Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2000 | Top 7 Great Picks

(Last updated on March 17th, 2023)

Mountain biking is an excellent sport. It can improve your fitness, help teach you skills you never knew you could achieve, and it’s such a popular sport you will struggle not to make new friends while out on a trail. It’s a great recreational sport that many people take to and never stop doing throughout their lives. Bikes can be complicated, and with so many different types and brands on the market, it can be very tough to find the right bike for you, especially when it comes to full-suspension mountain bikes.

In this article, firstly, we’ll tell you what we look for when it comes to shopping for a full-suspension bike and recommend some excellent bikes for your riding. Then we’re going to give you a full guide on what to look for when buying a full-suspension bike and answer questions that are frequently asked when it comes to buying a full-suspension mountain bike.

Man riding a mountain bike low angle
Man riding a mountain bike low angle

What We Look For in Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes are made up of a lot of components and more than a typical bike, and for that reason, special care is needed to be taken when selecting the right bike for you. Here’s what we look at when selecting our best full-suspension mountain bikes.

What Is It Designed to Do

Next, we need to consider what the bike is designed to do. Full-suspension bikes are designed for many different purposes, from downhill riding to XC. We need to know what the bike is used for to understand if the components suit that discipline.

Components

Bikes are made up of many different parts, and that is what makes bikes unique. It’s not just the frame but the combination of the suspension, gearing, and wheels that give the bike certain characteristics. Full suspension mountain bikes have the most components on them of all the different types of bikes and it’s vital to ensure they are all going to work.

Price

When we look at bikes, it’s vital to understand if they are good value for money. Although they might be cheap, it doesn’t mean they are always good value for money. Full suspension mountain bikes range from $1000 all the way to $13000. We ensure that all the bikes on this list are worth the money.

Style and Design

When we look at bikes, the first thing we consider is what they look like. Is it a nice design? Has it been finished to look like an excellent bike, or does it look like something we might not want to ride? Some brands give bikes such excellent unique designs that it does make them feel very special to ride.

Young adult using electric bike in the country side 1
Young adult using electric bike in the countryside
BikeFrameSuspensionGearingBrakesWheelsPriceWhere to buy?Rating
Atroz 2AluminumSuntourShimano AceraShimano Hydraulic27.5”$13754/5
Rift 2AluminumRockShoxShimano Deore 12SShimano Hydraulic27.5”$1975Check price5/5
Mythique 27.5AluminumMarzocchi / RockshoxShimano Deore 12SShimano Hydraulic29”$17954.5/5
Mongoose Salvo CompAluminumSuntour / X FusionSRAM SX 12SShimano Hydraulic29”$1995Check price4.5/5
Kona Process 134AluminumRockshoxShimano Deore 11SShimano Hydraulic29”$1850Check price4/5
Decathlon RockriderAluminumManitouSRAM NX 12SSRAM Level29”$16004.5/5
Boardman MTR 8.9AluminumRockShoxSRAM NX 12SSRAM Guide T29”$20005/5

Best Budget

1. Diamondback Atroz 2

Diamondback Atroz 2 in black with yellow detailing 1
Diamondback Atroz 2 in black with yellow detailing

Our Rating

4/5

$1375

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeXC
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionTwin Suntour
Gearing Shimano Acera M3000
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
Wheels27.5
Weight35.7lbs

PROS

  • Price
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Shimano components
  • Suntour suspension
  • Great looking

CONS

  • Basic Components
  • Fairly Heavy

Diamondback is not shy about making a good mountain bike and has become one of the most popular brands in recent years because of the amazing value-for-money bikes they produce. The Atroz is an excellent example of a high-quality bike at an amazing cost.

The first thing to mention is the aluminum frame is lightweight and comes in a modern gray we really like. It comes with an SR Suntour XCM front fork and a SR Suntour Raidon-R rear shock giving you 120mm travel up front and 100mm on the back. This is paired up with 1X9 Shimano Acera gearing, giving you a good range of gearing.

Then we have the brakes, and we’re looking at Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power and some 27.5” wheels with Vee Tires in 2.35”, which will give you great control on technical courses.

Overall Rating

The Diamondback is an excellent full-suspension bike at an amazingly low price. The components are basic, but they will work and can easily be upgraded later in time.

Best Equipped

2. Marin Rift Zone 2 27.5”

Marin Rift Zone 2 with 27 5 wheels
Marin Rift Zone 2 with 27 5 wheels

Our Rating

5/5

$1975

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeXC / All Mountain
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionTwin RockShox
Gearing Shimano Deore 12 Speed
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
Wheels27.5
Weight34lbs

PROS

  • Excellent Components
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • RockShox suspension

CONS

  • The top end of the budget
  • Light suspension travel

Marin is a company from California where mountain biking was born. They have an amazing heritage and have been creating incredible bikes for a long time. The Rift is one of the best value-for-money full-suspension mountain bikes on this list.

The aluminum frame is very lightweight and has been made to give the bike excellent ability and also offer a high level of comfort. The front fork is RockShox Recon Silver RL giving 130mm travel, and the rear is a Deluxe Select R with 120mm travel. It will give you the ability to hit tougher trails than cross country.

The Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset is excellent, offers a huge range to get up hills, and is paired with Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes for great stopping power. The wheels are Marin’s own 27.5” wheels and come with a tough set of Vee Flow Snap tires. The bike even has a dropper post too.

Overall Rating

The Marin Rift is at the top of our budget, but it is incredible. The frame is great, but the components offer so much on top of that. It deserves the highest rating we have and is probably one of the best bikes here.

Best for Enduro

3. Vitus Mythique 29 VRX

Vitus Mythique VRX with 29 wheels and red forks
Vitus Mythique VRX with 29 wheels and red forks

Our Rating

4.5/5

$1795

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeAll Mountain
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionMarzocchi Bomber Z2 and RockShox Rear Shock
Gearing Shimano Deore 12 Speed
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
Wheels29
Weight34lbs

PROS

  • Ready for very rough trails
  • Looks epic
  • Shimano components
  • Great suspension setup
  • Apple

CONS

  • Quite heavy compared to other bikes
  • Red forks are not for everyone

The Vitus is an excellent bike and is one of the most capable on this list. If you’re looking for a bike to tackle some super challenging trails and want the ability to keep up at the bike park, then this could be the bike for you.

With its compact style frame and lightweight aluminum tubing, it is going to offer great responsiveness. The suspension is a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 on the front giving 140mm travel, and RockShox Monarch rear shock will keep it all under control.

The Mythique has a 12-speed Shimano Deore groupset and brakes to match, which are high-level components on a bike of this price. It comes with WTB i30 wheels with 29” Schwalbe tires for extra control and even sports a dropper post for the big drops.

Overall Rating

The Vitus Mythique is an incredible bike and offers so much ability for the rider. It does come heavier than the other bikes because of these excellent components. This is it if you are looking for a capable full-suspension bike.

Best Value for Money

4. Mongoose Salvo Comp

Mongoose Salvo Comp in matt black
Mongoose Salvo Comp in matt black

Our Rating

4.5/5

$1995

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeAll Mountain
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionSuntour and X Fusion
Gearing SRAM Eagle 12s
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
Wheels29
Weight32lbs

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Looks great
  • Amazing for XC
  • Mongoose brand
  • SRAM components

CONS

  • Top of budget
  • Struggle on very challenging trails
  • No dropper

If you have been to a bike park or a popular trail, you would have come across a Mongoose MTB before. They make excellent bikes and have been around for over 45 years. The Salvo is a great example of that heritage and their experience.

The frame is lightweight aluminum and comes equipped with a Suntour XCM fork on the front and an X-Fusion 02 Pro, and it gets 100mm travel all around. The gearing comes from SRAM, and it is the legendary 12-speed Eagle groupset that gives you a huge range of gears, especially when it comes to climbing.

You also have hydraulic Shimano brakes, which will stop you very quickly no matter what weather or terrain you’re on, and a set of 29” wheels with Kenda tires to keep the rubber side down.

Overall Rating

The Mongoose is an excellent bike and is one of the lightest on this list. It’s built for XC riding and has limited travel and no dropper, but we love the performance on the light trails it will give you.

Best All Mountain

5. Kona Process 134 29”

Kona Process 134 with 29 wheels
Kona Process 134 with 29 wheels

Our Rating

4/5

$1850

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeXC – All Mountain
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionRockShox Fork and Shock
Gearing Shimano Deore 11 Speed
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
Wheels29
Weight33lbs

PROS

  • Great all-rounder
  • Excellent 140mm travel suspension
  • Lovely color
  • Shimano components

CONS

  • 11 Speed, not 12 speed
  • Fairly weighted

The best full suspension bikes under the $2000 list wouldn’t be complete without a Kona on. If you’re looking for a great MTB, they are one of the best places to go. The Process series is a great all-around bike that is built to cover light and medium trails off-road.

The frame is made of 6061 aluminum, and it is very high quality. They have paired this up with a double Rockshox Suspension. You have a Recon RL on the front giving 140mm, and a Deluxe Select on the rear to match up. The groupset is Shimano Deore, which is excellent, but it’s the 11-speed, not the 12-speed.

It also comes with Shimano Hydraulic disc brakes with larger 160mm/180mm discs and WTB rims with Maxxis tires. You also get a lovely TransX dropper post to help give you much more ability on the trails.

Overall Rating

The Kona Process is an excellent bike, and we feel they definitely have ticked all the boxes as an excellent all round MTB goes. The only thing we would have loved is a 12-speed groupset to finish the build.

Best Looking

6. Decathlon Rockrider XC

Decathlon Rockrider in red XC Bike
Decathlon Rockrider in red XC Bike

Our Rating

4.5/5

$1600

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeXC
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionManitou Fork and Shock
Gearing SRAM NX 12 Speed
BrakesSRAM Level Hydraulic
Wheels29
Weight31.7 lbs

PROS

  • Excellent for XC
  • Lightweight
  • Great frame design
  • SRAM Components and brakes
  • Price

CONS

  • Made for XC
  • Light suspension travel

Decathlon doesn’t just do excellent all-round fitness equipment. They also make bikes and very good bikes. The Rockrider is their XC full suspension model, and it’s a great bike. The aluminum frame is lightweight and has an excellent design. It even has a dropped chainstay to help with technical handling, and they are so confident that it even has a lifetime warranty.

The groupset is SRAM NX, and it’s a great 12-speed groupset with a wide range ready to tackle the lumpiest trails. You also have SRAM Level brakes, which paired with this groupset perfectly and offer serious stopping power.

The wheels are 29,” and they are SUN RINGLE Duroc. They come tubeless ready and with Hutchinson tires ready to roll.

Overall Rating

The Rockrider is an excellent XC full-suspension MTB that comes in at an incredibly low price. It isn’t ready for Downhill riding, but it’s a beast for mixed and light trails.

Best Overall

7. Boardman MTR 8.9

Boardman MTB 8 9 in matt black
Boardman MTB 8 9 in matt black

Our Rating

5/5

$1600

KEY SPECS

Bike TypeAll Mountain / Enduro
Frame MaterialAluminum
SuspensionRockShox
Gearing SRAM NX 12 Speed
BrakesSRAM Guide
Wheels29
Weight36 lbs

PROS

  • Great suspension
  • Looks excellent
  • Dropper post
  • Power SRAM brakes
  • Amazing all-rounder

CONS

  • Top of budget
  • Hard to fit a frame bag to

As far as performance goes, the Boardman MTR is by far the most capable bike on this list. It’s a 6061 aluminum frame that is made to perform and perform well. The RockShox suspension comes with a 35 Gold front fork giving 150mm of travel on the front, and a Deluxe Select plus rear, which gives 140mm travel at the back.

The gearing is the SRAM Eagle NX 12 speed which is an excellent groupset and the best value for money as far as MTB suspension goes. It comes paired with SRAM Guide disc brakes which are super powerful with twin 180mm rotors. The wheels are Boardman’s own, and they come Tubeless ready with Maxxis tires.

Finally, the last thing is the Satori Sorata Pro dropper post which offers 125mm of drop so you can get as low as possible on those challenging descents.

Overall Rating

The Boardman MTR 8.9 is the most capable bike on this list and will give amazing performance on light and challenging trails. It’s not the cheapest on this list, but it is the best.

Man in mountain biking equipment riding his bike
Man in mountain biking equipment riding his bike

Full Suspension Mountain Bike Buyers Guide

There’s so much you need to consider when buying a full-suspension mountain bike. In this next section, we’ll discuss what you need to consider when looking for the right bike for you.

What’s the Bike Designed For?

The first thing and most important to consider is what the bike is designed to do. You typically have four different disciplines when it comes to mountain biking: Cross Country (XC), Trail (All-Mountain), Enduro, and Downhill. Ensure the bike you buy is for the discipline you want to ride. If you want to do a mix, a trail or enduro bike will be best.

Frame

Frames come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. For less than $2000, you are more than likely going to be using aluminum which is strong and lightweight. You might find a few carbon fiber frames, but corners might be cut elsewhere on a carbon fiber bike at less than $2000.

Suspension

When it comes to suspension, you have so many options. We recommend using popular brand such as RockShox, Manitou, Suntour, and Fox, to name a few. This will mean servicing will be cheaper and spares easier to find if required. Then you have travel, and travel is the amount a fork or shock can compress. The more aggressive the trail or course, the more travel you will want, but the heavier the system will be.

Back shot of mountain bike on sunset rear wheel mountain bike tire tires 27 5 inch mtb bicycle
Back shot of mountain bike on sunset rear wheel mountain bike tire tires 27 5 inch mtb bicycle

Gearing

On mountain bikes, you have gears that must be capable of sharp climbs and work well on loose terrain. We recommend always going for a groupset with lots of low gears and one that is from a well-known brand such as Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo.

Wheels and Tires

When it comes to wheels, you typically have two different sizes on modern bikes, 27.5” or 29”. Depending on the bike’s size, these will be different. In general, smaller wheels of 27.5” are better for acceleration and working around an object, and 29” wheels are better for top speed and rolling over objects. When it comes to tires, the wider the tire, the more grip you will have on rough terrain, but this comes with extra rolling resistance.

Special Features

Another thing that’s important to consider is special features. Full-suspension mountain bikes come with loads of extra such as dropper posts and suspension that can lock for road riding. Researching the bike a bit will tell you if they have any.

Young adult using electric bike in the country side 2
Young adult using electric bike in the countryside

Conclusion

Full-suspension mountain bikes are a lot of fun and the most capable bikes you will find on the market. They can take you into nature and give you the ability to tackle almost anything. We highly recommend any on this list and know you will enjoy the miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to ride a full-suspension bike on the road?

Full-suspension mountain bikes can be ridden on the road without any issues. They will be very laggy because of the suspension and the wider tires, but it won’t damage them. You might get tires that are more worn down the center from the harsh tarmac.

Are hardtail mountain bikes faster than full suspension?

Hardtail bikes are lighter and stiffer than full-suspension bikes. They are much less capable than a full suspension bike and, on very technical courses, will be much faster than a hardtail mountain bike.

Can you ride downhill on a hardtail?

You can, but it is going to be very challenging, and for the rider, it won’t be a very comfortable ride. We recommend a full-suspension bike for downhill riding over a hardtail bike any day.

What is a full-suspension bike?

A full-suspension bike is a bike with suspension on the front, typically on the forks, and suspension on the rear in the form of a shock.

Is a full-suspension bike good uphill?

Although heavier, full-suspension bikes are very good at climbing challenging trails. They have the ability to roll over obstacles much smoother, making them very quickly on the right climb.


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