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7/31/2019 2011 Best Mountain Bikes
1/14
Published on Bicycling Magazine (http://www.bicycling.com)
We test the limits of this year's best mountain bikes on Sedona's toughest trails
Bicycling Magazine
Created 2011-06-23 11:34
Photos by Michael Darter
To help you choose the perfect mountain bike, we ventured off to the beautiful
singletrack around Sedona, Arizona, and sequestered ourselves with the best trail-
worthy bikes available. After a week of pushing them on slickrock descents, jagged
climbs, and rugged washes, we compiled this definitive guide to the year's best
models. Whether you're contemplating your first mountain bike or are pulling the
trigger on an upgrade, we've got you covered.
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ALL-MOUNTAIN
There's no trail too tough for these
versatile bikes
See all category finalists
TRAIL: 26-INCH WHEELS
These all-arounders are as fast on the climbs
as they are on the descents
See all category finalists
TRAIL: WOMEN'S
Designed just for women, these bikes are perfect
for the local trails or epic adventures
See all category finalists
VALUE
Priced right, these high-value bikes
deliver dividends on the trail
See all category finalists
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XC FULL SUSPENSION 29ER
Go ahead, call them clown bikes:
They're deliriously fun and insanely fast
See all category finalists
TRAIL: 29ER
This exciting new category is all about big wheels
and lots of travel
See all category finalists
RACE FULL-SUSPENSION: 26-INCH WHEELS
These pure-bred racers are the lightest--and
fastest--bikes on the planet
See all category finalists
RACE HARDTAIL: 29ER
Want to race ahead of the competition over
rugged
terrain? We've got your weapon
See all category finalists
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BEST OF THE BEST
The 32 bikes we tested are some of the best
models
produced today, but one rose above the rest
See our absolute favorite
ALL-MOUNTAIN
There's no trail too tough for these versatile bikes
WINNER: As we romped
on Sedona's trails,
navigating numerous
ledges, drops, and
rock-strewn singletrack,
the Specialized S-Works
Enduro leapt to the top
of our list. In a group of
fun bikes, it was simply
the most enjoyable to
ride.
The Enduro was longer,
lower, and slacker than
the other bikes in the
test, descending so fast
that testers called it a
mini-DH bike. The suspension felt right in every situation, whether skipping over
square-edged bumps or floating along undulating singletrack.
The Enduro was also responsive on less challenging terrain. It wasn't the mostefficient-pedaling bike in this category, causing some testers to hit the ProPedal
switch to damp suspension, but it was good enough for long days in the saddle. We
also liked the dropper post and shift guide; no other bike in the test included both.
When it came to climbing, the Ibis Mojo was a favorite among testers. The DW-Link
suspension was crisp and efficient, providing amazing rear-wheel traction. While the
Mojo proved an excellent descender, its frame was the least stiff of these bikes.
The Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon, on the other hand, boasted a stiff frame and smooth
travel that offered outstanding control on big hits. The VPP suspension offeredefficient pedaling on rolling trails, too. With a slightly steeper head angle and shorter
cockpit than the Enduro, the bike was easier to control on technical terrain, but
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offered less stability on wide-open descents.
With 185mm of rear travel, the Scott Genius LT 10 was the longest-travel bike in the
test. It felt big and brawny, but flipping a switch reduced travel and steepened the
geometry. The suspension felt less responsive than the others, but the Genius would
still make an excellent choice for riders who want a nimble, relatively lightweight bike
with tons of travel.
SPECIALIZED S-WORKS ENDURO
$7,500; 27.2 lb. (M) Info: specialized.com
IBIS MOJO HD XT
$5,000; 29.1 lb. (M) Info: ibiscycles.com
SANTA CRUZ NOMAD CARBON SPX AM
$4,890; 28.9 lb. (M) Info: santacruzbicycles.com
SCOTT GENIUS LT 10
$6,500; 30.0 lb. (M) Info: scott-sports.com
TRAIL: 26-INCH WHEELS
These all-arounders are as fast on the climbs as they are on the descents
WINNER: While all the bikes in thiscategory offered a satisfying blend of
climbing and descending prowess,
Pivot's Mach 5.7 stole the show when
the trails turned skyward. It scooted
up hills so smoothly, and in every gear
combination, that we never needed to
turn on the shock's ProPedal damping
system. This allowed the rear wheel
to dig into Sedona's rockiest trails,
providing ample traction. One riderreported making it up a tight, loose
switchback that he couldn't clean
while riding any of the other bikes in
this category. But trail bikes also need
to descend well, and the 5.7 flew
downhill, easily soaking up substantial drops. The bike even wowed us on flat terrain,
displaying a delicate balance between responsive steering and stability. It ripped along
rolling singletrack, accelerating quickly when asked, and never wallowed in its travel.
The redesigned Cannondale Jekyll 3 also performed well on rolling terrain. Its
proprietary Fox DYAD shock reduced travel from 150mm to 90mm with the flick of aswitch, giving the bike racier geometry. In the shorter-travel setting, the bike felt like
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an XC racer while climbing, the steep geometry making technical climbs easier to
negotiate. In full-travel mode, the bike descended like an all-mountain machine. That
versatility comes at a cost, though: The Jekyll was the heaviest bike in this category
and the suspension felt less refined than some others.
Santa Cruz's trail offering, the Blur LT, was perhaps the most aggressive bike in this
group. Its stiff frame, short cockpit, and seemingly bottomless suspension allowed it totear down rutted, rocky, and loose descents. It climbed crisply, too, though the rear
wheel was less active than some others under pedaling forces. When we pushed the
bike into corners or floated over debris, the VPP suspension sucked up bumps without
diving into its travel.
The lightweight Trek Remedy 9 was a well-balanced bike with excellent front and
rear suspension aided by a custom-valved Fox fork to match the proprietary DRCV
shock. The bike handled smoothly and predictably on flat terrain, despite some frame
flex. The stock tires felt too hard and narrow for Sedona's hard-packed trails, but the
Remedy still managed to behave predictably through stretches of twisting singletrack.
PIVOT MACH 5.7 XT
$4,400; 26.9 lb. (M) Info: pivotcycles.com
CANNONDALE JEKYLL 3
$4,050; 30.3 lb. (M) Info: cannondale.com
SANTA CRUZ BLUR LT SPX AM
$4,000; 28.3 lb. (M) Info: santacruzbicycles.com
TREK REMEDY 9
$4,410; 27.6 lb. (17.5 in.) Info: trekbikes.com
TRAIL: WOMEN'S
Designed just for women, these bikes are perfect for the local trails or epic adventures
WINNER:SANTA CRUZ JULIANA SPX
$3,435; 24.1 lb. (XS)
Info: santacruzbicycles. com
From XC racing to long days on remote
trails, the Juliana can do it all. The
lightweight frame is built around a
classic, single-pivot suspension that offers
a superb ride on a range of terrain. Our
testers felt confident pushing the bike onrock gardens and while climbing switchbacks and ripping downhill.
"The handling kept improving the faster I went," commented one tester. "It cornered
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FUJI TAHOE 29ER 2.0
$1,750; 28.0 lb. (M)
Info: fujibikes.com
The well-mannered Tahoe 29er has plenty of upscale touches, including a tapered
head tube and a lightweight aluminum frame, features not often found on bikes at thisprice. The handling and precise steering were great. But we thought some of the parts
were inadequate, especially the low-end Tektro brakes.
JAMIS EXILE 3
$1,650; 28.0 lb. (17.5 in.)
Info: jamisbikes.com
Aimed at recreational riders and budding racers, the fast-looking Exile excelled on
technical terrain. Its racy geometry had us sprinting up climbs and easily hopping overobstacles. Part of the bike's appeal was its high-quality parts package, including grippy
Geax tires, a SRAM 2x10 drivetrain, and Avid Elixir brakes.
MARIN PINE MOUNTAIN
$1,550; 29.0 lb. (17 in.)
Info: marinbikes.com
One of the best-looking bikes of the bunch, Marin's Pine Mountain mixes retro styling
with modern touches. The steel 29er frame was built with quality components thatwill last for years. A riser bar added stability as speeds increased, making maneuvering
over or around obstacles a breeze.
XC FULL SUSPENSION 29ER
Go ahead, call them clown bikes: They're deliriously fun and insanely fast
WINNER: The Santa Cruz Tallboy
Carbon was not only one of the
fastest bikes in this category, but itwas also one of the most enjoyable
bikes to ride out of the entire test.
Built around a rigid carbon frame that
withstood demanding trails, the bike
rewarded aggressive riders who
weren't afraid to point it straight
downhill or sprint through corners--a
quality rare among 29ers. The Tallboy
offered quick, responsive handling and
crisp pedaling, and the suspensionkept the wheels glued to the ground.
A few testers noticed that the
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suspension ramped up toward the end
of its stroke on big hits, but the bike never bogged in its travel or wallowed during
sprints.
While we loved the Tallboy's carbon frame, Pivot's Mach 429 proved that it's too early
to write off aluminum. It sported the category's only metal frame, yet delivered a stiff
ride with precise handling. The DW-Link suspension earned top marks, too, offeringsharp pedaling and great traction, flowing over both small and large bumps. The bike's
only flaw might be its price: Despite its heavier frame material, the 429 costs as much
as the carbon bikes.
Thanks to a tunable Brain shock, the race-ready Specialized Epic Comp Carbon 29er
accelerated like a hardtail. But when we wanted a softer ride, we simply dialed back
the controls and the bike soaked up more trail chatter. A double crank and fast-rolling
rear tire will win praise from speedsters. So will the bike's quick handling, although we
did notice flex in the frame and wheels.
When it came to all-out speed, Trek's Superfly 100 Elite earned plenty of notice. Itrocketed forward with every pedal stroke, yet the suspension allowed testers to stay
seated and ride through rock gardens and rutted washes. With its stiff frame and tight
handling, the Superfly would make an excellent race bike, but it may not be
comfortable enough for daylong trail rides.
SANTA CRUZ TALLBOY CARBON SPX XC 29
$4,700; 25.9 lb. (M) Info: santacruzbicycles.com
PIVOT MACH 429 XT
$4,850; 27.2 lb. (M) Info: pivotcycles.com
SPECIALIZED EPIC COMP CARBON 29ER
$4,300; 26.7 lb. (M) Info: specialized.com
TREK SUPERFLY 100 ELITE
$6,300; 24.3 lb. (17.5 in.) Info: trekbikes.com
TRAIL: 29ER
This exciting new category is all about big wheels and lots of travel
WINNER: When we turned the Turner
Sultan loose on Sedona's trails, we
expected big things from the proven
DW-Link suspension. We were not
disappointed. The design offered
smooth, efficient pedaling with 120mm
of generous travel. The suspensionsoaked up bumps while, crucially,
preventing the bike from wallowing. The
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Sultan rode high in its travel, adroitly
navigating technical terrain and
confidently negotiating even tight
corners. The model's most impressive
attribute, however, was its stiff frame,
which kept the bike from twisting and
noodling down the trail--a potentialproblem for 29ers with 5 inches of
travel. In fact, the stout frame and
excellent suspension platform combined
to give the Sultan the best trail manners
of the bunch.
The Ellsworth Evolution was one of the
best-looking bikes we tested. The ICT four-bar suspension also earned high marks-- we
loved its crisp pedaling and lack of feedback, regardless of gear combination. The bike
was the lightest of the group, though we did notice that the frame flexed during hard
cornering.
One of the original long-travel 29ers, the Niner Rip9 has a robust frame and
well-balanced geometry. On the trail, these qualities translate into a stable ride
through rough descents and quick reactions on flowing terrain. On smoother trails, the
Rip9 felt snappier than any other bike in the test, but it also has the least amount of
travel--only 110mm. Riders take note: The Rip9 is roomier than some similar models so
a smaller frame size might offer the best fit.
At the far end of the spectrum, Specialized's Stumpjumper FSR Expert 29er boasted
the most travel of the bunch, with 130mm of front and rear suspension. As with theEvolution, we noticed some frame flex and at times the bike seemed less responsive
than some others. Still, our testers praised the smooth, refined suspension and the
Brain-equipped rear shock, which allowed riders to dial in their ideal tune, from firm
to plush.
TURNER SULTAN
$4,500; 29.8 lb. (M) Info: turnerbikes.com
ELLSWORTH EVOLUTION X9
$4,495; 28.5 lb. (M) Info: ellsworthbikes.com
NINER RI P9 SLX
$4,100; 29.6 lb. (M) Info: ninerbikes.com
SPECIALIZED STUMPJUMPER FSR EXPERT 29ER
$4,000; 29.4 lb. (M) Info: specialized.com
RACE FULL-SUSPENSION: 26-INCH WHEELS
These pure-bred racers are the lightestand fastestbikes on the planet
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WINNER: Trek Top Fuel 9.8
$5,250; 23.7 lb. (17.5 in.) Info:trekbikes.com
Race purists will swoon: The Top Fuel
weighs half a pound less than its closestcompetitor, the Giant Anthem, and came
with lockouts for the fork and shock. Its
climbing prowess was unmatched by
other bikes in this test, and one tester
even boasted of riding our 7-mile-long
test loop in the 42-tooth big ring--a feat he couldn't duplicate on any other Editors'
Choice bike he tested. The bike's speedy tires excelled on hard-packed trails and the
XO brakes with an oversize front rotor offered best-in-class stopping power.
FELT EDICT PRO
$5,500; 24.8 lb. (M) Info: feltbikes.com
This racer offers supple suspension, especially over small bumps. "It felt like a trail
bike," remarked one test rider. But it took generous use of the ProPedal platform
damping to keep the active suspension in check in some situations. Steering was
always precise, whether climbing or descending.
GIANT ANTHEM ADVANCED X SL
1 $5,100; 24.3 lb. (18 in.) Info: giant-bicycles.com
The Anthem, aided by efficient rear suspension, finished a close second to the Top
Fuel. The frame felt the stiffest of the bunch, which let our testers descend with
confidence. More than just a race rocket, it was also a blast to ride. Said one tester:
"It can be stunningly fast, but has a playful side."
YETI ASR-CARBON RACE
$5,100; 24.6 lb. (M) Info: yetibikes.com
The new ASR improves on older models with a stiffer frame and a standard seatpost,rather than an integrated design. The bike excelled on smooth climbs, but needed its
damping to keep from bobbing. The slack (for a race bike) 69-degree head tube
offered stability on the descents.
RACE HARDTAIL: 29ER
Want to race ahead of the competition over rugged terrain? Weve got your weapon.
WINNER: CANNONDALE FLASH 291
$5,900; 22.0 lb. (M) Info: cannondale.com
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Designed for the racecourse, the Flash 29
was fun on any trail. It accelerated sharply
and ripped across treacherously rocky
singletrack as if it had 4 inches of
suspension. The stiff frame translated to
precise steering and snappy climbing. Testers praised the Flash's geometry, too.
"The bike has a near-perfect combination of agility and stability," remarked one rider.
Equally impressive is the Lefty fork, which absorbed everything thrown its way and
remained stiff enough to keep steering precise.
BREEZER CLOUD NINE LTD
$5,900; 22.1 lb. (17 in.) Info: breezerbikes.com
Whether we were standing to hammer up climbs or sprinting across flat terrain, the
Cloud 9 accelerated with a lively snap and efficiently transferred every pedal stroke to
the wheels. The bike let us carve through corners and hold a steady line through diceysingletrack. Lap after lap, testers returned grinning.
NINER AIR 9 CARBON
$1,900 (frame only); $7,500 as tested; 22.1 lb. (M) Info: ninerbikes.com
The frame's sharp lines look fast, immediately declaring the Air 9's intentions, and the
bike delivered on the trail. As one tester noted, "It begs to be ridden in the big ring
and rewards riders who keep it there." The ultrastiff carbon frame may sour some
riders-- you will feel every single bump and pebble.
ORBEA ALMA 29S TEAM
$5,900; 22.1 lb. (M) Info: orbea.com
Designed to win races, the bike felt very stiff, allowing for efficient, powerful
accelerations and quick, snappy uphill sprints. The low-slung frame meant that good
pedal placement was crucial through rock gardens and the bike performed best on
smooth, hyperfast singletrack.
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THE BEST OF THE BEST:
THE SANTA CRUZ TALLBOY CARBON
After four days of testing bikes, we asked ourselves a simple question: If we could ride
only one model for the next year, which would it be? With so many contenders to
choose from, it could have sparked fierce debate among the test staff, but we agreed
unanimously: The Santa Cruz Tallboy stole the show.
While each of the winners excelled within its category, the Tallboy's versatility set it
apart. Whether we were grinding up a climb or ripping down a sketchy descent, the
29er was a blast to ride; it seemed at home in every situation. Its stiff frame, brilliant
suspension platform, swooping lines, and spot-on parts package also earned highpraise.
But the biggest complement came from a notoriously fickle tester. "The Tallboy was a
revelation," he said. "It's the only full-suspension, geared 29er I've ridden that didn't
remind me I was riding on a bike built around larger wheels every second."
It became clear that the Tallboy possessed that rare and transcendent alchemy of
materials, craftsmanship, and performance shared only by elite bikes. There's no
debating it: The Tallboy is our favorite bike of 2011.
Source URL:http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes
Links:
[1] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,1
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[2] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,2
[3] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,3
[4] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,4
[5] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,5
[6] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,6
[7] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,7
[8] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,8
[9] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes?page=0,9