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All-Mountain Bike Buying Guides

Introduction

All-mountain bikes are designed to handle all trails in all weather. In the past it referred to any bike that was not a pure cross-country race bike or a pure downhill bike. With modern bikes, an all-mountain bike can be considered to fit between trail bikes and enduro bikes in terms of suspension travel, geometry angles, and durability.

Who Should Ride an All-Mountain Bike?

All-Mountain bikes are well-suited for riders who want to ride "the whole mountain" including bigger jumps. Like every type of mountain bike, they've benefitted from huge advances in design and technology so they can be ridden on a wider range of terrain more easily.

They are ideal for:

  • Riders who want one bike to rule them all
  • Enduro racers who need a bike that can handle the demands of multi-stage races with varying terrain types.
  • Adventurous riders who enjoy exploring backcountry trails and pushing their limits on challenging descents.
  • Those who want a bike that's balanced evenly between climbing efficiency and hardcore descending capability

Model Guides - All-Mountain Bikes

2022 Santa Cruz Bronson 4

2022 Santa Cruz Bronson 4

The true definition of a mountain bike.
2022 Santa Cruz Hightower 2

2022 Santa Cruz Hightower 2

Everything you love compiled into one.
2022 SCOR 4060 Z LT

2022 SCOR 4060 Z LT

Play hard and repeat with electric assist.
2022 Yeti 160E

2022 Yeti 160E

Yeti's most ambitious project yet.
2022 Yeti SB130

2022 Yeti SB130

One bike, any mountain.
2022 Yeti SB150

2022 Yeti SB150

Astonishingly fast and efficient.
2023 Norco Sight

2023 Norco Sight

Unparalleled climbing and efficiency.
2023 Santa Cruz Bronson

2023 Santa Cruz Bronson

A go anywhere, do anything mountain bike.
2023 Santa Cruz Heckler

2023 Santa Cruz Heckler

The must-ride eMTB.
2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3

2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3

A distilled mountain bike.
2023 Yeti 160E

2023 Yeti 160E

Your dream 29er electric riding companion.
2023 Yeti SB140 29

2023 Yeti SB140 29"

Ride deep day in and day out.
2023 Yeti SB140 Lunch Ride 29

2023 Yeti SB140 Lunch Ride 29"

Dominate all mountains and trails.
2024 Norco Sight

2024 Norco Sight

The perfect long-travel all-mountain bike.
2024 Santa Cruz Heckler SL

2024 Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Enough power to tackle the whole mountain.
2025 Orbea Rise

2025 Orbea Rise

Ride With Confidence With the Rise

Key Features of a Modern All-Mountain Bike

Key features of these bikes include:

  • Rear Suspension Travel: Typically ranging from 140mm to 160mm
  • Front Suspension Travel: Ranging from 140mm to 170mm
  • Wheel Size: Available in both 27.5” and 29” options, providing riders with choices to suit their riding preferences and terrain.
  • Tire Width: Typically 2.4” to 2.6” tires
  • Stem Length: Short to medium stem length for responsive handling and control in technical terrain.
  • Head Angle: Slack head angle ranging from 66 to 67 degrees for stability and confidence on descents while maintaining climbing efficiency.