In January of 2024, I braved an epic ice storm to bring you an enduro bike comparison that you absolutely loved. After countless comments asking “where’s my favorite trail bike?“, I’m finally delivering what you’ve been asking for – a comprehensive breakdown of today’s best TRAIL bikes!
Trail bikes and enduro bikes serve different purposes, which is why I’ve created this trail-focused comparison. If you’re interested in any of the bikes featured here, check out the links sprinkled throughout the article. Your purchases through these links help support my channel and make content like this possible, so thank you!
With summer coming in hot, I also want to recommend my favorite riding gear set-up from Endura. I’m loving the Single Track Short paired with the Single Track Jersey.
By the way, big thanks to Endura for sponsoring the making of this video!
Editor’s Note:
These articles are adapted by Savannah from Jeff Kendall-Weed’s YouTube videos for riders who prefer reading over watching. They’re written in Jeff’s first-person voice to stay true to the style and storytelling of the original content.
Defining Bike Categories
Like meeting different personalities at a party, each trail bike brings its own flavor to the singletrack soirée. That’s exactly what I experienced while testing this expansive lineup of modern trail bikes – each one revealing unique characteristics that might make it the perfect match.
Before we dive in, let’s establish what exactly we’re talking about. The mountain bike industry has been evolving rapidly, with categories blurring and expanding. Today’s trail bikes occupy that sweet spot between cross-country efficiency and enduro capability – these are the true all-rounders most of us actually ride daily.
Just like tensions in the Middle East, bike categories have certainly grown.
Let’s start by clarifying what makes a trail bike different from other mountain bike categories:
Enduro Bikes: 170mm+ fork (usually Fox 38 or RockShox Zeb), 160mm+ rear travel. Designed primarily for pro-level enduro racing and bike park shredding. Excels at high speed, big hits, and technical terrain.
Trail Bikes: 150-160mm fork (Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik), 140-160mm rear travel. These versatile all-rounders are the most common mountain bikes you’ll see on the trails. They can handle everything from big jumps to 30-mile epics without being overkill for your favorite blue trails.
Light Trail Bikes: 120-130mm travel with 34mm or Pike forks. Bikes like the Ripley, Optic, Rift Zone, Process 134, and Trail 429 fall into this category. Perfect for less mountainous terrain and epic adventures where geometry matters more than suspension.
For trail bikes, component choices matter significantly. While I was sponsored by Shimano at the time of this video, I still genuinely prefer their brakes and drivetrains for their consistency, durability, and precision. I typically use XT components on my personal bikes, though SLX through XTR are all excellent options.
When it comes to tires, I immediately replace stock options with something stronger for the riding you’ll see in this comparison. My preference leans toward Maxxis Double Down or DH casing tires with Maxx Grip rubber year-round, though I also enjoy WTB Tough casing tires in drier conditions.
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO
The number one bike you all asked about in my enduro video was the Stumpjumper EVO. I bought my own in late 2022, and it’s a great reference point since many of you already have one.
The Stumpy EVO is well-engineered and can handle more action than a police officer in La Crosse, WI. With its somewhat shorter reach, I went with the S3 size. While the reach looks short on paper, the slack geometry creates a healthy wheelbase.
What impressed me most was how intuitive this bike feels in the air. The Horst Link suspension makes getting airborne easy and predictable when hitting bumps and landing drops. Suspension is fine with the stock link but certainly better with the Cascade link, which adds welcome progression for aggressive riders.
After experimenting with every combination of chainstay adjustments and headset cups, I settled on an unusual setup. I kept my 29″ rear wheel but used the mullet rear link, which raises the back and steepens the head angle. Then I added the slackest headset cup and a massive volume reducer. This configuration gave me the perfect balance of cornering ability and pedal clearance.
The Stumpy EVO pedals adequately, but DW-link or VPP systems are more energetic when you stomp on the pedals. On the flip side, the Horst Link can be more intuitive, predictable, and easier to jump with.
Santa Cruz Bronson
Before raving about this bike, full disclosure: I bought the Bronson myself, though at an industry discount. And, great news – there are some fantastic discounts on at Jenson USA right now!
This bike REALLY impressed me, with one exception – I’m not a mullet fan! Let’s be real, we should have left those haircuts in the 80s, right where they belong.
But beyond a bad haircut, I just don’t love cornering with different-sized wheels and I prefer manualing with a 29″ rear wheel. Once we move past that, the Bronson is incredible!
The suspension is excellent. I REALLY like the feel of the big 230mm eye-to-eye shock with its great tune – open on small stuff but supportive for bigger hits. The larger shock feels both smoother and more controlled than smaller options.
The overall package is excellent – cables install easily, it fits a full-size bottle, has ample dropper clearance, and features a light frame with spot-on torsional rigidity. The ride feel is pure fun.
The Bronson is happiest on standard blue and black trails with a rider who wants to hit bonus features and manual through corners. The nicely progressive leverage curve and well-tuned shock allow for plenty of pop – making it one of the easiest bikes to get airborne in this group. Quite the evolution from earlier VPP bikes that felt glued to the ground.
The shorter reach creates a VERY maneuverable bike that inspires silly new line choices. What I dislike about the small wheel and efficiency is nearly made up for by how easily the bike jumps and flicks.
One minor issue: my integrated headset has been creaking. It’s not a big deal, but like a headache the morning after, it’s easier to tolerate if you expect it before partaking.
On Sale at Jenson USA now!
Santa Cruz Hightower
Thank the lord above, I finally got to borrow a Hightower! Huge props to Santa Cruz for offering me one to test after seeing my Bronson video.
The Hightower feels VERY different from the Bronson – almost complementary! It’s built for distance and epic rides, feeling quicker on its feet and accelerating noticeably faster.
It’s extremely efficient and just wants to move forward. Between its excellent pedaling performance and intuitive geometry, you immediately sense this bike was built to go places.
The short top tube and relatively short back end make it easy to toss around and jump. While not as playful as the Bronson, it’s more well-rounded and still handles jumpy trails, weird drops, and BMX-style riding admirably.
To me, the Hightower felt the most cross-country-oriented of these bikes – which is a good thing. I’m impressed by how well it still lets riders get loose on descents. The geometry responds well to various styles, from energetic inputs at the start of a ride to a more exhausted approach after you’ve “discovered meaning and purpose” on your epic journey.
And In Comparison to the Ibis Ripmo?
The Hightower and Ripmo are vastly different. The Ripmo feels much bigger and more capable of gobbling roots and rocks, letting riders pretend they’re Loic or Amaury down every descent. The Hightower feels smaller and more limited in the rough – it gets through chunky sections but knows you still have 20 miles back to the truck.
Ibis Ripmo V3
The tried-and-true Ripmo is the golden retriever of this list – lovable and perfect for nearly everyone. The latest update opened up MANY fun configurations: it can run either a 230mm or 210mm shock (configuring rear travel to either 150mm or 130mm), and all sizes and travel options are dual 29″ or mullet compatible.
Of all bikes listed here, this is perhaps my favorite all-arounder. Since June 2024, I’ve spent a TON more time on the V3 chassis, and am really enjoying it. You’ll see it in my 2026 Fox 36 All Mountain and Fox Float X2 monotube videos.
Both the carbon and aluminum versions of the prior V2 generation Ripmo (2020-2024) are fantastic, and if you find a great deal on one, it’s an excellent choice. The older bike feels slightly more bomber with beefier suspension components and, in carbon, also features a torsionally stiffer frame than even the V3. It was also lighter, and in my size medium, the geometry was pretty close to perfect. The AF hits an amazing pricepoint, though sacrifices some stiffness and weight. Many folks don’t mind that one bit!
For the V3 update, Ibis configured the Ripmo more as a solid trail bike than a scaled-down enduro racer – good news for weekend warriors. The geometry changed slightly: slacker head angle, longer chainstays in larger sizes, slightly steeper seat angle, and a subtle BB height increase.
Sizing changed significantly – Ibis added a fifth size. Small, medium, and “extra medium” are similar to the old small, medium, and large. But many are surprised that the new large and XL have grown dramatically. At 5’8″, I’m solidly a medium, while riders 5’9″-5’11” might prefer the new “extra medium.”
The new V3 feels good on trail. Ibis increased rear shock size to 230mm eye-to-eye and now uses a Float X rather than the enduro-oriented X2. Combined with a Fox 36 fork and Ibis’ custom valving, the suspension has a more trail-oriented feel. For more support, I added a larger volume reducer and eventually swapped to a DHX2 coil shock. Overall, I feel the Float X best suits the bike’s character- and went back and forth between the Float X and Float X2 in this video here.
The DW-link implementation is very forgiving, allowing minimal speed loss through rough terrain while maintaining ample traction for pedaling. It’s a nice balance of plushness, support, and efficiency.
For most riders, the rear suspension is tuned well, but aggressive or heavier riders might want to upgrade for a more bomber feel. Note that medium and small Ripmo V3 now come as mullet bikes, so you’ll need to buy a 29″ rear wheel and tire if you want dual 29s.
The Ripmo pedals better than the Stumpjumper EVO and is more forgiving in the rough. It doesn’t pedal as firmly as the Switchblade nor is it as torsionally stiff, but it’s slacker and more plush. For flatter terrain, the Pivot Switchblade has the edge; for more mountainous terrain, the Ripmo has advantages.
While it has some nifty new features, the Ripmo largely ignores gimmicks, focusing on delivering exactly what riders want – a reliable, solid bike that performs.
Yeti SB140
I fell head over heels IN LOVE with the SB130 Lunch Ride that Yeti loaned me in 2021. When they offered an SB140 loaner in 2022, I went from head over heels, to over the moon with excitement!
The SB130 pedaled like a stray cat toward a forgotten can of tuna – all effort propels you right into the good stuff. Yeti built the SB140 more purpose-focused for new-school trails, with a longer front end, longer rear end, steeper seat angle, and more progressive suspension.
The SB140 pedals VERY well and descends confidently. The frame isn’t as torsionally stiff as some others here but has a good, predictable feel. For those preferring more compliance, the Yeti has perhaps the most finely tuned chassis of the bunch.
This bike excels on higher-speed trails – faster than what the Switchblade, Stumpy EVO, or Canyon Spectral prefer. The geometry is balanced, with chainstay length adjusted per size. The harder I pushed the SB140, the better it felt.
Here in the Northwest, I found myself enjoying the SB160 more due to our steep, slow, sketchy trails. The SB140 would be amazing in California, Cumberland, or Downieville. It’s more capable on descents than the Hightower but slightly more difficult on tight climbs and backcountry scenarios.
The Switchblade and SB140 are clear competitors. I preferred the Yeti’s slacker head angle and shorter front end for my riding style, while ironically appreciating the Switchblade’s slacker seat angle for technical climbs. The Pivot prioritizes firm pedaling over the Yeti but has a stiffer carbon layup. The Pivot is “bigger is better, American-style,” while the Yeti feels more European.
Pivot Switchblade
Now legal in all 50 states, Pivot gave the Switchblade a significant update in early 2024. The bike is sized quite large – I eventually got comfortable on the medium but always felt it was a bit long up front.
After swapping to a shorter stem and adding a 1-degree slacker headset, the Switchblade performed MUCH better. With that larger sizing, it excelled at high speeds, and the chainstays worked well for jumping. The torsional stiffness is solid, and the engineering quality is evident.
The pedaling performance is very racey, with a firm platform while pedaling. Low-speed traction isn’t bad, perhaps due to the short stays, but at higher speeds, the back end needs more attention as it can be skittish with its shock tuned more for support than outright traction.
With its steeper head angle, slacker seat angle, and short back end, the Switchblade is the easiest bike here to ride while seated. My style is more stand-up-and-be-hyper, but for riders with an old-school approach, the Switchblade can be a good choice.
I appreciate the Switchblade’s solid design without pointless gimmicks. The pivots and hardware are excellent, promising top-notch long-term ownership.
My biggest challenge was that the front end felt long while the back end is quite short. Pivot designs in Phoenix, where generating speed matters more than managing it, as we do in the Northwest with our elevation changes. This explains the Switchblade’s popularity in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah – it would excel in Hurricane, Sedona, or South Mountain.
The Switchblade and Stumpjumper EVO are completely different animals – the Pivot is clearly oriented toward speed and pedaling efficiency. Choose the Stumpy for playfulness or the Switchblade for speed and efficiency.
Canyon Spectral
I had never ridden a direct-to-consumer bike until Canyon invited me to a media event and offered their test bike for a month. The Spectral is sized unusually – I almost always ride a medium, but with Canyon, I found myself on a small with a 450mm reach.
I rebuilt the bike with a full Shimano XT groupset, longer stem, and familiar brakes and shifting. The shorter wheelbase and reach meant the Spectral responded beautifully to my active riding style. The frame didn’t feel quite as solid as the Switchblade, Ripmo, or Santa Cruz bikes, but wasn’t far off from the aluminum Stumpy EVO.
I was disappointed by the gimmicks – in-frame storage, the pointless KIS system, and website hyperbole – but the bike is very real. The suspension was well-tuned, and I enjoyed riding it with both clipless pedals (pushing in and out of corners) and flats (jibbing around). I understand why Braydon Bringhurst enjoys this bike – it’s built for fun.
It sits somewhere between the Santa Cruz Bronson and Hightower – not quite as efficient as the Hightower, not quite as playful as the Bronson, but a lovely middle ground.
Orbea Occam LT
This Spanish brand has a unique past, and the Occam was historically unusual, blending tame geometry with long-legged suspension. For 2024, Orbea created two distinct builds: the Occam SL (lighter, downcountry-oriented) and our test subject, the Occam LT.
The LT is nearly identical to the former 2023 Rallon enduro bike, just with less travel. The geometry is absolutely spot-on – I LOVE manualing and wheelying this bike, as the 440mm chainstays handle holes and roots predictably. The bike inspires confidence for trail hucks, making me feel safe using janky features as landings.
The suspension rides well without requiring modifications. My biggest complaint was loose bolts – both the rear axle and rocker link loosened significantly, so keep an eye on those.
On descents, the Occam rides closest to the old Ripmo V2. It has enough devil-on-your-shoulder “go for it” character balanced with angel-on-the-other “don’t worry, I got you” security. It’s not as efficient as a Switchblade but won’t beat you up as much on longer rides and feels more balanced on descents.
I preferred the Occam LT geometry over the Yeti SB140 but favored the Switch Infinity’s feel over the single-pivot Orbea suspension.
Finding the Perfect Match
I can’t declare one bike clearly superior to the rest. So many factors determine what works for you – price, ride feel, fit, and availability. Your location and riding style play huge roles – jumpers tend to prefer shorter bikes, while those in steeper terrain love longer bikes.
If you’re seeking pure fun over efficiency and covering distances, consider the Bronson. For that perfect all-arounder, the Ripmo V3 is hard to beat. Want race-like efficiency with trail capability? Look at the Switchblade or Hightower. The Stumpjumper EVO offers incredible versatility with its adjustable geometry, while the Occam LT brings Spanish flair and modern geo to the party.
The beauty of today’s trail bikes is their incredible capability across varied terrain. Whether smashing bike park laps or embarking on all-day epics, these bikes deliver experiences that help us discover meaning, purpose, and the simple joy of riding through beautiful places.
Which bike speaks to you? Are you shopping for a new rig, or just procrastinating that research paper? Either way, thanks for reading – and don’t forget, peace and wheelies!
As always, thanks to Jenson USA for making it possible to live the dream. Your purchase helps support the channel, and I genuinely appreciate it.
Craving more? Subscribe to the blog, YouTube Channel, and like and comment below whenever your heart desires!
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14 comments
I would have loved to see how the Revel Rascal falls into the mix here. Any thoughts, or maybe not ridden yet?
Thanks for the note Pete! I’ve never ridden a Revel, so I would be guessing if I were to attempt to compare! Sorry!
How would the new Transition Sentinel fit into the mix?
Great question Jon thank you! Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to ride the new sentinel. However, I think it is a fantastic all-around bike for someone with an aggressive style who has pretty solid Trails with quick local access. I just recommended someone close by to buy one yesterday. Transition makes fantastic bikes, and they are yet another great option.
How would you compare the Ibis Ripmo V3 to the previous gen Santa Cruz Bronson (V4). Trying to decide between the two at the moment!
Thanks Laurence- you can set them up similarly, with a 27.5″ rear wheel on the back of the V3. Personally, I almost always prefer matching 29″ wheels, as pedaling through/up stuff is quite a bit smoother, and I do like the balanced feel of same wheelsize F/R. I did REALLY like the Bronson suspension- it’s set up more “my style,” with more progression. Santa Cruz also went for a 230mm eye-to-eye shock before Ibis did. Santa Cruz also built the Bronson V4 to be torsionally stiffer than Ibis built the V3. For aggressive and play riding, and a plan for MX wheels on either bike, I’d go for the Bronson. If I wanted more of all-around bike, that’s more efficient and a little better at pedaling, then I’d go Ibis.
Thanks! Still deciding, but now deciding between the Bronson 5 and HT 4 (I’ve watched all your videos too!). As most reviewers have said, the Bronson is more fun, but if you had to give the HT 4 a % of ‘fun’ compared to the Bronson in the sense of manoeuvrability etc, what would it be? I’m 5’8″ – did you get much buzz when riding the Hightower compared to the Bronson? I’m also a very average rider..
How does the Bronson compare to the HT in rolling, less technical and steep terrain, again as a %? I usually ride steeper trails – coming from a Nukeproof Mega 290 I found that a bit of a boat.
Finally, do you think components make a big difference? I can get the Hightower S for about £400/$526 less than the Bronson S/90, and also the Hightower C GX AXS for £200/$USD more than the Bronson S.
Hey Laurence, thanks for the note! I think it’s not so much “which bike,” it’s more “how do you ride?” I’ve only ridden the older Bronson 4, but I do have much time on new HT4. From how different HT3 and HT4 are, I’m hesitant to guess about the Bronson 5. I did enjoy the Ht4, though it wasn’t as outright plush as something like an Evil or Haro, and not as outright nimble and playful as Ripmo. It wasn’t as fast line happy as an SB160. It’s not as rigid as a Firebird, nor does it pedal as well as a Firebird. It doesn’t descend as well as an Altitude, but it pedals about the same. After riding it a bunch, it’s good, but I found I preferred enduro bikes. Otherwise, for more playful, trail bike feels, I did enjoy it, but have been a little more keen on some other rigs. But that’s just me!
Good info thanks! I’m considering the Hightower V3, ibis ripmo V3, 2024 Kona Process 153. I’ve seen you been on all 3 bikes within the last few years. Can you describe where each shine and lack, noticeable suspension differences? I pretty much ride the front range Colorado, Maryland Mountain, and trails around Winter Park. Definitely not ripping as hard and fast as you lol. Like a good climber (800-2000ft climbs) and something with rear travel around 140-160 to handle my weight, 6’1 205. Current bike is 2021 Norco Optic. Prefer a livelier playful bike than all out bomber, bmx style? and a bottomless feel on the back shock. Really got along well with a friends 2022 Trek Remedy 27.5 but haven’t tried other bikes in the last 5 years. Open to other suggestions that would fit that style of bike.
Also, what are your thoughts on using the RAD measurement to determine size? Better leverage over the bike? At 6’1, using this method usually puts me in the 455 to 470 reach range at most. This range feels pretty comfortable, but not sure if I’m missing out on the benefits of a longer bike. Haven’t tested that many bikes to know the difference. Thanks!
Aaron thanks for the note! First up, sizing is the most important consideration. A reach of 470 is way too short for you on these modern bikes. I am 5’8” and a few brands have me on a 472 reach, and after a ride or two, it feels great. You’d be a size large for most of those bikes, maybe an XL for Kona. At 6’1” it would be appropriate to look at 485-500 reach, maybe slightly longer.
The large Ibis Ripmo V3 has a real big reach, but the steep seat angle tames things down a lot. The Kona Process is great, but not a very evolved design, AFAIK it’s basically the same as what I rode back in 2022.
Hightower V3 is basically an XC/trail feel, very efficient and rarely ever “too much bike.” At the same time, they have it a great layup and it’s torsionally stiffer than the V4 Hightower- and even the V3 Ripmo.
The V2s Ripmo is also torsionally stiffer than the Ripmo V3, and can be found for a screaming deal. The V3 Ripmo is great, and probably the most “all around” of those bikes you’ve mentioned.
Coming from an Optic, a Hightower V3 takes that feel and gives it a tad more capability. Remember it’s only a 150 fork stock on the HT3, and iirc, Optic is a 140 fork, so fairly similar.
The V4 Hightower is a bit of a boat, it’s too slack and too long IMO, and is more of a mini Enduro sled than the trail feel that is the HT3.
If I had to get a simplified answer, I’d say in this order “Ripmo V2s, HT3, Ripmo v3, Kona 153.”
[…] bikes often feature 150-160mm fork travel for enhanced control. These offroad bike types deliver the terrain capability serious explorers […]
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