Best Mountain Bikes To Ride 2011

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 most efficient-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 offered efficient 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 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

(bicycling.com)