Biking Equipment
How to get way over yonder faster, easier and safer.
The advent of 29-inch-wheel mountain bikes is nothing new. But as manufacturers refine geometry and suspension perks, larger-wheel rides are now the new norm. The latest crop of 29ers cut weight, carry speed, and add control—leaving no reason not to go big.
BEST: RUGGED DISTANCE
The Transition Spur’s long and relaxed geometry, with 120mm front and rear travel, makes it a rowdy rig despite its more conservative suspension numbers. It’s a Transition, so it crushes descents, as expected. But the Spur does it without sucking on climbs. It’s all-day-epic capable, though not the top choice for the Lycra-clad racer crowd. From $4,499; transitionbikes.com
BEST: VALUE
Snappy and playful, fast and light, Ibis’ short-travel Ripley 29er rings in under $3K when you opt for the aluminum “AF” frame. Designed for demanding riding, and adept in technical terrain, the all-mountain ripper has a more aggressive shape than its carbon cousin, with the same modern trail-bike geometry and ultraefficient Dw-link suspension. $2,999; ibiscycles.com
BEST: HARDTAIL
REEB Cycles Redikyelous, built for technical steeps and all-day romps, proves that hardtails are no longer for beginners and ounce-counting XC nerds. Long and slack, with a low center of gravity, its whopping 150mm of travel and hand-built steel frame—nimble enough for pump tracks, stout enough for bikepacking bags—shred any terrain. From $4,099; reebcycles.com
BEST: ALL-AROUND
You can make the highly tunable Stumpjumper Evo Expert an even more aggressive enduro-machine with off-trail adjustments (to flip chip and headset). With 150mm rear travel (160mm front), it’s the best-pedaling Stumpy that Specialized has made: precise, agile, and bob-free on climbs. Bonus: Internal-frame “SWAT” storage can hold a 22-ounce reservoir. $5,000; specialized.com