Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame
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.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Review Summary
"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.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Adjustable geometry via flip-chip and headset/shock options to fine-tune handling between slack and efficient modes.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Adjustable geometry via flip-chip and headset/shock options to fine-tune handling between slack and efficient modes.
$3,200-4,200 CAD
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame
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.
Effortless climbs—goat-mode
Plush small-bump soak
Effortless climbs—goat-mode
Plush small-bump soak
Review Summary
"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.
Effortless climbs—goat-mode
Plush small-bump soak
High-speed stability
Carbon mainframe tuned for a balance of climbing efficiency and descending strength
Multi-position geometry adjustment for fine‑tuning head angle and BB height
Effortless climbs—goat-mode
Plush small-bump soak
High-speed stability
Carbon mainframe tuned for a balance of climbing efficiency and descending strength
Multi-position geometry adjustment for fine‑tuning head angle and BB height
$3,000-4,500 CAD
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.
Featherlight carbon
Race-bred stability
Featherlight carbon
Race-bred stability
Review Summary
"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.
Featherlight carbon
Race-bred stability
Jump-slinger grin
Lightweight CC-grade carbon construction tuned for downhill stiffness.
Long travel (~200mm) with V10-specific kinematics for high-speed stability.
Featherlight carbon
Race-bred stability
Jump-slinger grin
Lightweight CC-grade carbon construction tuned for downhill stiffness.
Long travel (~200mm) with V10-specific kinematics for high-speed stability.
$3,500-4,500 CAD
Norco Revolver FS Frame
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.
Pedal-efficient platform
Corner-hungry traction
Pedal-efficient platform
Corner-hungry traction
Review Summary
"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.
Pedal-efficient platform
Corner-hungry traction
Rugged daily-driver
Budget-friendly alloy or entry-level carbon frameset option aimed at club racers and newcomers.
Typically around 100mm rear travel with a simple, reliable suspension layout focused on pedaling efficiency.
Pedal-efficient platform
Corner-hungry traction
Rugged daily-driver
Budget-friendly alloy or entry-level carbon frameset option aimed at club racers and newcomers.
Typically around 100mm rear travel with a simple, reliable suspension layout focused on pedaling efficiency.
$1,500-2,500 CAD
Norco Range VLT Carbon Frame
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.
Plush gravity grin
Long-travel confidence
Plush gravity grin
Long-travel confidence
Review Summary
"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.
Plush gravity grin
Long-travel confidence
Light carbon bounce
Full-carbon construction with e-specific layup for a balance of stiffness and impact compliance.
Integrated battery and motor accommodation with long-travel, aggressive geometry for enduro-style riding.
Plush gravity grin
Long-travel confidence
Light carbon bounce
Full-carbon construction with e-specific layup for a balance of stiffness and impact compliance.
Integrated battery and motor accommodation with long-travel, aggressive geometry for enduro-style riding.
$4500-5500 CAD
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.
Gravity-hungry beast
Tanklike stability
Gravity-hungry beast
Tanklike stability
Review Summary
"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.
Gravity-hungry beast
Tanklike stability
Rowdy grin
Confidence-inspiring carbon frame geometry built to handle 29" front / 27.5" rear configurations
Long-travel orientation with room for big tyres and modern chainstay/seat tube proportions for mullet setups
Gravity-hungry beast
Tanklike stability
Rowdy grin
Confidence-inspiring carbon frame geometry built to handle 29" front / 27.5" rear configurations
Long-travel orientation with room for big tyres and modern chainstay/seat tube proportions for mullet setups
$2,000-2,800 CAD
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.
Aggressive mini-AM
Precise handling (mini-shred)
Aggressive mini-AM
Precise handling (mini-shred)
Review Summary
"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.
Aggressive mini-AM
Precise handling (mini-shred)
Trail-proof durability
Aggressive, trail-focused geometry and longer travel for confident descending.
Sturdy frame construction with performance-oriented suspension linkage for demanding use.
Aggressive mini-AM
Precise handling (mini-shred)
Trail-proof durability
Aggressive, trail-focused geometry and longer travel for confident descending.
Sturdy frame construction with performance-oriented suspension linkage for demanding use.
$999-1,499 CAD