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![26" GT Stomper Ace FS]()
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Suspension Travel.
Suspension travel is the most important thing you've gotta understand about dual-suspension mountain bikes.
The basics:
On the front, it's how much the front suspension moves (or travels).
For the rear, it's how much the rear wheel moves (or travels) not how much the rear shock compresses.
For example, the Rocky Mountain Instinct full-suspension mountain bike has 140mm of rear wheel travel. But the shock actually only travels by 52mm (called the shock stroke).
Also:
More suspension is not better.
Less suspension is not better.
The dual-suspension MTB you choose has to have suspension travel that is appropriate for the riding you plan to do and the feel you want.
Responsive vs. Stability dual-suspension bikes
For riders who want the most responsive feel, bikes like the Giant Anthem with 100mm of rear wheel travel are going to suit.
At the other extreme:
For riders who want the most stability for high-speed technical trails, dual-suspension bikes like the Rocky Mountain Altitude will have 160mm of rear wheel travel.
If you want a bit of both:
A trail bike with 140mm to 150mm of rear wheel travel will skillfully balance out both extremes.
A simple thought:
Adding more rear wheel travel, adds more stability for rougher trails and takes away some responsiveness.
Dual-suspension MTBs for new riders
Read this if you've never owned a dual-suspension mountain bike before.
New riders need to consider what dual-suspension mountain bike is appropriate for them based on the 80% of trails you currently ride.
And is this dual-suspension MTB still going to be the right bike as you progress (and become a better rider) into the future.
Plus:
Will it still handle the occasions where I want to ride outside of my comfort zone?
To save you thinking and searching time, here's the answer for (most) new riders:
A dual-suspension trail mountain bike.
These bikes are calm at high-speed over rough, loose and raw trails.
They inspire confidence because the extra suspension isolates you from the terrain
You don't feel the trail as much because the suspension is doing most of the work.
And trail mountain bikes are very forgiving. If you make a mistake out on the trail, the bike self corrects and keeps going (to an extent). A mistake could be wrong line choice of rocks or tree roots or wrong body position through corners.
For experienced riders.
Chances are that if you're upgrading, you have the fundamental skills of mountain biking and foundational bike fitness.
You're probably searching for that next level of grip, ergonomics, stability and confidence.
This is where you decide:
Do you want more suspension travel?
Knowing that you're going to gain more stability and confidence. But risk losing low-speed response.
Do you like the feel of the bike you already have?
If yes (depending on the age of your bike), the component upgrades on the modern version of your bike could be enough to gain you the feel you're after.
Dual-Suspension MTB types.
Note: there's a lot of dual-suspension mountain bike options.
We can't list all of them out here, so we'll make some special mentions and move fast (and try to keep it simple).
You have 3 types to choose from:
- Responsive
- Balanced
- Stable
Remember:
As you go down the list, the bike gets more suspension.
Responsive.
[ Rear Wheel Travel: 100mm - 120mm ]
Dual-suspension bikes that fall into this range are called XC (cross-country) mountain bikes.
Perhaps one of the most responsive XC bikes is the Giant Anthem (100mm travel).
It's short travel frame is focussed on covering distance efficiently.
However, you may want a better balance of speed and comfort.
And this is where the Rocky Mountains Element and Orbea Oiz come in.
With 120mm of rear wheel travel, both these bikes are fast and forgiving over technical (XC) terrain.
Balanced.
[ Rear Wheel Travel: 130mm - 150mm ]
By balance, we mean:
These bikes are efficient climbers. They don't waste too much rider energy during forward motion.
And the extra suspension allows these bikes to deliver more stability over high-speed, raw & semi-technical terrain.
The Giant Trance X and the Rocky Mountain Instinct.
Both bikes are designed to be adventure bikes and excellent all-rounders.
The Instinct will be a touch more manageable at lower speeds. The Trance X is more stable at high-speed.
Stability.
[ Rear Wheel Travel: 160mm - 180mm ]
These bikes fall into the Enduro category.
Enduro bikes are still usable; especially at the 160 and 170mm travel end.
Depending on the suspension design and brand, you will sacrifice pedalling efficiency compared to the XC and Trail bikes above.
However what you gain is super levels of stability and confidence in steep, high-speed, raw terrain.
Some starting points for Enduro bikes are:
- Giant Reign
- Rocky Mountain Altitude
- Orbea Rallon