Mountain biking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities around the world, and for good reason. Exploring rugged terrain, navigating difficult terrain, and experiencing the rush of adrenaline are just a few reasons why people love it. However, to fully enjoy this exhilarating sport, it’s crucial to have the right gear, and a long travel all mountain bike is one such piece.
If you’re searching for the best long travel all mountain bikes on the market, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the top 11 all mountain bikes that are suitable for the most adventurous of riders. So, let’s get started and find the perfect bike for your next adventure!
Get ready for our reviews on the best long travel all mountain bikes, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Long Travel All Mountain Bikes
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes: A Beginner’s Overview
Long travel all mountain bikes are the perfect option for riders looking for a versatile bike that can handle a wide variety of terrain. These bikes typically feature a full suspension system with longer travel, allowing them to comfortably tackle everything from technical downhill sections to smooth ascents. With their adjustable suspension, strong and durable frames, and rugged tires, long travel all mountain bikes are designed to be an all-around workhorse for any kind of terrain.
The versatility of long travel all mountain bikes has made them a favorite among many riders, particularly those who love exploring new trails and challenging themselves on technical terrain. These bikes are equally at home on fast descents as they are on technical climbs, and they can take a beating without breaking down. With their powerful brakes, responsive handling, and superior suspension, long travel all mountain bikes are an ideal choice for anyone seeking a durable, reliable, and high-performing bike that can tackle any trail with ease.
Why is it Important to Consider Buying Long Travel All Mountain Bikes?
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes are the perfect solution for those looking for a truly versatile mountain bike. With their ability to climb, descend, and handle technical terrain, these bikes offer a unique experience for riders of all skill levels. Here are some key reasons why you should consider investing in a Long Travel All Mountain Bike.
Better performance on technical terrain
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes are designed to perform well on technical terrain. Technical terrain refers to trails that have obstacles such as rocks, roots, and steep inclines. These types of trails require a bike that can handle the demands of the terrain. The long travel suspension on all mountain bikes allows riders to navigate through obstacles with ease. Riders can also handle steep inclines and descents without losing control of the bike.
The geometry of the bike is also designed to provide better stability and control on technical terrain. The longer wheelbase and slack head angle result in a more stable platform for the rider. This stability provides riders with the confidence they need to tackle challenging trails. Overall, the better performance on technical terrain is one of the primary reasons why riders choose to invest in a Long Travel All Mountain Bike.
Increased comfort on long rides
When we ride a bike for a long duration, especially on rough terrains, it can lead to fatigue and discomfort. However, Long Travel All Mountain Bikes are designed in a way that helps to absorb the shock and impact that your bike might experience on rough terrains. This helps to reduce the strain and pressure on your body, leading to increased comfort and prolonged endurance.
Moreover, Long Travel All Mountain Bikes have suspension systems that allow the rider to adjust the stiffness and absorbent capacity of the bike. This ensures that the bike adapts to the rider’s needs, comfort, and skill level. So, if you are planning for a long weekend ride or an adventure on rugged terrains, then investing in a Long Travel All Mountain Bike will provide you with unmatched comfort, durability, stability, and confidence to explore new paths and trails.
Capability to tackle steep descents
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes are designed to handle steep descents with ease. These bikes feature long suspension travel, which helps to absorb impacts and maintain stability at high speeds. The suspension systems on these bikes are typically tuned to provide optimal performance on technical terrain, allowing riders to maintain control and minimize the risk of crashes or injuries.
Additionally, Long Travel All Mountain Bikes often feature slack geometry, which provides a more relaxed riding position and enhances stability on steep descents. The wider handlebars and shorter stems on these bikes also help to improve steering control and prevent oversteer, giving riders the confidence to tackle even the most challenging terrain. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle steep descents with ease, a Long Travel All Mountain Bike may be the perfect choice.
Enhanced stability and control
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes are designed to deliver enhanced stability and control on challenging terrains. These bikes come equipped with advanced suspension systems that absorb shocks and impact from rough terrains, providing a smooth ride to the rider. The longer travel of the suspension system means the bike can handle bigger and more technical descents.
Long Travel All Mountain Bikes also have a slack and low geometry, which improves stability and control of the bike. The slack head angle and longer wheelbase provide a more stable ride, enabling the rider to descend faster with greater confidence. Additionally, the low bottom bracket enhances the bike’s balance and cornering ability.
All these features combined make Long Travel All Mountain Bikes highly suitable for challenging terrains, providing riders with the confidence to tackle steep descents and technical trails while ensuring maximum stability and control.
Guide to Choose the Best Long Travel All Mountain Bikes
To ensure we make an informed decision when shopping for long travel all mountain bikes, it’s important to keep in mind certain essential aspects that affect performance, comfort, and safety.
Suspension travel
Suspension travel refers to the amount of vertical movement allowed by the suspension system of a bike from full compression to full extension. Long travel all-mountain bikes usually have a suspension travel range between 140-170mm. Before buying a long travel all-mountain bike, it is important to consider the suspension travel as it plays a crucial role in determining the bike’s performance.
The amount of suspension travel affects the bike’s ability to absorb bumps and provide traction over rocky terrain. A longer suspension travel allows for a smoother ride over rough terrain but may affect the bike’s climbing ability and maneuverability on tight trails. Therefore, it is important to choose the right suspension travel based on the riding style, terrain, and personal preference. It’s important to ensure that the suspension travel is well-suited to the terrain and type of riding you plan to do to get the most out of your all-mountain bike.
Frame material
When buying a long-travel all-mountain bike, the frame material should be considered as it directly affects the bike’s weight, stiffness, and durability. Typically, bike frames are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum frames are the most common and affordable, but they can have a less comfortable ride due to their stiffness. Carbon fiber frames are lightweight and provide a smoother ride, but they can be more expensive. Steel frames offer durability and comfort but are usually heavier.
Choosing the right frame material for a long-travel all-mountain bike depends on the rider’s preference and budget. For example, a rider who values a lightweight bike may opt for a carbon fiber frame, while someone who wants a more durable and forgiving ride may choose steel. Ultimately, considering the frame material when buying a long-travel all-mountain bike is essential to ensure the bike performs well on the trails and meets the rider’s needs.
Wheel size
Wheel size is an important consideration when buying long travel all mountain bikes because it can affect the bike’s performance and handling. Generally, larger wheels, such as 29-inch wheels, have better rollover capability and can cover more ground with each pedal stroke, making them faster for XC riding. In contrast, smaller wheels, such as 27.5-inch or 26-inch wheels, are more nimble and easier to maneuver through tight technical sections, making them better suited for all-mountain riding.
Additionally, wheel size can influence the suspension system of the bike. A larger wheel diameter can increase the leverage ratio of the suspension, requiring less suspension travel to achieve the same amount of travel. That means a bike with bigger wheels can have a shorter travel suspension system, which can make the bike lighter and more efficient for climbing. On the other hand, smaller wheels have a lower leverage ratio, making them suitable for bikes with longer travel suspension, improving their performance on aggressive terrain. Therefore, understanding the pros and cons of different wheel sizes is critical in selecting the right long travel all mountain bike for your riding style and terrain.
Handlebar width
The handlebar width on a long travel all mountain bike can greatly affect the bike’s stability and maneuverability. A wider handlebar can provide more leverage and control on descents but may be harder to navigate through tight turns and technical sections. On the other hand, a narrower handlebar can offer greater agility and control on tight trails but may sacrifice stability and confidence on steep descents. Therefore, it is important to consider the rider’s preferred riding style and the trails they plan to ride when selecting handlebar width.
Additionally, handlebar width can impact the rider’s comfort and endurance during long rides. A handlebar that is too wide or narrow may cause discomfort or fatigue in the hands, arms, and shoulders. Therefore, choosing the appropriate handlebar width for the rider’s body dimensions and riding preferences can enhance their overall riding experience and performance.
Brake type
Brake type should be considered before buying a long travel all mountain bike because it directly affects the bike’s stopping power, control, and maintenance needs. The two main brake types are hydraulic and mechanical, with hydraulic providing better modulation and more stopping power, making it the preferred choice for long travel bikes. Mechanical brakes can be less expensive and easier to maintain, but they require more finger strength and can be less reliable in wet or muddy conditions.
It is important to carefully consider brake type when purchasing a long travel all mountain bike as it impacts the overall performance of the bike. Additionally, some long travel bikes may come with different brake options, so it is important to research and test ride before making a final decision. The right brake type for a rider will depend on their preferences, budget, and riding conditions, but ultimately a reliable and high-performing brake system is crucial for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider before buying a long travel all mountain bike because these bikes tend to be more expensive than other types of mountain bikes. A long travel all mountain bike is designed for more aggressive and challenging terrain, which means they need to be built with higher-quality components, stronger frames, and more advanced suspension systems. As a result, the price of these bikes can quickly add up. Therefore, it is important to set a budget before purchasing a long travel all mountain bike to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money without overspending.
Another reason to consider price before buying a long travel all mountain bike is that your budget will impact the overall quality of the bike you can purchase. Generally, the more expensive the bike, the better the components, suspension system, and frame strength you can get. A lower-priced bike may have cheaper components, which may not be as durable or perform as well as their more expensive counterparts. By considering price before buying a long travel all mountain bike, you can balance your desire for high-quality components with your budget to ensure you get the best bike possible within your means.
FAQ
What is considered a long travel all mountain bike?
A long travel all mountain bike is a type of mountain bike designed for aggressive riding on challenging terrain such as steep descents, technical trails, and jumps. These bikes typically have larger wheel sizes ranging from 27.5 to 29 inches and a suspension travel of 140mm to 170mm. This allows the bike to absorb impact and provide stability on the roughest terrain. The geometry of long travel all mountain bikes is also designed for descending with a slack head angle, longer wheelbase, and shorter chainstays for greater stability at high speeds. These bikes are also equipped with reliable components such as hydraulic disc brakes, dropper seatposts, and larger tires for added traction on loose terrain.
Overall, a long travel all mountain bike is a versatile and capable bike that can handle a wide range of terrain while offering optimal performance and comfort for the rider.
How does a long travel all mountain bike differ from other types of mountain bikes?
A long travel all mountain bike, also known as an enduro bike, is designed for tackling technical terrain with steep descents and jumps. It typically has a longer wheelbase and slacker head angle than other types of mountain bikes, which creates a more stable ride at high speeds and makes it easier to maneuver steep downhill sections. The suspension system on a long travel all mountain bike is also more advanced, with around 150-170mm of travel, allowing for a smoother ride over rough terrain.
In contrast, cross-country mountain bikes are designed for racing and efficiency, with a focus on light weight and climbing ability, and typically have less suspension travel. Downhill bikes, on the other hand, are built for extreme downhill riding, with even more suspension travel and a heavier build to handle the impact of jumps and drops. All mountain bikes fall somewhere in between these two extremes and are versatile enough to handle a variety of terrain, making them a popular choice for many riders.
What types of terrain are best suited for a long travel all mountain bike?
Yes, it is necessary to have certain gear and equipment while biking on Arizona trails. At a minimum, you would need a helmet to protect your head and a bike with good tires. Additionally, it is recommended to wear clothing that is comfortable and breathable and provides protection from the sun. It is also important to carry enough water and snacks, especially when biking in hotter months, as Arizona trails can be quite challenging and remote. Other useful gear includes bike gloves, sunglasses, and a bike repair kit for any unexpected breakdowns. Overall, having the right gear and equipment can improve your safety and comfort while biking on Arizona trails.
Yes, there are certain safety precautions that one should take while mountain biking in Arizona. The most important precaution is to wear a helmet at all times. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so knee and elbow pads are also recommended. Riders should carry plenty of water and first aid supplies. It is also essential to stay on designated trails, follow all posted signs, and be aware of the wildlife in the area. Additionally, it is important to check weather reports before heading out, as Arizona’s climate can be unpredictable.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to tackling rough terrain and going on epic adventures, a long travel all mountain bike is the ideal choice. Our top 11 picks offer a range of options to suit different budgets and riding styles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take your riding to the next level, there’s a best long travel all mountain bike out there for you. So, get ready to hit the trails and experience the thrill of mountain biking like never before with the best long travel all mountain bikes.