The best All Mountain Bike 2024

The Canyon Neuron is not only a classic in the all-mountain category but it also impresses with hard facts. There are exciting aluminum Neuron models that don’t neglect weight issues even under €3,000. Plus, it scores on the trail with a successful geometry and the top-notch performing rear suspension.

The latest generation of the Neuron remains true to the values that have always been associated with the Canyon Neuron: the bike prioritizes low weight and a propulsion-oriented setup for touring capability above all else, making it the perfect companion for crossing the Alps or extended rides in the low mountain ranges. This distinctiveness from the Canyon Spectral 125 or the Spectral CF (see below) remains clear. And Canyon confidently faces its fiercest competitor, Cube, as many Canyon models are priced more attractively than the comparable Cube Stereo 144 bikes (see below).

Cube is hitting the market with the Stereo One44, an All-Mountain steed eagerly awaited by touring riders. It’s lightweight, well-equipped, and affordable. Its clear focus on touring capability makes adventures like crossing the Alps a breeze, but it also exacts its toll.

The Cube Stereo One44 is fun on the descents but is neither a high-speed iron nor a playful trail rig. The Cube is an excellent all-rounder with exceptional value for money. Those planning to traverse the Alps anytime soon won’t find a better bike in the 4000 € price range. On the downhill, there are bikes with 140mm of travel with more potential. Even though the carbon models are flying off the shelves at a great price, there’s a missing gap for attractive aluminum bikes around the 2000 € mark. In this arena, Cube lets other manufacturers take the lead.

Orbea has impressively demonstrated with the new Occam SL that they have the chops to significantly shape the market. The combination of design, features, price, and weight is currently unmatched by any other manufacturer like Orbea. The Occam SL is a well-executed bike that, with 140 mm of travel, is perfectly tailored to the needs of all-mountain riders.

Riders who go harder on the descents will find a more potent option with the Occam in the LT version that offers 160 mm of travel but also comes with added weight. The lightweight Wicked Will tires from Schwalbe and the handlebar-controlled lockout suspension elements make it clear: propulsion is the priority here. With the top model weighing under 11 kilograms, Orbea is currently setting the benchmark for weight in the all-mountain sector.

Rockrider is using sheer force to break out of the budget bike bracket, and it’s working. The impressive kit, boasting top-tier suspension and carbon wheelsets, is priced under 4000€, above the average for this market segment. The Feel 900s tips the scales at 14kg, not exactly lightweight, but still heftier than the offerings from market leaders Canyon and Cube.

The beefy tires also bump up the rotational mass. Especially on a touring bike, designed for chewing up miles, this isn’t ideal. However, this is an issue that can be addressed post-purchase. The Feel 900s stands as a solid ride, though not quite a showstopper.

Decathlon hasn’t yet managed to snatch the high-end spotlight from the competition. Yet, with the Feel 900s, they’re positioned among the top contenders in the field.

The new Canyon Spectral has less travel than its predecessor but remains one of the most descent-focused All-Mountain bikes on the market. The K.I.S. steering stabilization system is a subtle companion that ultimately improves the bike. There is no noticeable price increase for the factory-installed system in the competitively priced CF models.

On tamer home trails, the Spectral is a bike you can totally rely on. With 150 mm of travel on the fork, the All-Mountain bike clearly outperforms models like the Canyon Neuron or the Cube Stereo 140 on descents. The prices for all models are consistently fair given the specs. The descent-oriented spec with beefy tires makes the Spectral CF models not the lightest on the market. Touring riders will be happier with the models listed above. Each Spectral CF is available with either 29er or Mullet wheels.

We’ve chased the new Jeffsy down home trails and serious bike park descents, powering our way to the trailhead under our own steam. Truth be told, while the Jeffsy will climb anything, with its relatively high weight, it’s no rocket on the ascent. It’s also a bit heavier than its fiercest competitor, the Canyon Spectral. Uphill, the sweat flows freely — that’s the honest reality.

Descending is where the Jeffsy truly delivers. Geometry, rear suspension, and equipment converge into what can only be described as a veritable ironing board. The stable handling grows on you, especially as the speed increases. With 150mm of travel, the Jeffsy can hold its own against many enduros on descents. There are lighter and more innovative bikes on the market, but the Jeffsy remains everybody’s darling with an attractive price point.

Scor has managed to occupy a niche with a downhill-focused bike that still offers good propulsion. The Scor 2030 isn’t a marvel of comfort, but it knows how to handle a rough ride. The price, considering the components, is steep. Thankfully, the weight is pleasingly low at 13.72 kilograms.

The versatile terrain range from crossing the Alps to occasional bike park usage is a compelling feature that the Scor 2030 brings to the table. However, we must be honest: the word ‘occasional’ should be emphasized when it comes to bike park outings. Because when it comes to descending, bikes like the YT Jeffsy or the Canyon Spectral CF, with more suspension travel, have more potential.

With its smaller rear wheel and descent-focused gear, the Santa Cruz 5010 accentuates its playful riding style on the singletrack. It’s essentially the perfect ride for those who are into enduro, but don’t have the suitable terrain for a true enduro bike right outside their door.

Indeed, with its incredible resilience at a minimal suspension travel, the 5010 manages like few other bikes to create a sense of riding joy on home trails that aren’t riddled with crazy stunts or boulders. Where there is plenty of light, there will also be shadow. Classic all-mountain bikes, such as the Canyon Neuron, may climb a bit better. The price tag is steep.