This past year, the Mtbr staff has ridden everything from electric assist fat bikes to ultra light cross-country whippets. But only a handful of those bikes could make it onto our Best of 2015 list. And the winners are…
Evil The Following
With its impressive BMX-like handling and downhill prowess, the short travel Evil 29er doesn't handle like anything else we've ever ridden. Think of it as the two-wheeled offspring of a Mazda Miata and a trophy truck. Check out our First Ride Review.
The Ripley is now available in two different versions, one with the original geometry we loved for XC ripping
and this more trail oriented slayer (click to enlarge).
Ibis Ripley LS
How do make an already incredible bike even more fun? You make it longer and slacker. The new Ibis Ripley LS also features improved cable routing, better tire clearance, and has a threaded bottom bracket. Learn more here.
Pivot Mach 6 Alloy
We loved the original Pivot Mach 6 but the price tag kept it out of the reach of most mortals. This year, the brand has righted that wrong with a new alloy version that starts at $3500. Check out our first ride impressions here.
The 5010 and Bronson couldn't be more different in terms of handling, but we're grouping the two together due to similar appearance and impressive versatility (click to enlarge).
Santa Cruz 5010 2.0 and Bronson 2.0
While sequels rarely live up to the originals, Santa Cruz has outdone themselves yet again. The new 5010 and Bronson are slacker, longer, and even more capable than the previous models. They also retain a threaded bottom bracket and have some of the best internal cable routing on the market. For more info, check out our full length review of the 5010 and First Look at the Bronson 2.
Continue to page 2 for more of the best new mountain bikes of 2015 »
The new Patrol Carbon employs some interesting new tech, including P.A.B.S.T. (Put A Bottle and Stuff in There) and T.I.T.S. (Tubes in Tubes System).
Transition Patrol Carbon
While a lot of companies employ complex marketing jargon to explain the handling characteristics of their bikes, Transition keeps it fun - just like their mountain bikes. Their latest is a carbon version of their popular 6" model, the Patrol. For more info on their fresh foray into carbon, check out our exclusive interview with the boss here.
Trek Stache
The Trek Stache holds a place on this list because it was the first bike to feature the new boost 110/148 hub technology - and it hauls ass. Even if you hate new standards, this 29+ hardtail will leave your mouth hurting from the constant grinning. Learn more in our first ride review of the Stache.
The new RFX is Turner's second foray into carbon, yet it retains many of the iconic visual cues associated with this iconic brand (click to enlarge).
Turner RFX
If you went by just the numbers, you might write the Turner RFX off as just another slack enduro bike. But this bike's trail manners are impeccable. We can't wait to get one in for a full length review. Until then, this quick one ride report will have to do.
While riders may have some misgivings about the exposed Switch Infinity linkage, we experienced zero issues over three months of testing in sloppy conditions (click to enlarge).
Yeti SB4.5c
Despite only having 4.5" of travel, the Yeti SB4.5c is one of the most capable 29ers in its class. The Switch Infinity suspension platform is remarkably efficient uphill, yet doesn't sacrificing anything on descents. For more info visit www.yeticycles.com.
Do you disagree with our choices? Or did we leave out your favorite new bike? Sound off in the comments section below.
To see the rest of our favorite products and videos, check out the other articles in our Best of 2015 series:
Most Innovative Components of 2015
Best New Components of 2015
Best New Protective Gear of 2015
Best New Value Priced Products of 2015
Best Mountain Bike Videos of 2015
Evil The Following
With its impressive BMX-like handling and downhill prowess, the short travel Evil 29er doesn't handle like anything else we've ever ridden. Think of it as the two-wheeled offspring of a Mazda Miata and a trophy truck. Check out our First Ride Review.
The Ripley is now available in two different versions, one with the original geometry we loved for XC ripping
and this more trail oriented slayer (click to enlarge).
Ibis Ripley LS
How do make an already incredible bike even more fun? You make it longer and slacker. The new Ibis Ripley LS also features improved cable routing, better tire clearance, and has a threaded bottom bracket. Learn more here.
Pivot Mach 6 Alloy
We loved the original Pivot Mach 6 but the price tag kept it out of the reach of most mortals. This year, the brand has righted that wrong with a new alloy version that starts at $3500. Check out our first ride impressions here.
The 5010 and Bronson couldn't be more different in terms of handling, but we're grouping the two together due to similar appearance and impressive versatility (click to enlarge).
Santa Cruz 5010 2.0 and Bronson 2.0
While sequels rarely live up to the originals, Santa Cruz has outdone themselves yet again. The new 5010 and Bronson are slacker, longer, and even more capable than the previous models. They also retain a threaded bottom bracket and have some of the best internal cable routing on the market. For more info, check out our full length review of the 5010 and First Look at the Bronson 2.
Continue to page 2 for more of the best new mountain bikes of 2015 »
The new Patrol Carbon employs some interesting new tech, including P.A.B.S.T. (Put A Bottle and Stuff in There) and T.I.T.S. (Tubes in Tubes System).
Transition Patrol Carbon
While a lot of companies employ complex marketing jargon to explain the handling characteristics of their bikes, Transition keeps it fun - just like their mountain bikes. Their latest is a carbon version of their popular 6" model, the Patrol. For more info on their fresh foray into carbon, check out our exclusive interview with the boss here.
[IMG alt="The Stache uses a clever elevated drive-side "midstay" to help shorten the chainstays and increase the wheelie-ability. "]https://reviews.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Trek_Stache_9_Trail.gif[/IMG]
The Stache uses a clever elevated drive-side "midstay" to help shorten the chainstays and increase the wheelie-ability (click to enlarge).
The Stache uses a clever elevated drive-side "midstay" to help shorten the chainstays and increase the wheelie-ability (click to enlarge).
Trek Stache
The Trek Stache holds a place on this list because it was the first bike to feature the new boost 110/148 hub technology - and it hauls ass. Even if you hate new standards, this 29+ hardtail will leave your mouth hurting from the constant grinning. Learn more in our first ride review of the Stache.
The new RFX is Turner's second foray into carbon, yet it retains many of the iconic visual cues associated with this iconic brand (click to enlarge).
Turner RFX
If you went by just the numbers, you might write the Turner RFX off as just another slack enduro bike. But this bike's trail manners are impeccable. We can't wait to get one in for a full length review. Until then, this quick one ride report will have to do.
While riders may have some misgivings about the exposed Switch Infinity linkage, we experienced zero issues over three months of testing in sloppy conditions (click to enlarge).
Yeti SB4.5c
Despite only having 4.5" of travel, the Yeti SB4.5c is one of the most capable 29ers in its class. The Switch Infinity suspension platform is remarkably efficient uphill, yet doesn't sacrificing anything on descents. For more info visit www.yeticycles.com.
Do you disagree with our choices? Or did we leave out your favorite new bike? Sound off in the comments section below.
To see the rest of our favorite products and videos, check out the other articles in our Best of 2015 series:
Most Innovative Components of 2015
Best New Components of 2015
Best New Protective Gear of 2015
Best New Value Priced Products of 2015
Best Mountain Bike Videos of 2015