Mountain biking is the fastest way to get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re free-riding down steep hills, hopping over logs, or jumping off ramps at the local trail you’re going to need a bike as brave as you are. Constant bumps come with the territory in Mountain biking so to compensate for that you’re going to need the best full-suspension mountain bike.
Full suspension means suspension on both the front and rear wheels. They protect the frame making it easier to navigate tough courses.
At a Glance: Our 10 Full Suspension MTB
Bicycle Brand | Speed |
Features | Price |
Diamondback Recoil Editor Choice |
24 Speed |
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Check Latest Price |
Mongoose Impasse |
21 Speed |
|
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Northwoods Aluminum |
21 Speed |
|
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Mongoose Stasis |
21 Speed |
|
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Kawasaki DX |
21 Speed |
|
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Diamondback Atroz |
11 Speed |
|
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Mongoose Maxim |
21 Speed |
|
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Polaris Ranger |
21 Speed |
|
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Mongoose Detour |
21 Speed |
|
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Cyrusher |
24 Speed |
|
Check Latest Price |
4 Things To Consider Before Buy
1. What to look for in dual suspension?
The reason you’re getting dual suspension is two-fold. The first is to give a comfortable ride. The second is to protect the frame and wheels. Riding over logs, or rocks are going to take its toll on the frame and wheels of your bike. Suspension softens the impact, preventing long-lasting damage whilst making it easier to stay on the bike.
When you’re looking at suspension you want a firm suspension, but not too firm. The suspension has to be malleable enough to absorb bumps without getting stuck or putting too much pressure on the frame.
2. Maintenance
To get the best out of any bike you need to carry out regular maintenance. In our list of the Top rated full suspension MTB, we’ve covered some low-maintenance and some high-maintenance bikes.
If you’re happy to run regular checks on your bike you will be better suited to a high-maintenance mountain bike. These bikes will generally be higher-performing. If you’re not willing to get your hands dirty, opt for a lower-maintenance bike.
3. Budget
When it comes to mountain biking budget is important. Investing in a more expensive piece of equipment will save you money in the long run. Generally speaking, an expensive bike has room for improvement. This means you can upgrade the forks, wheels, and suspension over time without having to buy a new mountain bike.
On the other hand, if you’re just starting, it’s good to opt for a cheaper option. You may not be cycling in six months so there is no point in breaking the bank on the best equipment available if it’s going to spend most of its life in the garage. Although there are some of the best mountain bikes under 200 that remain to remain best for the beginner rider.
4. Other things to consider
Construction materials should always be at the forefront of your mind when investing in a mountain bike. As a rule of thumb, the lighter the material the better the bike. So, look for aluminum, or metal alloy, frames if at all possible.
Our Top 10 Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Reviews
There’s a common myth that full suspension plus bikes are astronomically expensive. If you know where to look this doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve tested over twenty full suspension bikes over the past two weeks, looking at price, performance, and build quality.
1. Diamondback Bicycles Recoil 29er
In the world of BMXing Diamondback is a household brand that has bicycles that have featured at the top level of extreme sports for decades. In the mid-nineties the company expanded to include Mountain bikes, quickly cementing its reputation as one of the biggest names in off-road cycling.
Features and Benefits
- The Diamondback Recoil has an ultra-lightweight, geometrically designed aluminum frame. The contoured frame spreads the weight of shocks and bumps, protecting both the bike and its rider.
- Tetra Aires mechanical disc brakes provide the same stopping power as motorized vehicles. These brakes are sharp which helps to navigate those tricky trails.
- SR Sun front suspension fork can be fully customized. Whether your preference is free-riding, hill bombing, or cross-country cycling you can customize the front suspension to suit your every need.
- Diamondback has gone all out on the Recoil 29er by building the suspension by hand. Hand-built construction means better welds for a durable performance cycle.
Pros
- Hand-built suspension
- The fully adjustable front fork
- Outstanding stopping power
- A great frame
- Can be upgraded
Cons
- Quite heavy
- The back suspension is a little hard
- Reasonably expensive
The Recoil 29er offers so much in terms of features. What I like about Diamondback is its attention to detail. Despite being a little weighty, the re-coiler has heaps of potential. As your cycling improves you can upgrade this bike, lessen the weight, and take it up to the next level. The Diamondback will be a great choice for you if your budget is good enough.
2. Mongoose Impasse Bicycle (29-Inch)
Like Diamondback, Mongoose built its reputation in BMXing. The Mongoose Impasse is an entry-level dual-suspension mountain bike that offers a lot of features at a fraction of the price.
Features and Benefits
- Quick-release allows you to remove the front wheel without using a tool. This can be an issue in a city, where the wheel could be stolen, but for transportation and maintenance, it’s a godsend.
- The wheels are made from a high-tech metal alloy. metal alloys are both lightweight and durable. They’re capable of rolling over whatever the trail throws at you.
- The front and rear disc brakes are also made from a metal alloy. Metal alloys provide a responsive braking system that won’t fade over time.
- Element suspension forks. For a bike in this price range, the front suspension performs superbly. Ironing out bumps without compromising your comfort.
Pros
- Metal alloy materials
- Sharp brakes
- Low-risk investment
- Easy to transport
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Not suitable for upgrades
- A little limited
- Pro setup required
Snagging yourself a Mongoose at this price is always going to be a good deal. If you get this bike professionally set up it performs very well on the road and trail. The only issue I have with the Impasse is that it’s a little limited with not a lot of room for improvement.
Excellent value for money and a shrewd way for rookies to start mountain biking. If you still aren’t sure, take a look at the customer reviews.
3. Northwoods Aluminum Bike
The Northwoods Aluminum Suspension Mountain bike has the looks. A cool, grey frame with neon green highlighted suspension forks. A dual suspension system with an aluminum frame and a low price. Great value for money.
Features and Benefits
- The Northwoods full suspension has a twisted shifter letting the rider change gears without having to adjust their grip. A nice touch for beginner cyclists who have less control.
- The crank of a bicycle connects the pedals to the chain. Northwood provides a sturdy three-piece crank that won’t wear out anytime soon.
- The front fork is constructed of steel. On a mountain trail, a lot of pressure is put on the front forks using a steel material that reinforces the bike’s overall integrity whilst reducing the need for regular maintenance
- An aluminum frame is a lightweight material that adds responsiveness to the overall ride. The Northwoods is one of the cheapest options on the market to offer an aluminum frame.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Durability from steel front fork
- Three-piece crank
- Striking look
- Good for first-timers
Cons
- Won’t perform as well as some bikes on the list
- The suspension is a little stiff
- Looks might not be for everyone
If you’re new to mountain biking this may be the right bike for you. The features are all there to introduce you to the world of mountain biking. As your skill improves you might outgrow this bike and look to upgrade. Check how good it looks online.
4. Mongoose Stasis Comp 26-Inch Mountain Bicycle
Another reasonably priced offering from mountain biking experts is Mongoose. Disc brakes with a quick-release front wheel make this bike a shrewd choice for younger cyclists.
Features and Benefits
- A quick-release system lets you remove the front wheel without using tools. The simple system significantly improves portability. It also makes carrying out light maintenance work easy.
- Dual disc brakes on the front and bike wheels offer unrivaled stopping power with anti-locking. Safety should be the rider’s primary concern when taking on a trail. Effective braking is crucial to ensuring safety.
- A 21-speed gear system offers a lot of versatility. With this many gears, you’ll have no problem attacking those steep hills.
- A cool-looking bicycle with a top brand to match. Big brands offer better build quality at a lower cost. In mountain biking, Mongoose is one of the biggest around.
Pros
- Low-cost Mtb
- Cool looks
- Top brand
- Transportable
- Low Maintenance
Cons
- Quick-release can attract thieves
- Limited sizes available
- Not suitable for experienced riders
For the features on offer, the Mongoose Stasis bicycle is available at an astonishingly low cost. The only criticism for me is the 26-inch frame which makes it unsuitable for taller cyclists like myself. Otherwise, I would have bought this when I was first starting.
A solid entry on our list of the best budget full suspension mountain bikes.Want to know if this bike will stand the test of time? Take a look at the user reviews.
5. Kawasaki DX 26 Bicycle
Kawasaki is a brand you would normally associate with motorbikes. I always look at Kawasaki cycles with a lot of interest because frequently they will incorporate technology designed for motorbikes into their mountain bikes.
Features and Benefits
- The DX is fitted with aggressive 26 inches of off-road tires. When it comes to mountain biking, the grip is key. The more grip the quicker you are able to turn whilst also reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Weighing just 34 pounds this bike is incredibly lightweight. Less weight means more agility and a greater ability to make dynamic changes of direction.
- The dual suspension is very smooth, absorbing bumps with no problem at all. A comfortable ride
- Three-piece aluminum cranks. One of the reasons this bike is so lightweight is Kawasaki’s commitment to using Aluminum in all the parts. The result is a quick and nimble mountain bike.
Pros
- Amazing features
- Lightweight
- Comfortable ride
- Inexpensive
- Dynamic
Cons
- Can be a little tricky to set up
- The rear suspension is a little squeaky
- The seat is a bit hard
For me, the Kawasaki just offers so much for a bike in this price range. Although the seat may be a little hard, it’s easily replaced. The stand-out factor is the weight. This bike is as light as a feather making even the trickiest trails easy to navigate. The Kawasaki is perfect on a tight budget.
6. Diamondback Bicycles Atroz Mountain Bike
As far as I’m concerned this is the go-to bike for beginners and experts alike. A great brand, with superb features combined with professional features. The Diamondback Atroz is the mountain bike by which all other bikes should be measured.
Features and Benefits
- Hand-built the frame. Hand-built frames have a superior quality weld and overall construction. In mountain biking, the frame takes a lot of punishment, so the build quality will be tested. The Atroz passes with flying colors.
- Constructed entirely from the metal alloy. You’ve heard me mention the benefits of metal alloys over steel, or aluminum, Many times in this article. So I won’t go into that again. Suffice it to say, this bike has the best frame available on our list.
- Elevated chainstay. When you’re riding over logs or rocks, the last thing you want to hear is your chain clipping the surface. An elevated chain prevents that from happening whilst maintaining the integrity of your chain.
- Hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes are pretty space-age for a mountain bike. Using a liquid braking system, these brakes won’t fade over time and will stop you on a dime.
Pros
- More features and benefits than I can fit in this article
- Exceptional lifespan
- Lightweight
- Hand built
- Safe and reliable
Cons
- The price makes it only suitable for serious cyclists
- None
From all the bikes on our list so far this one wins the editor’s pick. So many features, an ingenious design, and attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from Diamondback. If you’re serious about cycling the Atroz will provide you with everything you need to dominate the hardest trails in mountain biking.
7. Mongoose Girl’s Maxim Bicycle
The Mongoose Maxim is a full suspension MTB with a small frame featuring a lowered top bar. The lowered top bar is designed for women, an ideal gift for tom-boys or daughters with an interest in mountain biking.
Features and Benefits
- The smaller frame allows smaller riders to hit the trails with safety and security.
- A lowered top bar makes this bike suitable for women whilst also offering a sturdy compact frame.
- Alloy brakes are responsive without wearing down over time.
- The front suspension is surprisingly soft providing a comfortable ride without losing speed.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Designed for ladies
- Comfortable ride
- Good for beginners
- Lightweight frame
Cons
- Basic
- Won’t perform on difficult trails
- Only suitable for beginners
The Mongoose girls Maxim is a nice little bike for beginner cyclists. It doesn’t offer the same level of performance as other bikes on our list but, given the price, it performs well enough on light trails. A good choice for rookies.
8. Polaris Ranger B.0 Bicycle
The Polaris brand is relatively unknown in mountain biking circles. The Japanese manufacturer produces low-cost mountain bikes for beginners. These bikes don’t cost a lot to make, so you tend to get a lot of good features at a fraction of the cost.
Features and Benefits
- The Polaris Ranger is made from steel. This adds a little extra weight but improves the longevity of the bike. Especially when riding on bumpy courses.
- With tires measuring 1.95 inches in thickness, the Polaris offers a lot of grips, particularly on dusty trails.
- 21 gears operated through a twist shift mechanism gives a good level of versatility whilst making it easy to shift, by not forcing the rider to take their hands off the bars.
- Aluminum Rims. To combat the additional weight of the steel frame Polaris has added Aluminum wheel rims. Light and responsive to the touch.
Pros
- Solid build materials
- Good construction
- Low cost
- Good grip
- Versatile
Cons
- The suspension is a little hard
- Lacks sophistication
- A bit limited
With a solid steel frame and good quality workmanship all around, the Polaris offers a decent ride at a surprisingly low cost. Bagging yourself a dual suspension bike at this price is a steal.
9. Mongoose Detour Bicycle (26-Inch)
In case you hadn’t already guessed, I like Mongoose bikes. With some clever features like a raised chain and quick release on all wheels, the Aluminum crafted Detour Full Suspension bicycle doesn’t disappoint.
Features and Benefits
- A raised chain that prevents you from snagging on rocks and logs. It also protects the integrity of the chain itself by reducing the risk of damage.
- Quick-release on both front and back wheels. Having a quick release is ideal if you’re going to be carting your bike up and down the country in search of top trails.
- Microshift gear triggers are a smart touch that you would expect to find on more expensive bikes. Quick and smooth gear changes all around.
- An aluminum, geometrically crafted suspension frame spreads the weight of shocks to protect the bike and rider. It’s also lightweight
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Good Brand
- Lightweight frame
- Quick gear changes
- Overall responsiveness
- Best MTB Under 700
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
- Not the smoothest ride
- Replace the saddle
The Detour is a nice offering from Mongoose at a very reasonable price. It’s no surprise that it makes our list of the full suspension bikes available in 2020. If you look at this bike, you can get some serious performance out of it. Overall highlights are responsiveness, gear changes, and lightweight frame.
10. Cyrusher FR100 Men’s Folding Mountain Bike
We’re going to close out this list with a bike that has been on my wishlist for some time. The Cyrusher FR100, folding mountain bike looks as high-tech as it sounds. It’s a light, portable high-performance Mountain bike.
Features and Benefits
- Fully foldable for easy transportation to some of the world’s most exciting trails
- Looks incredible. The high-tech single bar frame is both lightweight and sturdy. It stands out from just about every other bike on the market right now.
- Ergonomic design. A cycle ergonomics is a fancy word for how well a bike, responds to user input. Everything on this bike is designed for responsiveness, from the handlebars, the suspension, and the frame material.
- Full aluminum alloy frame that is super-lightweight and surprisingly sturdy.
Pros
- Portable
- Super Lightweight
- Looks amazing
- Ergonomic design
- For the price, great value
Cons
- Not smooth in riding.
- Little uncomfortable on a rough trail.
What can I say, I just love the way they have designed this bike. Every part has been selected for its responsiveness and its weight. When you add all those details together you get a seriously high-performance bike. A class act.
Final Words:
That just about wraps it up. We have covered the best full suspension trail bikes, entry-level bikes, and mid-range bikes. A lot of the bikes featured on this list are discounted online. We’ve tested these bikes for a maximum of a week so if you want to know how the bike will perform over the years, there are plenty of user reviews available online. Always remember to buy online for the cheapest deals with the most choice. See you on the trail.
Last Updated: August 8, 2023