Mountain biking is not a cheap date, these days. High strength building materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and magnesium fit the bill for creating lightweight components that are also durable enough to withstand the rigors of the sport.
But those high tech materials come with a price tag, and sometimes, a hefty one. As a result, we have seen the upper limit of price point on mountain bikes, climb over that last several years.
That’s not to say that your next bike has to break the bank; there are numerous entry level bikes that would serve the average rider perfectly well, with little to no reduction in ‘fun factor’. And we’ll talk about those bikes in a later article.
For today though, we’re gonna be talking about the most expensive full-suspension bikes available. Our parameters will be that the bikes need to be production models (spect by the manufacturers) and be geared towards the trail / all-mountain / enduro class of riding styles. Which tends to make up the largest group of everyday riders.
11. Ibis Mojo 3 / Ripley XTR $9,199
Ibis build mountain bikes only, and they do it right. Well, technically speaking, they do offer one gravel/cross bike in their lineup. But, that’s kind of a mountain bike…RIGHT?!
Ibis is an employee-owned company, who got their name from the wetland wading birds of the same name. Ibises are known to be very beautiful and graceful in flight, and their bikes are equally as elegant.
Mojo 3
Ibis’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ 130mm travel 27.5″ bike, has room for up to a 2.8″ wide tire. Mojo 3 is the bike that Ibis built its brand on and has been described as “wickedly fast and versatile.
This build kit will leave you wanting for little, to nothing more.
- Frame – Mojo 3 130mm, 27.5″ Carbon, internal routing
- Fork – Fox Float 34 Factory Series 140mm, 27.5”, 15QR
- Shock – Fox Float Factory Series, DPS 3pos w/Adj and EVOL Sleeve with Kashima Coat, 7.875 x 2.00
- Wheels – 742 Carbon, i9 Hubs
- Tires – Schwalbe Hans Dampf (front) Nobby Nic (rear) 27.5 x 2.6 Addix Speedgrip Apex TL-Easy
- Brakes – Shimano XTR M9100 2 piston
- Brake Rotors – Shimano RT-MT900 180mm front and rear
- Crankset – Race Face Next R 175 or 170mm, 32t Alloy Ring
- Bottom Bracket – Race Face BSA
- Rear Derailleur – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Shift Levers – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Cassette – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd 10-51T
- Chain – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 ZS44/ZS56
- Grips – Lizard Skins Charger Evo
- Handlebars – Enve M6 Bar 780mm
- Stem – Enve Mtn Stem 31.8mm (40, 55, 70mm)
- Seatpost – Bike Yoke Revive Dropper (125, 160 or 185mm)
- Saddle – WTB Volt Saddle
- 7 yrs. Frame Warranty
Ibis says; The Mojo 3 is right at home on any trail, fast climbing and descending. With the dw-link suspension and a super stiff chassis, the Mojo performs way beyond its travel class.
Ripley
The Ripley is Ibis’s snappy, flickable, playful, fast, lightweight, and versatile 29” trail bike that is well known for its all-around capabilities.
A well balanced modern geometry makes the Ripley ready for any adventure and promises to give you the confidence to try new lines, with its ability to maneuver technical climbs and flowy singletrack.
A top of the line spec finishes out this already impressive bike.
- Frame – Ripley 29″ 120mm, Carbon w/internal cable routing
- Fork – Fox Float 34 Factory Series 130mm, 29”, 15QR
- Shock – Fox Float Factory DPS with EVOL, 190×45
- Wheels – S35 Carbon, 29”, i9 Hubs
- Tires – Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29” x 2.6”
- Brakes – Shimano XTR M9100 2 piston
- Brake Rotors – Shimano RT-MT900 180mm front and rear
- Crankset – Race Face Next R 175 or 170mm, 32t Alloy Ring
- Bottom Bracket – Race Face BSA
- Rear Derailleur – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Shift Levers – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Cassette – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd 10-51T
- Chain – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 ZS44/ZS56
- Grips – Lizard Skins Charger Evo
- Handlebars – Enve M6 Bar 780mm
- Stem – Enve Mtn Stem 31.8mm (40, 55, 70mm)
- Seatpost – Bike Yoke Revive Dropper (125, 160 or 185mm)
- Saddle – WTB Silverado Team
- 7 yrs. Frame Warranty
Ibis says; Its combination of modern geometry, stiff lightweight carbon chassis, and 120mm of ultra-efficient dw-link travel, means it’s equally happy popping off bonus lines as it is crushing all day epics.
10. Felt Decree FRD $9,499
Felt Bicycles was founded in 1991, by a group of folks with a drive to always do things the right way, never just the easy way. And it can be seen and felt (pun intended) in their cycles.
Felt is also known for producing road, gravel, and just about every other bike category you can think of.
The Felt Decree FRD (Felt Racing Development) falls right in the sweet spot of the “trail category” of bikes but lands far away from the sweet spot on price. But this bike isn’t made for the sweet spot.
This bike is meant to give you the absolute best user experience possible, otherwise, Felt wouldn’t put their name on it.
- Frame – Trail, 140mm travel, FAST suspension, UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme carbon fiber, full carbon dropouts, internal cable/brake hose/dropper post routing
- Shock – RockShox Super Deluxe RCT, Debonair, custom tune, 205 x 62.5 Trunnion
- Fork – RockShox Pike RCT3 Debonair, Charger 2, 150mm travel, 15 x 110mm Boost thru axle
- Headset – FSA sealed cartridge bearings, semi-integrated upper, external cup lower, DX Pro, 1.125 – 1.5″
- Stem – Race Face Turbine-R, ±6° rise, 35mm, SM/MD: 40mm, LG/XL: 50mm
- Handlebar – Race Face Next R carbon, 35mm, 20mm rise, 8° sweep, 800mm wide
- Grips – Silicone Foam
- Shifters – SRAM XX1 Eagle, 1×12
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-speed
- Crankset – SRAM XX1 Eagle, 34T, SM: 170mm, MD/LG/XL: 175mm
- Chainguide – E-thirteen TRS Race SL guide
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM GXP, BSA threaded, 73mm
- Chain – SRAM XX1, 12-speed
- Cassette – SRAM XG1295, 12-speed, 10-50T
- Brakes – SRAM Guide Ultimate with carbon lever
- Rotors – SRAM Centerline 180mm front / 160mm rear
- Saddle – WTB SL8 Carbon, carbon rails
- Seatpost – RockShox Reverb Stealth with 1X remote 30.9mm, SM: 100mm travel, MD/LG: 125mm travel, XL: 150mm travel
- Seatpost Clamp – Felt single clamp with titanium bolt 34.9mm
- Wheelset – Race Face Next-R wheelset, tubeless ready
- Hubs – Race Face Vault 15×110 front / 12×148 Boost rear, thru-axle, 6-bolt
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF, 3C/EXO/TR, tubeless ready, 27.5 x 2.5″
- Warranty – Lifetime Frame Warranty
Felt says; As with all FRD-level models, the Decree FRD (Felt Racing Development) is the pinnacle of trail bikes. Felt engineers developed the ideal carbon layup for trail riding that features UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme carbon fiber, delivering a light, stiff, and incredibly durable frame. Felt’s FAST suspension technology provides incredibly efficient suspension, made even better by the RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air fork. A lightweight and incredibly smooth-shifting SRAM XX1 drivetrain pairs impeccably with Race Face Next-R wheels.
SB150
9. Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 $9,520
Specialized’s, S-Works line, was created to meet the demand of professional racers. With a mission to supply racers with the absolute best products that they are capable of making, this big box manufacturer, builds some outstanding bikes.
The infamous Stumpjumper has been a mainstay in mountinbiking since before the first production suspension forks were on the scene. Specialized’s hopped-up version, the S-Works, will continue on that legacy well.
This bikes boasts 140mm of travel out back, 150mm on front and aims to replace every bike in your current stable. This bike has it all, does it all, and does it well.
- Frame – FACT 11m carbon chassis and rear-end, asymmetrical design, 29 Trail Geometry, SWAT™ Door integration, threaded BB, fully enclosed internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, 140mm of travel
- Fork – Fox FLOAT 36 Factory, FIT4 damper, 3-position adjustment, Kashima Coating, 15x110mm, 51mm offset, 150mm of travel
- Rear Shock – Fox FLOAT DPX2 Factory, Rx Trail Tune, EVOL Air sleeve, Kashima coat, 3-position adjustment w/ Open Mode adjustment, 210x50mm
- Front Hub – Roval Traverse SL, sealed cartridge bearings, 15mm thru-axle, 110mm spacing, 24h
- Rear Hub – Roval Traverse SL, DT Swiss Star Ratchet, 54t engagement, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 28h
- Rims – Roval Traverse SL 29, hookless carbon, 30mm inner width, tubeless ready, hand-built, 24/28h
- Tires- 29×2.6″ Butcher, GRID casing, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready front / 29×2.6″ Purgatory, GRID casing, GRIPTON compound, 2Bliss
- Brakes – SRAM Guide RSC
- Rotors – SRAM Centerline 200mm front / 180mm rear
- Handlebars – Specialized Trail, FACT Carbon, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree back sweep, 27mm rise, 780mm, 31.8mm
- Stem – Syntace Megaforce 2, 6-degree, 31.8mm clamp
- Seatpost – Command Post IRcc, 16-position micro-height adjustable, 34.9mm, S: 130mm, M/L/XL: 160mm of travel
- Grips – Specialized Sip grip, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, L/XL: XL thickness
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM GXP
- Chain – SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-speed
- Crankset – SRAM XX1 Eagle, Boost 148, 170mm crankarm, 24mm spindle
- Shift Levers – SRAM XX1 Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
- Cassette – SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
- Chainrings – Steel, 30T
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-speed
- Saddle – Body Geometry Phenom Expert, hollow titanium rails, carbon fiber base, 143mm
- Warranty – Lifetime Frame and Wheel warranty
Specialized says; We’ve heard it all before: ‘This bike’s for going fast, that one’s for havin fun.’ ‘This one pedals well, that one shreds.’ Why not make one bike that does everything well? Well, we did, and it’s called the S-Works Stumpjumper. Unrivaled handling and stiffness, sublime suspension kinematics, and a complete abandon of proprietary nonsense—it rides like a dream. And with 29-inch wheels, you’re free to climb and descend at the hyper speed that 29ers are known for.
8. Ibis Mojo HD4 / Ripmo w/Fox Float X2 option $9,569
Being from the group of pioneers that created mountain biking, Ibis Cycles is one of the only founding fathers that have not sold to big box bike companies such as Trek, Specialized or Giant.
Mojo HD4
The Mojo HD4 is Ibis’s point and shoot 27.5″ Enduro World Series title winning beast. With 153mm of rear suspension travel and up to 170 mm up front, this bike no doubt has some mojo of its own.
If you insist on only the best components, this build kit is just for you.
- Fork – Fox Float 36, Factory Series, Fit Grip 2, Kashima, 160mm, 27.5”, 15QR BOOST
- Shock – Fox Float Performance Series DPX2 7.875 x 2.25
- Wheels – 742 Carbon, i9 Hubs
- Tires -Maxxis 27.5 x 2.6 Minion DHF WT
- Brakes -Shimano XTR M9120 4 piston
- Brake Rotors – Shimano RT-MT900 180mm front and rear
- Crankset – Race Face Next R 175 or 170mm, 32t Alloy Ring
- Bottom Bracket – Race Face BSA
- Rear Derailleur – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Cassette – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd 10-51T
- Chain – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 ZS44/ZS56
- Grips – Lizard Skins Charger Evo
- Handlebars – Enve M6 Bar 780mm
- Stem – Enve Mtn Stem 31.8mm (40, 55, 70mm)
- Seatpost – Bike Yoke Revive Dropper (125, 160 or 185mm)
- Saddle – WTB Silverado Team
- 7 yrs. Frame Warranty
Ibis says; The HD4’s reputation was defined by winning the overall team title in the Enduro World Series. Built for speed, it excels on steep terrain. While slaying the rowdiest descents may be expected of a world-class enduro bike, sprinting back to the top is not. Thanks to the dw-link suspension design, cries of “That thing flies uphill” are common among the slack-jawed first-time riders.
Ripmo
Ibis’s touts the Ripmo as a big wheeled, big travel speed demon. Sporting 29″ wheels, 145mm of rear travel and gobs of trail slaying potential, the Ripmo is one of the most talked about trail / all mountain bikes on the market today.
If you like big speed and a big price tag, this bike is sure to fit the bill.
- Fork – Fox Float 36 Grip 2 Factory Series 160mm, 29”, 110×15
- Shock – Fox Float Performance Series, DPX2 with EVOL, 210 x 55
- Wheels – 942 Carbon, i9 hubs
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF WT Front / Aggressor WT 29” x 2.5” Rear
- Brakes – Shimano XTR M9120 4 piston
- Brake Rotors – Shimano RT-MT900 180mm front and rear
- Crankset – Race Face Next R 175 or 170mm, 32t Alloy Ring
- Bottom Bracket – Race Face BSA
- Rear Derailleur – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Shift Levers – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Cassette – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd 10-51T
- Chain – Shimano XTR M9100 12 Spd
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 ZS44/ZS56
- Grips – Lizard Skins Charger Evo
- Handlebars – Enve M6 Bar 780mm
- Stem – Enve Mtn Stem 31.8mm (40, 55, 70mm)
- Seatpost – Bike Yoke Revive Dropper (125, 160 or 185mm)
- Saddle – WTB Silverado Team
- 7 yrs. Frame Warranty
Ibis says; The love child of a Ripley and the Mojo HD4, the all-new Ripmo is a big wheeled slasher that’s always down for another lap, whether that means a big climb or a tailgate pad. Think of it as a mashup of the Ripley’s balance and speed, coupled with the Mojo HD4’s capabilities when things get hairy.
6. Revel Rail / Rascal XX1 AXS ENVE $9,999
Revel Bikes is a newcomer to MTB scene. This privately owned, Colorado based company is made up of an All-Star cast of mountain bike nerds with a goal set on building the best full-suspension bikes-ever!
Their bikes are nothing short of visually stunning, and with a rear suspension link co-developed by Canfield, they promise to ride just as good as they look.
Revel currently offers two different models to choose from, and they both just so happen to come in at the same price point, a WHOPPING $9,999! These bikes are no doubt, top of the line, both sporting SRAM’s new electronically actuated AXS 12-speed drivetrain and Reverb Stealth AXS 170mm dropper post.
From there the similarities wane, no so much by component manufacturer, but more in the line of compentn
Either bike sports the holy grail of carbon mountain bike wheels, ENVE carbon M-series. (hub type is not listed at this time)
Rail 27.5″
The Rail 27.5″ is Revels hard-charging enduro / all-mountain slayer, sporting 165mm of rear suspension travel, 170mm up front and promises to ‘maximize thrills and climb hills’, without the compromises of other suspension systems.
A spec kit of nothing but top-shelf components lands this bike as one of the most expensive mountain bikes in the trail category.
- Frame – Revel Rail 27.5″ 165mm travel
- Fork Options – Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 170mm
- Shock – Rockshox Super Deluxe RCT
- Headset – CaneCreek 40-series IS42/IS52
- Wheels – ENVE M735 Carbon Wheelset
- Tubes – Orange Seal Tubeless
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ EXO Front, Maxxis Minion DHR 2.4″ EXO+ Rear
- Bar – ENVE M7 Carbon 35mm x 800mm
- Stem – ENVE M7 Carbon 35 x 40
- Post – Rockshox Reverb Stealth AXS 1x 31.6 150mm or 170mm
- Saddle – Ergon SMA3 Standard Black
- Shifter – Sram AXS Eagle Controller
- Brakes – Sram Code RSC
- Rotors – Avid Centerline 180mm front and rear
- Rear Derailleur – Sram XX1 AXS Eagle
- Chain – Sram XX1 Eagle
- Cassette – Sram XX1 Eagle
- Crankset – Sram XX1 Carbon DUB 170mm or 175mm 34t
- Bottom Bracket – Sram Threaded DUB 73mm BSA Standard
- Grips – Ergon GE1 Black
- Lifetime Frame Warranty
Revel says; The Revel team created the Rail with two things in mind: maximum thrills and climbing hills. A tuned carbon layup makes railing through berms pure joy. The Rail will put an end to the traditional trail bike compromises to ascent efficiency to which you’ve grown accustomed. The Canfield Balance Formula is the heart of every Revel bike, which maximizes the amount you pedal in the sweet spot and keeps the suspension wildly active while descending and braking.
Rascal 29″
Intended to handle the lighter, less gnarly end of the trail spectrum, Revels mid-travel 29’er sports 130mm of suspension in the rear and 140mm up front.
A more mild, less robust but still highly shredable build kit was chosen for the Rascal. Make no mistake though, this is a spec sheet that will leave you with little to no room for upgrade.
- Frame – Revel Rascal 130mm Travel 29″
- Fork Options – RockShox Pike Ultimate RCT3 140mm
- Shock Options – Rockshox Super Deluxe RCT
- Headset – CaneCreek 40-series IS42/IS52
- Wheels – ENVE M630 29″ Carbon Wheelset
- Tubes – Orange Seal Tubeless
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF 29″ x 2.5″ EXO Front, Maxxis DHR 29″ x 2.4″ EXO+ Rear
- Bar – ENVE M6 Carbon 31.8 x 780mm
- Stem – ENVE M6 Carbon 31.8mm x 35mm
- Post – Rockshox Reverb Stealth AXS 1x 31.6 x 150mm or 170mm
- Saddle – Ergon SMA3 Standard Black
- Shifter – Sram AXS Controller
- Brakes – Sram Guide Ultimate
- Rotors – Avid Centerline 180mm
- Rear Derailleur – Sram XX1 AXS Eagle
- Chain – Sram XX1 Eagle
- Cassette – Sram XX1 Eagle
- Crankset – Sram XX1 Eagle Carbon DUB 170mm or 175mm 34t
- Bottom Bracket – Sram DUB Threaded
- Grips – Ergon GE1 Black
- Lifetime Frame Warranty
Revel Says; The Rascal lives up to its name- it is a sleek looking machine that is mischievously fast, nimble, and adept. Think capability and playfulness in both ascend and full send mode. Our vision for the Rascal was to deliver a confidence-inspiring and ultra-versatile mountain bike in all applications. The Canfield Balance Formula is the heart of every Revel bike, which maximizes the amount you pedal in the sweet spot. The Rascal is a fast and capable mountain bike in a sleek package that you can ride every day, regardless of the terrain.
4. Yeti SB 6 / 150 XX1 Turq $10,399
Yeti is known as a purpose-built company, and that purpose is racing. It’s even on their top-tube RACE BRED – HAND BUILT. And their numerous podium wins prove it.
Featuring their venerable ‘Switch Infinity’ suspension system, Yeti offers a long-travel option in both 27.5″ and 29″. Whichever model you choose, get ready to sacrifice maybe to arms and a leg.
These two Yeti’s are brought to an even different level of awesomeness, with their high end TURQ carbon layup, that promises all the strength and rigidity and shaves about 1/2 pound.
SB6
This the the Yeti SB6. A pure bred race machine, just exactly what Yeti is know for producing.
- Frame – TURQ Series carbon fiber frame, Switch Infinity suspension technology, press-fit BB92, fully enclosed internal cable routing, 148mm x 12mm BOOST dropouts, sealed Enduro Max pivot bearings, integrated derailleur hanger, and axle
- Travel – 152MM (6.0”)
- Fork – Fox Factory 36 170mm Grip 2
- Shock – Fox Factory X2
- Wheelset – DT SWISS XM1200 30mm ($900, optional)
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM X01 Eagle
- Shifter – SRAM X01 12 spd Eagle
- Crank – SRAM X01 Carbon Eagle 30T
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM DUB BB92
- Cassette – SRAM XX1 1299 Eagle 10-50
- Chain – SRAM XX1 Eagle
- Brakes – SRAM Code RSC
- Rotors – SRAM Centerline 200m front / 180 mm rear
- Seatpost – Fox Transfer Factory 30.9 mm XS-S: 100mm, MD: 125mm, L-XL: 150mm
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ / Maxxis Aggressor 2.3″
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 Inset
- Handlebars – Yeti Carbon 35x800mm
- Stem – RaceFace Turbine 25x50mm
- Grips – Ergon GE1
- Seat – Ergon Custom SME3
- Warrant – Lifetime Frame Warranty
Yeti says; Piloted by the best riders in the world, the SB6 is built for pounding out enduro race days and taking on big terrain. It has 6 inches of travel and geometry that is a home on the transfers but optimized for smashing downhills.
SB150
The Yeti SB150 has created a class almost of its own, as took what was great about its predecessor, the SB 5.5, and amplified it. They must have done something right because Ritchie Rude is taking podiums left and right on this thing.
- Frame – TURQ Series carbon fiber frame, Switch Infinity suspension technology, press-fit BB92, fully enclosed internal cable routing, 148mm x 12mm BOOST dropouts, sealed Enduro Max pivot bearings, integrated derailleur hanger, and axle
- Fork – Fox FLOAT Factory 36 170mm GRIP 2
- Shock – Fox Factory X2, 230mm x 60mm
- Wheelset – DT Swiss XMC 1200 30mm ($900 option)
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM XX1 Eagle 12spd
- Shifter – SRAM XX1 Eagle
- Crank – SRAM X01 Carbon Eagle 30t
- Cassette – SRAM XX1 1299 Eagle 10-50
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM DUB BB92
- Chain – SRAM XX1 Eagle
- Brakes – SRAM Code RSC
- Rotors – SRAM Centerline 200mm front / 180 mm rear
- Seatpost – Fox Transfer Factory 31.6mm / SM: 125mm, MD-XL: 150mm
- Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 front / Maxxis Aggressor 2.3 rear
- Headset – Cane Creek 40 integrated
- Handlebars – Yeti Carbon 35X800mm
- Stem – Race Face Turbine R 35x40mm
- Grips – Ergon GE1
- Saddle – Ergon Custom SME3
- Warrant – Lifetime Frame
Yeti says; When you throw a leg over the all-new SB150, you’ll find it rides strikingly similar to nothing. It is difficult to put into a category. Some say it’s too slack, too low, too long, too different, but riders who push this bike quickly become accustomed to heir newfound capability.
2. Evil The Offering / Wreckoning LB w/PUSH, ENVE options $10,893
The Offering
The Calling came into existence to bridge the gap between EVIL’s outstandingly popular The Following and the monster truck that handles like a racecar, The Wreckoning.
This Calling comes equipped with a build kit that’s as equally impressive as it’s trail manners.
- Frame – Offering 140mm Travel UD Carbon, Internal Dropper Routing, Integrated Upper Guide, BOOST
- Shock – Rockshox Super Deluxe RCT Debonair, 185×55, DB
- Headset – FSA Integrated Tapered No.57/68
- Headset Spacers – Poly Spacers 5mm black
- Fork – Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate, Charger 2 RC2, Debonair 150mm Travel, 51mm Offset
- Handlebar – Raceface NEXT R Carbon 35, Rise: 35mm Width: 780mm
- Stem – Raceface Turbine R 35, Length: 40mm
- Grips – Evil Lock-on
- Brakes – SRAM G2 RSC
- Rotors – SRAM Center Line, 180mm
- Shifter – SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
- Cassette – SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-50t
- Chain – SRAM X01 Eagle w/Powerlock
- Crankset – SRAM Eagle XO Carbon, DUB, 32t ring
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM DUB 73mm BSA
- Wheelset – RaceFace Aeffect-R, Internal Width: 30mm
- Tires – Front Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, 29×2.5 / Rear Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO TR, 29×2.3
- Seatpost Rockshox Reverb Stealth 30.9mm, 125/150/170mm drop
- Saddle – WTB Volt Pro
Evil Says; The Offering is the 140mm travel 29er that has a taste for adventure and everything you need to crush epic all-day trail missions, slash berms, and send every jump line you can find. The steeper seat angle encourages you to attack the climbs while any of our trunnion mounted shock options means no downhill is safe. The Offering is complete with more tire clearance, chain clearance, lower shock mount drain and the return of a black frame option make us very excited to release this into your fine Evil hands.
The Wreckoning LB
On more than one occasion, Evil’s long-travel 29’er, The Wreckoning, has been called a ‘two-wheeled death machine’. This thing is not for the faint of heart, it’s meant to be ridden hard and fast.
Sporting Push Industries venerable, and highly tunable 11.6 rear shock, and ENVE carbon hoops; if the speed alone doesn’t kill you, they meteor sized crater left in your bank account will.
- Frame – Wreckoning 161mm Travel UD Carbon, Internal Dropper Routing, Integrated Upper Guide, BOOST
- Shock – Push 11.6 Shock
- Headset – FSA Integrated Tapered No.57/68
- Headset Spacers – Poly Spacers 5mm black
- Fork – Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 2 RC2 29, Debonair, 160mm Travel, 15×110, 51mm Offset
- Handlebar – Raceface SIXC Carbon 35, Rise: 35mm Width: 820mm
- Stem – Raceface Turbine R 35, Length: 40mm
- Grips – Evil Lock-on
- Brake – SRAM G2 RSC
- Rotors – SRAM Center Line, 180mm front and rear
- Shifter – SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
- Rear Derailleur – SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
- Cassette – SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-50t
- Chain – SRAM X01 Eagle w/Powerlock
- Crankset – SRAM Eagle XO Carbon, DUB, 32t ring
- Bottom Bracket – SRAM DUB 73mm BSA
- Wheelset – ENVE M730 w/I9 Hydra Hubs
- Tire – Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, 29 x 2.5 / Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO TR, 29 x 2.3
- Seatpost – Rockshox Reverb Stealth 34.9mm, 125/150/170mm drop
- Saddle – WTB Volt Comp
Evil says; The Wreckoning is our original long travel 161mm Delta System rockin’ 29” wheeled shred machine, and since its launch two years ago it has remained one of our most popular bikes. Capable of all-day pedal sufferfests and forest-shaking descents, we have found there isn’t a line the Wreckoning can’t handle. Whether you’re into slashing your home trails, riding jump lines or crushing descents, the Wreckoning LB will leave you wondering how you cleared that gap, survived that rocky jank gnar, and loving the corner destroying, party-time level of control. Lead with a stout Rockshox 160mm Lyrik front fork, the Wreckoning LB is a platform that has been designed for max shreddability and is available with a choice of three rear shocks to reflect your riding style and meet the demands of your local terrain. The Rockshox Monarch Plus anchors the shock line-up with a proven level of dependability and high performance. Fox DPX2 and Push Eleven Six are available upgrades that offer increased plushness and square-edge hit performance. Any way you build it, you’ll be riding a bike that can shred the down like a true DH bike and still pedal up while shredding trails with a sports car feel.
1. Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon w/Fox Live Valve option $11,399
Pivot Cycles is a Tempe, Arizona based company whose bikes have made a big impression in the MTB world. The Switchblade and Firebird 29 are known as some of the best bikes in there class, sporting some of the industries leading technologies.
Chris Cocalis, founder of Pivot Cycles, set out a goal to simply build the best performing cycling products in the world. At Pivot Cycles, it is not enough to be one of the best, but to be THE best in every category they enter.
The Pivot Mach 5.5 is a trail shredding machine. Add Fox’s Live Valve suspension management system, and you’ve set yourself aboard a bike like no other.
Live Valve features an electronic control module that analyzes data, 1000 times per second, from sensors mounted to the wheels and frame. The controller then adjusts both the fork and shock, independently for the best suspension feel based upon the current trail conditions. Similar technologies have been used on passenger cars for years with great results.
- Frame – Mach 5.5 27.5″ Carbon, internal routing
- Fork – Fox 36 FIT4 44mm offset
- Shock – Fox Live Valve
- Wheels – Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro w/ Industry Nine hub, 34mm – 27.5″
- Tires – Maxxis Minion 27.5″ x 2.6″ TR, EXO / Maxxis Rekon 27.5″ x 2.6″ TR, EXO
- Brakes – Sram Guide Ultimate
- Rotors – Sram Centerline CenterLock – 180mm front and rear
- Handlebars – Phoenix Team Low Rise Carbon – 760mm
- Stem – Phoenix Team Enduro/Trail – 45mm (XS, SM), 55mm (MD-XL)
- Headset – Pivot precision sealed bearing
- Grips – Phoenix Team Padloc
- Crankset – Sram XX1 Eagle DUB SL 32t 175mm
- Shifter – SRAM XX1 12-Speed
- Rear derailleur – SRAM XX1 12-Speed
- Cassette – Sram XX1 XG-1299 10-50t
- Chain – Sram XX1 12-Speed
- Seat post – KS LEV 100mm (XS), KS LEV 125mm (S) KS LEV 150mm (M), Fox Transfer 150mm (L,XL)
- Saddle – Phoenix WTB Team Vigo
- Warranty – 10yr. Frame
Pivot says; The Mach 5.5 Carbon builds on the legacy of our renowned Mach 5.7 Carbon as the quintessential trail bike. With 140mm of dw-link™ rear travel, it sticks to and claws up just about anything, with unparalleled pedaling efficiency. On descents, the Mach 5.5 Carbon’s incredible square edge bump performance and 160mm travel Fox 36 fork enable you to conquer terrain that makes other bikes cower. It’s a bike that inspires you to climb while looking forward to the descents and that begs you to push your limits while putting a smile on your face.
Do I Need the Most Expensive Bike?
No. No more than you need a Lamborghini or a Ducati. A top of the line, ‘all the bells and whistles’ mountain bike, won’t make you the best rider. It won’t even guarantee you’ll get to your destination before your friends.
Consequently, I dare anyone to say that they notice a change in the level of fulfillment they receive out of the sport when piloting a bike that costs $5k less, maybe even $7k in some instances.
All those shiny bits and go fast parts sure are fun to dream about though. And I suppose if you’ve got more money than you know what to do with, it’s a great place to spend it.
Let’s keep focusing on those SMART goals, so one day we too can know the feeling of a 10k bike.
In the mean time, we’d love to here your thoughts in the comments below, or check us out on Youtube at MTBprogress (one word)