Mountain Bikes

All-mountain/trail, Cross Country, Enduro, Women’s, EMTB

Trek Roscoe 8 $1,600

Although the Roscoe doesn’t share all the characteristics of the rowdy trail-tackling Stache, it has a similar endgame that includes going fast, taking risks and having fun. With 27.5-plus tires, the Roscoe has serious traction that will inspire confidence in technical sections of trail, while still maintaining great pedalling efficiency and power transfer thanks to the rigid rear end. A Rockshox Solo Air fork and sram NX 11-speed shifting helps keep the weight down. The Sun Ringlé wheels and Alpha Gold aluminum frame ensure that a rough bail won’t have you straight lining to your local shop for service afterwards. ( trekbikes.com)

Yeti SB5 LR $9,499

The Yeti sb5 LR (lunch ride) was born midday on the Colorado company’s home trails. Representing the absolute pinnacle of quality in Yeti’s line, the sb5 LR spares no expense. It uses Yeti’s Turq carbon frame material, as well as full Fox Kashima suspension. Hard to miss is the Switch Infinity suspension system that features Fox technology developed with Yeti to help optimize pedalling and big-hit performance. Yeti continues its high-end theme on the sb5 LR with full sram X01 drivetrain, Guide rsc brakes and DT Swiss wheels. If you are lucky enough to get out for lunch rides, the sb5 LR may have you skipping meals and replacing them with a singletrack-only diet. ( yeticycles.com)

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 50 $5,379

Rocky Mountain completely redesigned the Altitude for 2018 incorporating a longer and lower geometry, as well as fully sealed bearings for all pivots, and newer cable routing. The Altitude sports a 160-mm fork and 150-mm of rear-wheel travel, which. when dialed-in properly with Rocky’s Ride-9 geometry-adjustment system, makes for one seriously capable trail bike. I use the word “trail” loosely since the Altitude is very close in pedigree to the Slayer, Rocky Mountain’s enduro-focused bike. In fact, the Altitude has already been spotted underneath Rocky Mountain’s ews riders. The Altitude comes in several builds with both aluminum and carbon options. If you’re looking to attack the downhills but don’t like shuttling, take a look at the new Altitude. ( bikes.com)

YT Jeffsy 27 CF $4,799

Gravity-focused bike brand YT released the Jeffsy 27 a year after its 29er version came out. With aggressive trail riding the main focus of the Jeffsy 27, YT opted for a slack 67-degree head-tube angle and size-specific rear triangles, making this bike a very capable descender. The CF version comes equipped with a Rockshox Pike rct3 fork and Deluxe rt3 shock, which give 150 mm of travel. The shifter and derailleur are Shimano XT. Race Face handles the crankset (Turbine) as well as stem and handlebar. The Jeffsy’s smooth lines and aggressive stance also make it one of the nicest looking bikes on the trails. ( ca.yt-industries.com)

Staran FSM-140 Select $2,900

Online-based Canadian company Staran is trying to keep the ever-growing cost of mountain biking down by offering its fsm-140 frame and builds direct to consumer when purchased through its website. The aluminum frame with modern trail geometry has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a quiver killer, but without the five-figure price tag. The bike comes in two build options including the Select, which offers X-fusion suspension with 140 mm of travel, Shimano slx shifting and a mix of Race Face parts, including Aeffect wheels. Although not the lightest option in its category, the Staran is a durable performer on the trails. ( starancycles.com) —mattstetson