The 12 Best Mountain Bikes

Best for All-Conditions Riders:Santa Cruz Highball 29D1

$1,650-$2,200
Tight through corners and with enough power to conquer climbs, Highball comes in an aluminum-frame model to trim costs. Built to take a pounding with a Rock Shox Recon fork, 29D’s respectable SRAM components shift and brake smoothly. A Race Face crank adds performance for $350-$500 less than competitors.