2011 best mountain bikes

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  • 7/31/2019 2011 Best Mountain Bikes

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    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