Full suspension means travel at both ends: a fork up front and a rear shock working with a linkage to keep the back wheel tracking the ground. The result is more grip, more control and a great deal less fatigue on rough descents. The trade-offs are weight, price and a bit more maintenance — which is why the shortest-travel XC bikes and the simplest hardtails still have a loyal following.

This is our biggest mountain bike category, spanning short-travel XC through trail and enduro to full downhill, including electric models and framesets. Brands include Mondraker, Santa Cruz, Yeti, Merida, Evil, Orbea, Nukeproof, Ibis, Pivot, Marin, Kona and Norco. Travel is the thing to get right first — talk to us if you're unsure, and finance is available.