Dual suspension bikes help you tackle big rocks and roots, clear logs and land big drops without sending shockwaves up your arms and spine. Most bike companies produce bikes with adjustable suspension, allowing you to "tune" your suspension for more give going down or a stiffer ride on the way up. Choosing the right bike will depend on your skill level and typical riding terrain, as well as your budget.
Banshee Rune
One of the top-rated dual suspension bikes on MTBR.com is the Banshee Rune. Out of 62 reviews, this bike received an average of 4.79 out of five stars. With a full 6 inches of travel, this bike can handle tough terrain while its stiff frame helps you climb and corner with ease. The frame and suspension also help you land the big drops and cruise downhill.
Bionicon Golden Willow
Bionicon offers excellent dual suspension bikes, one of which is the Golden Willow. Scoring five out of five stars on MTBR.com and earning comments like "can handle any terrain put in front of it." Bionicon uses a twin-lock suspension system that allows you to adjust your travel, toning it down to power up steep slopes and tuning it up for racing downhill. This adaptability also changes your frame geometry, resulting in a more comfortable ride for you body, particularly over long distances.
Santa Cruz Blur LT
The Santa Cruz Blur LT withstood Bikeradar.com's long-term test, earning it five out of five stars from Guy Kesteven. After two years of riding, the bike still tests as one of the site's top full suspension models. He comments, "the relatively compact size frame and the easy rider-reactive compression of the rear suspension make it a hop-and-pop fiend." The rear suspension only provides 140 mm of travel, but that will not stop you from landing jumps and drops. It provides an effortless ride over technical terrain.
Lapierre Zesty 714
If you want a "spritely, versatile all-mountain machine," look no further than the Lapierre Zesty 714. Its stiff frame, OST virtual pivot suspension, 5.5 inches of travel and light, 26 lb. carbon body make this bike a dream to ride. Testers at Bikeradar.com found that the front and rear suspension are well balanced, allowing the bike to coast dreamily over rough terrain.
Gary Fisher HiFi Pro
In the realm of "two-niners," or bikes with 29-inch wheels, Gary Fisher's HiFi Pro rates among the best. This bike has a smaller frame and can accommodate riders as small as five feet due to less toe overlap. Its stiff frame and large wheels make it a climbing machine, while the dual Fox suspension handles big rocks, roots and jumps. Surprisingly stable and nimble, the HiFi Pro is an excellent pick for both men and women.
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