Top 5 Best Specialized Mountain Bikes

If you’re a lover of mountain riding, you know a specialized mountain bike is a game-changer for your sport. A specialized mountain bike will let you navigate steep upward or downward terrain with ease. Specialized mountain bikes are designed to be the best performing machines to enhance your riding activities. 

We have taken a look at the top bikes on the market, and as far as specialized mountain bikes go, we are convinced the best bang for your buck is the Ibis Ripley LS NX bike. If you’re trying to figure out which is the best-specialized mountain bike for you, here are some factors to consider.

Types of Mountain Bikes

There are many specialized mountain bikes to choose from, depending on your needs. The most common type is the trail bike which isn’t associated with any specific type of racing. It’s the best choice for a mixture of climbs and descents.

Cross-country mountain bikes are for fast riding, with an emphasis on climbing power. The bikes are ideal for competition and covering distances over 25 miles.

Fat mountain bikes have oversize tires for improved traction in snow and sand. They’re best for beginners, especially on rough terrains.

Downhill mountain bikes are commonly used in lift-serviced bike parks. They’re big and sturdy, and riders must wear body armor and full-face helmets.

With this information, you’ll know what to look for when buying specialized mountain bikes. We reviewed the best five available on the market.

Mountain Bikes FAQ

1. What Are Specialized Mountain Bikes?

Specialized mountain bikes are designed specifically for mountain climbing activities. They differ from other bikes in that they have an emphasis on durability and stability. They can endure high resistance and rough terrain.

2. What are Specialized Mountain Bikes Good for?

The bikes are ideal for mountain climbing as a sport or hobby. They are also used on single tracks, unpaved surfaces, and fire roads.

3. What Are the Best Specialized Mountain Bikes?

Mountain bikes aren’t all created equal. The best ones are fun to use, provide a good grip on unpaved surfaces, and provide you with the right suspension. The suspension refers to the shock absorbers are at the front, front and back, or no shocks at all.

4. Where Can You Buy Specialized Mountain Bikes?

Specialized mountain bikes are available from local mountain bike dealers. Sometimes, you can order them online if you can’t get the type you want locally.

5. Can You Use Mountain Bikes on the Road?

Mountain bikes are designed for rough terrain. They can be harder to pedal on smooth pavements and roads than ordinary bikes would be, but they are ideal for tackling more challenging trails.

How We Reviewed

There are various features that buyers consider when looking for the best specialized mountain bikes. These are the parameters we used in reviewing the best specialized mountain bikes. They include the features, pros & cons, price, where to buy, and warranty.

We reached out to riders who have used these bikes to get their views about their features.

Overall Price Range of Specialized Mountain Bikes

The prices are determined by the specific type of the bike, its features, and brand. The cost of the bike will in most cases determine your final purchasing decision.

However, before you buy, it’ always crucial to check that your bike of choice will meet your needs adequately. You don’t have to buy an expensive bike which has the same features you can get in a less expensive one.

 

What We Reviewed

Santa Cruz High Tower C R

Features

Santa Cruz High Tower C R is built for versatility in a variety of terrains. If you’re looking for a specialized mountain bike for aggressive trail riding, try this one. It can comfortably tackle terrains above 135mm of its rear wheel, 67-degree head angles, and fast-rolling wheels.

Santa Cruz gives you the confidence to let off the brakes and rip through rough trails. It offers you unmatched balance around corners, and the pedals are efficient in riding you further into the hills.

The bike is an excellent choice for riders who want a trail bike highly capable of balancing efficiency and trail difficulty. If you’re used to an aggressive bike but would like a light duty one, you’ll feel at home with Santa Cruz.  

• Fun Factor
• Downhill and Climbing Performance     

Santa Cruz High Tower C R is built to give you maximum fun as you ride. It can handle different situations, whether you want it to climb up or down rocky areas. In areas with blistering flow trails, the bike remains calm and composed.

Santa Cruz remains works best in downward trends, and at high speeds, it brings out its stability features. Handling it becomes easier as the speedometer climbs. Since it’s a spacious bike, it makes for substantial body movement.

Much of your weight is maintained on the front wheel for better traction. The 66.5-degree head tube balances stability and confidence with a lot of responsiveness. In uneven terrain, the 135 mm of suspension won’t disappoint.

Pros

• Calm climbing motion
• Effective on gnarly terrain
• Aggressive riding feel

Cons

• Mediocre specifications
• Expensive
• The big impact isn’t very supportive
• Too much back sweep on the handlebars

WHERE TO BUY	WARRANTY
	Santa Cruz Hightower has a lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings.

Canyon Spectral AL 6.0​

Features

Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 is a trail bike that works tremendously in handling aggressive trails. It provides unrivaled performance and value on downhill rides, thanks to its semi-slack geometry. It works confidently over chunky and rough terrain just like it does on flow trails.

On climbing trails, it’s relatively efficient and doesn’t mount much pressure on its chock’s climb switch. It’s the ideal choice for aggressive riders who don’t want to push a heavy bike around.

Frame Design

The Spectral bike features 140mm of rear wheel travel. The triple phase suspension works to supple off the top. It comes with the main link located above the bottom bracket, links above the central pivot and slightly above the rear axle. This design aspect makes the bike work well on all types of terrains.

• Fun Factor
• Downhill and Climbing Performance     

The spectral mountain bike has an exceptionally excellent fun personality. It’s highly capable of handling sharp turns and playfully navigates all terrains. The bike is very responsive to rider input. The 2.6-inch tire provides sufficient traction for fast switching between lines.

The bike is reliable and consistent in downhill performance. It doesn’t demand super high speeds or aggressiveness on the part of the rider, but it’s quite responsive. The bike has high maneuverability skills and confidence in descending downhill.

Steep terrains are no challenge to Canyon Spectral AL 6.0. It performs best at high speeds but doesn’t require blistering speeds to feel lively. Its predictable and effective motion ensures your comfort and especially on top of the cranks. When handling uphill climbing, it can feel a little awkward, but the 2.6-inch tires provide excellent grip on loose terrain.

Whether you use the climb switch or not, Canyon will give you exceptional performance. When riding in the open position, you’ll enjoy excellent traction and minimal pedal bob.

Pros

• Excellent performer in upward and downward climbing
• Responsive handling
• Great features for the price

Cons

• Poor rear hub features
• Not easy to maintain
• Shorter warranty than other models

WHERE TO BUY	WARRANTY
	Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 has a warranty of two years only.

Ibis Ripley LS NX

Features

Ibis Ripley LS NX provides you with a playful ride with excellent handling capabilities. Its downhill skills are sharp to allow you to change direction rapidly. It’s highly encouraged for you to dice and slice your way through technical sections as you ride on this bike.

The climbing abilities of Ibis Ripley LS NX are unique and respectable, but it could be more efficient.

• Fun Factor
• Downhill and Climbing Performance     

It’s effortless to have a fun ride while on the Ibis Ripley LS NX bike. It attacks many trails with a genuinely unique attitude. The quick steering will inspire you to bounce over rocks with ease and efficiency.

Ibis is a sporty bike that easily descends through all types of terrains. It’s best suited to attack long and rocky terrains and is fantastic for taking corners. The grip of the tires is exceptional in most conditions.

The bike is excellent in handling speed and doesn’t frustrate when exposed to moderate trails. The bike responds as soon as it’s set on moving mode.

Pros

• Excellent handling
• Superb traction
• Confident cornering
• Lively feel

Cons

• Not ideal for beginners
• Low-quality features and specifications

WHERE TO BUY	WARRANTY
	Ibis Ripley LS NX has a warranty of 7 years.

Trek Farly 5

Features

Trek Farly 5 is designed for the best performance over snow, root, sand, and rocks, with unmatched stability and traction. It makes an excellent choice for riders who want to rise all-round the year regardless of the weather. The tech behind the bike is a lightweight alpha platinum frame that provides stability and reliability. The tires are 27.5 by 4.5 inches, and the suspension correctly fits the design of the tires.

• Fun Factor
• Downhill and Climbing Performance     

This bike will not disappoint you as it is absolutely adventure-ready, whenever and wherever you need it.

The downhill performance of Trek Farly 5 is boosted by the incredible rolling speeds of the tires. It’s ideal to use the bike on open trails to keep the rubber in good traction. However, note that the brakes are not well defined and might cause trouble.

The climbing performance of this Trek bike is good enough to get you up any climb. The strong momentum creates a comfortable climbing position that is beneficial for carrying your weight to gain traction.

Pros

• Cheaper than other specialized mountain bikes
• Ideal for use all around the year
• Fast rolling
• Straight-lined performance

Cons

• Poor brake specification
• Not very flexible
• Heavy
• Low-speed handling

WHERE TO BUY	WARRANTY
	Trek Farly 5 bike has a warranty of 5 years.

Specialized Fuse Comp 6Fattie

Features

Specialized Fuse Comp 6Fattie has an impressive build and balanced performance. It’s built to overcome any terrain you put in on. The single purpose of the bike is to ensure you have maximum fun.

• Fun Factor
• Downhill and Climbing Performance     

The ability of the bike to conquer climbs with a lot of ease will leave you amazed. It has a comfortable cockpit, trail-hugging tires, and balanced geometry. All these features give you the confidence that your ride, though tough, will be smooth to conquer.

Whether seated or standing, you’ll have an easy time climbing and descending on most trails. Fuse has a stable feel, predictable handling, and a lot of traction for a convenient descent.

Pros

• Stable downhill performance
• Firm climbing traction
• Affordable
• Ideal for technical terrains

Cons

• Chain is noisy
• The tires cause a drag because of their width

WHERE TO BUY	WARRANTY
	Specialized Fuse Comp 6Fattie has a 1-year warranty.

PRODUCT	IMAGE	Rating	Price
Santa Cruz High Tower C R
Canyon Spectral AL 6.0
Ibis Ripley LS NX
Trek Farly 5
Specialized Fuse Comp 6Fattie

The Verdict

Specialized mountain bikes have a variety of features depending on their intended use. After reviewing the above, we concluded that Ibis Ripley LS NX is the best. It comes with great features at a great price.

You’ll enjoy mountain riding on this bike because of the high-quality traction of the tires. Going upward or downward on all types of terrain is enjoyable, even when taking on sharp turns. Although the Ibis Ripley LS NX bike is expensive, it’ll give you value for money as a professional rider.  Depending on your experience and interests in biking, this is definitely one to consider.