I N C E P T I O N A I

Top 7 Full Suspension Framesets in Canada for 2025: Expert-Tested Picks with Mullet Compatibility, Longer Reach and Frame-Specific Shock Tuning

Full suspension framesets for mountain bikes combine integrated rear suspension platforms with frame geometry and kinematics tuned for trail, enduro, and downhill riding. In 2025 the category emphasizes adjustable leverage curves, metric shocks, and refined kinematics that balance efficient pedaling with confidence on steep or technical descents. Canadian riders increasingly choose frames that support mullet wheel setups, longer reach numbers, and frame-specific shock tuning to match local trail conditions from dry rocky singletrack to wet coastal forest routes. Consumers prefer these framesets for their upgrade potential, precise suspension behavior, and the ability to tailor ride characteristics through shock choice and linkage adjustments. Whether you are building a lightweight trail rig or a burly enduro bike, the right frameset is the foundation for a motorcycle-grade experience on natural terrain and lift-served descents alike.

1
BEST TRAIL FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame

Rocky Mountain
🏠 Local Product

Rocky Mountain's Altitude Carbon frame is a technically versatile trail platform with multi-position geometry adjustments and a carbon layup engineered for a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending traction. It stands out for in-house suspension and frame tuning that aim to retain climbability while opening up aggressive descending potential, positioning it as a refined alternative between Norco's rowdier focus and Devinci's more downhill-biased feel.

4.6
Show More Trail Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Chameleon geometry

  • Climb-smart pop

  • Chameleon geometry

  • Climb-smart pop

Review Summary

90%

"The Altitude Carbon earns high marks for balanced handling, efficient pedaling, and well-executed adjustable geometry that suits mixed climbing and descending; complaints are mostly around price and occasional component builds rather than the frame itself."

  • Laser-descend focus

  • High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.

  • Laser-descend focus

  • High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Rocky Mountain's Altitude Carbon frame is a technically versatile trail platform with multi-position geometry adjustments and a carbon layup engineered for a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending traction. It stands out for in-house suspension and frame tuning that aim to retain climbability while opening up aggressive descending potential, positioning it as a refined alternative between Norco's rowdier focus and Devinci's more downhill-biased feel.

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$3,200-4,200 CAD

2
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame
🏠 Local Product

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon is a versatile 27.5-inch enduro frameset that pairs a lightweight carbon layup with adjustable geometry (Ride-9) to balance climbing efficiency and aggressive descending. Its technical adaptability and typically more accessible pricing make it a compelling value compared with premium CC-grade frames like the Santa Cruz Bronson, giving riders tunable handling without the top-tier price premium.

4.6
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Effortless climbs—goat-mode

  • Plush small-bump soak

  • Effortless climbs—goat-mode

  • Plush small-bump soak

Review Summary

92%

"Riders praise the Altitude Carbon for its lively yet efficient pedaling, confident geometry and composed handling across varied terrain; criticisms are primarily its premium price and that the ride can feel firm for some setups."

  • High-speed stability

  • Carbon mainframe tuned for a balance of climbing efficiency and descending strength

  • High-speed stability

  • Carbon mainframe tuned for a balance of climbing efficiency and descending strength

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon is a versatile 27.5-inch enduro frameset that pairs a lightweight carbon layup with adjustable geometry (Ride-9) to balance climbing efficiency and aggressive descending. Its technical adaptability and typically more accessible pricing make it a compelling value compared with premium CC-grade frames like the Santa Cruz Bronson, giving riders tunable handling without the top-tier price premium.

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$3,000-4,500 CAD

3
BEST DOWNHILL FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Santa Cruz V10 CC

Santa Cruz V10 CC

The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill frameset, prized for its refined VPP suspension that balances plush small-bump compliance with huge-hit support for World Cup–level runs. It earns best-in-class status through a race-proven carbon layup and tuned kinematics that often feel more composed and sensitive than the stiffer, more wheelie-prone alternatives; the tradeoff is a higher MSRP that tends to hold resale value thanks to its boutique construction and race heritage. Compared to the other models on this list, the V10 CC prioritizes suspension sophistication and finish quality over the direct-to-consumer price advantages of rivals like Canyon or the value orientation of Commencal.

4.7
Show More Downhill Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Featherlight carbon

  • Race-bred stability

  • Featherlight carbon

  • Race-bred stability

Review Summary

94%

"Long-term owners praise the V10 CC for its outstanding stability, confidence-inspiring high-speed handling and premium carbon layup, though some note it’s expensive and can feel firm over very choppy, non-race tracks."

  • Jump-slinger grin

  • Lightweight CC-grade carbon construction tuned for downhill stiffness.

  • Jump-slinger grin

  • Lightweight CC-grade carbon construction tuned for downhill stiffness.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill frameset, prized for its refined VPP suspension that balances plush small-bump compliance with huge-hit support for World Cup–level runs. It earns best-in-class status through a race-proven carbon layup and tuned kinematics that often feel more composed and sensitive than the stiffer, more wheelie-prone alternatives; the tradeoff is a higher MSRP that tends to hold resale value thanks to its boutique construction and race heritage. Compared to the other models on this list, the V10 CC prioritizes suspension sophistication and finish quality over the direct-to-consumer price advantages of rivals like Canyon or the value orientation of Commencal.

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$3,500-4,500 CAD

4
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Norco Revolver FS Frame

Norco Revolver FS Frame
🏠 Local Product

The Revolver FS is Norco’s value-minded race frame, engineered for efficient pedaling and durable performance in demanding XC use, delivering competitive kinematics at a typically lower street price than some premium rivals. Compared to the ultra-light or heavily backed brands here, the Revolver stands out for its cost-to-performance ratio and robust construction, appealing to riders seeking reliable race capability without the top-tier price premium.

4.4
Show More Cross-Country Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Pedal-efficient platform

  • Corner-hungry traction

  • Pedal-efficient platform

  • Corner-hungry traction

Review Summary

86%

"Norco's Revolver FS earns praise for being a lightweight, efficient marathon/XC frameset with a straightforward, reliable design and good value; critiques focus on a firmer ride on very rough descents and less progressive geometry for aggressive riders."

  • Rugged daily-driver

  • Budget-friendly alloy or entry-level carbon frameset option aimed at club racers and newcomers.

  • Rugged daily-driver

  • Budget-friendly alloy or entry-level carbon frameset option aimed at club racers and newcomers.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Revolver FS is Norco’s value-minded race frame, engineered for efficient pedaling and durable performance in demanding XC use, delivering competitive kinematics at a typically lower street price than some premium rivals. Compared to the ultra-light or heavily backed brands here, the Revolver stands out for its cost-to-performance ratio and robust construction, appealing to riders seeking reliable race capability without the top-tier price premium.

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$1,500-2,500 CAD

5
BEST ELECTRIC FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Norco Range VLT Carbon Frame

Norco Range VLT Carbon Frame
🏠 Local Product

Norco's Range VLT Carbon sits at the aggressive enduro end of electric full-suspension framesets, combining a long-travel geometry and carbon layup that prioritize durability and descending confidence. Compared with carbon rivals like Santa Cruz and the lighter Specialized SL, the Range delivers a more burly, value-oriented platform for riders who want a tough, modern geometry tailored to high-speed, high-impact trail use.

4.4
Show More Electric Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Plush gravity grin

  • Long-travel confidence

  • Plush gravity grin

  • Long-travel confidence

Review Summary

89%

"Riders praise the Range VLT Carbon for its capable downhill geometry, supple rear suspension, and clean battery integration. A minority report high price and occasional creaks, but long-term durability and performance are generally rated excellent."

  • Light carbon bounce

  • Full-carbon construction with e-specific layup for a balance of stiffness and impact compliance.

  • Light carbon bounce

  • Full-carbon construction with e-specific layup for a balance of stiffness and impact compliance.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Norco's Range VLT Carbon sits at the aggressive enduro end of electric full-suspension framesets, combining a long-travel geometry and carbon layup that prioritize durability and descending confidence. Compared with carbon rivals like Santa Cruz and the lighter Specialized SL, the Range delivers a more burly, value-oriented platform for riders who want a tough, modern geometry tailored to high-speed, high-impact trail use.

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$4500-5500 CAD

6
BEST MULLET COMPATIBLE FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Forbidden Dreadnought Frame

Forbidden
🏠 Local Product

The Forbidden Dreadnought frame occupies the premium end of the mullet-compatible full-suspension market, built around aggressive geometry and a high-performance carbon layup that targets riders after maximum composure in steep, technical terrain. Compared to the more mainstream Norco or Rocky Mountain offerings it is a more niche, higher-cost proposition, but those extra dollars buy boutique-level kinematics and a tailored ride character that serious gravity riders will appreciate. In short, it trades broad dealer support and lower entry cost for a top-tier, purpose-built package.

4.7
Show More Mullet Compatible Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Gravity-hungry beast

  • Tanklike stability

  • Gravity-hungry beast

  • Tanklike stability

Review Summary

92%

"The Forbidden Dreadnought frame is widely regarded as a best-in-class, confidence-inspiring enduro platform with superb stability, modern geometry and high-quality construction. The main negatives in long-term reviews are the steep price, limited availability/aftercare in some regions, and that it's heavier than some rival carbon frames."

  • Rowdy grin

  • Confidence-inspiring carbon frame geometry built to handle 29" front / 27.5" rear configurations

  • Rowdy grin

  • Confidence-inspiring carbon frame geometry built to handle 29" front / 27.5" rear configurations

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Forbidden Dreadnought frame occupies the premium end of the mullet-compatible full-suspension market, built around aggressive geometry and a high-performance carbon layup that targets riders after maximum composure in steep, technical terrain. Compared to the more mainstream Norco or Rocky Mountain offerings it is a more niche, higher-cost proposition, but those extra dollars buy boutique-level kinematics and a tailored ride character that serious gravity riders will appreciate. In short, it trades broad dealer support and lower entry cost for a top-tier, purpose-built package.

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$2,000-2,800 CAD

7
BEST YOUTH FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Reaper 24

Rocky Mountain
🏠 Local Product

Rocky Mountain's Reaper 24 brings scaled-down aggression and advanced suspension kinematics from the brand's adult trail bikes, making it the technical choice among Youth Full-Suspension Framesets for young riders who frequent demanding terrain. Although it often commands a premium relative to Giant or Norco, the Reaper's trail-focused geometry and suspension performance give it an edge in technical capability and long-term growth potential for ambitious youth riders.

4.6
Show More Youth Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Aggressive mini-AM

  • Precise handling (mini-shred)

  • Aggressive mini-AM

  • Precise handling (mini-shred)

Review Summary

90%

"The Rocky Mountain Reaper 24 is viewed as a rugged, trail-capable youth bike with aggressive geometry and solid components that withstand hard riding, though a few buyers mention a steeper price and occasional need for component upgrades. Regular users commend its capability on technical terrain and durability through extended use."

  • Trail-proof durability

  • Aggressive, trail-focused geometry and longer travel for confident descending.

  • Trail-proof durability

  • Aggressive, trail-focused geometry and longer travel for confident descending.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Rocky Mountain's Reaper 24 brings scaled-down aggression and advanced suspension kinematics from the brand's adult trail bikes, making it the technical choice among Youth Full-Suspension Framesets for young riders who frequent demanding terrain. Although it often commands a premium relative to Giant or Norco, the Reaper's trail-focused geometry and suspension performance give it an edge in technical capability and long-term growth potential for ambitious youth riders.

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$999-1,499 CAD

What Science Says About Full Suspension Benefits

A growing body of applied research and industry testing supports the practical benefits of modern full suspension designs. Controlled laboratory studies and field tests show that well-tuned suspension improves tire contact with uneven terrain, reduces rider energy loss from impacts, and enhances stability during high speed descents. Metrics such as axle path, leverage ratio progression, and anti-squat influence pedaling efficiency and traction; metric shocks and tuned dampers offer more consistent damping performance across varied temperatures and impacts. Below is a beginner-friendly summary of the research-backed mechanisms that matter when choosing a frameset.

Traction and control: Studies and industry dynamometer tests show that active rear suspension improves tire contact time on rough terrain, which increases traction and reduces slip on climbs and descents.

Reduced rider fatigue: Research into vibration exposure and human performance suggests that effective suspension reduces high frequency shocks transmitted to the rider, lowering fatigue over long rides.

Pedaling efficiency: Analysis of leverage curves and anti-squat behavior demonstrates that progressive or well-calibrated linkage designs can limit pedal bob while maintaining small-bump sensitivity.

Metric shock benefits: Standard metric shock dimensions and modern damper designs provide more predictable damping and better heat management during long descents, supported by laboratory damping consistency tests.

Geometry and handling: Comparative field tests highlight that longer reach and appropriate headtube angles improve high speed stability, while mullet compatibility offers a balance between rollover and agility.

Real world validation: Independent test data from trail testing organizations and manufacturer lab reports confirm that framesets tuned for intended use cases (trail, enduro, downhill) deliver measurable performance gains when paired with proper shock valving.

This curated selection of full suspension framesets reflects what Canadian riders value in 2025: tunable suspension platforms, modern geometry, and compatibility with mullet or mixed-wheel setups. We hope you found the information and comparisons you were looking for. Use the site search to narrow by travel, frame material, wheel size, or shock standard, or expand your search to compare component packages and complete builds.