Mountain bikes are an enormous category and cover a vast spectrum. On one extreme are long-travel, heavy-duty bikes designed for racing downhill against the clock; on the other are lightweight bikes with shorter-travel suspension (or none at all) that can sometimes even resemble gravel bikes with flat bars. In the middle of these two types are all kinds of bikes, from enduro to trail and all-mountain bikes to rugged hardtails.
But the truth is that mountain bikes have never been better than they are right now. Trail and enduro bikes are lighter and use suspension that feels great going downhill while pedaling reasonably well on the way up.
A hot trend in mountain bikes is cross country bikes with added travel (around 120mm of front and rear) and reduced weight (by incorporating flex-pivot suspension designs). Another trend, like almost every other cycling category, is mountain bikes shifting to wider tires. Some professional XC racers now race with tires as wide as 2.5 inches, a width formerly seen only for gravity racing and rugged trail bikes. Bike brands are increasing tire clearances on frames and using rims with wider internal diameters to accommodate the larger tires,
No two riders will use a mountain bike the same or ride the same trails. Variables like local terrain and budget also make it hard to pick the best mountain bike for your needs. So, we tested these bikes all over North America—from riding desert trails in Arizona to high alpine trails in Colorado to rocky and rooty trails of the Northeast and in the deep loam of British Columbia. We raced the XC bikes and did park laps on the trail bikes. We dove into the minutia of each bike to find why it’s good, what it is best at, and who it’s for.
We divided 2025’s Awards into four main categories: Road, Gravel, Mountain, and E-Bike. Below are eight great mountain bikes our editors think stand out for 2025, plus reviews for each Bike Award winner. —Dan Chabanov, Test Editor
Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Pro
BEST TRAIL BIKE
Mountain bikes are now so refined that shorter travel bikes are more capable than previously imagined. For example, I took this Stumpjumper 15 Pro review bike to Whistler last summer with no changes other than switching to the “slack” head tube position and rode various terrains there. Ordinarily, I’d pick something much larger than a 145mm (rear)travel bike with a 150mm fork for BC riding. But the 15th generation of the venerable Stumpjumper with its GENIE shock seems up to the task. And it was. It handled the terrain beautifully: I found it the most enjoyable bike I’ve ever ridden in BC.
For sure, there are better bikes for a week’s worth of laps in the bike park, but for a bit of the park and sampling the rowdy terrain outside the park, it was superb. That’s impressive for a stock trail bike that weighs 30 pounds. Doubly so because I also found it so good on the consistently less rowdy, but still challenging terrain in and around my home of Durango, Colorado. It’s snappy and traverses terrain efficiently, it climbs impressively well, and the chassis feels perfectly tuned. With cavernous in-frame storage, excellent water bottle clearance, great parts, and enough tuning (geometry and shock) range to let you take on a wide variety of terrain outside your home, it’s hard not to pick the Stumpy 15 as the one bike you can enjoyably ride (almost) everywhere. —Matt Phillips
Specialized Chisel
BEST VALUE FULL SUSPENSION
We’re in the golden age of cross-country bikes, even for relatively affordable aluminum-framed mountain bikes. In fairness to the Chisel, I did not expect it, at 28.5 pounds, to ride the same way a 22.5-pound bicycle does—the lack of those six pounds gives bikes like the Epic 8 lethal efficiency on climbs. But after riding the Chisel, it is clear that Specialized used the right geometry, suspension kinematics, and amount of travel to capture the essence of what makes modern XC bikes so good and so versatile.
Modern mountain bike geometry makes shorter travel bikes much more capable than before. So, if you want to chase an enduro bud down a rowdy downhill, the Chisel will keep up, providing you have the skill (and guts) to do it. In its stock form, you’re more likely to run out of brakes and tires before reaching the limit of the suspension and geometry.
I don’t think the Chisel will tempt many riders with bigger budgets to overlook carbon models in its favor. But riders who opt for the Chisel are not “settling” for aluminum by any stretch of the imagination. Riding the Chisel made me just as giddy and happy as riding mountain bikes that cost five times as much. So while there’s nothing wrong with aspiring to a carbon bike, the aluminum Chisel has no real downside. —Dan Chabanov
State 4130 Trail
BEST BUDGET TRAIL HARDTAIL
State is well-known in road, gravel, and commuter circles for its nice riding and well-equipped bikes at amazing prices. However, State has lacked a proper trail-capable mountain bike—until now. The all-new 4130 Trail is the Phoenix, Arizona-based brand’s entry into the mountain bike world, and it is an impressive first step.
As the model’s name suggests, the base of the 4130 Trail is a neatly constructed cromoly-tubed frame. While State bicycle snobs sometimes complain that the brand’s bikes are generic, this new trail hardtail‘s frame would not be out of place in a trendy mountain bike company’s product line. This bike looks—and more importantly, plays—the part of an all-purpose, trail-ready mountain bike.
Features of the 29-inch wheeled 4130 frame (available in four sizes) include a UDH dropout, tapered 1-⅛” to 1-¼” headtube, 12x148mm hub spacing, and ISCG05 mounts. It has clearance for up to a 29x2.6-inch (or 27.5x27.5”) wide tire, and the bike’s cable routing (save for the dropper post) is externally routed for easy access and service. The head angle sits at 65 degrees and the seat angle at 74.4°.
However, the frame isn’t the only good thing about the 4130 Trail. The bike has a solid foundation for off-road thrashing with its stock 130mm travel RockShox Psylo Silver Solo Air fork and tubeless-ready wheels and tire. A PNW Range dropper post and lever are available for an additional $200; other upgrades include a SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain for $500 or Enve AM30 carbon wheels for $1,000.
Some of the bike’s stock parts (like the entry-level Tektro hydraulic brakes, non-lock-on grips, and MicroShift drivetrain) aren’t flashy. However, the foundation of the bike is solid, plus the 4130 Trail uses common-size parts to ensure easy upgrades when parts wear out. For only $1,499, this is one of the best deals in the mountain bike category. —Tara Seplavy
Cannondale Scalpel 2
BEST XC RACE BIKE
The new Scalpel is perfectly on trend with other modern cross-country race bikes. The Scalpel is probably the right bike for riders not focused on the gravity side of mountain biking. With its 120mm of front and rear travel and modern geometry, the Scalpel handles a variety of terrain.
If you swap out the bike’s stock XC race tires for something with a bit more bite, the Scalpel can easily double as a lightweight trail bike. Cannondale did an excellent job with its unique flex pivot design (it mimics a Horst link suspension layout). This results in a suspension feel that is much more linear throughout its travel while minimizing harsh bottom-outs on bigger hits.
Uphill performance is outstanding on the Scalpel. Traction on technical climbs is excellent, and even in places where I missed having a remote lockout, there was a good amount of anti-squat that kept the Scalpel high in its travel and feeling fast—I don’t think most riders will miss the remote lockout. While a lockout is nice in particular situations, it’s certainly not worth spending the extra $8,750 over the Scalpel 2 to get it.
Despite the minor gripes about parts and the large gripe about through-the-headset cable routing, Cannondale did a fantastic job with the new Scalpel. They ditched all the proprietary parts and standards while adding features riders expect from a modern cross-country bike. —D.C.
Liv Pique Advanced 1
BEST WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Liv is the only brand making dedicated women’s bikes, and its geometry is unique—some riders may love the geo while others might not. However, this is not a negative: the Pique will appeal to mountain bikers of any gender seeking a more upright riding position for cross country and lighter trail riding.
A decade ago, if you walked into a bike shop, you found many “women’s models”. If you search for women’s bikes on manufacturer websites now, you sometimes still find pages showing assorted bikes. However, virtually all the bicycles shown are the brands’ standard offerings versus dedicated women’s-specific models. In contrast, Liv goes all-in on women’s bikes.
While Liv bikes are sold through Giant’s vast dealer network, each brand has independent product development and marketing staff. Liv’s specifications and features often closely match similarly priced Giant models, but Liv bikes have unique frames, geometry, and finishes.
The Pique Advanced, launched last year, received similar updates to Giant‘s Anthem Advanced XC race bike. The biggest change was abandoning the dual-link Maestro suspension system in favor of a more contemporary single pivot with a flexstay layout.
This setup uses a linkage to drive the shock paired with flex engineered into the seatstays of the Pique’s rear triangle. Ditching the Maestro’s lower link saves weight and, in theory, reduces service and improves reliability. Liv claims a 297-gram weight savings compared to the previous generation Pique Advanced.
Another update bringing the Pique in line with its XC category peers is the increased travel—120mm up front (a 20mm increase) and 115mm in the rear (a 15mm increase). Other changes include a modernized frame appearance, two bottle cage mounts inside the front triangle, and longer-travel dropper post compatibility.
The Pique’s geometry (particularly its stack and reach measurements) falls somewhat outside the norms of current cross country mountain bike trends. Liv does this purposefully, and the brand claims it bases this unique geometry on fit data from women cyclists. I do not feel this is good or bad, right or wrong; it’s simply different. And if it’s not your thing, tons of fantastic XC bikes will suit your needs.
Many riders—women, men, and non-binary—want a cross country bike with a shorter reach and more stack than bikes currently on the market. The Pique is a great choice for these folks. In other brands, riders are forced to size down if they want less reach or add a bunch of spacers to increase front-end height.
The Pique Advanced has snappy acceleration and more than adequate climbing traction. It also surprised me with its capability on descents and technical trails. Bottom line: Modern XC bikes are a hoot, and this bike is a ripper.
I am not a speedy climber, so I wasn’t planning to pick up any QOMs regardless of how well the Pique performs uphill. But the bike’s climbing prowess made the hills slightly less tortuous than they typically are for me.
On flat and rolling terrain, the bike is punchy. It quickly gets up to pace out of corners, and the Maxxis Aspen tires maintain speed. The size L’s short wheelbase enables swift line changes—the bike has great flow when transitioning from corner to corner.
The Pique surprised me in technical sections and descents. With its limited travel and cross country race tires, I was not expecting the Pique to be nearly as adept as longer travel bikes with knobbier and grippier tires that I’ve ridden on the same trails. I even unexpectedly snagged a PR on a descent.
I chalk some of the Pique’s abilities up to its geometry and some to its suspension. But there is also something to be said about the maneuverability of lightweight bikes. Putting the bike where you need it on the trail (because of the lower weight) aids you as much on descents and technical sections as when climbing.
Value is always subjective and highly dependent on your wants and needs as a rider. Looking strictly at the price, at $7,800, the Pique Advanced 1 is among the priciest options for SRAM GX AXS Transmission-equipped bikes. However, none of these models come with remote lockouts or power meters—both upgrades will set you back several hundred dollars. Remote lockouts, in particular, require extra parts and shop time that add to the cost.
There are plenty—perhaps too many—options for “men’s” mountain bikes, so there is surely space for a women’s model. Some men might even discover that a women’s-specific bike best meets their bike fit needs. —T.S.
Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV
BEST TRAIL BIKE
On paper, the Spectral CF 8 is very similar to the Specialized Stumpjumper 15. But I’ve ridden both, and they’re different enough that I feel they deserve recognition. Plus, at $4,199 with a terrific build, this Canyon is 53 percent cheaper than the SJ 15 Pro. Where the SJ 15 has an Ivy League degree in refinement, this Canyon dropped out of high school to become a roadie with High on Fire.
While not as fast or versatile as the SJ 15, the Spectral is more lively and playful. It likes to goad you into trying lines you’ve never tried before, turning any bump into a hit, and generally making every moment as fun as possible. It is so bindle-of-lemurs fun that it’s easy to overlook how good and well-rounded the Spectral CF 8 is.
The bike feels surprisingly light on the trail, handles challenging climbs, and tackles slow-speed technical terrain impressively (as I discovered firsthand riding the Spectral on Sedona’s High on the Hog and Hot Heaven trails). If you like your trail bikes fun and a bit rough around the edges, this Spectral is a perfect choice.
Cannondale Trail 1
BEST BUDGET HARDTAIL
A hardtail is many people's gateway into cycling. Their simplicity, low cost, and rugged appearance appeal to riders looking to try mountain biking for the first time or upgrade to a trail-capable bike. However, while many economically priced hardtails look like mountain bikes, they are not well-suited for riding actual mountain bike trails.
Cannondale‘s Trail 1 is a good example of a hardtail built tough enough for some off-road use, but that won’t completely blow the budget. A modern-looking aluminum frame (updated for 2025) finished in black, tiger shark (the grey color we tested), or tungsten blue paint is at the bike’s core.
Unlike many competitors in the price range, the Trail 1 includes thru axle wheels (front and rear), a 100mm travel Suntour XCM suspension fork with 32mm stanchions, and a dropper post. These features provide extra confidence and stability on the trail when cornering, descending, or heavy braking. The 130mm drop post (actuated by a thumb lever on the left side of the bar) is a particularly noteworthy call-out; it allows the rider to lower the seat height for technical trail sections.
The Trail’s long top tube, a short enough (70mm) stem, and a 68-degree headtube angle combine for stability on the trail and confidence when descending. The bike uses Tektro hydraulic brakes; they’re nothing fancy but slow the Trail 1 adequately. A Shimano Cues 1x10 drivetrain handles shifting duties—The Cues group has surprisingly sharp shifting and a wide gear range.
The only weak points for the Trail 1 are its 34.9-pound (size XL) weight and wheelset. While the rims are WTB branded, they have a rather skinny 19mm internal width and are not tubeless compatible. Luckily, the Trail’s thru-axle dropouts allow for an easy upgrade to a lightweight, tubeless wheelset if desired.
If you’re looking to try cross country mountain bike riding but are on a tight budget, the Trail 1 has all the markings of a great starter bike. —T.S.
Rogue Milo
BEST SINGLESPEED COMMUTER
The Milo is confounding in several ways. First, it’s sold by Rogue Fitness, a brand most riders would probably not associate with cycling. Rogue bills the Milo as a hybrid; however, it’s unlike any hybrid from other bicycle manufacturers.
With its 29-inch wheels, 780mm riser bar, and Gates belt drive, the Milo resembles a singlespeed mountain bike. However, functionally, it’s not a mountain bike; the Milo is best as a commuter or townie bike. It would also make a great bike for university campuses—“Milo Goes To College” if you will.
Hiding behind the Rogue’s blacked-out appearance and bare-bones component selection is a big surprise: The Milo was designed by Aaron Stinner of Stinner Frameworks. The 4130 cromoly frame is welded, and complete bikes are assembled at Stinner’s Santa Barbara, California facility.
Overall, the Milo is a blast to ride around town. The bike’s tough, 2.5-inch wide Maxxis Hookworms easily soak up potholes and cracked pavement, and they’re tough enough for gravel paths or to take that dirt shortcut home. The ratio of the Gates belt drive system is a little over-geared on anything more than a gentle gradient, and the pedals are diminutive given the Milo’s robust feel. But those are the only things I would immediately change for my riding.
On the surface, $1,000 is expensive for a somewhat basic singlespeed. But $1,000 for a handmade in the USA, Stinner-commuter-in-disguise makes the Milo seem like a steal. —T.S.
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling, Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race.
Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer.
