top 10 mountain bikes 2016

TOP 10 MOUNTAIN BIKES OF 2016

YT Jeffsy CF Comp 1

BIKE CATEGORY: TRAILWHEEL SIZE: 29

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 140MMPRICE : $4,599

YT is a relative outsider in the US bike market. Operating a direct-to-consumer model similar to Canyon‘s in Europe, YT brings some killer bikes to the table at a relatively affordable price point. The Jeffsy is a prime example. This 29er trail bike blurs the lines between trail bike and all mountain bike and shakes every stigma about what a 29 should be.

Santa Cruz Hightower CC

BIKE CATEGORY: TRAILWHEEL SIZE: 29 OR 27.5+

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 140MM (29) OR 150 (27.5+)PRICE: $6,499+

There is one main benefit that sets the Hightower apart from every other bike on this list. The Hightower is available kitted with either 29 or 27.5+-inch wheels — but the frame is the same. What that means is that you can have a set of 29s and a set of 27.5+s and switch between them depending on the terrain you’re riding that day.

NINER AIR 9 RDO

BIKE CATEGORY: CROSS COUNTRYWHEEL SIZE: 29

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 100MMPRICE: $8,500

Speed is the name of the game when it comes to Niner’s Air 9 RDO. This XC machine will make you feel like a bike messenger in NYC — weaving in and out of cars. But instead of cars, you’re dodging trees and hopping logs and rocks at 25 mph down the trail.

EVIL INSURGENT

BIKE CATEGORY: ENDUROWHEEL SIZE: 27.5

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 150MM

For a time, Evil founder Kevin Walsh said that he wouldn’t make a bike with a wheel size other than 26 inches. We’re glad he changed his mind, first with The Following and now the Insurgent. If you like to shred everything in your path without lugging 30+ pounds uphill, look no further than the Insurgent.

Ibis Ripley LS X01 Eagle


SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 130MMPRICE: $6,399+

Featured in the Gear Patrol Magazine, Issue Two, the Ibis Ripley LS (long and slack) is the latest evolution of the Ripley platform. The LS walks the line between ultra-capable trail bike and speed-demon XC bike. Short rear chainstays keep the bike playful and snappy on tight and technical trails.

Yeti SB4.5C


SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 115MPRICE: $3,400+

The Yeti SB4.5C is far and away the best mountain bike that we rode in 2015, and it still stands at the top of our list this year. The SB4.5C is a Swiss army knife of mountain bikes. It eats everything in its path, and the suspension — despite being only 4.5 inches — feels nearly bottomless on aggressive trail rides.

Alchemy Arktos

BIKE CATEGORY: ENDUROWHEEL SIZE: 27.5

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 150MMPRICE: $3,799 (FRAME ONLY)

The front triangle of the Alchemy Arktos is made by hand in Colorado from carbon fiber. It is then paired with a burly and stiff aluminum rear triangle for added durability. While Alchemy may be the new kid on the block in the carbon mountain bike scene, the Arktos is making more than a splash

Marin Mt. Vision Pro

BIKE CATEGORY: TRAILWHEEL SIZE: 27.5


Bay Area-based Marin‘s best mountain bike to date comes in the form of the Mt. Vision Pro. The cockpit is compact yet comfortable, allowing you to feel as though you are sitting in bike instead of on top of it. Bikes that feel as nimble and lightweight on the climbs as the Mt. Vision rarely feel as confident when descending as it does..

Trek Fuel EX 9 29



The Fuel EX 9 29 is the best value on this list. At only $3,999, it competes with the rest and can adapt to a wide range of trail conditions. On the loamy trails of Vermont’s Kingdom Trails, the Fuel EX 9 29 shreds and rips through corners as if it had 26-inch wheels, climbs like Chris Sharma, and is playful and nimble when it’s time to point the front tire down the steeps.

Scott Scale 710 Plus

BIKE CATEGORY: TRAILWHEEL SIZE: 27.5+

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 120MM

The Scale is the perfect showcase of 27.5+ wheels. It’s one of the best hardtails we’ve ridden to date and, if desired, the addition of a dropper post would make this an incredibly capable charging trail bike. Despite its lack of rear suspension, the Scale still feels plush thanks to the added bounce of the 27.5+ wheels.

top 10 mountain bikes 2016

Sports