Best cheap full-suspension bike: $1200/£1000 to $1900/£1600 bargain bouncers - MBR

Nov 01, 2024

Good entry-level full-suspension bikes for proper mountain biking start at around this price point. We've tested loads if them; here's our pick of the best on the market.

The sole purpose of the best cheap full-suspension bike is to provide the highest-performance bike at the most competitive prices. In many ways it’s at the entry-level that design is truly cutting-edge, the constraints of tighter budgets making every component choice that much more critical to ride quality.

Selling direct keeps costs down; whether that’s through high street multiples, in the case of retail-specific brands like Boardman, or by shipping direct to your door, as Vitus does. But it is no coincidence that there aren’t any bikes under £1k that we’d classify as being amongst best full-suspension mountain bike candidates.

Polygon Siskiu T8 builds on the game-changing Calibre Bossnut

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M (27.5in), L, XL (29in) | Weight: 15.6kg | Suspension travel: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Rating: 9/10

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Sold through Go Outdoors, the Siskiu is available with 29in or 27.5in wheels depending on the frame size, with the larger frames using 29in wheels and the small and medium getting 27.5in hoops. The entry-level Siskiu T7 gets a 1×12 wide-range drivetrain, four-piston hydraulic brakes, and a dropper post, while it shares the same frame as the more expensive T8 model, that we awarded 9/10 when we tested it.

Polygon might not be a household name among mountain bikers, but the performance it has packed into the Siskiu means it deserves recognition far and wide. Factor in the price, and it has done a much better job at making an affordable full-suspension bike than most big name brands. It’s not quite as polished as the Vitus Mythique, but it’s still a standout bike that will nurture your riding skills, whatever your level.

Read the full review of the Polygon Siskiu T8

The Calibre Bossnut is back for 2025 and it means business.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: XS (27.5in), S, M, L, XL | Weight: 16.84kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Rating: N/A

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After what seemed like an eternity, Calibre is back with the game-changing Bossnut, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. Yes, the price has crept up to £1,500, but there’s a host of significant upgrades to justify the hike. Things like 29in wheels, better geometry, more sizes, improved components, and a sleeker frame. So this is several steps beyond what was already a ground-breaking bike. Alan Muldoon has been testing it for us, and heaping on the praise, he said “it’s faster and more fun than ever before. I think it looks way cooler, too.”

Still sold through Go Outdoors, to take advantage of the price you’ll need to pay £5. But considering the Calibre’s bang-for-buck, that doesn’t seem like too much of a hardship.

Read the full review of the Calibre Bossnut

Voodoo has redesigned the Canzo for 2024/25 and it looks to have ironed out all the creases in the old model.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L | Weight: 16.84kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f/140mm r 29in | Rating: N/A

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It’s not only Calibre that has redesigned its budget full-suspension option, Voodoo has also dropped a brand new Canzo platform with two models on offer. There’s a sleek new alloy frame, bigger, more stable, and faster rolling 29in wheels, excellent suspension parts and Shimano’s slick shifting Cues drivetrain with durable Linkglide coating. At £1,400 you have to make do without a dropper post, and there are only three sizes to choose from (Calibre offers five), but it’s a good looking bike with a great spec at an affordable price. We’ve got a full review on the way, but *spoiler alert* it gives the Calibre Bossnut a good run for its money.

Read the full review of the previous Voodoo Canzo

The Polygon Siskiu D5 is the old Calibre Bossnut with a different badge and parts.

Wheel size: 27.5in | Suspension travel: 120mm | Frame sizes: S, M, L | Frame: 6061 T6 Aluminium | Weight: 15.43kg (34.02lb) | Rating: N/A

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Team Sky Ineos would be proud of Calibre’s ability to aggregate marginal gains. Continual updates to sizing, geometry, shock tune and specification helped make the Bossnut the benchmark entry-level suspension bike. While we await a new Bossnut from Calibre (stop press! It’s here – see above), Polygon (who manufactured the bikes for Calibre) has stepped into the breach with Siskiu model, sold through retailers Blacks and Go Outdoors. It’s the same frame as the old Bossnut with some different parts bolted on. So, if you want a quality full-suspension bike that’s fast, fun and ridiculously good value at under £1k, the Polygon Siskiu is the bike we’d recommend.

Read our full test review of the Calibre Bossnut

The Cannondale Habit 4 puts a smile on your face, as well as your bank manager’s

Wheel size: 27.5in (XS) and 29in | Frame sizes: XS (27.5in), S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.2kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f/130mm r | Rating: 9/10

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The new Cannondale Habit offers both carbon and aluminium frames, a broad range of sizes, and even a longer travel option if you’re heading into bigger terrain. But perhaps its key selling point is a focus on creating the same ride and handling across the whole size range, so a 5ft 5in rider should enjoy the same experience as someone who’s 6ft 3in.

When we tested it, we were impressed that it comes standard with a dropper post, so you can get the saddle out of the way easily on descents, and the brakes were smooth and powerful, with a light action. Cannondale has also nailed the rear suspension performance, helping to boost confidence however chunky the terrain. Ultimately we loved how it rode, with really active suspension and dynamic handling. To sum up, we said: “As a pure trail bike, it nails the fundamentals of geometry, suspension and efficiency and has an engaging, responsive ride quality that feels anything but budget”.

Read the full review of the Cannondale Habit 4

The Canyon Neuron 6 really impressed us with its versatility and turn of speed

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Travel: 130mm | Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Frame: Aluminium | Weight: 14.63kg (32.25lb) | Rating: N/A

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The Neuron is Canyon’s back-to-basics trail bike, newly updated for 2023, There are four carbon and four alloy models to choose from, with prices starting from £1,849 for the Neuron 5 and going up to £5,749 for the Neuron CF LTD. There’s also a kids’ Young Hero model with an XS frame and 27.5in wheels for £1,499, and women’s versions of the Neuron 6, Neuron 7 and Neuron CF8 available at no extra cost.

As with the previous bike, all XS and S frames come with 27.5in wheels, while the Medium upwards come with 29in wheels. As with most Canyons, you’ll need to factor in a bike box at £18.99 and delivery at £37.99 to all of the headline prices. Whichever you choose, the latest Neuron is versatile, affordable and a total blast to ride, as happy hitting enduro tracks and sending jumps as racking up the miles on a multi-day ride. The alloy frame has a comfortable, compliant ride that’s never jarring, and the choice of fast-rolling Schwalbe tyres means it rolls along almost effortlessly.

Read our full test review of the Canyon Neuron 6

Marin Rift Zone 1 is the entry-level bike in the range

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.54kg | Suspension travel: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Rating: N/A

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Marin’s new Rift Zone captures the essence of agile handling and an engaging ride and slaps on a price tag that doesn’t just appeal to hedge fund managers. Consumers get to choose between three wheel sizes; 27.5in and 29in obviously, but there’s also a 26in JR model for the groms. Build kits start at £1,695 and go up to £2,995 for the XR model.

In a world of sagging scales, bottomless travel and stratospheric price tags, the Rift Zone is as refreshing as plunging your face into a glacier-fed stream. It reminds you that it’s fun, rather than frills, that’s important in a mountain bike. As we said in our first ride: “if you prefer to let your riding do the talking rather than strut about preening your feathers on something that cost the equivalent of a house deposit, then the Rift Zone won’t disappoint”.

Read the full review of the Marin Rift Zone XR (2023)

Boardman has refreshed its budget range for 2025, and the new MTR 8.8 looks fresh and ready to shred.

Wheel size: 29in | Travel: 130mm | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Frame: 6061 T6 Aluminium | Weight: N/A | Rating: N/A

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When we last tested Boardman’s full-suspension platform, in MTR 8.8 guise, we had high hopes, but it didn’t quite deliver. The geometry and sizing were both on the money and it looks stunning, but the rear suspension on the MTR 8.8 felt stodgy and congested, robbing the bike of grip, pop and control. This MTR 8.8 is the new updated model, and it gains a sleek new frame with different geometry. Much more modern in sizing, components such as the bar and stem have been updated to allow riders to really exploit the more aggressive angles and generous fit. If Boardman has woken up the shock tune to give the suspension more grip and the bike a more dynamic ride, then this could be a stone-cold trail bargain. But with tough competition from the likes of Calibre and Voodoo, it’s going to have its work cut out.

Read our full test review of the Boardman MTR 8.8

Calibre’s Bossnut redefined the performance of entry-level suspension bikes.

In our experience, it’s rare to find a good full-suspension bike for less than £1,000, but it is possible. So if you’re in the market for one, then try to budget accordingly. Look to direct-sales brands like Voodoo and Boardman (sold through Halfords), Vitus (sold through Chain Reaction Cycles/Wiggle), Polygon and Calibre (Go Outdoors) and B’Twin (sold through Decathlon) as they can cut margins and bring a decent bike in on budget.

Set up your rear suspension sag first, by sitting on the bike while holding the bars and putting all your weight through the bike. You’re looking for 30% sag in this position.

The frame will almost certainly be made of aluminium and boast between 120mm and 140mm of travel. This is plenty for most trail mountain biking. Ideally you want air-sprung suspension, as this will let you set the bike up to your body weight without needing to buy new springs. All you need is a shock pump and some know-how. For suspension set-up advice check out this article.

There are many different suspension designs, but don’t get hung up on the system used as they all have their pros and cons and it’s just one factor of many that influence the ride and handling of a bike. Check out our detailed reviews for more insight and try and get a test ride if you can.

Thrashing the best cheap full suspension bike candidates

In terms of wheel size, you may find either 27.5in or 29in, but it doesn’t matter too much which you choose. 29ers can roll a bit better, but 27.5in bikes can be more agile – although that’s only a rough rule of thumb. If you’re under 5ft 8in tall, you may feel more comfortable with smaller wheels, while taller riders may enjoy more confidence with larger wheels.

Wheel size comparison chart

Frames come in multiple sizes and it’s crucial to pick the right one. You want decent length in the frame so you don’t feel cramped when seated, and have a stable bike when descending, but plenty of clearance over the top tube to inspire confidence in technical sections. For more advice, check out our guide to choosing the right frame size.

SRAM’s NX drivetrain is popular on cheap full-suspension bikes and offers 12 gears with a wide range from low to high.

For components, look for a single-ring drivetrain, with just one chainring up front and between 10 and 12 sprockets at the back. A wide range cassette (10-46t or 10-51t) will make it easier to spin up climbs and help you save energy. Hydraulic disc brakes are a must. These will be powerful and need less maintenance than cable-operated discs.

Dropper posts, like this Brand X Ascend, transform the ride experience, and can be retro-fitted for around £100-150.

Dropper posts let you get the saddle out of the way for descending without having to stop. Simply press the lever on the handlebars and use your body weight to push the post down. They are a genuine game changer, but don’t fret if your chosen bike doesn’t come with one. It’s easy to add one later for around £100 upwards.

Tyres are one of the most important components off-road as they make or break your grip in the dirt. But they are also relatively economical to upgrade, and they will wear out eventually anyway.