If you are looking for a bike that can handle any terrain, from smooth trails to rough descents, a full suspension mountain bike might be the best option for you. Full suspension bikes have both front and rear shocks that absorb bumps and vibrations, providing more comfort, traction, and control. However, not all full suspension bikes are created equal, and finding the right one for your budget and riding style can be challenging. In this blog post, we will review some of the best full suspension mountain bikes under $3000 in 2023, based on their features, performance, and value.
How to choose Suspension Mountain Bikes
Before we dive into the specific models, let’s go over some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a full suspension mountain bike.
- Wheel size: The most common wheel sizes for mountain bikes are 27.5 inches and 29 inches. 27.5-inch wheels are lighter, more agile, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while 29-inch wheels are faster, more stable, and roll over obstacles better. Some bikes also offer plus-size tires, which are wider and have more volume, for extra grip and cushioning. The best wheel size for you depends on your personal preference, riding style, and terrain.
- Suspension travel: This is the amount of movement that the front and rear shocks can provide, measured in millimeters. More travel means more plushness and capability on rough terrain, but also more weight and less efficiency on smooth surfaces. Less travel means more responsiveness and speed on smooth terrain, but also less comfort and control on rough terrain. The ideal suspension travel for you depends on the type of trails you ride and how aggressive you are. Generally speaking, trail bikes have around 120-150 mm of travel, all-mountain bikes have around 140-170 mm of travel, and enduro bikes have around 160-180 mm of travel.
- Geometry: This is the shape and angles of the bike frame, which affect how the bike handles and feels. Some of the key geometry measurements are head tube angle, seat tube angle, reach, stack, wheelbase, and chainstay length. A slacker head tube angle (lower number) makes the bike more stable and confident on steep descents, but also less responsive and agile on flat or uphill sections. A steeper seat tube angle (higher number) makes the bike more efficient and comfortable on climbs, but also less balanced and playful on descents. A longer reach (horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) makes the bike more stable at high speeds and more roomy for taller riders, but also less maneuverable in tight corners. A higher stack (vertical distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) makes the bike more upright and comfortable for shorter riders or those who prefer a relaxed position, but also less aggressive and aerodynamic. A longer wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) makes the bike more stable and composed on rough terrain, but also less nimble and fun on smooth terrain. A shorter chainstay length (distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the center of the rear axle) makes the bike more lively and playful, but also less stable and planted.
Of course, these are not the only factors that affect how a bike performs and feels. Other aspects such as frame material, suspension design, component quality, tire choice, etc., also play a role. Therefore, it is always recommended to test ride a bike before buying it, if possible.
Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $3000 in 2023
Now that we have covered some of the basics of choosing a full suspension mountain bike, let’s take a look at some of the best models under $3000 in 2023. We have selected these bikes based on their features, performance reviews from experts and users123, value for money4, availability5, warranty6, etc.
| Model | Wheel Size | Travel | Geometry | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel EX 7 | 29″ | 140 mm front / 130 mm rear | 65° head tube angle / 75° seat tube angle / 460 mm reach (size L) / 1,208 mm wheelbase (size L) | 31.75 lbs / 14.4 kg | $2,999 |
| Orbea Occam H-20-Eagle Bike 2023 | 29″ | 140 mm front / 140 mm rear | 66° head tube angle / 77° seat tube angle / 474 mm reach (size L) / 1,214 mm wheelbase (size L) | N/A | $2,999 |
| Co-op Cycles DRT 3.2 Bike | 27.5″ | 140 mm front / 130 mm rear | 65° head tube angle / 74° seat tube angle / 455 mm reach (size L) / 1,190 mm wheelbase (size L) | 31.75 lbs / 14.4 kg | $2,799 |
| Salsa Horsethief SX Eagle 29 Bike | 29″ | 150 mm front / 130 mm rear | 65.8° head tube angle / 75.5° seat tube angle / 460 mm reach (size L) / 1,216 mm wheelbase (size L) | N/A | $2,799 |
| GT Force Aluminum 27.5” Comp Bike | 27.5″ | 150 mm front / 150 mm rear | 65° head tube angle / 75° seat tube angle / 460 mm reach (size L) / 1,203 mm wheelbase (size L) | N/A | $2,999 |
| Santa Cruz Hightower | 29″ | 150 mm front / 145 mm rear | 65.2° head tube angle / 76.7° seat tube angle / 470 mm reach (size L) / 1,216 mm wheelbase (size L) | N/A | $2,999 |
| Ibis Ripmo AF NX Eagle Mountain Bike | 29″ | 160 mm front / 147 mm rear | 64.9° head tube angle / 76° seat tube angle / 475 mm reach (size L) / 1,230 mm wheelbase (size L) | N/A | $2,999 |
Fuel EX 7
The Fuel EX 7 is a versatile and capable trail bike from Trek, one of the most reputable bike brands in the world. The Fuel EX 7 features a lightweight and durable aluminum frame with a geometry-adjustable flip chip that lets you fine-tune the head tube angle and bottom bracket height to suit your preference and terrain. The bike comes with a RockShox Lyrik Select RC fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and three-position compression settings. The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain offers a wide range of gears with smooth and reliable shifting, while the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with a TranzX dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and a Bontrager Line Comp wheelset with Maxxis Dissector tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Fuel EX 7 is a great choice for riders who want a do-it-all trail bike that can handle anything from flowy singletrack to technical descents, with a reasonable price tag and a reputable brand name. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, ML, L) and two colors (Glitter Anthracite-Metallic Red or Metallic Dark Green-Lime Green).
You can buy the Fuel EX 7 from Trek’s official website7 or from your local Trek dealer8.
Orbea Occam H-20-Eagle Bike
The Orbea Occam H-20-Eagle Bike is an aggressive and versatile trail bike from the Spanish brand Orbea. The Occam H-20-Eagle features a sleek and sturdy aluminum frame with asymmetric design, internal cable routing, downtube guard, and geometry-adjustable flip chip. The bike comes with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock and a Fox Float Factory fork that offer plush and progressive suspension performance with three-position compression adjust and custom tune settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that provides smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes that offer powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with an OC Mountain Control dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and an OC Mountain Control wheelset with Maxxis Dissector tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Occam H-20-Eagle is a great choice for riders who want an aggressive and versatile trail bike that can handle any terrain, with a sleek and sturdy aluminum frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and three colors (Glitter Anthracite-Metallic Red, Metallic Dark Green-Lime Green, or Leo Orange-Black).
You can buy the Occam H-20-Eagle from Orbea’s official website9 or from your local Orbea dealer10.
Co-op Cycles DRT 3.2 Bike
The Co-op Cycles DRT 3.2 Bike is a fun and playful trail bike from the REI Co-op brand. The DRT 3.2 features a lightweight and durable aluminum frame with a geometry-adjustable flip chip that lets you switch between high and low settings to suit your preference and terrain. The bike comes with a RockShox Pike Select fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and two-position compression settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that offers smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and Shimano MT520 hydraulic disc brakes that deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with a TranzX dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and a WTB ST i30 wheelset with Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The DRT 3.2 is a great choice for riders who want a fun and playful trail bike that can handle any terrain, with a lightweight and durable aluminum frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and one color (Black).
You can buy the DRT 3.2 from REI’s official website or from your local REI store.
Salsa Horsethief SX Eagle 29 Bike
The Salsa Horsethief SX Eagle 29 Bike is a versatile and capable all-mountain bike from the American brand Salsa. The Horsethief SX Eagle features a sleek and sturdy aluminum frame with Split Pivot suspension design, internal cable routing, downtube guard, and geometry-adjustable flip chip. The bike comes with a RockShox Yari RC fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and two-position compression settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain that offers smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes that deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with a TranzX dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and a WTB ST i30 wheelset with Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Horsethief SX Eagle is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and capable all-mountain bike that can handle any terrain, with a sleek and sturdy aluminum frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and one color (Black).
You can buy the Horsethief SX Eagle from Salsa’s official website or from your local Salsa dealer.
GT Force Aluminum 27.5” Comp Bike
The GT Force Aluminum 27.5” Comp Bike is an aggressive and fun enduro bike from the American brand GT. The Force Aluminum Comp features a robust and durable aluminum frame with LTS suspension design, internal cable routing, downtube guard, and geometry-adjustable flip chip. The bike comes with a RockShox Yari RC fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and two-position compression settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that offers smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes that deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with an X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and an Alex MD30 wheelset with Schwalbe Magic Mary tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Force Aluminum Comp is a great choice for riders who want an aggressive and fun enduro bike that can handle any terrain, with a robust and durable aluminum frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and one color (Black).
You can buy the Force Aluminum Comp from GT’s official website or from your local GT dealer.
Santa Cruz Hightower
The Santa Cruz Hightower is a versatile and capable trail bike from the American brand Santa Cruz. The Hightower features a sleek and sturdy carbon frame with VPP suspension design, internal cable routing, downtube guard, and geometry-adjustable flip chip. The bike comes with a RockShox Pike Select fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and two-position compression settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that offers smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes that deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and a Race Face AR Offset wheelset with Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Hightower is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and capable trail bike that can handle any terrain, with a sleek and sturdy carbon frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in five sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) and two colors (Gloss Carbon-Black or Gloss Clay-Black).
You can buy the Hightower from Santa Cruz’s official website or from your local Santa Cruz dealer.
Ibis Ripmo AF NX Eagle Mountain Bike
The Ibis Ripmo AF NX Eagle Mountain Bike is an aggressive and fun enduro bike from the American brand Ibis. The Ripmo AF features a robust and durable aluminum frame with DW-Link suspension design, internal cable routing, downtube guard, and geometry-adjustable flip chip. The bike comes with a DVO Diamond D1 fork and a DVO Topaz T3 Air shock that provide smooth and responsive suspension performance with external rebound adjust and compression settings. The bike also comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that offers smooth and reliable shifting with a wide range of gears, and SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes that deliver powerful and consistent braking in all conditions. The bike also comes with an KS Rage-i dropper seatpost that lets you adjust your saddle height on the fly, and an Ibis S35 wheelset with Maxxis Assegai tires that offer excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
The Ripmo AF is a great choice for riders who want an aggressive and fun enduro bike that can handle any terrain, with a robust and durable aluminum frame, quality suspension components, and a reasonable price tag. The bike is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colors (Metal or Black).
You can buy the Ripmo AF from Ibis’s official website or from your local Ibis dealer.
FAQs
Q: Are full suspension mountain bikes worth it?
A: Full suspension mountain bikes are worth it if you are looking for a bike that can handle any terrain, from smooth trails to rough descents, with more comfort, traction, and control. Full suspension bikes have both front and rear shocks that absorb bumps and vibrations, reducing fatigue and stress on your body and bike. They also allow you to maintain more speed and momentum over obstacles, and offer more stability and confidence on steep and technical sections. However, full suspension bikes are also more expensive, heavier, and less efficient than hardtail bikes, which have only front suspension. Therefore, full suspension bikes are worth it if you are willing to pay more for a bike that can handle more challenging terrain, but not if you are looking for a bike that is cheaper, lighter, and faster on smooth terrain.
Q: Which suspension is best for MTB?
A: There is no definitive answer to which suspension is best for MTB, as different suspension designs have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of riding, terrain, and personal preference. Some of the most common suspension designs for MTB are:
- Single pivot: This is the simplest and most common suspension design, where the rear wheel is attached to a single pivot point on the frame. This design is easy to maintain, reliable, and cost-effective, but it can suffer from brake jack (loss of suspension performance under braking) and pedal bob (loss of efficiency due to suspension movement under pedaling).
- Four-bar linkage: This is a more complex and sophisticated suspension design, where the rear wheel is attached to a four-bar linkage system that allows more independent movement of the wheel and the frame. This design can reduce brake jack and pedal bob, improve traction and control, and offer more tunability and customization, but it can also be more expensive, heavier, and harder to maintain.
- DW-Link: This is a patented suspension design by Dave Weagle, where the rear wheel is attached to two short links that connect to the main frame. This design aims to provide efficient pedaling, plush suspension performance, and minimal brake jack and pedal bob, but it can also be more expensive and require more maintenance.
- VPP: This is another patented suspension design by Santa Cruz Bicycles, where the rear wheel is attached to two counter-rotating links that connect to the main frame. This design also aims to provide efficient pedaling, plush suspension performance, and minimal brake jack and pedal bob, but it can also be more expensive and require more maintenance.
- Split Pivot: This is another patented suspension design by Dave Weagle, where the rear wheel is attached to a single pivot point that coincides with the rear axle. This design allows the wheel to rotate around the pivot point under braking, reducing brake jack and improving traction and control. It also aims to provide efficient pedaling and plush suspension performance.
The best suspension design for MTB depends on your personal preference, riding style, budget, and terrain. Therefore, it is always recommended to test ride different bikes with different suspension designs before buying one.
Q: What is the fastest full suspension mountain bike?
A: The fastest full suspension mountain bike depends on many factors such as the rider’s skill level, fitness level, riding style, terrain type, trail condition, weather condition, etc. Therefore, there is no definitive answer to this question. However, some of the factors that can affect the speed of a full suspension mountain bike are:
- Wheel size: Larger wheels (29 inches) tend to be faster than smaller wheels (27.5 inches) on smooth and straight terrain, as they have more momentum and roll over obstacles better. Smaller wheels tend to be faster than larger wheels on rough and twisty terrain, as they are lighter, more agile, and easier to maneuver.
- Suspension travel: More travel (160-180 mm) tends to be faster than less travel (120-150 mm) on rough and steep terrain, as it provides more plushness and capability. Less travel tends to be faster than more travel on smooth and flat terrain, as it provides more responsiveness and efficiency.
- Geometry: A slacker head tube angle (lower number) tends to be faster than a steeper head tube angle (higher number) on steep descents, as it makes the bike more stable and confident. A steeper head tube angle tends to be faster than a slacker head tube angle on flat or uphill sections, as it makes the bike more responsive and agile. A longer reach (horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) tends to be faster than a shorter reach on high speeds, as it makes the bike more stable. A shorter reach tends to be faster than a longer reach on low speeds, as it makes the bike more maneuverable.
Therefore, the fastest full suspension mountain bike depends on the combination of these factors that suits your preference and terrain. For example, if you are looking for a fast bike for smooth and flat terrain, you might want a bike with larger wheels, less travel, and steeper head tube angle. If you are looking for a fast bike for rough and steep terrain, you might want a bike with smaller wheels, more travel, and slacker head tube angle.
Q: Are full suspension bikes more fun?
A: Full suspension bikes can be more fun than hardtail bikes for some riders, as they offer more comfort, traction, and control on rough terrain, and allow you to ride faster and more confidently on challenging sections. Full suspension bikes can also be more fun than hardtail bikes for some terrain types, such as rocky, rooty, or steep trails, where the extra suspension performance can make a big difference. However, full suspension bikes can also be less fun than hardtail bikes for some riders, as they are heavier, less efficient, and less responsive on smooth terrain, and require more maintenance and cost. Full suspension bikes can also be less fun than hardtail bikes for some terrain types, such as smooth, flowy, or flat trails, where the extra suspension performance is not needed or even detrimental. Therefore, whether full suspension bikes are more fun than hardtail bikes depends on your personal preference, riding style, budget, and terrain.
Q: Why hardtails are better than full suspension?
A: Hardtails are better than full suspension for some riders, as they are lighter, cheaper, more efficient, and more responsive than full suspension. Hardtails are also better than full suspension for some terrain types, such as smooth, flowy, or flat trails, where the extra suspension performance is not needed or even detrimental. However, hardtails are also worse than full suspension for some riders, as they are less comfortable, less tractional, and less controllable than full suspension on rough terrain. Hardtails are also worse than full suspension for some terrain types, such as rocky, rooty, or steep trails, where the extra suspension performance can make a big difference. Therefore, whether hardtails are better than full suspension depends on your personal preference, riding style, budget, and terrain.
Q: How long will a full suspension bike last?
A: A full suspension bike can last for many years if it is well maintained and cared for. However, the lifespan of a full suspension bike also depends on many factors such as the quality of the frame and components, the frequency and intensity of use, the type and condition of the terrain, the rider’s weight and skill level, the weather and climate, etc. Therefore, there is no definitive answer to how long a full suspension bike will last. However, some of the signs that indicate that your full suspension bike needs replacement or repair are:
- Cracks or dents in the frame or components
- Excessive wear or damage in the bearings, bushings, pivots, or axles
- Leaking or sagging in the shocks or forks
- Creaking or rattling noises from the frame or components
- Poor shifting or braking performance
- Loose or broken spokes or rims
- Flat or worn out tires
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your bike to a professional mechanic for inspection and service. You should also follow some basic maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your full suspension bike,
such as:
- Clean your bike regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap
- Lubricate your chain, cables, and pivots with appropriate products
- Check your tire pressure and tread before every ride
- Adjust your brakes and gears periodically
- Replace your brake pads, chain, cassette, and cables when they wear out
- Store your bike in a dry and cool place
- Avoid riding your bike in extreme weather conditions
By following these tips, you can keep your full suspension bike in good shape and enjoy it for longer.
Conclusion
These are some of the best full suspension mountain bikes under $3000 in 2023 that we have reviewed for you. We hope this blog post has helped you find the right bike for your budget and riding style. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy riding!
