The S-Works Epic Hardtail Frameset is Specialized's ultra-light, race-focused carbon hardtail engineered for maximum pedaling efficiency and climbing acceleration. As a hardtail it offers mechanical simplicity, lower ongoing service cost and a more direct power transfer compared with the full-suspension frames in this list, making it especially attractive for XC racers prioritizing weight and stiffness over small-bump compliance.
Ultralight sprint
Pin-sharp stiffness
Ultralight sprint
Pin-sharp stiffness
Review Summary
"Users praise the S-Works Epic Hardtail for its featherweight build, exceptional pedaling efficiency and race-ready geometry, with only occasional notes about a firm ride on very rough trails. Overall owners say it delivers class-leading speed and stiffness for cross-country racing despite the steep price."
Climb-hungry grin
FACT carbon layup optimized for an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for cross-country racing.
Climb-hungry grin
FACT carbon layup optimized for an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for cross-country racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The S-Works Epic Hardtail Frameset is Specialized's ultra-light, race-focused carbon hardtail engineered for maximum pedaling efficiency and climbing acceleration. As a hardtail it offers mechanical simplicity, lower ongoing service cost and a more direct power transfer compared with the full-suspension frames in this list, making it especially attractive for XC racers prioritizing weight and stiffness over small-bump compliance.
Ultralight sprint
Pin-sharp stiffness
Climb-hungry grin
FACT carbon layup optimized for an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for cross-country racing.
Modern XC geometry with tapered headtube and Boost spacing for contemporary forks and wheels.
Ultralight sprint
Pin-sharp stiffness
Climb-hungry grin
FACT carbon layup optimized for an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for cross-country racing.
Modern XC geometry with tapered headtube and Boost spacing for contemporary forks and wheels.
$4,000-6,000 CAD
Norco's Sight C Frame offers a performance-focused geometry with a cost-efficient C carbon layup that positions it as one of the best-value trail carbon framesets for aggressive riders. Versus the pricier Hightower and Ripmo, the Sight trades some ultra-lightweight refinement for added durability and a friendlier price tag, delivering comparable suspension behavior and strong regional support that lowers total ownership cost.
Slack, confident descending
All-mountain versatility (go big)
Slack, confident descending
All-mountain versatility (go big)
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Sight C’s balanced geometry, efficient climbing and capable descending, calling it a great value for a modern trail bike, though some find it a touch less polished than top-tier rivals."
Composed high-speed stability
Lightweight carbon construction focused on balanced pedaling and controlled descents.
Composed high-speed stability
Lightweight carbon construction focused on balanced pedaling and controlled descents.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Norco's Sight C Frame offers a performance-focused geometry with a cost-efficient C carbon layup that positions it as one of the best-value trail carbon framesets for aggressive riders. Versus the pricier Hightower and Ripmo, the Sight trades some ultra-lightweight refinement for added durability and a friendlier price tag, delivering comparable suspension behavior and strong regional support that lowers total ownership cost.
Slack, confident descending
All-mountain versatility (go big)
Composed high-speed stability
Lightweight carbon construction focused on balanced pedaling and controlled descents.
Trail-first geometry with compatibility for 29er or mixed wheel setups depending on build.
Slack, confident descending
All-mountain versatility (go big)
Composed high-speed stability
Lightweight carbon construction focused on balanced pedaling and controlled descents.
Trail-first geometry with compatibility for 29er or mixed wheel setups depending on build.
$3,200-4,200 CAD
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Frame
The Altitude Carbon 90 stands out for its practical adjustability and value-oriented finishing: a high-performance carbon layup with an easy-to-tune geometry system lets riders dial the chassis for steep or fast tracks without the premium price of some rivals. Technically versatile and generally more affordable than the top-tier Yeti or Specialized S‑Works, it trades a few grams of weight for broad setup range and durability, making it a smart choice for racers who prioritize tunability on variable courses.
Ride-9 tweakable
Efficient pedaling
Ride-9 tweakable
Efficient pedaling
Review Summary
"Owners like the Altitude Carbon 90 for its adjustable geometry and excellent balance between pedaling efficiency and downhill capability; a number of reviewers mention that dialing in the suspension takes patience."
Composed high-speed
High-modulus carbon frame tuned for a balance of compliance and stiffness on varied terrain
Composed high-speed
High-modulus carbon frame tuned for a balance of compliance and stiffness on varied terrain
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Altitude Carbon 90 stands out for its practical adjustability and value-oriented finishing: a high-performance carbon layup with an easy-to-tune geometry system lets riders dial the chassis for steep or fast tracks without the premium price of some rivals. Technically versatile and generally more affordable than the top-tier Yeti or Specialized S‑Works, it trades a few grams of weight for broad setup range and durability, making it a smart choice for racers who prioritize tunability on variable courses.
Ride-9 tweakable
Efficient pedaling
Composed high-speed
High-modulus carbon frame tuned for a balance of compliance and stiffness on varied terrain
Long-travel enduro chassis (around 160–170mm) with user-friendly geometry adjustment options
Ride-9 tweakable
Efficient pedaling
Composed high-speed
High-modulus carbon frame tuned for a balance of compliance and stiffness on varied terrain
Long-travel enduro chassis (around 160–170mm) with user-friendly geometry adjustment options
$4,000-5,000 CAD
The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill race carbon frameset, prized for its ultralight yet torsionally stiff CC carbon layup and refined V10 kinematics that deliver predictable tracking at race speeds. Its combination of low weight, adjustable geometry and proven World Cup pedigree makes it a best-in-class choice for racers who prioritize speed and handling, although it commands a premium compared with more value-oriented frames on this list. Against the others here it stands out for the lightest high-end construction and race-proven tuning rather than lowest cost or maximum customization.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Review Summary
"Riders consistently praise the V10 CC for its confident, planted descending performance, precise chassis feel and race-grade carbon stiffness; criticisms mainly target the premium price and limited sizing/fit options."
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill race carbon frameset, prized for its ultralight yet torsionally stiff CC carbon layup and refined V10 kinematics that deliver predictable tracking at race speeds. Its combination of low weight, adjustable geometry and proven World Cup pedigree makes it a best-in-class choice for racers who prioritize speed and handling, although it commands a premium compared with more value-oriented frames on this list. Against the others here it stands out for the lightest high-end construction and race-proven tuning rather than lowest cost or maximum customization.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Long, low, and slack geometry tuned for high-speed stability and precise tracking.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Long, low, and slack geometry tuned for high-speed stability and precise tracking.
$3,500-5,000 CAD
The Cervelo R5 is positioned as a best-in-class marathon lightweight carbon frameset for riders who want race-winning stiffness-to-weight and aero efficiency on long climbs and extended events. It outshines heavier endurance frames on steep marathon stages with a focused layup and race geometry, trading a higher retail price for demonstrable performance gains and a proven pro-race pedigree compared with more comfort-oriented rivals like the Aethos. For riders prioritizing climbing speed and efficient power transfer, the R5 offers a technical edge over value-focused options such as the Canyon and Giant framesets.
Featherweight ascent
Torsion-stiff power
Featherweight ascent
Torsion-stiff power
Review Summary
"Long-term owners praise its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, nimble handling and efficient climbing performance; some note the premium price and a slightly firmer ride on very rough roads."
Climbs like lightning
Ultralight carbon layup tuned for maximum stiffness-to-weight on long climbs
Climbs like lightning
Ultralight carbon layup tuned for maximum stiffness-to-weight on long climbs
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Cervelo R5 is positioned as a best-in-class marathon lightweight carbon frameset for riders who want race-winning stiffness-to-weight and aero efficiency on long climbs and extended events. It outshines heavier endurance frames on steep marathon stages with a focused layup and race geometry, trading a higher retail price for demonstrable performance gains and a proven pro-race pedigree compared with more comfort-oriented rivals like the Aethos. For riders prioritizing climbing speed and efficient power transfer, the R5 offers a technical edge over value-focused options such as the Canyon and Giant framesets.
Featherweight ascent
Torsion-stiff power
Climbs like lightning
Ultralight carbon layup tuned for maximum stiffness-to-weight on long climbs
Disc-brake-specific geometry with an integrated seatpost for improved aerodynamics
Featherweight ascent
Torsion-stiff power
Climbs like lightning
Ultralight carbon layup tuned for maximum stiffness-to-weight on long climbs
Disc-brake-specific geometry with an integrated seatpost for improved aerodynamics
$6,000-8,000 CAD
Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon Frame
Rocky Mountain's Instinct Carbon is engineered for efficient climbing and confident descending, featuring a suspension tune and geometry that favor balanced, long-day all-mountain performance; its design emphasizes versatility for mixed-terrain riding and is priced to compete strongly in the mid-to-high segment. Compared to the others in the list, the Instinct stands out for its climb-focused kinematics and configurable setup that appeals to North American trail riders seeking a single frame that performs well across long rides and technical descents.
Pedal-friendly — all-day miles
Adjustable DNA — tweak geek
Pedal-friendly — all-day miles
Adjustable DNA — tweak geek
Review Summary
"Owners value the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon for its excellent pedaling efficiency, balanced geometry and confidence-inspiring handling on long mixed-terrain rides. A minority note it’s not as plush on very big hits as more enduro-focused frames."
Snappy handling — nimble fox
Carbon frame tuned to deliver a blend of efficient climbing performance and capable descending.
Snappy handling — nimble fox
Carbon frame tuned to deliver a blend of efficient climbing performance and capable descending.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Rocky Mountain's Instinct Carbon is engineered for efficient climbing and confident descending, featuring a suspension tune and geometry that favor balanced, long-day all-mountain performance; its design emphasizes versatility for mixed-terrain riding and is priced to compete strongly in the mid-to-high segment. Compared to the others in the list, the Instinct stands out for its climb-focused kinematics and configurable setup that appeals to North American trail riders seeking a single frame that performs well across long rides and technical descents.
Pedal-friendly — all-day miles
Adjustable DNA — tweak geek
Snappy handling — nimble fox
Carbon frame tuned to deliver a blend of efficient climbing performance and capable descending.
Geometry focused on traction and rider confidence across varied all-mountain terrain.
Pedal-friendly — all-day miles
Adjustable DNA — tweak geek
Snappy handling — nimble fox
Carbon frame tuned to deliver a blend of efficient climbing performance and capable descending.
Geometry focused on traction and rider confidence across varied all-mountain terrain.
$2600-3800 CAD