2017 buyer’s guide: All-mountain/trail bikes

Intense Primer Expert

If you think 27.5″ is the proper size wheel for a trail bike, Intense would differ and argue its point by making you ride the Primer. With chainstays measuring 438 mm, this is one 29er with a really short rear end. Paired with slack seat and head tube angles, the geometry makes for a very agile, but stable-feeling bike. The travel is adjustable—between 115 mm and 130 mm—which is a great feature if you ride differenttrail networks or areas. Being one of only a few 29″ trail bikes, the Primer will pedal efficiently thanks to its low weight and virtual pivot point-like linkage. ($6,990, mec.ca)

Cannondale Trigger Carbon 1

Many bikes claim to have equal climbing and descending capabilities, but few achieve those features in the same way Cannondale does with the Trigger. With a 140-mm SuperMax Carbon 2.0 Lefty fork and a funky-looking Fox Dyad RT2 shock that actually pulls in its stroke rather than push, the Trigger stands out visually. But what stands out even more is the fully adjustable suspension. With the flip of a switch, the Dyad shock simultaneously adjusts the bike’s travel, air-spring volume, damping and geometry. Few bikes can offer what the Trigger gives you when it comes to adjustability on the go. It is as close as you can get to having two bikes in one. ($10,340, cannondale.com)

Ibis Mojo 3 XT 1X

Ibis was one of the first brands to embrace, truly, the pursuit of a dual-suspension bike that could climb as well as it could descend. In 2006, the first Mojo hit bike-shop floors, and since then Ibis has been improving and updating the line to accommodate industry standards and trends. Quite simply, the 2017 Mojo 3 has it all. Set up around 27.5″ hoops, the Mojo 3 offers clearance for tires as wide as 2.8″ thanks to the Boost 148-mm rear spacing. With the ability to choose between standard and plus-size tires as well as 11 different build kits—such as the XT 1X with a Deorecentric spec, a Fox Factory Float 34 fork with 140 mm of travel and a Fox Factory Float DPS that travels 130 mm—you’re sure to find your Mojo. ($7,819, ibiscycles.com)

Staran FSM-140 Prime

Staran Cycles is the new kid on the block when it comes to trail bikes. The Burlington, Ont.-based company uses an online, direct-to-customer system to deliver its bikes. The Staran Prime is a 140-mm travel bike built to take some abuse on the trails but not on your wallet. At $3,950, the complete bike comes with solid parts including a Fox 34 Float fork, Fox Factory Float X shock and full Shimano XT shifting and brakes. With a 10-year warranty on the frame, you’re sure to see more of these bikes rolling through your local trails. ($3,950, starancycles.com)

Santa Cruz 5010 C R2x

The Santa Cruz 5010 is available in three frame options including one aluminum and two carbon, and multiple configurations. The C R2x build features an alloy frame, Shimano SLX drivetrain and SRA M brakes. The bike relies on a virtual pivot point suspension. It works with a Fox Rhythm fork and Fox Float Performance shock to give you 130 mm of travel. Everything rolls along 27.5″ WTB STP i23 TCS rims laced to Novatec D712 hubs. The 5010 is a tight and nimble bike that is ready to tackle any technical trail whether you’re heading up or down. ($4,999, santacruzbicycles.com)