The Best Mountain Bikes of 2021 So Far : Thread + Spoke

Mountain biking can be as exhilarating and challenging as you make it. No matter your preferred style of bike or riding, there’s no excuse to get out on the trail and spend some quality time in nature this summer. 

Among all the fancy new gear released this year, investing in a new bike could possibly be the most exciting and monumental choice you may make. As a result, it pays to be aware of the different full-suspension models and design styles that each brand continues to innovate and release. The following list outlines some of our favorite Mountain Bikes of 2021 so far. 

Ibis - Ripmo V2

The Ibis Ripmo V2 Deore is a full carbon trail bike with an aggressively set frame that combines a longer reach with a steep 76-degree seat tube angle. The Ripmo places you forward over the petals for more control on steep and tricky descents. This position also efficiently works to help you in the long haul, making for steady and controlled climbing. The Ibis works both up and down with unparalleled traction, built from more than solid stock components. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with Ibis Ripmo V2. 

Salsa Blackthorn Carbon 

The new 2021 Blackthorn Carbon SLX is classified as an all-mountain bike with the versatility to take on any trail. A progressive geometry, lightweight carbon frame, 140 mm of rear travel, and a 160 mm fork sets you up for jump lines, drops, rock gardens or anything else that comes at you.  The 2021 model features a 10-51T 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain, carbon frame, 2.4 & 2.5-inch Assegai and Dissector tires by Maxxis and A RockShox Lyrik Select+ front-end, which is a solid for this 5k price. 

Cannondale - Habit 4

The new Cannondale Habit 4 is a solid mid-range mountain bike with trail focused geometry. This model was designed for trail enthusiasts who wish to start racing or sending some technical descents around the county – The new Habit 4 is built around a SmartForm C1 alloy frame that is lightweight and offers nimble and responsive handling, especially on tricky descents. Combined, these high end features backed into an affordable price tag make it well worth the investment. 

Yeti SB130 Line 

The 2021 line of Yeti SB130’s are some of the best high-performance carbon mountain bikes available. This year’s SB130 model mountain bikes are built for experienced riders looking to push the boundaries of possible on the trail. The bike's heavy back end paired with the over-forked front end keeps this bike rolling no matter what the trail decides to throw at it. This bike rewards routey behavior and pushes you to ride more aggressively. It can handle anything that you throw at it and with Yeti's lifetime warranty why wouldn't you take some risks? 

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is a cross between a full Stumpjumper and a full enduro race bike. The adaptive design of the new EVO covers it all. The frame allows you to easily adjust the geometry, both chain stains, the bottom bracket and headset. This means that you can make your stumpjumper work for you on any trail or terrain. As one the most highly rated bikes of the year, the evo is an outstanding example of a high-performance modern mountain bike. 

Trek Slash 

With improved reach and travel, the 2021 Trek Slash, like years before, is no letdown. The long-travel trail bike built for big all-mountain terrain and racing the clock on rugged enduro lines is no letdown. The 2021 model features a specially developed Super Deluxe shock with Thru Shaft technology, a convenient storage compartment in the down tube (aluminium and carbon frames), and revised Knock Block offering a wider steering angle (72° instead of 58). The Trek Slash is available in carbon and alloy frame options, each with burly suspension and 160mm/170mm of travel, an enduro mountain bike geometry, and fast-rolling 29er wheels for speed and stability. 

Santa Cruz Hightower 

The Hightower has been a do-it-all bike since its inception. The Hightower is more maneuverable than its longer-traveling Megatower, and more at home in the steep-and-chunky than the Tallboy. The Hightower excels when the route covers ‘all points in between,’ and descents come courtesy of some big-ass climbs. With a perfect balance of stiffness and weight, the tone of the Hightower can be adapted to meet your individual taste. It’s hard to go wrong with any high-performing Santa Cruz model.  The Hightower is no different.

While it’s difficult to make a wrong choice when it comes to purchasing a new bike, knowing what you're looking for and what top-of-the-line models are available never hurts. Hopefully, the following breakdown gives you somewhere to start when browsing this year's mountain bike models. For more information on how to decide which bike is best suited for you or to comb some reviews of these specific models and components visit the Thread + Spoke journal today.

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