Mountain Bikes: Freeride

When the obstacles get more advanced and the drops a bit bigger, a freeride bike is required. These three bikes offer refined suspension systems and beefy build kits for riders wanting something just under a downhill rig.

::GEARBOX
CoilAir Deluxe – $5,499
Kona
13051
If getting serious air is more your style, Kona believes it has a bike for the job. Although it has been around for a couple of years, the CoilAir has been completely redesigned for 2010 with a whole new version of the company’s impressive Magic Link system. That design automatically alters both the frame geometry and the suspension travel from 125 to 195mm. The CoilAir Deluxe has been lightened by almost three pounds for 2010 and is available in five sizes from 15 to 20 inches. The build this year includes Fox front and rear suspension, the SRAM Hammerschmidt AM front shifting system, Shimano SLX disc brakes and Mavic Crossline wheels.

::GEARBOX
Voltage FR10 – $4,179
Scott
13052

One look at the Voltage FR10 and you know this bike can take a beating. Its massive Fox 36 fork and DHX rear coil shock are a dead giveaway as to what this bike can handle. The Voltage lineup is meant to be a value-friendly option for Scott riders heading to the local bike park. The shock can be moved to vary the travel from 130 to 180mm while interchangeable dropouts allow multiple chain stay lengths and the use of either standard QR, MAXLE or 12mm thru axles. The FR10 has a SRAM X.9 drivetrain, Avid Elixir brakes (203mm front and 185mm rear), DT Swiss wheels and big Schwalbe 2.4″ tires.

::GEARBOX
Attack Trail 6.9 – $5,179
Marin
13053

The Marin Quad Trail series got a makeover this year with a new 150mm suspension design and a lighter 6061 aluminum frame with a tapered head tube. The Attack Trail 6.9, the top model in the three-bike Quad Trail lineup, has a RockShox Lyric Solo 160mm front fork with a Maxle 20mm axle and a RockShox Monarch rear shock. The SRAM drivetrain includes a Truvativ Hammerschmidt crankset system, X.9 shifters and rear derailleur and Avid Elixir CR brakes. Truvativ also provides the bulk of the cockpit parts while Fulcrum wheels come stock.