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Compare Best Mountain Bikes head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#1 on this list
Hightower
Santa Cruz
145 mm of VPP travel with the best pivot-bearing longevity in the class. Climbs efficiently without a lockout and stays composed in rock gardens.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#2 on this list
Ripmo V2
Ibis
The benchmark long-travel trail bike. DW-link suspension that pedals like a shorter bike and descends like an enduro rig.
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- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hightower | Ripmo V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Santa Cruz | Ibis |
| Model | Hightower | Ripmo V2 |
| Travel | 145mm Rear / 150mm Front | — |
| Wheel Size | 29-inch | 29-inch |
| Suspension | VPP | — |
| Frame Material | — | Carbon Fiber |
| Rear Travel | — | 147mm |
| Suspension Design | — | DW-link |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hightower
- Lifetime frame and bearing warranty
- Balanced climbing and descending
- Excellent resale value
- Expensive at every build level
- Sizing runs long
Ripmo V2
- Superb pedaling platform
- Roomy front triangle for bottles
- Forgiving on chunky terrain
- Heavier than pure trail bikes
- Loud chainslap on some builds
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.