Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC Frame
The Nomad 6 CC frame is Santa Cruz’s flagship enduro carbon frameset, prized for its proven VPP suspension, burly layup and race-ready geometry that balance descending composure with pedaling efficiency. Compared to the lighter, more race-focused offerings in this list it leans toward long-term durability and broad aftermarket support, giving it a premium resale and service advantage for riders who prioritize reliability over marginal weight savings.
VPP traction — tire-hug
Slack confidence — grin
VPP traction — tire-hug
Slack confidence — grin
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Nomad 6 CC for its confidence-inspiring composure, precise VPP suspension and premium build quality, noting it pedals well for a long-travel bike; criticisms focus on a high price and slightly heavier feel than some rivals."
Bombproof carbon — party
CC carbon layup for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio tuned for aggressive enduro riding.
Bombproof carbon — party
CC carbon layup for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio tuned for aggressive enduro riding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Nomad 6 CC frame is Santa Cruz’s flagship enduro carbon frameset, prized for its proven VPP suspension, burly layup and race-ready geometry that balance descending composure with pedaling efficiency. Compared to the lighter, more race-focused offerings in this list it leans toward long-term durability and broad aftermarket support, giving it a premium resale and service advantage for riders who prioritize reliability over marginal weight savings.
VPP traction — tire-hug
Slack confidence — grin
Bombproof carbon — party
CC carbon layup for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio tuned for aggressive enduro riding.
VPP-based long-travel suspension with adjustable geometry and flip-chip tuning for varied terrain.
VPP traction — tire-hug
Slack confidence — grin
Bombproof carbon — party
CC carbon layup for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio tuned for aggressive enduro riding.
VPP-based long-travel suspension with adjustable geometry and flip-chip tuning for varied terrain.
$4,500-5,800 CAD
Yeti SB160 T-Series Frame
The SB160 T-Series frame represents Yeti’s top-tier enduro carbon technology with a tuned carbon layup and race-oriented kinematics that favor speed and small-bump sensitivity in aggressive terrain. While typically priced at the higher end like the S-Works Specialized, the SB160 often delivers a slightly more playful, responsive feel than the heavier Nomad and offers race-caliber performance that justifies its premium for competitive enduro riders.
Playful kinematics — pop
Light stiffness — snappy
Playful kinematics — pop
Light stiffness — snappy
Review Summary
"Riders rate the Yeti SB160 T-Series highly for its playful yet efficient pedaling platform, precise handling and high-end carbon layup; the main negatives are steep cost and limited sizing/fit complaints from some riders."
High-momentum poise — wink
T-Series carbon construction focused on stiffness and predictable handling at high speeds.
High-momentum poise — wink
T-Series carbon construction focused on stiffness and predictable handling at high speeds.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The SB160 T-Series frame represents Yeti’s top-tier enduro carbon technology with a tuned carbon layup and race-oriented kinematics that favor speed and small-bump sensitivity in aggressive terrain. While typically priced at the higher end like the S-Works Specialized, the SB160 often delivers a slightly more playful, responsive feel than the heavier Nomad and offers race-caliber performance that justifies its premium for competitive enduro riders.
Playful kinematics — pop
Light stiffness — snappy
High-momentum poise — wink
T-Series carbon construction focused on stiffness and predictable handling at high speeds.
Switch Infinity-inspired kinematics tuned for 160mm-class rear travel and efficient pedaling.
Playful kinematics — pop
Light stiffness — snappy
High-momentum poise — wink
T-Series carbon construction focused on stiffness and predictable handling at high speeds.
Switch Infinity-inspired kinematics tuned for 160mm-class rear travel and efficient pedaling.
$5,000-6,800 CAD
Forbidden Dreadnought XT Frame
The Dreadnought XT frame from Forbidden brings an aggressive, long-travel enduro geometry and robust carbon construction at a comparatively strong value, targeting riders who want pro-level performance without the highest dealer markup. Compared with the market leaders here it undercuts on price while delivering modern kinematics and customizable build options, though it trades some global dealer network and widespread service coverage for cost efficiency and direct-to-rider support.
Plush travel — cloud
Massive composure — tank
Plush travel — cloud
Massive composure — tank
Review Summary
"The Forbidden Dreadnought XT is widely praised as a burly, value-packed enduro frame with modern geometry and excellent descending capability, though some users call out its weight and smaller dealer/support network."
Precise steering — scalpel
Rugged carbon layup built for big-hit stability and confidence on steep, technical descents.
Precise steering — scalpel
Rugged carbon layup built for big-hit stability and confidence on steep, technical descents.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Dreadnought XT frame from Forbidden brings an aggressive, long-travel enduro geometry and robust carbon construction at a comparatively strong value, targeting riders who want pro-level performance without the highest dealer markup. Compared with the market leaders here it undercuts on price while delivering modern kinematics and customizable build options, though it trades some global dealer network and widespread service coverage for cost efficiency and direct-to-rider support.
Plush travel — cloud
Massive composure — tank
Precise steering — scalpel
Rugged carbon layup built for big-hit stability and confidence on steep, technical descents.
Generous clearance for large tires and setup flexibility for coil or air shocks.
Plush travel — cloud
Massive composure — tank
Precise steering — scalpel
Rugged carbon layup built for big-hit stability and confidence on steep, technical descents.
Generous clearance for large tires and setup flexibility for coil or air shocks.
$3,500-4,800 CAD
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Frame
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.
Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon
Efficient pedaling — long-haul
Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon
Efficient pedaling — long-haul
Review Summary
"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.
Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon
Efficient pedaling — long-haul
Trail-balanced — steady
Purpose-built carbon chassis with long-travel suspension tuned for enduro and aggressive trail use.
Tool-free geometry adjustment options to tailor handling and ride height to conditions and rider preference.
Ride-9 tweakable — chameleon
Efficient pedaling — long-haul
Trail-balanced — steady
Purpose-built carbon chassis with long-travel suspension tuned for enduro and aggressive trail use.
Tool-free geometry adjustment options to tailor handling and ride height to conditions and rider preference.
$4,000-5,500 CAD
Specialized Enduro S-Works Frame
The Enduro S-Works frame is Specialized’s market-leading carbon enduro chassis, engineered for maximum stiffness, refined kinematics and integration with high-end components to deliver top-tier race performance. It typically carries a premium price like the Yeti but differentiates itself through proprietary features, extensive testing and global service reach, making it a go-to choice for riders seeking the fastest, most refined full-suspension carbon enduro frameset available.
Race stiffness — boost
Light burly — nimble
Race stiffness — boost
Light burly — nimble
Review Summary
"The Specialized Enduro S-Works is regarded as a top-tier race-ready enduro frame with refined kinematics and premium finish, delivering excellent speed and control, while detractors point to its premium price and occasional proprietary part frustrations."
Aggro geometry — arrow
Premium FACT carbon construction delivering top-tier stiffness-to-weight and race-grade durability.
Aggro geometry — arrow
Premium FACT carbon construction delivering top-tier stiffness-to-weight and race-grade durability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Enduro S-Works frame is Specialized’s market-leading carbon enduro chassis, engineered for maximum stiffness, refined kinematics and integration with high-end components to deliver top-tier race performance. It typically carries a premium price like the Yeti but differentiates itself through proprietary features, extensive testing and global service reach, making it a go-to choice for riders seeking the fastest, most refined full-suspension carbon enduro frameset available.
Race stiffness — boost
Light burly — nimble
Aggro geometry — arrow
Premium FACT carbon construction delivering top-tier stiffness-to-weight and race-grade durability.
Aggressive enduro geometry with refined kinematics for traction, composure at speed and efficient pedaling.
Race stiffness — boost
Light burly — nimble
Aggro geometry — arrow
Premium FACT carbon construction delivering top-tier stiffness-to-weight and race-grade durability.
Aggressive enduro geometry with refined kinematics for traction, composure at speed and efficient pedaling.
$6,500-8,500 CAD