, and a generally high-spec component range round out a package that delivers outstanding value for money. This is an all-around mountain bike that leans hard toward the downhill side but is still able to get you up the climb on the other side of the hill. If you’re looking for one bike to do it all and your idea of doing it all includes a bunch of steep stuff, this is a great choice!

Yeti SB165 Turq T3

• Wheel Size : 27.5"
• Yeti’s Proprietary Turq Carbon Delivers Maximum Strength And Minimum Weight
• Super Low, Super Slack Geometry For Radical Riding
• Absolute Top Of The Line Components
• Fox Coil Shock For Ultimate Plushness

BEST EXTREME RIDE

When you want to take your riding off the trail and off the charts, Yeti delivers with the SB165. Lots of bikes go low and slack, but the SB165 hits the drops with a minimal 63.5° head tube angle and a build that’s designed to fly as much as it is to roll. Everything about this bike is top of the line and chosen for extreme riding. If you’re looking to ride outside the tape and if your idea of riding involves touching the ground as seldom as possible, here’s your bike!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE

Disclaimer : Downhill riding requires appropriate skills and appropriate gear. We can point you to the gear but you’ll have to develop the skills! We urge you to seek appropriate training, build skills gradually, and extend your limits slowly. Downhill riding involves high speeds and hard obstacles, and serious injury can occur if things get out of control.

For this list of the best downhill mountain bikes, we’ve taken a liberal definition of “downhill”. Bikes designed for “enduro” or “freeride” all combine similar elements like long suspension travel and frame angles designed for high-gradient stability, and can even serve through the introductory stages of downhill racing. Downhill bikes have to be built burly and incorporate more sophisticated suspension and stronger wheelsets than other types and those features do push prices up. For those addicted to the thrill, it’s worth it!

ASSESS YOUR NEEDS

It’s easy to watch a World Cup downhill race or Red Bull Rampage event and think “I want to do that”. It’s easy to think that if you’re going to do that, you need that bike. In the real world, your first steps into the wonderful world of downhill riding are most likely going to be on slightly steeper trails and slightly harder lines than you rode before, maybe a trip to the nearest bike park to try some more challenging rides.

For most of these purposes, a trail bike that leans toward the steep side will be a perfectly adequate tool. If you visit a local downhill race and check out the riders in the beginner bracket you’ll see that plenty of them aren’t riding race-specific bikes. As your skills develop you’ll get a better feel for the type of downhill riding you’d like to do and the type of equipment you need, but don’t feel deprived if your first moves into the downhill world are on a trail bike or even a hardtail!

KNOW YOUR LOCAL TRAILS

If you’re like most of us, most of your riding will be done near your home. Some of us are lucky enough to have a racecourse or a bike park close enough for a day trip, others have to make do with whatever trails are nearby. Check out the local downhill trails, see what types of bikes people are choosing, and look for a bike that fits the type of riding you’ll actually do!

KEEP PERSPECTIVE

Mountain bikers love gear, and it’s easy to read about high-end components and imagine that they’re necessary or that we’ll ride better if we have them. In reality, most manufacturers deliver perfectly functional parts at the mid to lower end of the spectrum. And for most of us, improving our riding is more about better legs, lungs, and skills than better drivetrains, wheelsets, or forks! If you can’t afford top-end gear, don’t worry: if you’re new to the downhill scene you probably don’t need it anyway. Get the best you can afford and focus on building skills.

For more on the details of mountain bikes in general, REI has an excellent guide to choosing a mountain bike . Dirt Mountainbike offers more specific advice on choosing a downhill bike .

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Frame materials.

Downhill bikes are typically made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. Both are used to build bikes at all price levels, but carbon bikes are moving into a preferred position in the high-end market as new molding technologies produce lighter and stronger frames.

Many manufacturers use proprietary carbon fabrication processes like Yeti’s Turq and Niner’s RDO carbon to deliver the best possible strength-to-weight ratios. Enthusiasts and engineers can argue unto eternity over which is best; from a rider’s perspective, they are all very good.

There was a time when 29” wheels were for cross country racers, 27.5” wheels were for trail riders, and downhill racers stuck with old fashioned 26” wheels. That time is now long gone.

Manufacturers are coming up with new designs that stretch old boundaries on a regular basis, and we now see 29” bikes with long travel and slack angles ready to rip on the roughest trails. As a general rule 29” wheels are still better suited to trails where you roll over obstacles and 27.5” wheels to trails where agility is required to dodge around obstacles, but the lines are increasingly blurred and bikes in both categories can be very good for many different types of riding. That leaves the choice up to personal preference!

Downhill bikes take significant impacts and need to have high-quality wheelsets. Wheels from high-end manufacturers are stronger, lighter, and more expensive, and are often a major selling point for downhill bikes.

Bikes built for steep downhills and rough trails usually have much more suspension travel than bikes designed for cross country and trail riding. That travel can make long climbs more difficult, as they tend to lead to suspension bob while climbing, but long-travel suspension comes into its own when the trail turns down, soaking up bumps and allowing riders to go fully airborne.

That’s not to say short-travel bikes can’t take hits: the knee is the original rear suspension and skilled riders can take huge hits on a hardtail. Suspension still makes it easier, and most downhill riders prefer to keep it long!

In general, 120-140mm of suspension travel indicates a cross country bike, 140-160mm indicates a trail to enduro bike, and anything over 160mm suggests a big-hit downhill or freeride design, but there will always be exceptions!

Fox and RockShox are the dominant suspension manufacturers, and their higher-end models are preferred by most customers and manufacturers. Other manufacturers still produce quality products and should not be overlooked.

Rear suspensions use either coil shocks or air shocks. Coil shocks are often said to be “plusher” and are used on many downhill race bikes. Air shocks are lighter and can be tuned to a wider rider weight range by adding or removing air pressure. Most manufacturers now spec built bikes with air shocks because they are easier to adjust for riders of different weights.

Sag is the extent to which rear suspension is activated by the rider’s weight. For normal trail riding, most shocks will be set to around 25% sag (meaning the rider’s weight will compress the shock to 25% of its total travel), but some downhill riders prefer more. Consult the specifications for your shock before setting the sag. Some bikes have sag indicators to show you at a glance how much sag your rear suspension has.

HEAD TUBE ANGLES

Bike geometry is a complex subject. To reduce it to the basics, “slack” geometry places the front wheel farther in front of the handlebars and the seat farther back, allowing stability on steep slopes and big drops. The head tube angle makes a good overall measurement for a scale of steep to slack angles.

68° or above indicates a climb-oriented cross country bike.

66° – 68° indicates a general-purpose trail bike.

65° – 66° indicates an “enduro” style bike leaning toward steep trails and big drops.

65° and below is getting into pure downhill race territory, bikes that are made to fly as often as they roll.

Most riders keep their seats high on climbs and level rides for maximum pedaling power, but lower it and stand on their pedals for downhill control. Rigid seatposts are strong and inexpensive but changing the seat height means stopping and getting off the bike. Higher-end bikes use dropper posts, which raise and lower the seat with a handlebar-mounted control button, allowing riders to transition seamlessly from climbing to descending and back.

A bike’s drivetrain is the group of components that brings power from the pedals to the rear wheel. This involves a crank, one or more front chainrings, a chain, a group of rear rings (often called a cassette or sprocket), and derailleurs, which move the chain from one ring to another. Most modern mountain bikes now use a single front chainring and no front derailleur, with anywhere from 9 to 12 rear rings. A bike with one front ring and 11 rear rings is said to have a 1×11 drivetrain.

SRAM and Shimano are the dominant drivetrain manufacturers and their products are used on most quality mountain bikes. Each has different models at different price points, and bike manufacturers will often classify a built bike according to its drivetrain. If a build has “GX Eagle” in its name it uses the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain; if it uses “XT” or “SLX” it will use the corresponding Shimano parts.

Hydraulic disc brakes combine stopping power with sensitivity and require little effort to engage. They are preferred by all major manufacturers and most users. Modern hydraulic brakes are very reliable and require very little maintenance. Tektro has staked out a position at the lower end of the market but most higher-end bikes will use SRAM or Shimano brakes. Enthusiasts will argue for hours over which is better but both companies make excellent products that will deliver the quality you need.

Brake rotors come in sizes from 160mm up to 200mm. Larger rotors have more stopping power and are preferred by downhill riders. Many bikes use larger rotors on the front wheel, where stopping requires more power, and smaller ones on the rear. Remember that braking technique is just as important as stopping power!

CABLE AND HOSE ROUTING

Brakes, gears, and dropper seatposts all require cables or hoses connecting controls to devices. These are often run along the tubes and secured by cable ties. Some manufacturers provide internal routing to keep cables and hoses inside the bike’s tubes. This gives a cleaner appearance, more protection, and less likelihood of snagging but may make cables or hoses less accessible for maintenance.

For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

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Best Long Travel Mountain Bike Review 2021

by Kyle Scott | Nov 12, 2021 | Best of Bike , Best of Mountain Bikes , Bike , Comparisons

Table Of Contents

Long travel 29ers, terminology, our top picks.

A.) Reach : the distance between the center of the head tube (where the handlebars sit) and an invisible line that runs up from the center of the bottom bracket. Short travel bikes are getting longer and longer reach, meaning to keep up with steeper head tube angles (read on), the longer reach allows the rider to have more control over the front end of the bike. For a medium-sized frame, expect to see between 440mm and 470mm for reach.

B.) Rear Center (Chainstay Length) : The distance between the rear axle and the bottom bracket. The shorter the measurement means the rider will be positioned closer to the back axle and this allows for easier manuals, greater control over the back tire, and overall, the bike will have a more responsive feel. The longer the chainstay length, the greater stability you will have at speed and over rougher terrain.

C.) Front Center : The distance between the front axle and the bottom bracket. As head tubes get slacker the front center distance is getting longer. A longer measurement again will mean more control at speed on downhills but potentially sluggish responsiveness on uphills and flats. A shorter front center will provide more agile steering and greater control on uphills but may feel sketchy when at speed on downhills.

D.) Wheelbase : Measure from the front center to the rear center of each wheel, and you get the measurement for the wheelbase. This is the distance between the front axle and rear axle. A larger wheelbase will provide stability on the downhills while a shorter wheelbase will be more maneuverable and give slightly better control over the front wheel. Both serve different purposes and each rider will likely prefer a different measurement depending on his or her discipline.

E.) Bottom Bracket Height : This is the measurement of the distance between the bottom bracket and the ground. A lower bottom bracket height will offer more control and a more stable feeling on the downhills, however the trade-off is the potential of bouncing your bottom bracket or pedals off of uneven roots and rocks.

F.) Head Tube Angle : This is the angle of the head tube from a flat plane (the ground). Head tube angles often absorb the most impact on the handling and stability of the mountain bike. You will hear the angles referred to as “slack” if they are a low angle or steep as they get higher. Cross country bikes and trail bikes have steeper head tube angles that allow riders to have greater control over the bike while climbing, whereas enduro and downhill mountain bikes have very slack head tube angles to give the most control while descending at high speeds.

G.) Seat Tube Angle : This is the angle that the seat tube stands up from horizontal. This angle determines the rider’s seated position over the back wheel and the amount of control that they will have over the front wheel. A steeper seat tube angle has traditionally been best for bikes that want to climb and keep the rider in a neutral position so they can power hard into the pedals. A steeper seat tube angle also offers the rider the option to have more weight over the front wheels and, in turn, greater control and traction over the front end.

H.) Trail : The distance between the bikes front wheel contact patch with the ground and the steering axis. Greater tire size will provide more trail as well as smaller fork offsets. The more trail, the greater amount of tire will be in contact with the ground and that equals more traction and control.

Fork Offset : The distance between the front axle and the steering axis. Essentially, where the front fork comes down from the head tube is your steering axis, and the small amount of metal that connects the front fork to the axle is the offset. Traditionally, mountain bikes have gone with a 51mm offset for 29” wheels. However, there is a small push towards bringing in smaller offsets, like 44mm, which provide greater trail and more traction.

Travel : This is how far moving parts move on a mountain bike. Mainly referring to the suspension (rear and front). When reading about mountain bikes, specifically a “120 mm travel bike,” the travel they are mentioning is in the rear shock. Frames are built with a level of suspension in mind and are not often switched for different levels of travel, so that is why the travel often only means the rear suspension. Front travel in the forks is easier to switch around, depending on the rider’s preference and terrain, so those numbers will change more frequently.

Bikes with smaller travel (short travel) are better for climbing as the suspension won’t take away too much of your pedaling power as you move uphill, whereas the larger suspension is better for a more controlled and comfortable descent down choppy terrain.  Most suspension systems are lockable, meaning you can reduce the amount of travel on the fly, and this helps with climbs. 

Best Long Travel Mountain Bikes of 2021

Santa Cruz Hightower :  Best All-Around Long Travel Bike of 2021

Giant Reign :  Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021

Yeti SB150 :  Best Climbing Long Travel Bike of 2021

Specialized Enduro :  Best Enduro Bike of 2021

Other Mountain Bikes

Pivot switchblade, canyon strive, orbea rallon, kona process x, norco sight, scott ransom, nukeproof mega.

Santa Cruz Hightower Review

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• Climbing Ability 90% 90%
• Downhill Ability 90% 90%
• Overall Fun 90% 90%

All-around Ability in a Variety of Terrain

Weight of some of the build options.

Travel: 145mm rear/ 150mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 65.2

Seat Tube Angle: 76.3

Reach: 470mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 29 lbs

Giant Reign Review

Buy Now at Giant-bicycles.com

• Climbing Ability 70% 70%
• Downhill Ability 80% 80%
• Overall Fun 80% 80%

Maestro Suspension Platform, Price

Could use some better brakes.

Travel: 146mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.6

Seat Tube Angle: 76.4

Reach: 488mm (large frame)

Weight: Varies With Frame Material

Yeti SB150 Review

Buy Now at Aventuron.com

• Climbing Ability 80% 80%

Really Playful Bike

Expensive build options.

Travel: 150mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.5

Seat Tube Angle: 76.9

Reach: 480mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 31 lbs

Specialized Enduro Review

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• Downhill Ability 100% 100%

DH Bike That Can Climb

Needs steeper seat tube, price.

Travel: 170mm rear and fork

Head Tube Angle: 63.9/ 64.3

Seat Tube Angle: 76

Reach: 487mm (S4 frame)

Weight: Starting at 32.5 lbs

Ibis Ripmo Review

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Climbing Ability, Ripmo AF Option

Stock shock not being fox float.

Travel: 147mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 64.9

Reach: 475mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 28.9 lbs

Pivot Switchblade Review

Buy Now at Backcountry.com

• Overall Fun 100% 100%

All-around Performance

Travel: 142mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 66

Seat Tube Angle: 75.5

Weight: 30.2 lbs

Canyon Strive Review

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The Shapeshifter

Also the shapeshifter.

Travel: 150mm rear/ 160mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 66 - 67.5

Seat Tube Angle: 73.5 - 75

Reach: 470mm (large frame))

Weight: Starting at 31.2 lbs

Orbea Rallon Review

Buy Now at JensonUSA.com

Amazing Climber, Custom Paint Job Option

Short reach and cost.

Travel: 160mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 65

Seat Tube Angle: 75.5/ 76

Reach: 455mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting at 30.95 lbs

Kona Process X Review

Buy Now at Konaworld.com

• Climbing Ability 60% 60%
• Overall Fun 70% 70%

Chainstay Chip Makes A Difference

Sluggish at slow speeds, super long.

Travel: 161mm rear/ 170mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 63.5

Seat Tube Angle: 78

Reach: 490mm (large frame)

Weight: 32.8lbs (large frame)

Norco Sight Review

Buy Now at Norco.com

Strong Climber, Stable Descents

Not as playful as older versions.

Seat Tube Angle: 77.7

Weight: Starting at 32.23 lbs

Scott Ransom Review

Buy Now at Scott-sports.com

Made For The Downhills

Twinloc system needs some work.

Travel: 170mm

Seat Tube Angle: 75

Reach: 466.5mm (large frame)

Weight: Starting Around 30.20 lbs

Nukeproof Mega Review

Buy Now at Nukeproof.com

Now Comes With A Water Bottle Mount, Sportier Geometry

Climbing could be more efficient.

Head Tube Angle: 64

Weight: Heaviest Build 34.2 lbs

Santa Cruz Hightower

Best All-Around Long Travel Bike of 2021

Price: $7,299

What We Like: All-around Ability in a Variety of Terrain

What We Don’t: Weight of Some of the Build Options

Santa Cruz has created the perfect one quiver bike with the Hightower . With a suspension system that is capable of handling flowy trails to absolutely nightmarish choss piles, the Hightower will make it through. Every tester has been really impressed and surprised by the Hightower and its overall versatility. There really isn’t much more to say other than this bike will climb and mountain and ford any stream. It was easy to give the Hightower our selection as Best All-Around Long Travel Bike of 2021 .

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Giant Reign

Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021

Price: $3,499

What We Like: Maestro Suspension Platform, Price

What We Don’t: Could Use Some Better Brakes

Giant , though late to the 29” party, have produced some impressive 29ers. The Reign is their second 29er after the Trance, and they are definitely dialing it in. The Reign is a solid climber with the Maestro system and a steep seat angle to keep the rider in a good position. Turn the bike downhill and prepare to bash through anything in your way. The 170mm fork is composed and all-business, while the fairly short rear chainstay with the snappy rear shock keeps it lively and poppy. At the prices Giant is offering on their carbon and alloy frames, it was a fairly easy choice to name the Reign as the Best Budget Long Travel Bike of 2021 , though you can still splash out if you so choose.

Best Climbing Long Travel Bike of 2021

Price: $5,900

What We Like: Really Playful Bike

What We Don’t: Expensive Build Options

The Yeti SB150 always impresses with its climbing ability and an easy selection as the Best Climbing Long Travel Bike of 2021 . Without going overboard on the modern geometry side of things, Yeti has produced a competent climber that is still really aggressive on the downhills. The Infinity Switch system even got an upgrade making the bike more robust. The added suspension makes the bike really playful in the rough and rowdy sections of trails and it has just become a really good all-arounder.

Specialized Enduro

Best Enduro Bike of 2021

Price: $4,499

What We Like: DH Bike That Can Climb

Built for the descent but will also get you uphill with your own power is a tough combination to find. Specialized has come pretty close to nailing it with their new Enduro bikes. The combination of long travel and modern geo has given this downhill rocket the legs to get back up the mountain. The seat tube could be a bike steeper to really help the pedaling efficiency, but it is a small price to pay for the wild downhill skills this bike comes with. It is controlled and composed but also poppy and playful, it has amazing traction when you need it and really just wants to go fast. Add the cool SWAT downtube storage, and it’s hard to find any flaws in this beast, making it our Best Enduro Bike of 2021 .

Price: $3,999

What We Like: Climbing Ability, Ripmo AF Option

What We Don’t: Stock Shock Not Being Fox Float

New may not always be better, but in the case of the Ibis Ripmo , it most certainly is. Slackening the head tube angle, slightly longer reach, and some protection for the linkages, the Ripmo V2 isn’t too different, but it is better. The more aggressive headtube angle does not take away from the climbing ability of the Ibis’s we have come to know and has only made it more fun on the downs. Now with room for a 750ml water bottle, what can’t this bike do?!

Price: $10,899

What We Like: All-around Performance

What We Don’t: Price

Pivot has nailed it. The Switchblade is a dialed-in all-around trail bike that is ready to tackle any terrain, and it will do it in style. The rear shock has been customized by Fox for the Switchblade and has made the bike super-efficient on the uphills but plush and bottomless on the downhills. With a modern but reserved geometry, the Switchblade is highly maneuverable and snappy through tight sections of trail but will also eat up choppy straights. It really is hard to find a negative with the Switchblade other than the price, but also there is a ton of technology that is available to be added to the Switchblade should your wallet allow.

Head Tube Angle: 66 – 67.5

Seat Tube Angle: 73.5 – 75

Price: $8,499

What We Like: The Shapeshifter

What We Don’t: Also The Shapeshifter

Canyon has created something very innovative with the Shapeshifter and for that, it’s pretty awesome. However, it seems that if they had originally adjusted some of the geometry, the Strive could be a one-quiver ride without the bells and whistles that in a way also hinder it. Definitely worth a look for a rider who doesn’t like the modern geo all that much but is looking for a do-it-all bike. The all-around nature of the Strive is present, it just feels like you need to do too much while riding to get the best out of the bike.

Price: $7,999

What We Like: Amazing Climber, Custom Paint Job Option

What We Don’t: Short Reach and Cost

The Rallon by Orbea is a very composed enduro bike. While the geometry keeps it out of the hard-charging enduro bike categories, it is a super good climber and comfortable all-day rider. The MyO customized paint option provided by Orbea will allow you to have the stealthiest or flashiest bike on the hill if you so choose. The rear linkage has been updated and raised to increase bottom out support and create a more responsive ride while also maintaining control while braking. This bike is excellent if you are not the biggest fan of all of the new modern geometry these days and live in an area where there is a lot of vertical gains to be climbed.

Price: $4,999

What We Like: Chainstay Chip Makes A Difference

Kona has brought a stretch limousine to a chicane competition it seems. The new Process X is a far cry from what most of the bikes in this article are in terms of geometry and length. While the length and geo make it a downhill superstar, it does not love tight corners and hates uphills just as much as kids chasing the ice cream truck. The flip-chip that increases or decreases the chainstay length does make a big difference in the ride. So it’s all about finding that perfect set up.

Price: $6,399

What We Like: Strong Climber, Stable Descents

What We Don’t: Not As Playful As Older Versions

The 2021 is not very different from the 2020 Norco Sight , but it is very different from the 2019 Sight. So know that before reading any further. The new 2021 Norco Sight is a long bike with long chainstays and steep seat tubes to keep everything calm, cool, and collected on climbs and speedy descents. Paired with Norco’s Ride Align app, you can easily dial in your suspension settings to get the most out of your new ride and get cruising. Definitely not the flashiest bike or the bike you ride if you want to let your hair down and show off to your friends. The Sight is rock solid and a hard-charging all-mountain bike that could find itself in some enduro races.

Price: $9,223.37

What We Like: Made For The Downhills

What We Don’t: TWINLOC System Needs Some Work

Relying too heavily on the TwinLoc system the Scott Ransom just isn’t the bike it could be if it simply utilized the suspension it chose to its fullest. While being a shredder and a great option for enduro races, the suspension just isn’t quite what we were hoping for, and the rest of the impressive bike fell to the wayside. It is a downhill shredder and great for some laps in the bike park. If you don’t climb a lot and mainly use gravity for propulsion, this is a great option.

Price: $7,332.72

What We Like: Now Comes With A Water Bottle Mount, Sportier Geometry

What We Don’t: Climbing Could Be More Efficient

With a few modifications on the already awesome Mega , Nukeproof has created an amazing bike. They have even added enough room for a water bottle holder, which is great news for people who hate fanny packs. The Mega now comes with a shorter chainstay and a steeper seat tube to make climbing more efficient and the downhills more lively. The build-outs in all five of the options for the Mega are solid and look after the important parts before adding too many bells and whistles. All in all, the Mega is a super all-arounder that would work for any rider of any skill set.

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Downhill mountain biking: everything you need to know

From huge jumps to full-face helmets, downhill mountain biking is one of the most adrenaline-filled segments of the sport

Downhill mountain biking is one of the most striking segments of the sport. From images of riders hitting huge jumps and crazy rock gardens to the full-face helmets and long-sleeve attire, the cool image of downhill is what attracts a lot of people to mountain biking.  

Downhill riding is both a type of riding as well as an elite racing discipline. The scene ranges from professionally built tracks at lift-served bike parks to local trails that are accessed from a shuttle road. 

The type of riding is defined, as the name suggests, on riding downhill. The equipment used is not designed to be pedaled uphill, so downhill riders usually get to the top of the hill via chair lift at a ski resort or from a shuttle vehicle. 

Downhill trails and tracks are designed to be as challenging as possible. They will be high speed and feature both natural and man-made features. Natural features may include rock gardens, root beds, and off-camber sections. Trail builders will add mandatory jumps and drops to keep technicality high and the adrenaline flowing.  

• Best downhill mountain bikes
• Best full-face mountain bike helmets

The equipment 

The best downhill mountain bikes are the most aggressive types available, designed to tackle the toughest terrain at high speeds. For this reason, they feature large amounts of suspension travel, usually around 200mm both in the front and rear. The rear shock is usually a coil shock, and the fork is always a double-crown fork, like the Fox 40 or RockShox BoXXer. 

Geometry on these bikes will be low and slack. As different wheel sizes entered the mountain bike market, downhill bikes still commonly used 26-inch wheels. But as bike design got more refined, racers began to realize the benefits of bigger hoops. Today, downhill bikes are available in both 29er and 27.5-inch wheel sizes with some racers also opting for a mullet wheel size setup (29 front, 27.5 rear).  

The components on downhill bikes are designed to be as durable as possible. The brakes will be powerful and feature large rotors. Tires use heavy thick casings to get the most protection from sharp rocks possible and use aggressive tread patterns. For super wet conditions, tire manufacturers also create ultra-specific mud tires for downhill racing. Shimano and SRAM both make downhill-specific groupsets, which have a narrow gearing range and use short caged derailleurs to avoid damage.

Downhill riders always use the best full-face mountain bike helmets for the most protection possible. Safety gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors, and even neck braces are also common pieces of safety equipment. Downhillers will often wear long-sleeve jerseys and pants. While downhill kits started out baggy, many racers are realizing the aerodynamic benefits of more tightly fitting clothes, even though super-tight skinsuits are infamously banned from UCI racecourses. 

• Best mountain bike tires
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Downhill trails are built to be extremely steep, challenging and fast. You can expect lots of gaps, jumps, drops, technical corners, and of course rocks and roots. 

One of the main places to find downhill tracks is at ski resorts as they already have the facilities for riders to take the chair lift to the top of the hill. These bike parks have trails rated for all skill levels, so nearly anybody can go and progress their riding abilities. 

The most famous bike park is located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Trail builders in Whistler are considered the first to create the ski-resort bike park concept which has now spread across the world. A number of these bike parks, particularly the ones in Europe, are hosts to the Downhill World Cup race series. Most notably Les Get's, Leogang, Val de Sole, Fort William and Mont Saint Anne regularly host elite races and have been the stage for the best riders to compete against each other.

Downhill trails can also be found outside of designated parks. These however can be more challenging to access. If there is a road nearby, riders can use a vehicle to shuttle up to the top. Alternatively, riders can also hike up the hill since downhill bikes are not designed to be pedaled uphill. 

Downhill trails are often very challenging, so it's always a good idea to take an easy lap down the trail to look at all the features before heading down at full speed. 

Downhill mountain biking is one discipline of riding that's intrinsically related to racing. The most elite level of downhill racing is the UCI Downhill World Cup, which this year consists of four races in Europe and one in the United States. The concept is simple: the fastest person down the hill is the winner. 

There is a winner for each race, but points are also accumulated over the series to crown an overall season winner. There is also a World Championships race, which is held separately from the rest of the World Cup season. The World Champion wears the rainbow stripes jersey for the next year, as in all cycling disciplines. 

The current downhill World Champions are Reece Wilson and Camille Balanche, who were crowned last fall amid muddy conditions in Leogang, Austria. The 2021 World Cup season is about to start on 12  June, again at the Austrian venue. Of all the competitors, it will be South African Greg Minnaar who will look to add to his growing tally of wins. He currently holds the record for the most World Cup wins (23) and is considered one of the greatest downhill racers of all time.

Myriam Nicole is the top-ranked woman downhill racer currently. For years, Rachel Atherton was the woman to beat, but she is expecting a child so won't be racing this year. Young riders like Marine Cabirou, Nina Hoffmann, and Vali Holl will be looking to prove themselves on the podium. 

For the men, Frenchmen Loic Bruni and Loris Vergier are nearly always on top of their game, but the field is deep with talent. Veteran racer Greg Minnaar proved last season that he still has race-winning talent. Another man from France, Amaury Pierron has won races in a dominating fashion in the past but is coming back from injury this year. 

As with other race disciplines, there are amateur downhill races that anybody can enter held in locations all throughout the world. Most countries will have their own National series and Championship race which attract a mixture of professional and amateur racers.

How to ride downhill 

The most obvious way to ride downhill is by going to a lift-served bike park, these bike parks usually have bikes and gear for rent and cater for all skill levels. Not everybody lives nearby a bike park though, which makes downhill a tricky discipline to get into. 

The other option is using a shuttle vehicle or hiking to the top. Lots of areas have trails that are suitable for downhill riding, but the challenge is getting to the top. 

Downhill bikes aren't great for climbing hills, and this is one reason why enduro mountain biking has become so popular. Enduro bikes combine great downhill suspension performance with a platform that's much easier to pedal up hills. Enduro bikes are very capable descenders, so they are great alternatives to downhill bikes. 

You don't necessarily even need a downhill bike to ride downhill tracks. For example, the Enduro World Series race in Whistler uses some gnarly trails in the bike park, and the racers are setting fast times on enduro rigs. 

With enduro bikes getting more and more capable, lots of riders are opting for the more versatile option. However, there are still downhill purists who can't give up the feeling of pure speed. In terms of descending capability, even the longest travel enduro bike will find it hard to compete with a downhill bike on a DH-specific trail. The uncompromised geometry, suspension systems and components make downhill bikes extremely stable and controlled on the roughest terrain

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Ryan Simonovich has been riding and racing for nearly a decade. He got his start as a cross-country mountain bike racer in California, where he cultivated his love for riding all types of bikes. Ryan eventually gravitated toward enduro and downhill racing but has also been found in the occasional road and cyclo-cross events. Today, he regularly rides the trails of Durango, Colorado, and is aiming to make a career out of chronicling the sport of cycling. 

Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Specialized Tarmac SL4

I tested Cervelo’s new Aspero gravel bike. It still definitely hauls ass, but doesn’t kick it as much in the process

Canyon unveil its lightest electric mountain bike ever – the Neuron:ONfly

It's the Fort William Downhill World Cup weekend. Our news round-up includes top DH launches including the new YT Tues, Vittoria's gravity tire, and we chat with Greg Minnaar

Most Popular

All-New YT Tues mk4 Carbon DH Bike Hits the Slopes with Much More Adjustability

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This new 2024 YT Tues carbon DH bike packs in a wealth of updates to make a much more versatile, more adjustable bike. Whether you are looking for a top-tier downhill race bike, a playful bikepark shredder, or a freeride rig to take to Red Bull Rampage, the new Tues can do it all. And now, you don’t really have to decide how you want to ride it before you buy.

Thanks to a lot more new adjustability, every bike can swap between full 29er or a Mullet setup, short or long chainstays, slack or slacker head angle – all with no extra parts needed!

2024 YT Tues mk4, a more adjustable carbon DH bike

It’s been a few years since we’ve seen an all-new YT Tues carbon DH bike. Looking at the new Tues vs. the one that brought a full 29er setup to the downhill World Cup back in 2019 , the overall silhouette and suspension design haven’t changed. But, there’s a noticeable increase in visible hardware, hinting at all of the bike’s newfound adjustability.

It seems to boil down to the fact that most people who buy a downhill bike online, tend to ride it more than just between the tape at a DH race. So all this new adjustability creates a much more versatile bike that you can easily tweak to suit your desired style of riding on the day.

2023 DH World Champ Vali Höll describes the new Tues as, “ very playful but is also a stable platform once you give it some beans. There are a lot of possibilities to change the setup, and its versatility makes it quick to adapt to and go fast on. ” That about sums up what YT seems to have been going for.

What’s new?

Adjustability!

The new Flip Link is a flip-chip at the top of the seatstays that lets riders go from a 29er rear to a MX mullet 27.5″ rear wheel setup, with no other changes to the bike’s geometry.

The less obvious Flip Chip at the lower shock mount lets you tweak the geometry in the same manner. Going from the Regular upper to the Low positions slackens the headtube angle an extra 0.3° and lowers the bottom bracket by 5mm. The new YT Tues does not come stock with an Angle Adjust headset. But it uses the EC49/ ZS56 headset standard, so you can easily swap one in if you feel the need to tweak the head angle further.

Lastly, the rear axle sits in a third flip-chip, giving 5mm of chainstay length adjustment. That is paired with a PM220 brake adapter that you simply flip around for easy swaps to either chainstay position.

The new carbon Tues frame also gets a couple of component interface standard upgrades that we always like to see. First, a UDH means easy-to-find hanger replacements and future direct-mount T-type derailleur compatibility. And a threaded BSA bottom bracket is just one less thing to have to worry about.

Versatile Geometry

Geometry with all of that adjustability is also all-new. And it takes a little time to wrap your brain around with all of the options. Feel free to dig into these tables to sort it out.

In short, the new Tues adopts YT’s latest 5-option sizing structure with even 20mm Reach steps between sizes. (430mm S – 510mm XXL) They also are all about 20mm longer than the previous generation Tues. And a bit more than 2cm higher on Stack.

The Regular shock mount setting keeps the same 63.5° head angle and a generally lower BB height, with a steeper seat angle. But a new Low position gets you even lower with an extra 5mm of BB drop and a slacker 63.2° headtube.

Chainstay length is again size-specific, but they’re all longer now even in the short position. And each size can pick a 5mm longer chainstay length for even more stability.

The two smallest sizes do ship with a mullet wheel combination. But all sizes can be run full 29er or 29/27.5″ so you can swap after the fact.

Tech Details

For the time being, the new YT Tues mk4 is only offered in this full ultra-hi-mod carbon frameset. 200mm of rear suspension is provided by the “podium-proven” V4L 4-bar suspension linkage. (Here’s hoping an even more affordable AL mk4 is in the works like before , too!)

The new UDH & threaded BB are standout updates. Otherwise, it sticks with 12x148mm Boost spacing, a 200mm post mount brake (bikes get 220mm rotors with an adapter), a 31.6mm seatpost, and replaceable shock mount inserts. Cable routing is internal through ports in the side of the headtube. And the new DH bike adds replaceable rubber stanchion bumpers to protect the side of its carbon headtube.

2024 YT Tues mk4 – Pricing, options & availability

The new YT Tues mk4 is available today exclusively from YT online, in two complete bike builds.

The 2024 YT Tues Core 4 is the top race-ready build modeled after the bikes of the YT Mob. The Shell White Core 4 sells $6000 / 6000€ with a Fox Factory 40 & DHX2 coil combo, plus TRP DH-R EVO brakes, and a SRAM X01 DH drivetrain. Then, Crankbrothers Synthesis DH alloy wheels built on Industry Nine 1/1 hubs and wrapped in Maxxis Assegai DH tires with MaxxGrip rubber. Complete DH race bike weight with a Renthal cockpit, SDG I-FLY 2.0 saddle & e*thirteen LG1 Plus chainguide is 16.1kg with MX mullet wheels or 16,7kg with full 29″ wheels. ( Claimed weights for size S, set up tubeless without pedals. )

The more affordable bikepark-ready option is the Fog Green $4000 / 4000€ YT Tues Core 2 with the same full carbon frame. There, you get a RockShox Boxxer Base fork & Super Deluxe Select coil shock, a SRAM GX DH drivetrain with DB8 brakes, a RaceFace Chester cockpit, and SunRingle Duroc SD37 wheels with the same MaxxGrip Maxxis Assegai DH tires.

Both new DH bikes are available to pre-order today. But you’ll have to wait until mid-to-late July to get most of them. With the XL & XXL, waiting a bit longer.

YT-Industries.com

Cory Benson is the EU Tech Editor of Bikerumor.com .

Cory has been writing about mountain bikes, enduro, cyclocross, all-road, gravel bikes & bikepacking for over 25 years, even before the industry created some of these names. Prior to Bikerumor, Cory was a practicing Architect specializing in environmental sustainability, has designed bike shops & bike components, and worked as a bike shop mechanic.

Based in the Czech Republic for 15+ years, he is a technical mountain biker, adventurous gravel rider, and short & medium-haul bikepacker. Cory travels extensively across Europe riding bikes, meeting with key European product developers, industry experts & tastemakers for an in-depth review of what’s new, and what’s coming next.

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Our Favorite High-Performance Trail Bikes This Year

Six Pinkbike writers and editors tested 15 trail bikes last year. These five picks impressed us the most.

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Testers and PinkBike editors spent the last year hitting singletrack from Bellingham to Squamish to evaluate 2024’s newest crop of trail bikes. Fifteen bikes, ranging from hard-charging, downhill-oriented crushers to cross-country-style rippers, were in the mix, but when all the dust settled, these six impressed the most in overall performance.

At a Glance

• Editors’ Choice — Best Overall: Scor 2030 GX ($6,499)
• Editors’ Choice — Best Value: YT Jeffsy ($4,399)
• Best High-Pivot Trail Bike: Forbidden Druid ($7,199)
• Best All-Around: Cannondale Habit Carbon LT 1 ($5,550)
• Best for Getting Air: Commencal Tempo LTD ($4,900)
• Best Easy Ride: GT Sensor ($4,313)

How to Choose a Trail Bike

How we test, meet the lead testers.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editors’ Choice — Best Overall

Scor 2030 gx.

$6,499 at Scor

Build: 2030 GX Weight: 29.9 lb (size M/L)

Pros and Cons ⊕ It’s a better descender than most 120-millimeter travel bikes ⊕ Very quiet, no cable rattle or excessive chainslap ⊗ Your enduro bike might start collecting dust

It only takes one three-letter word to summarize why the Scor 2030 is our 2024 Editor’s Choice winner: FUN. With its stubby back end and relatively slack head angle, the 2030 is incredibly entertaining, especially on technical, rolling terrain. Pumping, manualing, and jumping are the 2030’s strong suits, but it also squeezes every last drop of performance out of its 120 millimeters of rear travel. That trait allows it to shine brighter than most bikes in this travel bracket when faced with chunky, technical sections of trail.

The 2030 is more focused on the descents than some other bikes in this category (like the Yeti SB120 ), but Scor’s designers didn’t forget that it needs to go uphill, too. It’s an energetic pedaler, free of any wallowing or mushiness while still delivering enough traction to keep that low-profile Rekon tire from spinning wildly. The perfect balance between efficiency and grip can be tricky to achieve, but the 2030 does it very well. It has the quickness you’d hope to get from a 120-millimeter bike without any accompanying harshness.

The geometry plays a large part in how comfortable the bike feels in the steeps, but the suspension deserves a mention, too: the Deluxe Ultimate shock is very well controlled, with a smooth ramp up at the bottom of the stroke. It’s a trait we noticed with the Scor 4060 a couple of years ago—there’s no harshness towards the end of the travel, which makes it easier to plop off a drop or push through a pointy rock garden without worrying about running out of travel.

Yes, there are limits—we’re still talking about a 120-millimeter trail bike here—and I’m not about to say it can go wheel-to-wheel with a full-on enduro bike. However, the fact that it can handle those more technical trails while also remaining entertaining on mellower ones is worth noting. The suspension opens up nicely at higher speeds, and it can deal with quick impacts very well.

The frame itself ticks all the boxes when it comes to the features we’d expect to see on a modern trail bike—there’s in-frame storage, angle-adjusting headset cups, well-sealed bearings, and effective chainslap protection that keeps the 2030 satisfyingly silent. The 2030 is one of those bikes that makes you want to keep on riding, sneaking in as many miles as possible before it’s time to return to reality.

Editors’ Choice — Best Value

$4,399 at YT

Build: Core 4 Weight: 33.3 lbs (size S) Sizing: S-XXL

Pros and Cons ⊕ Easy and intuitive to ride ⊕ Good balance between stable and energetic riding ⊗ The suspension has its limits in rough, fast terrain

As a now-longstanding staple of the YT lineup, the main theme of the Jeffsy is alive and well: a 29er trail bike meant to get along with just about anything you might encounter. The all-mountain geometry of the updated model keeps the ride both stable and energetic—the ideal balance in a trail bike. But the third model also features a host of updates we’re seeing on many modern bikes, the most notable being the in-frame storage. The storage hatch stands alone above the bottle instead of doubling as the plate that carries the water bottle—eliminating the eventual loosening or rattling that might accompany the dual-duty designs.

I had an excellent first ride on the Jeffsy, and the positive feeling hasn’t waned much since that day. From quick laps on my local favorites to longer, very technical rides, the bike has felt predictable, fun, and simply easy to ride. YT seems to have nailed the tricky balance of a bike that is easy to cruise on while still holding its own when pushed hard or thrown into more serious terrain.

Climbing feels supportive and efficient—the bike remains energetic over technical terrain in and out of the saddle. Descending is intuitive and well-balanced, with excellent cornering performance and great pop on jumps and jibs. With the 145 millimeters of rear travel, I only bottomed out a few times on some serious hits. The bike has an active feel through chattery terrain, especially when you let off the brakes and push through the bike.

An immediate takeaway was just how quiet the Jeffsy is, with no rattles, creaks, or other annoyances developing over the past couple weeks of riding. Another rosy first impression is the dialed build kit—there’s nothing I’d change out of the gate on my Core 4 test bike. The brakes, drivetrain, suspension, wheelset, and cockpit are all pretty close to what I’d choose for a bike of this ilk, so I’m more than happy to stick with the stock options.

Direct-to-consumer brands like YT can still offer value that most shop model brands can’t compete with, as with the new Jeffsy. Topping out at $6,499, the Jeffsy lineup has 5 builds that cater to a wide array of budgets, depending on price, experience level, and component preference.

Overall this strikes me as a great bike for people looking for easy and intuitive handling, an unfussy layout, and a solid ride feel regardless of how hard you’re pushing the bike. But don’t let that dissuade you if you’re keen to ride hard, as Jeffsy is more than willing to get rowdy.

Read the full review

Best High-Pivot Trail Bike

Forbidden druid.

$7,199 at Forbidden

Build: GX FX Weight: 32.4 lbs (size M)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Descends like a longer travel bike ⊕ Extremely quiet ride ⊗ The extra idler wheel can require more servicing ⊗ A unique spin on geometry means the XL frame’s chainstay grows extremely long through the travel

If you’ve ever ridden an idler-equipped high-pivot bike—meaning the bike’s main pivot is placed above the top of the chainring and the rear wheel axle—you know the calming effect that the rearward axle path brings to the nature of the ride. Forbidden has taken that to a trail bike, something seldom utilized on a 130-millimeter-travel bike. The original Druid won over fans of shorter travel bikes with its ability to handle descents as if it had magical powers—now, it’s transcendent. Even with a longer-travel model in the lineup, Forbidden’s enduro racer, Rhys Verner, claimed the top spot this season aboard the Druid V2.

We took the Druid out on singletrack uphills and downhills with chunky rock outcrops, and the bike felt superbly balanced. Thanks to the high pivot design and the Super Deluxe rear shock, the Druid handled technical bumps with ease and had no trouble carrying speed. The Druid thrives in singletrack because you can stay seated upright and comfy, and you don’t lose much speed when pedaling across roots.

However, the admirable suspension qualities of high-pivot bikes don’t come easily—they typically require more upkeep to maintain maximum drivetrain efficiency. Due to the precise placements of the pivots on the Druid V2, you cannot adjust the geometry. To pick between a 64 or 64.5-degree head tube angle, you’ll need to choose the specific frame member that houses either a 27.5 or 29-inch rear wheel. Although the brake line’s routing passes through the seatstay, it’s not a swap you’ll be making in the parking lot. On that note of chainstays, Forbidden scales their front to rear center lengths proportionally per size, so the same ratio is kept on all frame sizes. Even taller riders may have trouble wielding the 466-millimeter chainstay found on the XL frame size.

Overall, the Druid is one of the more capable short-travel bikes for riders who prefer snappy handling. It might take a while for some riders to acclimatize to its lengthy rear triangle, but the unbelievably smooth descent is worth it.

Read the Full Review

Best All-Around

Cannondale habit carbon lt 1.

$4,163 at REI $4,163 at Cannondale

Build: Sram GX Eagle Weight: 31.4 lbs (size L)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Balanced and composed in tricky situations ⊗ Not super efficient on the uphill

When we covered the release of the Habit , it struck me just how sensible and conventional it was. There was no quirkiness to it, at least on the surface, and everything about it seemed to be pragmatic and well-judged. The Habit LT’s geometry, frame features, and simple layout all scream modern, sensible trail bike. The frame has some nice subtle features, with a rubber cover to stop your chainstay from gobbling up rocks, non-guided routing that is very easy to work with thanks to a removable panel on the downtube, ISCG threads, and a tried-and-true threaded bottom bracket.

Though it is a typical four-bar bike, the Habit has a comparatively low anti-squat value. This may be bad news for all-out efficiency on smooth roads, but it’s good news if you need your suspension to adapt to terrain on rougher climbs. The Habit is comfortable on undulating terrain thanks to that higher stack, and the suspension tracks and grips well. I sometimes used the climb switch for hard-pack fire roads or tarmac stretches, but for anything remotely rough, I set it to open and let it flow. It might not be the most suited to out-of-the-saddle pedaling hard, but the bike does strike a great balance between tracking and efficiency. The Habit LT is weighted on the front, balanced on most trails, and able to handle very steep trails because of this well-proportioned and pragmatic geometry. I’m not a believer in massive reaches, especially when combined with short rear ends—the grip the Habit achieves on any type of trail is a testament to this. Extra-regular is no bad thing.

Overall, this is a very well-executed bike that simply works very well. Balance, composure, maneuverability, and comfort can oftentimes seem like ideologies that are opposed to one another in bikes, and you can merely have two or three out of the four at best. The Habit LT makes a very strong argument that, as riders, we might just be able to have it all.

Best for Getting Air

Commencal tempo ltd.

$4,900 at Commencal

Build: Tempo LTD Weight: 30.9 lbs (size S)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Quick and lively ⊕ Never met a jump or corner it didn’t like ⊗ Thru-headset cable routing can make maintenance more difficult

No matter which direction the trail points, the Tempo is fast. It has a satisfying snappiness that rewards hard pedaling efforts, especially on rolling terrain where the bike can be pumped and pushed to maintain that momentum. It’s also a very energetic climber, which will be a welcome trait to anyone coming off of a longer travel machine with more subdued pedaling manners. Compared to longer, slacker bikes where you need to swing wide to navigate awkward switchbacks, the Tempo is happiest taking the inside line, following a tight, precise arc on its way upwards. I’d be tempted to call it a trail bike for riders who prioritize the climbs—except that it’s a blast on the downhills too.

The Tempo is the type of bike that can breathe new life into mellower trails while also holding its own on the rowdier stuff. Modern mountain bike categories can be nebulous at times, but this is a trail bike in the truest sense of the term, well-suited to spinning out the miles while also goofing off and hitting every lip and landing possible. Do I wish it didn’t have thru-headset cable routing and better-sealed frame bearings? You bet, but I wouldn’t consider either of those deal-breakers. The overall ride characteristics of the Tempo are overwhelmingly positive, enough so that I’d be willing to deal with a little extra shop time.

Best Easy Ride

Gt sensor carbon.

$4,313 at GT

Build: Carbon Pro LE Weight: 32.7 lbs (M) Sizing: S-XL

Pros and Cons ⊕ Feels like an old friend—easy to ride ⊕ Quiet ⊗ No in-frame storage ⊗ No flip-chips or ways to adjust the geometry

In 2023, it was nearly five years since the Sensor received a significant update, so it was high time GT revised its 29-inch trail bike. The Sensor’s frame still has that distinctive GT look, but the amount of rear travel has been bumped up to 140 millimeters, a change that’s accompanied by revised geometry.

There are five models in the Sensor lineup—three with carbon frames (except for the chainstays) with 140 millimeters of travel, and two with aluminum frames with 130 millimeters of travel. Prices range from $2,300 for the alloy Sensor Comp and go up to $5,750 for the Sensor Carbon Pro LE.

The Sensor’s geometry falls into what I’d call extra-normal-modern. The 65-degree head angle is moderately slack, but not extreme, and the 480-millimeter reach for a size large paired with a 77-degree seat angle is a familiar recipe. Compared to the previous version, the reach is approximately 10 millimeters longer per size, and the seat angle is a degree steeper.

After a series of almost suspiciously great rides, my conviction is growing stronger that the new Sensor is a good one. It climbs well, with enough support to leave the shock’s climb lever alone, and there’s plenty of traction even when set up with 25 percent sag. On the descents, the suspension does a great job of muting hits of all sizes. The tune on the RockShox Super Deluxe feels ideally suited to the Sensor’s kinematics—it’s fluttery off the top to take care of the small bump chatter, and then settles nicely into its stroke when dealing with repeated larger impacts.

The geometry may be fairly middle of the road, but it’s a recipe that works well, and the result is a bike that feels like a familiar, friendly companion almost immediately.

Read the full review here

The trail bike category is the most saturated in mountain biking, so it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a few easy questions you can ask yourself to narrow the field.

What Kind of Riding Will You Mostly Be Doing?

As much as you may want to answer this one with flowy, singletrack heaven, it’s important to be realistic about what you’ll actually be riding. This can be determined by the time of year that you mostly get out there (which will determine what the conditions will be like), which trails are most accessible to you, and which region you bike in. Are you planning on taking big trips consistently, or will you mostly stay local?

Will You Be Riding Lift-Accessed Trails?

If most of the riding you’ll be doing is lift-accessed, you may want to look in the enduro category. If you’ll be doing a mix of both and are planning on hitting jumps, look for a bike that has enough travel but doesn’t compromise on the uphill either.

What’s Your Riding Style?

If you prefer to charge through steep, technical sections, you could be looking at a very different bike than if you’re a more playful rider who likes to find side hits. Again, be honest with yourself about this. How do you actually ride, and what’s aspirational?

What’s Your Budget Like?

Yes, mountain bikes are expensive. But you do have options. Consider buying used (the market has finally gotten more reasonable this past year), by checking out Pinkbike’s marketplace or looking on Craigslist. Or, check out our best value bikes page for cheaper new bikes. If you’re thinking about buying a used bike (which can be an excellent option), watch this video from PinkBike Originals.

Are You Able to Test it Out?

You must take a bike at least for a spin around the block before you pull the trigger. You might find that you’re uncomfortable on a bike with a certain geometry that you’re not used to—and although sometimes it does take some more time on the bike—you’ll know if you’re just not sitting right. Taking it for a spin will also help the shop determine which size is best for you.

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 15

PinkBike leads our mountain bike testing and just like in previous years, the team took out as many trail bikes as they could over the whole year. They tested trail bikes in Bellingham, Washington, and Squamish, BC, in a wide range of conditions that included everything from muddy, rainy days to ones with blue skies and perfect dirt. Testing was lead by Mike Kazimer, the managing tech editor for PinkBike , who is based in Bellingham, Washington and manages all mountain bike gear coverage.

Mike Kazimer : Managing tech editor for Pinkbike, alien skeptic.

Mike Levy : Tech editor for Pinkbike, believes in aliens (or lizard people at the very least).

Alicia Leggett : News editor for Pinkbike who sometimes moonlights as a tech editor.

Sarah Moore : Content manager for Pinkbike, former elite-level cross-country mountain bike racer.

• 2024 Gear Reviews
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When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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Gold / Right Hand Lever

TRP Cycling/ Tektro USA

688 West Amidan Drive BLDG 4X-1 Ogden UT 84404 United States

• Ergonomic lever blade
• 9mm internal brake lever piston
• Index Reach adjuster
• I-spec II compatible
• MMX/TRP Shifter/I-Spec EV Compatible
• Performance Fluid Design
• Lightweight hybrid pistons
• Top loading pad design
• New resin brake pad
• Lever and caliper weight: 310g (Front without rotor and adapter)
• 4-Piston Caliper
• 5mm brake hose
• Banjo Connection
• Intended Rotor Thickness: 2.3 mm

Bleed Procedure

Pad/ Rotor Bed-in Procedure

EZ Plug-in Instructions

Customer Reviews

Tried them a few years ago because they were available now I have trp brakes on every from my dh bike to dirt jumper. More power than any other brake and the perfect amount of modulation. These brakes feel the same at the top of the first to the end of the last!

The TRP DHR EVO is the best brakes I have tried. What I like about these brakes are that they are consistent on performance even after months of aggressive braking(easiest bleeding process as well), the lever feel is very light which significanly reduced arm pump on long descent, and they are powerful mixed with good amount of modulation. I'm thrilled with these brakes! They're so reliable and powerful that I'm buying a second pair for both my Levo and my regular analog bike. Best upgrade I have done yet.

Been running those since 2021 because I could not find the brakes I had been putting on bikes for years and TRPs were in stock (Covid bike parts shortage days). It's been over 3 years and I'm not looking back. All my bikes now have TRP DH-R Evo brakes on them. I've been transferring the first set I got to 2 different bikes (starting the 4th season on them with a few thousand miles) and have had no issue or maintenance required beside the annual bleed. The hype is real!

I mostly run the blue pads. They burn pretty quick if you ride long/steep downhill but hey, it means the brakes are working!

I would buy again without thinking twice and tempted to give the drivetrain a try now!

If you're looking for a brake that's as easy to bleed as Shimano & all the modulation of SRAM, look no further. Solid build quality, not to mention all the cool colors. Customer service is also great

These are some great brakes! Don't think twice, you need these on your bike! Excellent stopping power and modulation. They use mineral oil so bleeding them isn't a hazardous operation.

2.3mm Rotor Compatible

Increased clearance, designed for use with our industry-leading 2.3mm thick rotors

9mm Internal Brake Lever Piston

Optimized for 1-finger braking, the increased hydraulic ratio provides more usable power and reduces arm pump over long descents

5mm Brake Hose

Our 5mm hydraulic brake hose has been optimized for internal routing, improved thermal stability and increased rigidity for greater hydraulic pressure.

Ergonomic Lever Blade

Crafted in collaboration with Aaron Gwin, our lever blade ensures optimal one-finger braking performance with its ergonomic shape and dimpled surface.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

Media reviews.

"If you're in the market for a fresh set of brakes, the DH-R EVO's are worth serious consideration. With an extremely consistent lever feel, easy setup, and plenty of manageable power, TRP's new brakes hit the mark." - Pinkbike

"TRP's DH-R Evo brakes offer huge amounts of power, modulation, feedback, and they are damn near impossible to overheat. Our new favorites!" - The Loam Wolf

"Their light feel, easy access to power and excellent control make them a joy to ride. TRP did their homework with the DH-R Evo and it shows on the trail." - NSMB

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Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Review

• MSRP: $13,549.99
• MODEL YEAR: 2021, 2022
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Trek's best long-travel electric mountain bike, designed for All Mountain and Enduro Riding. Light weight optimum compaction low void (OCLV) carbon fiber and magnesium frame comes in three sizes. Flip chip spacer in the rear swing arm further refines geometry for low and high settings.. Available in three premium color schemes, the bike is setup with 29" wheels but can…...

CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC TM 625 27.5 Review

• MSRP: $7,250
• MODEL YEAR: 2021
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An enduro electric bike with long travel 170mm front 160mm rear air suspension by Fox. Available in four frame sizes and four parts levels, the TM is CUBE's mid-tier offering. Internal PowerTube 625 battery pack is hidden from view, the weight is kept low and center, the charging port and locking mechanism are well placed.. Nimble 2.5" front and 2.4" wide tires offer reduced weight and precise application-specific tread patterns.…...

AddMotoR HITHOT H1 Platinum Review

• MSRP: $1,999
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The H1 Platinum is an affordable and capable electric mountain bike that foregoes some trail performance in exchange for comfort and convenience features, making it an excellent mixed-use choice for riders who want one Ebike they can use for both mountain and city riding. Trail-ready thanks to excellent tires from Maxxis and a full-suspension setup with RST ATACK air…...

Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert Review

• MSRP: $7,550
• MODEL YEAR: 2019
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A purpose built, strong and sturdy, full suspension, all mountain with some enduro, agile and balanced with it’s 50/50 weight distribution, smooth and powerful mid-drive electric mountain bike. This is an extremely sturdy and overbuilt setup, thanks to points of interest like this…...

BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 27.5+ Review

• MSRP: $8,499
• MODEL YEAR: 2019, 2020
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A full suspension electric all-mountain or enduro mountain bike with a dual battery setup, 180mm travel, large 27.5" plus sized tires, and Boost hub spacing for strength, made in three frame sizes. RockShox in the front with great stanchions, Fox Float X2 in the rear, Shimano STePs…...

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• MSRP: $13,900
• MODEL YEAR: 2018
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A full suspension, downhill capable, superebike with carbon fiber frame, swing arm, battery casing, and handlebar designed by a former motocross champion, Fox air suspension, Boost hub spacing with plus sized tires. The frame is incredibly strong and rigid, capable of handling the peak motor output of…...

Haibike XDURO DWNHLL Pro Review

• MSRP: $8,899
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One of the only true downhill ready electric bikes being made in series production, delivers a worldcup ready chassis and pro level components. Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes (top of the line downhill groupset), with two piece Ice-Tech…...

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FINAL RESULTS - 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill Fort William Junior 4

The juniors have made it down the mountain for the first race of the 2024 season..

I t was a misty and cold day at the top of Aonach Mòr as we got our first taste of live broadcast DH racing in 2024. Myriam Nicole unfortunately came up short of qualifying for the elite race later today, but as a bonus, we got to have her in the commentary booth for the Junior Women. Heather Wilson threw down a race run that will stay with her for a long time, taking the win in her first ever World Cup in front of her home crowd. Shoutout to top qualifier and reigning Junior World Champ Erice van Leuven who had a puncture early on in her run, but was incredibly still in the lead through 3 splits (furiously screaming her rage all the way down the track), ultimately crossing the line in 5th place. Some points salvaged for Erice (and anyone who picked her for their fantasy team ...like yours truly, the author of this article...).

Aaron Gwin is not yet well enough to race, but we were as ever stoked to benefit from his insights in the commentary booth when the Junior Men got underway. George Madley laid down an early marker, bested instances later by Dane Jewett who went marginally faster. It would take until the top 4 qualifiers before Dane's time fell, as Luke Wayman charged his way to a 4:16, on pace with Daniel Parfitt's fastest qualifier. Luke's joy would be short lived, as Asa Vermette delivered on the potential we all know he has with a blistering 4:10 - only 2 seconds off the fastest times from Elite qualifying! Max Alran rode well, but crossing the line some 7 seconds back saw him slot into third at the time. All eyes on fastest qualifier and home favorite Daniel Parfitt, who kept Asa in sight through the first two splits, but faded to third at the line. #USDH joy as Asa has well and truly arrived!

2024 Fort William Downhill World Cup Results - Junior Men's Final

2024 Fort William Downhill World Cup Results - Junior Women's Final

View replies to: FINAL RESULTS - 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill Fort William Junior

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Free 40 km bike tour along Moscow river "Tsar's road" - Moscow Forum

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From Romanow's summer monastery in Zvenigorod to mr Putin residence' fence at Usovo we cross the best landscapes of "Russian Switzerland"

Photos - https://vukin.livejournal.com/9662.html

This amateur tour is for tough guys and tough girls. 95% roads are ground.

Every year i organize this tour for my friends and you can join.

This year we plan on Sunday 30 June (depends on wheather forecast)

This is map of tour https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KW4zrFRbDUWoMhPEsw9Ces5Y81iubGdl&usp=sharing

We start at 7.22 AM at Belorusskiy railway station and 1.2 hours go by train to Zvenigorod. (you can rent mount bikes near station at Titan bike club 2000 rubles for 2 days e and leave them in storage room on the railway on the day before tour).

From Zvenigorod station we cycle -

3. Vvedenskoe estate (the was presented by Pavel Romanov to his women favorite) https://www.tripadvisor.ru/Attraction_Review-g2347166-d8139699-Reviews-Vvedenskoye_Estate-Zvenigorod_Moscow_Oblast_Central_Russia.html?m=19905 (we cycle just along the river, see it from distance)

5.Ancient Savva Monastery. https://www.tripadvisor.ru/Attraction_Review-g2347166-d4355007-Reviews-Savvino_Storozhevsky_Monastery-Zvenigorod_Moscow_Oblast_Central_Russia.html

See monastery inside, walk, listen singing, bells, breakfast in monastery cafe, jump in ice cold baptistery (on request).

6.Uspenskiy church and hidden kremlin

7-10 (Cycle)

11. Rest time at river sand beach. Barbequ (sousages, potatios, vegetables)

12-18 Cycle between river and Russian elita estates.

http://21.20.Moscow

1.Bike Gloves (MUST)

2.2 Water bottles

3. Bike with amortization and soft seat (better with soft seat cover)

4. second clothes (better with long sleeves)

5. Some money for barbeque food, monastery cafe, trains and

6. Be ready to start and finish. No transportation with bike between start and end point.

We can start later. If so, we don't go to the monastery.

Plan it on 30th June. Depends on wheather.

https://www.windguru.cz/13869

Wow...this is super...I walked on part of this as part of a guided tour, and have to say, it was quite hard even on foot...so for sure, get a bike with good shock absorbers and a well-padded seat!

Would love to join if you have a tour till July 15th.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Moscow Bike TOur

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Description

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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