Full suspension bikes are bikes that have front and rear suspension. These bikes are designed for more aggressive riding than a hardtail, or bikes that only have front suspension. These bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are built for anything from fast cross-country riding, to trail riding, to ultra-fast downhill riding.
What to look for in a full suspension mountain bike
A good place to start is the length of suspension travel. Typically, longer travel will be for more aggressive downhill riding. While shorter suspension travel will be better for things like climbing and riding on flat terrain. Depending on what style of riding you want to do, then you’ll choose your bike.
Is a full suspension bike faster?
Oftentimes, a full-suspension bike is faster than a hardtail. While they tend to be heavier than a hardtail, the rear shock keeps your back tire planted on the ground for enhanced traction, meaning you can climb faster. When it comes to downhill riding, a full-suspension bike outperforms a hardtail with ease.
What are the best full suspension mountain bike brands?
Many brands make exceptional mountain bikes. Some brands will focus on more aggressive mountain biking instead of lighter-weight cross-country racing bikes. Some things you’ll want to look for when it comes to a good brand are the frame material and suspension technology. Some of our favorite brands include Marin, Evil, Norco, Yeti, and Niner.
Which bike brands make the best entry-level full suspension mountain bike?
Many brands like GT, Diamondback, and Marin make excellent entry-level full-suspension mountain bikes. They are budget-friendly without compromising on their components and quality. Some things to look for are the component package, frame material, and suspension.
Which brands make the lightest full suspension mountain bike?
While weight isn’t the end all be all when it comes to a quality ride, many brands make lightweight racing bikes. If you’re looking for a light cross-country or enduro bike, then you might be interested in a Yeti or an Ibis. If you’re looking for a light downhill-style bike, then you might be interested in a Devinci or GT.
,format=auto/globalassets/digizuite/98409-en-bi005091-rose.jpg)
,format=auto/globalassets/homepage/special-offers/2026/2026_03/bike-sale-sob.jpg)
,format=auto/globalassets/homepage/special-offers/2026/2026-02/fork-yeah-sob.jpg)
,format=auto/globalassets/homepage/special-offers/archived/2024-02/jensonusa-exclusives-sob.jpg)
,format=auto/globalassets/homepage/special-offers/archived/2025/2025_01/sob-jbs.png)