What To Look For
The technology being used to build top end full-suspension mountain bikes rivals most automotive and motorcycle industries. In fact, some of the bike manufacturing companies have been known to hire from motorcycle suspension development departments. Innovations like the ability to remote lock in and out the front and rear suspension from the rider's handlebars is just one example of such innovation. There are numerous suspension systems being used with different heights of travel for riding over all kinds of different trail conditions.
The main advancement that separates the best full-suspension bikes from the rest is the bike's frame design and how it uses the rear suspension. You want to look for a bike that can maintain its normal function with the rear suspension in use. Some examples of the best cross country mountain bikes is the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 SSL, Trek Fuel EX 9.9, Specialized S-Works Epic, and Cannondale's Scalpel Carbon Team. If you are looking for a downhill bike the Trek Session 88, Specialized Demo, and the Yeti 303 RDH are good examples too.
Common Pitfalls
Two of the most common problems with full-suspension mountain bikes is the weight and how the bike functions with the rear suspension in action. In order to build a full-suspension frame there is a lot of added material needed. A heavy bike hurts performance. The design of the rear suspension and how the mechanics of it works with the frame and the bikes normal function is important. For example, on some frame a design, when the rear suspension is moving up and down it affects the effectiveness of the rear brake causing it to lock up.
Where To Buy
Your local bike shops are normally the only place to find high performance full-suspension bikes. If you don't live in a bigger city you may have to have your retailer order the bike for you.
Cost
Be prepared to spend $7,000 to $9,000 on the best full-suspension mountain bikes.
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