10 Best Full Suspension Bikes of 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.