I N C E P T I O N A I

Top 9 Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets in Canada for 2025: Expert-Tested, Race-Ready Picks for Aggressive 150-170mm Builds

This category focuses on enduro full-suspension framesets built around 150-170mm of travel and engineered for steep, technical terrain and race-focused durability. These frames prioritize robust suspension compatibility, refined geometry for high-speed stability and tight technical handling, and rugged construction that tolerates frequent heavy impacts and demanding component loads. In Canada, riders choose aggressive long-travel frames for a mix of reasons: extensive alpine descents in the Rockies and Coast Mountains, year-round bike-park use, active enduro and stage racing scenes, and variable trail conditions that reward predictable, durable bikes. Buyers are often looking for frames that balance stiffness, weight, and compliance; offer modern features like metric shocks, mullet or 29/29 wheel compatibility, adjustable geometry, and internal routing for dropper posts; and have straightforward serviceability and good warranty/support within Canada. The most appealing framesets deliver confident descending performance without completely sacrificing pedaling efficiency for transfer stages, and they pair well with heavy-duty suspension and tough componentry favored by Canadian riders who demand longevity in wet, muddy, and rocky conditions.

1
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION CARBON FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Frame

Rocky Mountain
🏠 Local Product

The Altitude Carbon 90 frame is Rocky Mountain’s versatile enduro-capable carbon platform, notable for its adjustable geometry and wheel-size compatibility that make it a flexible choice across trails and race stages. Technically it stands out for in-field tunability and value in North American markets, offering comparable stiffness to the premium frames above while often providing a better price-to-feature ratio for riders who want a do-it-all enduro frameset.

4.4
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Carbon Framesets
  • Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon

  • Efficient pedaling — long-haul

  • Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon

  • Efficient pedaling — long-haul

Review Summary

88%

"Reviewers appreciate the Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 for its balanced blend of climbing efficiency and confident descending, with durable carbon quality; a few note the geometry is slightly conservative versus the newest long-travel platforms."

  • Trail-balanced — steady

  • Purpose-built carbon chassis with long-travel suspension tuned for enduro and aggressive trail use.

  • Trail-balanced — steady

  • Purpose-built carbon chassis with long-travel suspension tuned for enduro and aggressive trail use.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Altitude Carbon 90 frame is Rocky Mountain’s versatile enduro-capable carbon platform, notable for its adjustable geometry and wheel-size compatibility that make it a flexible choice across trails and race stages. Technically it stands out for in-field tunability and value in North American markets, offering comparable stiffness to the premium frames above while often providing a better price-to-feature ratio for riders who want a do-it-all enduro frameset.

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$4,000-5,500 CAD

2
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION ALUMINUM FRAMESETS

Norco Range A Frame

Norco
🏠 Local Product

The Range A frameset stands out as a best-in-class aluminum enduro platform thanks to a stout 6061 alloy construction, modern long-and-low geometry and a suspension layout tuned for big-hit stability and predictable traction. Compared with the boutique-focused frames in this list it delivers one of the strongest value propositions — broad dealer support and competitive pricing make it easier to spec and service, while still matching or exceeding the downhill composure of more expensive rivals.

4.6
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Aluminum Framesets
  • Enduro-ready geometry

  • Burly aluminum heart

  • Enduro-ready geometry

  • Burly aluminum heart

Review Summary

89%

"Riders praise the Norco Range A for its confident, burly handling and excellent value — reviewers note the aluminum frame is durable and well-shaped for aggressive enduro but slightly heavier than equivalent carbon builds. Overall people appreciate the predictable geometry and long-travel capability for hard charging trails."

  • Descends like thunder

  • Aluminum frameset tuned for aggressive enduro with rear travel in the ~160mm range and 170–180mm fork compatibility.

  • Descends like thunder

  • Aluminum frameset tuned for aggressive enduro with rear travel in the ~160mm range and 170–180mm fork compatibility.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Range A frameset stands out as a best-in-class aluminum enduro platform thanks to a stout 6061 alloy construction, modern long-and-low geometry and a suspension layout tuned for big-hit stability and predictable traction. Compared with the boutique-focused frames in this list it delivers one of the strongest value propositions — broad dealer support and competitive pricing make it easier to spec and service, while still matching or exceeding the downhill composure of more expensive rivals.

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$2,000-2,700 CAD

3
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION TITANIUM FRAMESETS

Alchemy Arktos 150

Alchemy Arktos 150

The Alchemy Arktos 150 is the technical standout for riders who want a purpose-built 150mm-class enduro titanium frameset with refined suspension kinematics and a tuned ride feel; it blends modern geo and engineered linkage performance that targets aggressive trail use. Compared to the raw durability of Moots or the lower-priced Why and Chumba offerings, Arktos commands a mid-to-high price but rewards riders with focused suspension performance and a polished, performance-first specification.

4.8
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Titanium Framesets
  • 150mm pop — playful bounce

  • Burly titanium — smash-proof

  • 150mm pop — playful bounce

  • Burly titanium — smash-proof

Review Summary

94%

"The Alchemy Arktos 150 is widely celebrated for marrying long-travel capability with a remarkably composed, lightweight titanium chassis, delivering confident descending without losing pedaling efficiency; reviewers mention price and limited availability but almost universally praise its ride. Enthusiasts call it a standout titanium enduro frameset."

  • Kinematic tune — mischievous flick

  • Titanium chassis paired with ~150mm rear travel tuned for efficient climbing and confident descending

  • Kinematic tune — mischievous flick

  • Titanium chassis paired with ~150mm rear travel tuned for efficient climbing and confident descending

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

The Alchemy Arktos 150 is the technical standout for riders who want a purpose-built 150mm-class enduro titanium frameset with refined suspension kinematics and a tuned ride feel; it blends modern geo and engineered linkage performance that targets aggressive trail use. Compared to the raw durability of Moots or the lower-priced Why and Chumba offerings, Arktos commands a mid-to-high price but rewards riders with focused suspension performance and a polished, performance-first specification.

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$9,000-11,500 CAD

4
BEST TWENTY-NINE INCH WHEEL ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Frame

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Frame
🏠 Local Product

The Altitude Carbon 90 balances aggressive 29-inch enduro geometry with Rocky Mountain's adjustable setup, giving riders a tunable platform that can be optimized for steep descents or faster climbs. Its value proposition is strong for North American buyers because the platform often includes user-adjustable geometry and highly efficient carbon layups at a slightly lower MSRP than the ultra-premium models. Against the Megatower and S-Works, the Altitude emphasizes configurability and bang-for-buck for riders who want a race-capable frame without the very top-tier price.

4.5
Show More Twenty-Nine Inch Wheel Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Efficient climber — pump-happy

  • Balanced handling — zen-stable

  • Efficient climber — pump-happy

  • Balanced handling — zen-stable

Review Summary

89%

"Riders like the Altitude Carbon 90 for its tunable Ride-9 geometry, efficient pedaling and composed handling across varied terrain; common negatives are its cost and that it can be heavier than some competitors."

  • Lightweight carbon — pocket rocket

  • Carbon frame engineered for 29" wheels with a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending capability.

  • Lightweight carbon — pocket rocket

  • Carbon frame engineered for 29" wheels with a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending capability.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The Altitude Carbon 90 balances aggressive 29-inch enduro geometry with Rocky Mountain's adjustable setup, giving riders a tunable platform that can be optimized for steep descents or faster climbs. Its value proposition is strong for North American buyers because the platform often includes user-adjustable geometry and highly efficient carbon layups at a slightly lower MSRP than the ultra-premium models. Against the Megatower and S-Works, the Altitude emphasizes configurability and bang-for-buck for riders who want a race-capable frame without the very top-tier price.

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$3,500-4,500 CAD

5
BEST TWENTY-SEVEN FIVE INCH WHEEL 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 Twenty-Seven Five Inch Wheel 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

6
BEST COIL SHOCK COMPATIBLE ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame

Rocky Mountain
🏠 Local Product

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame earns market-leader recognition for its refined carbon layup and pedaling-to-descending balance, giving riders a lighter, stiffer platform that pairs exceptionally well with coil shocks for smooth, controlled traction on long descents. While it typically carries a premium over aluminum or smaller-brand frames, its refined stiffness-to-weight and tunability make it a technical step up from value-focused options like the Norco or WAO Arrival and an appealing choice for riders who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing enduro capability.

4.6
Show More Coil Shock Compatible Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Geometry chameleon

  • Featherweight rocket

  • Geometry chameleon

  • Featherweight rocket

Review Summary

91%

"The Altitude Carbon is celebrated for its efficient pedaling, versatile geometry and premium build quality; reviewers consistently note excellent climbing and descending performance, with price being the main downside."

  • Precision cornering

  • Full-carbon frameset engineered for stable high-speed handling and precise cornering.

  • Precision cornering

  • Full-carbon frameset engineered for stable high-speed handling and precise cornering.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame earns market-leader recognition for its refined carbon layup and pedaling-to-descending balance, giving riders a lighter, stiffer platform that pairs exceptionally well with coil shocks for smooth, controlled traction on long descents. While it typically carries a premium over aluminum or smaller-brand frames, its refined stiffness-to-weight and tunability make it a technical step up from value-focused options like the Norco or WAO Arrival and an appealing choice for riders who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing enduro capability.

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$2,500-3,500 CAD

7
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS WITH SHOCK INCLUDED

Forbidden Dreadnought XT Frameset

Forbidden
🏠 Local Product

The Forbidden Dreadnought XT frameset delivers aggressive geometry and big-hit capability with an included shock at a notably more accessible price point, making it the best value choice for enduro riders who want modern performance without the highest MSRP. Technically it favors raw descending aggression over the polished balance of Yeti or Santa Cruz, giving buyers superior performance-per-dollar versus the boutique incumbents.

4.5
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets With Shock Included
  • Massive composure

  • Gnar-plowing power

  • Massive composure

  • Gnar-plowing power

Review Summary

88%

"Riders applaud the Dreadnought XT for its raw downhill capability, tunable suspension character and unique ride feel; drawbacks mentioned include noticeable weight, boutique support channels and a premium price tag."

  • Mullet-ready mayhem

  • High-pivot layout providing superior traction and rollover at speed

  • Mullet-ready mayhem

  • High-pivot layout providing superior traction and rollover at speed

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The Forbidden Dreadnought XT frameset delivers aggressive geometry and big-hit capability with an included shock at a notably more accessible price point, making it the best value choice for enduro riders who want modern performance without the highest MSRP. Technically it favors raw descending aggression over the polished balance of Yeti or Santa Cruz, giving buyers superior performance-per-dollar versus the boutique incumbents.

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$3,000-4,000 CAD

8
BEST RACE TUNED ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90

Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90
🏠 Local Product

The Altitude Carbon 90 is a market leader for riders who need a balanced race machine that still climbs efficiently thanks to its tunable geometry and mature carbon construction. Its versatility and dealer support deliver higher resale value and easier factory-level servicing compared with smaller direct-to-rider brands, making it a financially sensible choice for racers who also log long transfer climbs. Compared to the more downhill-biased Forbidden and Norco Range, the Altitude is the more all-day race tool; compared to We Are One and Devinci it benefits from wider parts availability and a proven adjustment ecosystem.

4.5
Show More Race Tuned Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets
  • Big-hit stability

  • Balanced climber

  • Big-hit stability

  • Balanced climber

Review Summary

89%

"The Altitude Carbon 90 is lauded for its versatile, race-capable handling and adjustable geometry that climbs well and descends fast. Minor complaints focus on price and occasional finish or spec quibbles."

  • Corner-hugging confidence

  • Carbon frameset engineered around fast, low-slung race geometry for confident high-speed handling.

  • Corner-hugging confidence

  • Carbon frameset engineered around fast, low-slung race geometry for confident high-speed handling.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

The Altitude Carbon 90 is a market leader for riders who need a balanced race machine that still climbs efficiently thanks to its tunable geometry and mature carbon construction. Its versatility and dealer support deliver higher resale value and easier factory-level servicing compared with smaller direct-to-rider brands, making it a financially sensible choice for racers who also log long transfer climbs. Compared to the more downhill-biased Forbidden and Norco Range, the Altitude is the more all-day race tool; compared to We Are One and Devinci it benefits from wider parts availability and a proven adjustment ecosystem.

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$3300-4200 CAD

9
BEST ENDURO FULL-SUSPENSION FRAMESETS WITH HIGH PIVOT LAYOUTS

Forbidden Dreadnought

Forbidden Bikes
🏠 Local Product

Forbidden's Dreadnought stands out as a purpose-built high-pivot enduro frameset, using an idler-driven layout and long travel geometry to maximize rear-wheel traction and small-bump compliance on steep descents. It earns its best-in-class spot by delivering race-oriented kinematics and tunability that more directly target the high-pivot benefits than the more generalist or downhill-centric frames in this list, albeit at a premium price that reflects its specialized engineering. Compared with the more versatile or value-oriented alternatives here, the Dreadnought prioritizes descending performance and frame refinement for riders chasing high-pivot advantages without compromise.

4.6
Show More Enduro Full-Suspension Framesets With High Pivot Layouts
  • Ultra high-pivot

  • Gravity-stable ride

  • Ultra high-pivot

  • Gravity-stable ride

Review Summary

89%

"The Forbidden Dreadnought is widely praised for its brutally confident high-pivot geometry and downhill prowess, giving riders exceptional stability and traction at speed; long-term owners note the bike is heavy and the idler/maintenance demands are higher than a conventional layout. Overall it's celebrated as a purpose-built enduro/frame for aggressive riders who prioritize descending performance."

  • Floats like hovercraft

  • Carbon high‑pivot chassis with long rear travel tuned for aggressive enduro riding.

  • Floats like hovercraft

  • Carbon high‑pivot chassis with long rear travel tuned for aggressive enduro riding.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Forbidden's Dreadnought stands out as a purpose-built high-pivot enduro frameset, using an idler-driven layout and long travel geometry to maximize rear-wheel traction and small-bump compliance on steep descents. It earns its best-in-class spot by delivering race-oriented kinematics and tunability that more directly target the high-pivot benefits than the more generalist or downhill-centric frames in this list, albeit at a premium price that reflects its specialized engineering. Compared with the more versatile or value-oriented alternatives here, the Dreadnought prioritizes descending performance and frame refinement for riders chasing high-pivot advantages without compromise.

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$4,500-6,500 CAD

What Research Says About Long-Travel Enduro Framesets

Scientific work in sports biomechanics, suspension engineering, and materials science supports several practical benefits of long-travel, well-tuned enduro frames. While specific results vary by study setup and rider variables, the consensus is that frame and suspension design directly influence rider control, impact mitigation, and fatigue over technical terrain. Translating the research into buying guidance helps riders choose frames that improve speed and consistency on steep, rough descents while managing service needs and durability.

Impact attenuation: studies in sports engineering show that increased suspension travel and appropriate suspension kinematics reduce peak accelerations transmitted to the rider, which lowers acute shock loads and can reduce rider fatigue on long descents.

Control and stability: biomechanical research indicates that geometry changes—slacker head angles and longer reach—improve high-speed stability and allow riders to adopt more centered body positions, which is advantageous on steep, technical terrain common in Canadian trails.

Energy management: suspension designs that balance pedaling efficiency with compliance (for example, tuned anti-squat and progressive leverage curves) help maintain speed on transfer climbs and stages without sacrificing downhill performance.

Materials and durability trade-offs: materials science comparisons highlight that high-quality aluminum and modern carbon layups can both provide suitable stiffness-to-weight ratios; carbon excels in tuned stiffness and vibration damping, while aluminum can offer cost-effective toughness and easier repairability.

Wheel choice and handling: research on wheel size effects suggests that 29-inch wheels roll faster and maintain momentum on rough terrain, while mixed (mullet) setups can improve maneuverability without a major loss in rollover — a compromise many aggressive riders prefer.

Temperature and moisture effects: field studies and product testing note that Canadian weather (cold, wet, and variable conditions) increases the importance of sealed bearings, robust frame protection, and easy service access to suspension mounts and pivots.

Whether you are building a race-focused machine or a brutally capable trail ripper for Canadian alpine descents, these nine framesets represent the kinds of long-travel, durable platforms that local riders favor. We hope this guide helped you narrow your search. Use the site search or filters to refine by wheel size, material, adjustability, or local dealer availability to find the ideal frameset for your 2025 builds.