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We tested trail bikes from Yeti, Specialized, Ibis, Trek, Santa Cruz, Revel and more to find the best
Credit: Laura Casner
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 17, 2025
Are you searching for the best new trail mountain bike? We constantly research the latest models to purchase and compare. Our review currently focuses on 10 of the best trail mountain bikes available today focusing on mid-travel trail bikes for everyday riding. We want to help you find the model that best suits your intended riding style, geography, and budget; with so many options on the market, we understand the challenge. Our team of professional mountain bike testers spent countless hours riding and testing these bikes while scrutinizing every aspect of their design, performance, and component specification. We hope this review helps you find your next trail bike, no matter where or how you ride.
The Ibis Ripmo V3 is the most impressive, aggressive trail bike we've ever tested. A 64.5 head tube angle, longer wheelbase, and updated kinematics give the bike an intrepid feel without robbing it of its renowned agility. The Ripmo is wildly confident and capable in aggressive terrain and ultra-high speeds. Like its predecessor, the bike maintains its mythical climbing abilities, adept low-speed handling, and maneuverability in tight, technical terrain.
The DW-Link suspension provides a stable yet sensitive pedal platform and solid mid-stroke support. Ibis nailed the design of the Ripmo; it's the bike other manufacturers should be benchmarking. Many bikes have similar geometry numbers, but few have the confidence-inspiring bravado the Ripmo has. Now, with Mx wheel compatibility and in-frame storage, the bike is even more versatile.
We were dubious that Ibis could improve on the last Ripmo, but our testers unanimously loved this bike. Whether scrambling up a steep climb or charging the hard line, this bike was competent, composed, and confidence-inspiring. “I loved how Ripmo V3 always felt like the ideal bike, no matter how nasty the terrain,” commented one tester. The consensus is, “It's the best trail bike we could imagine riding and feels more capable than any bike we've tested previously.”
The 4th generation of the Santa Cruz Hightower brings an abundance of confidence to the trail with 150/160mm travel and the latest iteration of VPP technology. With a headtube angle of 64.2 in high or 63.9 in the low setting, this chopper never gets nervous. The rear end relishes being deep in its travel and isn't reluctant to push the limits. This bike rewards the aggressive rider wanting to ride the big lines, but maintains enough versatility in its pedal platform that you don't feel like you have too much bike. A flip-chip allows you to adjust from slack to slacker, but somehow the bike still climbs remarkably well.
The geometry changes make this one of the longest trail bikes we've ever tested, and while our criticism of long wheelbases stands, it offers exceptional stability and poise at speed. It's slightly less agile than the previous model, but it doesn't complain when your line is through the chunk instead of around it. Proportional geometry gives riders of every size similar performance and a rear center that is unique to each size. The bike is available in five sizes, features a glove box storage compartment, a native 180mm brake mount, and accommodates a full-sized water bottle.
Available in C or CC carbon and featuring a staggering nine build kits, ranging in price from $ 4,999 to $11,499, there are abundant options, but none of them are inexpensive. The SRAM 90 model we tested is a fantastic mix of performance and, dare I say, value. The build kit utilizes a mechanical Transmission drivetrain and Maven brakes to deliver impressive performance that complements the bike's capabilities.
The Revel Rascal XO Transmission is more than it would appear on paper. The 130mm carbon framed bike doesn't look exotic or have wild geometry numbers, but don't judge this book by its cover. The Canfield Brothers Suspension design gives this bike tremendous traction and a spry, playful quality. A solid pedaling platform, deep stroke support, and uncoupled suspension sensitivity are hallmarks of the CBF design. Focusing pedaling forces around a center of curvature instead of an instant center creates a consistent feel everywhere in the travel. If that sounded cryptic, read more on Revel's website. The Rascal has modern geometry numbers but resists the super long and slack treatment that is so ubiquitous. This kept the wheelbase short and the handling snappy. This Rascal is a better climber than the outgoing model, given its steeper seat tube angle, especially on larger models. Equipped with the SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain and Revel's RW30 Thermoplastic Carbon wheelset using Industry Nine Hydra hubs, your inputs are quickly rewarded. Top-notch suspension from RockShox and a thoughtful selection of parts leave us little to complain about. The Rascal's numbers, suspension, and specs all come together to create a bike that is more than the sum of its parts; synergy comes to mind.
The Rascal does not feature adjustable geometry, nor does it have downtube storage, which are increasingly common on trail bikes. While adjustable geometry certainly adds to a bike's versatility, the Rascal sits in a Goldilocks zone that we'd be reluctant to mess with. We found some nits to pick with the saddle and some undesired play in the dropper post, but nothing that stands in the way of wholeheartedly recommending this bike. Aggressive riders looking for a courageous bike with a big mountain appetite will be thrilled; Revel actually guarantees your happiness with their bikes.
The Yeti SB140 is Yeti's do it all while having fun bike. This 140mm 29er will impress you with its ride quality, delivering performance beyond what the geometry table explains. The feel of this suspension is sublime; it's immediately clear that you're on a premium product. Whether you're riding fast-rolling flow trails, hard scramble climbs, all-day alpine missions, or airing out the jump line, the Yeti rear end is ultra sensitive and responsive. Climbing traction is outstanding, while positioning is near ideal; the rear wheel tracks through technical terrain and rough climbs with magnetic grip. Pointing it downhill is equally impressive; the Yeti maintains incredible small bump sensitivity throughout its travel. Accurate and confidence-inspiring, the SB140 devours all but the nastiest sections of vert. The bike embodies precision and balance; it has that trail bike swagger but feels a bit more mature.
There are a lot of “perfect, do-it-all bikes,” but this is a connoisseur bike, and the nuances of its performance may not be apparent to novice riders. If your list of demands for a new trail bike includes frame storage or adjustable geometry, the SB140 won't make the cut. Similarly, keep shopping if you're trending toward more aggressive trail bikes. The Yeti feels agile, athletic, and capable; it never feels like it relies on its big fork to do the talking. It delivers heroic levels of traction, allowing you to find new limits to cornering and braking. The Yeti SB140 will slay the vast majority of singletrack trails in North America.
The Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS is the fourth iteration of Trek's acclaimed Top Fuel that they're now billing as a “down-country” bike. (What does that even mean?) This 120mm OCLV carbon trail bike climbs like an XC racer with crisp, fast handling and an ultra-supportive pedal platform. The bike is quick and agile, with an adequately steep 76.3-degree seat tube angle to help you keep the power down.
When pointed downhill, the bike drops its XC persona and becomes everything a modern trail bike should be. The rear end feels planted, and while not exactly supple, the ABP suspension does an amazing job of isolating braking forces. A 65.9-degree headtube angle and 1227mm wheelbase give the bike stability and just enough courage to get aggressive without ever feeling lethargic or unwieldy.
Trek gave the bike a 4-way Mino-Link to provide adjustable geometry and leverage while also making it capable of running a 130mm shock and 140mm fork. 29" wheels come stock, but it's MX compatible if you'd prefer to run a smaller rear wheel. In-frame storage, a 34.9mm seat tube that can take long droppers, UDH, and a lifetime warranty sweeten the pot.
While the Top Fuel is a departure from the trail bikes that dominate our trails today, it's more versatile and capable than I ever imagined. If you or the trails you ride don't require six inches of travel, consider this short-travel alternative; Trek even guarantees you'll love it.
In recent years, several consumer-direct brands have made waves in the mountain bike industry by selling quality bikes for less than their mainstream counterparts. Ari (formerly Fezzari) is among those brands, and the Delano Peak is their mid-travel trail bike that sports 135mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 150mm fork. The geometry of this carbon fiber 29er is fairly modern, and our testers were thoroughly impressed with the bikes versatility. On the descents, it picks up speed quickly and maintains its composure in hard-hitting terrain. At the same time, it maintains responsive handling and isn't so long and slack that it languishes in tighter spots or lower speeds. The steep seat tube angle provides a comfortable and efficient seated position for those long climbs and scrambling up techy sections. Power transfer feels directly down into the pedals, although we used the compression damping switch on the rear shock to maximize efficiency on the ups and in rolling terrain. The Elite build we tested is also spectacular for the price. If you want to save a little money without sacrificing performance, this dialed mid-travel ride is an excellent value.
The Fezzari Delano Peak isn't just a great value, it's a killer, versatile trail bike that's a blast to ride.
Credit: Laura Casner
Compare Products
Out for some comparison testing on the local trails
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Why Trust GearLab
Our professional mountain bike test team spends a lot of time riding, researching, tinkering, and thinking about mountain bikes. Our experienced testers are industry veterans, competitive racers, salty shop guys, and local trail devotees who have spent years putting test bikes through their paces. The vast and varied terrain of the northern Sierra in the greater Lake Tahoe area is the headquarters for testing. Big backcountry epics, shuttle laps, flow trails, and chunky raw downhills are all out the backdoor of our bike-testing home base. We don't simply ride these bikes for a week or two and then move on. No, these bikes are passed between riders for months and tested for hundreds of miles each.
Our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor,Joshua Hutchens, has been in the bicycle industry since the age of 12. This native Californian spends an inordinate amount of time on two wheels. His extensive experience in bike shops, bike parks, and on the trail has helped him develop a critical eye for what matters. He has traveled the world as a bicycle guide, leading tours of spectacular locations. Joshua has ridden and raced almost every discipline of cycling and now coaches youth mountain biking. Neighborhood kids know him as Papa-wheelie, and he's been known to ride no-handed wheelies. A meticulous mechanic, he brings skills and curiosity to our process.
Jeremy Benson is an East Coast native who has been riding mountain bikes since the early 1990s. He moved to North Lake Tahoe in 2001 and has been obsessively riding the area trails ever since. A competitive gravel and mountain bike racer, Benson spends more time in the saddle than most while testing, training, and riding just for the fun of it. He is also especially tough on and critical of gear and has spent over a decade working as a product tester and reviewer in both the ski and mountain bike industries. Benson is a local trail expert and the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe, a comprehensive guide to the trails of the Lake Tahoe region.
Pat Donahue is our former Senior Mountain Bike Editor turned bike shop owner and has been riding a revolving door of bicycles for a decade and a half. He has ridden well over 100 bikes in that time and is passionate about connecting people with the right bicycles. He has ridden and tested bikes in a huge range of locations and trails ranging from burly bike park laps to heinous all-day epic rides. He has an affinity for super steep and chunky trails and is especially adept at testing the durability of wheels and tires.
Other than measuring and weighing the bikes we test, we spend lots of time riding them to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and performance differences.
Credit: Laura Casner
Analysis and Test Results
Our team is continuously scouring the market for the latest and greatest mountain bikes. When we see a great new bike released, we buy it and put it through our rigorous testing process. Each of our testers spends weeks riding each bike before passing it on to the next. When testing is complete, we compare notes and cross-examine to bring you this all-encompassing trail mountain bike review. Each bike is ranked in terms of fun factor (worth 25%), downhill performance (35%), uphill performance (35%), and ease of maintenance (5%). We compare the best of the best below. The bikes' intended applications, build qualities, and prices range widely. Our favorite trail bikes shine even with less-than-ideal components, and the best are appropriate for a wide range of terrain.
If you appreciate a good value, consumer-direct brands like Fezzari (pictured here), YT, Canyon, and Commencal typically beat the mainstream brands on price.
Credit: Laura Casner
What's the Best Value?
With such a variety of bikes on the market, pinpointing which will offer the best value for your needs can be a big task. We assess overall performance and how the bikes performed in relation to their price. Sure, you can buy a bike that requires a second mortgage on your house, but you certainly don't have to. Many of the reasonably priced bikes we test are just as much fun as the high-priced competition. Ari is a great example of consumer-direct savings. The Delano Peak offers modern trail riding geometry, comes equipped with components ready to rip, and is quite nice for the price. These consumer-direct brands, such as YT, Canyon, Ari, and Commencal, also provide significant value to consumers and typically sell bikes for less than their mainstream competitors.
Worse Value
Better Value
Charging down some chunder on the Ibis Ripley.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Fun Factor
Thomas Aquinas once said, “Fun factor is critical when evaluating a trail mountain bike.” We ride bikes for fun, and we assume you do too. That's why fun factor is worth a hefty 25% of the final score.
The Trek Top Fuel epitomizes a modern, zippy, fun-loving trail bike. Everything about piloting this carbon-framed 120mm travel 29er is a blast. The latest update gives the Top Fuel a much more versatile platform. The Top Fuel feels Uber-efficient, snappy, and fun without overplaying its hand. The update gave the frame adjustable geometry and leverage and also compatability to run it 130/140 as well as MX. You can save some cash and get the alloy version and you still get all of the adjustability and downtube storage.
Fun means different things to different riders. If you like a quick, snappy, and playful ride, the YT Izzo is tons of fun.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Ibis Ripmo also has a very high fun factor. This big wheel, all-mountain bike climbs extremely well, shreds downhill, and operates with razor-sharp handling. This bike is fun on a huge range of trails, and you'll never feel like it's overkill. Likewise, the mid-travel Revel Rascal is a blast to ride. The Rascal's moderate geometry gives it a very well-rounded performance, while its unique CBF suspension design provides a damp and refined ride feel.
Fun first, the new Hightower leads the way with its bravado.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Specialized Stumpjumper 15 is an impressively versatile bike. At Outdoor GearLab, we find versatility to be fun, and a bike that can handle all types of terrain while making you smile is a true win. The Stumpjumper performs well for its price, and has an abundance of adjustability that lets you customize it for different types of riding. The bike is a solid climber with a remarkably stable pedaling platform. Combining the winning climbing abilities with some descending prowess makes the Stumpy a favorite for riders who want a bit of everything.
The Stumpjumper 15 knows a thing or two about fun on the trail.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Some of the longer travel and harder-charging options are quite enjoyable in their own right. The Santa Cruz Hightower 90 and Ibis Ripmo are a blast to ride on steep, aggressive trails. These long-legged 29ers climb nearly as well as their shorter travel counterparts and really shine when the pitch steepens. They are extremely fun in that they are not limited to certain trail types; you can jump aboard one of these bikes and ride as aggressively as you want. They may sacrifice a bit on the climbs, but probably not as much as you think. Progressive geometry and advanced kinematics equip these bikes with superpowers, enabling them to climb with finesse.
Climbing is a treat on the Ripmo, you wouldn't suspect the bike packs 6 inches of travel.
Credit: Laura Casner
Downhill Performance
Ripping the descents is likely the centerpiece of a fun mountain bike experience. While all the bikes in this review are categorized as trail bikes, some have more downhill chops than others. A bike's geometry, especially its headtube angle, wheelbase, and bottom bracket height, affects how well it can descend. The suspension platform and kinematics dictate how well it absorbs bumps and maintains traction. The component specifications, primarily the suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes, are the primary factors that influence its downhill performance. This metric is worth 35% of the final score.
The Ibis Ripmo is an impressive descender, especially considering how well it climbs. The Ripmo features modern geometry, instilling confidence when navigating through challenging terrain. A 160mm fork is paired with a 2.5-inch Maxxis Assegai, creating a supremely confident front end. Rolling into a steep chute or nasty rock garden is confidence-inspiring. The Ripmo excels over small bumps and features a calm yet sporty rear end, while its long-and-low geometry provides an extremely stable ride at high speeds. Similarly, the Santa Cruz Hightower is capable of tackling super aggressive terrain. This big wheel, 150mm travel bike charges hard, and its 4th-generation VPP suspension design devours bumps, chunder, and drops like a magician.
The trail doesn't always go down, and the Stumpjumper 15 makes climbing a joy with a stable pedaling platform and neutral geometry.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Ari Delano Peak also impressed us on the descents. This mid-travel ride fooled us into thinking it had more travel than it actually did, offering impressive stability at speed and a geometry that remained stable even when the trail got steep and rough. While testing, we found ourselves pushing our limits of speed and terrain and exceeding our expectations of what this bike was capable of.
Ripmo V3 is a dreamy ride, up or down.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
We would be remiss not to give kudos to some of the shorter travel trail bikes for their impressive downhill performances. Modern geometry trends are elevating the capabilities of bikes with less travel, making them more suitable for many riders and riding locations. The Trek Top Fuel may be short on travel with just 120mm in the rear and a 130mm fork, yet this bike is capable of tackling just about anything you are. This bike is a blast to ride on all types of terrain and is only limited in more aggressive terrain by its modest travel numbers. The Top Fuel isn't defined by its climbing abilities; this bike can absolutely rip on the descents. It has a slightly steeper head tube angle than most of our other trail bikes, giving it a lively and quick-witted feel that will have you riding most things faster than ever while seeking the fun line down the hill.
Today's shorter travel trail bikes, like the Norco Optic C2, are impressive descenders too.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Norco Optic C2 is a short-travel bike with an aggressive geometry that is a joy on descents. The Optic is keen to party, assuming high speeds and steep, rough trails are your idea of a good time. This bike punches well above its short travel pay grade and will inspire the confidence to charge harder than you'd expect for a 125mm trail bike. The bike excels at speed and handles the trail with exceptional sharpness.
The lightweight YT Izzo proved to be one of the fastest climbers we've tested.
Credit: Laura Casner
Climbing Performance
While grinding uphill may not be as adrenaline-inducing as charging a descent, it is equally important in a trail mountain bike. Being able to ascend a long climb comfortably is critical when choosing a bike. It is no surprise that short-travel bikes dominate this category. It is worth noting that some of the longer travel options offer exceptional uphill capabilities, especially when considering how aggressively they tackle the descent. Generally speaking, the geometry of a bike is the primary element dictating rider comfort and handling, while the suspension platform plays a major role in efficiency. Climbing performance is worth 35% of the final score.
The Trek Top Fuel is a marvel of modern geometry, offering a playful and efficient ride. Its ABP suspension system provides excellent traction under braking forces and helps to keep the bike calm when the trails are anything but. Its efficient climbing performance and geometry give it a gravel bike-like ability to ascend.
The Santa Cruz Hightower 90 is an impressive climber. Considering how capable this bike is on the downhill, its climbing abilities were a pleasant surprise. The VPP suspension is sufficiently active to deliver fantastic rear-wheel traction while still providing a firm pedal platform. A quality part spec and sticky rubber make it a more versatile trail bike than its numbers might suggest.
but does it climb like a goat?
Credit: Casey Montandon
The Ibis Ripmo is a surprisingly effective climber. Thanks to the steep seat tube angle, riders are positioned in a comfortable and upright position directly over the cranks. Seated climbing efficiency is impressive, and standing climbing loads are calm with a very minimal amount of pedal bob. There is little need to use the climb switch on this 150mm bike. It rides fairly high in its travel to help keep your pedals from smashing rocks or obstacles. There's no doubt that this is one of our most confident descenders, with uphill abilities far better than you'd expect from this ripping 29er.
The smoothest line is always through the air.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Yeti SB 140 is also a sure-footed climber. The suspension performance of this bike enhances traction while keeping the rider in the optimal position.
Climb like a Yeti, the SB140 excels in the technical zones where precision line choice is crucial.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maintenance
Mountain bikes can be quite expensive and require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. It is recommended to refer to the product manuals of each bike component to determine the necessary service schedules. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your bike.
Full Suspension vs. Hardtail
It is undeniable that a full suspension trail mountain bike outperforms a hardtail bike in just about every ride category. However, hardtail bikes have a maintenance advantage. Those pivots, seals, and bearings must be maintained to keep your bike running smoothly. It is recommended to clean, regrease and torque your suspension pivots multiple times a year. This will also ensure that your bike operates quietly and efficiently but will cost you at least some time in the work stand.
If you ride often and hard, you'll need to maintain your bike more regularly.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Maintenance Schedule
Just like keeping up with regular car services, smaller, more frequent services can save you big bucks in the long term. Here's a quick and dirty primer:
Before Every Ride — Check tire pressure, brake function, axle torque levels
After Every Ride — Clean and lube chain, wipe down stanchions
Weekly — Clean off mud and debris, check spoke tension
Bi-Weekly — Check for and tighten any loose bolts, check headset for proper tightness, clean pivots, check fork and shock pressure
Monthly — Check chain wear and brake pads. Replace as necessary
Annually — Complete professional overhaul
A well maintained bike will keep you on the trail and out the bike shop.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Ease of Maintenance Ratings
Some bikes are more challenging to maintain than others. We ranked the ease of maintenance for the bikes in our test based on the following criteria:
Suspension Pivots — How often they need to be serviced, how complicated that service is, and how expensive the bearings or bushings are.
Fork and Shock — These are the most expensive components on your bike and also the most complicated. Suspension products should be serviced at least once a year. Manufacturers will often recommend replacing wiper seals more frequently. This all depends on trail conditions and how frequently you ride. We rate the forks and shocks based on how often the oil and seals need to be changed, how frequently they require a complete rebuild, and the cost and accessibility of that service.
Dropper Post — Just like any suspension product, a dropper post needs to be serviced periodically. Certain designs require far more attention than others. Mechanical droppers are often preferred over hydraulic units, which have a high number of seals that wear out and require replacement. Having a dropper post means more maintenance (and fun), and most quality mountain bikes come with one.
Brakes — Brake pads wear, and the hydraulic fluid needs to be bled to have air pockets removed from the lines. This should be done annually. With newer SRAM and Shimano brakes, both of which use mineral oil, we rate them similarly. Older SRAM brakes require DOT 5.1 fluid, which is corrosive, and they have a more complicated bleed process.
Drivetrain — Chain, cassette, and chainrings all wear together. Chain wear is measured by elongation, and we can't give you an exact amount of mileage, but we typically replace chains at around 1200-1500 miles, and replace the cassette and chainring with every other chain. We don't account for drivetrain wear and tear in the rankings.
Tires — Different rubber compounds burn at different speeds. Expect to purchase one or two sets of tires per season for your trail mountain bike. We don't consider tires in the rankings.
Wheels — It is important to have proper spoke tension on your wheels. It is a good idea to have them trued and tensioned at least once a year to avoid serious issues. We don't include wheels in the score, either.
Our fork and shock ease of maintenance rankings reflect the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. According to owner manuals, Fox suspension items require less attention than RockShox, but anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise.
Mountain biking is a blast. The most important thing is to get a bike that matches your riding style and suits your terrain, then get out and ride.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
There are lots of amazing bikes, and bike gear, on the market these days, and our list of favorites keeps growing every year. The Ibis Ripmo and Santa Cruz Hightower are outstanding options for longer travel. These bikes are perfect for folks who want to ride a wide range of terrain and charge hard when given the opportunity. The Specialized Stumpjumper 15 is likely the most versatile of all the trail bikes in our test, boasting well-rounded performance and capabilities that surpass its travel class. Those seeking great value should be sure to check out the affordable Ari Delano Peak.
