10 Best Full Suspension Bikes of 2022

10 Best Full Suspension Bikes of 2022

Most new riders choose affordable bikes that handle easily. These models are great for shorter, more leisurely rides. However, there comes a time when every mountain biker feels ready to up the intensity.

If you’re ready to start shredding more technical trails, then it might be time to invest in a full suspension setup. The cushioning from the rear suspension sets you up for a more comfortable ride during long days navigating hard terrain.

To help you find the perfect fit for your needs, we’ve put together a list of best full suspension bikes in 2021.

Short on Time? See our Top Rated Products From 3 Categories

Trek Top Fuel 9.8

  • OCLV Mountain Carbon frame
  • SRAM GX Eagle Drivetrain
  • 120mm Fox Performance 34 Step-Cast fork

Where To Buy

DiamondBack Release 4C

  • Fox 36 Performance Elite Float fork
  • SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
  • KS LEV Integra dropper post

Where To Buy

Trek Session 8

  • Adjustable FOX Performance VAN shock with 210mm of rear travel
  • Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with Mino Link adjustable geometry
  • 200mm RockShox Boxxer Select fork with plus DebonAir spring

Where To Buy

The Best Full Suspension Bikes

1. Trek Top Fuel 9.8 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Key Features:

  • OCLV Mountain Carbon frame
  • SRAM GX Eagle Drivetrain
  • 120mm Fox Performance 34 Step-Cast fork

Key Specifications:

  • Colors: Trek Black to Teal Fade, Matte Carbon/Gloss Trek Black, or Viper Red
  • Frame size: S, M, M/L, L, or XL
  • Weight: 26.02 lbs. (11.80 kg.)

Where To Buy

If you’re looking for a high-performance full suspension MTB, then look no further. The Trek Top Fuel 9.8 is a versatile mountain bike that will take you from the single track to techy, endurance rides, and back again. With a lightweight carbon frame, it allows you to go fast through challenging trails.

Thanks to TwistLoc technology, you can lock both the front and rear shock for climbs or sprints. Then you can release them when you’re ready to return to comfortable riding. Trek pulls out all the stops to ensure that when the mountain biking gets rowdy, you’re able to perform. The Straight Shot down tube provides support and stability on rough terrain.

Additionally, the Knock Block Frame Defense System ensures that you can test your limits without risking the bike. A unique combination of rubber stoppers and limiters work together to prevent handlebar spinning and damage to your frame, cables, and fork crowns. Even if you crash, your bike is less likely to need costly repairs.

2. Trek Fuel EX 5 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Key Features:

  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
  • Shimano 1×10 drivetrain
  • 140mm fork with 130 mm of rear travel

Key Specifications:

  • Colors: Slate/Trek Black or Trek Black/Purple Lotus
  • Frame size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, or XL
  • Weight: 33.14 lbs. (15.03 kg.)

Where To Buy

If you’re new to the world of mountain bikes with full suspension or are looking to shred on a budget, then the Trek Fuel EX 5 is among the best mountain bikes costing less than $3000. With exceptional performance and versatility, this lower-cost MTB setup won’t leave you wishing for more.

The aluminum frame has space for internal cable routing. This design means that if the trail gets narrow or you eat it on a downhill, you’re less likely to damage any of your components. The ability to ride without worrying about catching parts on limbs or rocks makes your outings that much more enjoyable.

When it comes to the design of the frame, the tube angle depends on the size of your bike. XS and S bikes have a curved top tube to accommodate the shorter standover height of smaller riders while the larger frames have a straight bar.

Bonus features of the Fuel EX 5 include a dropper post and an active braking pivot. The dropper post allows you to get low and aerodynamic when mobbing downhill. Then you can raise your seat to a more comfortable level for climbing or navigating technical single tracks. The active braking pivot ensures that you’ll still have comfort and control, no matter what you’re doing.

3. DiamondBack Release 4C Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Key Features:

  • Fox 34 Performance Elite Float fork
  • SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
  • KS LEV dropper post

Key Specifications:

  • Colors: Raw Carbon Matte
  • Frame size: SM, MD, LG, or XL
  • Weight: 32 lbs. (14.52 kg.)

Where To Buy

In the biking world, riders typically must choose between light and fast or heavy and durable when it comes to their rigs. Not anymore! The DiamondBack Release 4C has the comfort and stability of an aluminum frame, but the speed and performance of a competition-ready lightweight setup.

These bikes are ready for anything. The 12-speed drivetrain allows for precision in both navigating rock gardens and climbing steep hills. Similarly, the dropper post ensures that you’ll be in the most-optimized position based on the terrain ahead.

The high-quality components attached to the carbon frame are also notable. The combination of a Fox 34 Performance Elite Float fork, a Fox Performance Float DPS rear shock, and an SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain ensure that you will be in control of every motion your bike makes. The comfort-inspiring Integra dropper post plus the Race Face cockpit helps you to comfortably navigate any drop, hill, or trail that you encounter.

4. Cannondale Habit 4

Key Features:

  • Aluminum alloy and ballistic carbon fiber frame
  • Ai offset drivetrain
  • 110mmork with 148mm rear travel

Key Specifications:

  • Colors: Midnight blue/ Deep teal
  • Frame size: S, M, L,
  • Weight: 33.5 lbs. (15.2 kg.)

Where To Buy

The Cannondale Habit 4 is a combination of speed, modern geometry, an abundance of convenient features and style. When all of these things come together, you get a bike that knows no bounds. Should we start with its 130mm of full suspension travel or should we move onto its 29” wheels that can easily take on any terrain? Either way, the Habit 4 is a capable and well-rounded ride.

Boasting a long aluminum alloy frame, the bike still remains confident even on the toughest terrain. It comes with a smooth rear suspension that will offer the gentle progression that will come in handy during your rides. Want to take on a steep hill? No problem- the Cannondale Habit 4 is the climbing companion that will take you to the top.

Fast and efficient, the Habit 4 is a dream come true on cross country and dirt trails. It will enable you cruise along exactly how you want to, thanks to its magnificent design.

5. Trek Supercaliber 9.7

Key Features:

  • IsoStrut FOX Performance shock
  • SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain
  • 100mm RockShox Reba RL fork

Key Specifications:

  • Colors: Trek Black/Trek White or Miami Green to Volt Fade
  • Frame size: S, M, M/L, L, or XL
  • Weight: 24.63 lbs. (11.17 kg.)

Where To Buy

Seasoned riders are intimately familiar with the hassle of choosing between a hardtail or an FS for a particular XC course—but now you don’t have to. The Trek Supercaliber 9.7 uses integrated technology to bring the best of both worlds.

Its weight is key to its impeccable race capabilities. Mountain-specific carbon is light and can handle the severe conditions cross-country racing brings. Keep in mind the total load capacity of the bike—including rider, components, and gear—is 300 pounds. This ultra-lightweight bike can’t handle any heavier.

IsoStrut technology adds to the low overall weight of the bike. Instead of heavy, traditional shocks, the suspension is integrated into the mainframe. You have the same travel and tunability of a standard rear shock, but with a fraction of the weight that you’ll find in other full-suspension bikes.

If you don’t plan to race or prefer to keep a more moderate pace when riding downhill, then this probably isn’t the rig for you. However, if you’ve got your eyes on the prize—including World Cup races—then this speedy, capable setup has everything you’ve been dreaming of in an off-road race bike. It’s easily among the best 29-inch full suspension mountain bikes for sale.

6. Trek Session 8

Key Features:

  • Adjustable FOX Performance VAN shock with 210mm of rear travel
  • Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with Mino Link adjustable geometry
  • 200mm RockShox Boxxer Select fork with plus DebonAir spring

Key Specifications:

  • Color: Rage Red
  • Frame size: S, M, L, or XL
  • Weight: 35.87 lbs. (16.27 kg.)

Where To Buy

If downhill speeds or bike parks are your jam, then you’ll quickly fall in love with the Trek Session 8. When designing this model, Trek chose an aluminum frame and unique geometry. For a burly bike that will handle anything you put it through, look no further.

It’s common for MTB manufacturers to leave bike park riders out as an afterthought. New bikes come optimized for trails or backcountry adventures—but there’s a reason there are so many Trek bikes on our list. They understand the needs of all riders and bring them to life.

The Session 8 comes ready for high speed, steep drops, and everything in between. Its beefy frame provides confidence and control for you to push your limits. Plus, with a 7-speed drivetrain, this setup frees you to focus on the ride at hand.

MinoLink technology in the frame allows you to adjust the overall bike geometry mid-ride. This tweaking ensures you’ll be in the optimum position to shred no matter what the trail brings.

Unlike other mens full suspension mountain bikes that change wheel diameters across the bike sizes, every Session 8 uses 27.5-inch tires. Many of the other top full suspension mountain bikes have either a choice between 27.5 or 29-inch wheels or decide that taller riders need the bigger size. Smaller wheels enable riders of all heights to perform quick changes while they burst through technical sections.

7. Marin Hawk Hill 1

Key Features:

  • X-Fusion O2 Pro R shocks
  • Multitrac suspension design technology
  • Internal cable routing

Key Specifications:

  • Color: Gloss Grey/Purple/Black or Gloss Grey/Cyan/Black
  • Frame size: XS, S, M, L, or XL
  • Weight: 31.10 lbs. (14.11 kg.)

Where To Buy

If you’re looking for a mountain bike to take on casual, fun trails, then the Marin Hawk Hill 1 is an excellent choice for you. It boasts a significantly lower price point compared to the other bikes in our review. However, it still has most of the features you’re likely hoping to have on your next setup.

The wheels use Marin Tubeless Ready technology. These unique tires provide traction, whether you’re slipping through mud or over rocks. As a bonus, these wheels have fewer flats to fix, allowing you more time to ride and less effort doing trail-side repairs.

With an aluminum frame, the bike is exceptionally sturdy. Internal cables keep components tucked away from potential damage. A short chain helps to prevent other accidents. Plus, it adds a bouncy and fun feel to all rides.

8. Marin Wolf Ridge

Key Features:

  • Naild R3ACT 2PLAY Suspension Technology
  • SRAM 12-speed XX1 Eagle drivetrain
  • 4piston SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes

Key Specifications:

  • Color: Carbon Orange
  • Frame size: S, M, L, or XL
  • Weight: 31.9 lbs. (14.47 kg.)

Where To Buy

At first glance, the Marin Wolf Ridge Pro looks unusual, to say the least. The innovative frame connects to the rear wheel with a large swing arm and nothing else. It appears as if the seat tube is floating above the rest of the bike.

This sliding bar makes up one part of the 2PLAY Naild R3ACT suspension system. It provides an impressive cushion over small rocks and roots. The unique setup provides an awesome climbing platform.

There is no climb switch on the rear shock because the platform renders it unnecessary. Plus, the 12-speed drivetrain ensures you’ll have lots of power in the lower gears to make it up any mountain.

The benefits don’t stop when it’s time to switch to downhill riding. Four-piston brakes give you control when you’re racing through chutes and other obstacles. You’ll never again have to choose between speed and control.

Ground-tracing suspension keeps pedaling extremely efficient. No matter the terrain you frequent or your preferred riding style, you’ll enjoy the trail time on the Wolf Ridge Pro.

9. BXT Carbon 29er

Key Features:

  • RockShox JUDY TK Silver fork
  • Toray T800 Full carbon fiber frame
  • 4SRAM 12-speed GX Eagle groupset

Key Specifications:

  • Color: Chameleon Green
  • Frame size: S, M, L, or XL
  • Weight: 26.5 lbs. (12.02 kg.)

Where To Buy

For a fast race bike that’s budget-friendly and easy to control, consider the BXT Carbon 29er. It’s Toray T800 full carbon fiber frame offers sturdy performance and an overall lightweight setup.

High-quality 29-inch wheels help you to roll smoothly over rocks, roots, and other hazards. The ability to gain momentum through obstacles, combined with the low rig weight, keeps you comfortable even as you push your limits and speed. You’ll feel as if you can fly up the hills, while still mobbing the downhill section with confidence.

The 100mm of travel in the RockShox JUDY TK Silver fork provides both cushion and a strong rebound. The shocks are fully adjustable in both directions to ensure the right spring for your weight and terrain.

The SRAM 12-speed GX Eagle groupset works with the 10-50t cassette to provide a myriad of options at both ends of your range. A one-by setup ensures that your chain remains in place and won’t slip at inopportune moments of your ride.

10. Rei Cannondale Trigger 3

Key Features:

  • RockShox JUDY TK Silver fork
  • Toray T800 Full carbon fiber frame
  • 4SRAM 12-speed GX Eagle groupset

Key Specifications:

  • Color: Acid Red
  • Frame size: S, M, L, and XL
  • Weight: 31.32 lbs. (14.21 kg.)

Where To Buy

For a bike that’s comfortable and versatile across average trails, consider the Rei Cannondale Trigger 3 . It’s not the best performer through extremely techy obstacles, but that style of riding isn’t for everyone. Sometimes you want a bike that simply goes forward along the trail and handles them all equally well.

The substantial frame keeps the momentum rolling onward. A high center of gravity can make you feel unstable when you’re starting to move, but it feels solid once you’re going. Because of its heft, you don’t have to worry as much about damage during drops or crashes as you do with more lightweight carbon frame setups.

A Gemini dual-mode air spring system allows you to choose between two modes of riding. Hustle mode has 115mm of travel to keep your pedaling efficient on climbs and rolling hills. Flow mode boasts 145mm of travel when it’s time to go crazy downhill or through obstacles.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Full Suspension Mountain Bike

a man riding his full mountain bike on rural road

The best full suspension mountain bikes are the ones that are perfect for you. To find confidence and certainty in your choice, think about the terrain you will ride most frequently. Are your trails flat and techy? Are your downhills steep, long, and often muddy?

There’s a big difference in the bike you’d want to ride at local MTB-specific parks after work and the bike you’d need to top out peaks in the Rocky Mountains.

Add on different bike features for your height, weight, strength, and speed, and no wonder it’s all overwhelming. We recommend that you keep your unique needs in mind while using this list to narrow down your options.

Your riding speed

The powerful shock-absorption capabilities of full suspension MTBs make your ride extremely comfortable. As a result, you may find yourself going much faster through technical parts of the trail.

If you’re not ready to zip through complex sections, hardtail MTB’s might be a better choice for you.

The head angle and type of suspension

Outside of the general bike setup, full-suspension bikes can embody other features unique to specific terrains or riding styles. Some mountain bike configurations are ideal for short, fast rides. Others are better for backcountry bikepacking trips. Specifically, you’ll want to look at the head tube angle and type of suspension.

The head tube affects your body position while you ride. Sitting up makes for a more ergonomic ride, but a less aerodynamic body position. The further forward you tip your torso, the more likely your back is to hurt. However, you’ll experience significantly less drag.

Similarly, the type of suspension platform also dramatically affects the ride. Traditional suspension setups lose their shock-absorption power when you’re putting extra force on the pedals, typically by going downhill or standing up. A virtual pivot point or VPP suspension keeps full travel of your shocks no matter what.

Tire size

People outside of the sport assume that smaller people require smaller tires and that taller people need bigger tires. That’s not true. Almost anyone can ride any wheel size.

The tires on 29” full suspension mountain bikes roll easily across rocks or obstacles and gain momentum quickly. However, they are heavier and more challenging to navigate sharp turns or tight obstacle setups.

On the other hand, 27.5” full suspension mountain bikes are smaller and lighter. Shorter rides tend to feel more comfortable on these, regardless of the terrain. Smaller wheels are ideal for technical sections that involve tight, controlled riding.

Materials

Weight is everything when it comes to cycling. You need a bike that feels sturdy enough to take on anything yet won’t slow you down while you ride.

The frames of most good full suspension mountain bikes are aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lighter but doesn’t always hold up to rough terrain over the long run. Aluminum frames are slightly heavier and common on budget mountain bikes but much more durable.

Your budget

Full suspension bikes are a more significant investment than hardtail models. There are more moving parts and, therefore, an increased number of things to upgrade or repair. It’s essential to consider all costs to bike ownership before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Can You Go Downhill Biking With a Full Suspension Bike?

Yes! In recent years, more and more riders have made the switch to an FS MTB for downhill biking. In the past, suspension bikes were notoriously cumbersome and inefficient. But now, advanced technology and improved suspension designs combined to create a powerful downhill experience.

Historically, as you weighted your pedals the suspension platform would push down as well. This phenomenon meant that the shock-absorption capabilities would decrease the harder you pressed. Going downhill, you naturally pedal harder with gravity on your side.

Virtual pivot point (VPP) suspension solved that problem. This mechanism counterbalances the force you place on the pedals and, consequently, the shocks. As a result, you can cruise downhill hard without sacrificing your comfort or power.

Rear travel is the term describing how far your shocks move. The larger this number, the more likely you are to retain some cushion even as you crank hard downhill.

What Size Should I Choose?

a full mountain bike stand up on the rocky ground

In general, the size of the bike depends on your height and weight. You want a frame that allows for a proper pedal stroke. It’s also vital that the body of the full-suspension mountain bike doesn’t flex every time you push hard.

When it comes to wheels, as mentioned, height is less of a deciding factor. Instead, the tire size depends on the style of riding and terrain over which you’ll travel.

Choose 29-inch wheels if you’ll be doing longer rides over straight obstacles. Think long, slightly technical single tracks or rolling hills. With the increased surface area, you create more momentum and run smoothly over rocks or roots. However, these tires do not handle sharp corners well and can be uncomfortable for shorter riders.

27.5-inch wheels are best for switchbacks and tight obstacles. You have more control over what’s happening and can navigate even the sharpest of turns with ease.

How Much Do Full Suspension MTB’s Usually Weigh?

In road cycling, lighter is better. You want to have the most aerodynamic and weight-conscious setup possible. That decision is a bit trickier when it comes to choosing the best full suspension mountain bikes.

When you’re racing through drops and navigating challenging corners, you need a bike that is sturdy and stable. Lightweight bikes sometimes sacrifice precision while dropping weight.

Of course, weight still matters. The less mass you have to haul along on the trail the faster you will go. The secret is finding the balance that works best for you and the rides you take.

Most full suspension bikes weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. There are some hybrid lightweight bikes that drop closer to 20 pounds, while comfort-focused bikes might weigh over 40 pounds.