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 USD
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.
Enduro-ready geometry
Burly aluminum heart
Enduro-ready geometry
Burly aluminum heart
Review Summary
"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.
Enduro-ready geometry
Burly aluminum heart
Descends like thunder
Aluminum frameset tuned for aggressive enduro with rear travel in the ~160mm range and 170–180mm fork compatibility.
Progressive geometry with long reach and a slack head angle for high-speed stability and steep descents.
Enduro-ready geometry
Burly aluminum heart
Descends like thunder
Aluminum frameset tuned for aggressive enduro with rear travel in the ~160mm range and 170–180mm fork compatibility.
Progressive geometry with long reach and a slack head angle for high-speed stability and steep descents.
$2,000-2,700 USD
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.
150mm pop — playful bounce
Burly titanium — smash-proof
150mm pop — playful bounce
Burly titanium — smash-proof
Review Summary
"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.
150mm pop — playful bounce
Burly titanium — smash-proof
Kinematic tune — mischievous flick
Titanium chassis paired with ~150mm rear travel tuned for efficient climbing and confident descending
Lightweight yet durable construction that resists corrosion and soaks trail chatter
150mm pop — playful bounce
Burly titanium — smash-proof
Kinematic tune — mischievous flick
Titanium chassis paired with ~150mm rear travel tuned for efficient climbing and confident descending
Lightweight yet durable construction that resists corrosion and soaks trail chatter
$9,000-11,500 USD
The Range C is the rugged, value-focused option in this group, offering durable construction and aggressive 29-inch enduro geometry that prioritizes durability and impact resistance for heavy use. As a more affordable frameset choice—often available in alloy or cost-conscious carbon variants—it appeals to riders who want raw capability and serviceability on demanding trails without the premium carbon tax. Compared to the carbon-focused Megatower and S-Works, the Range C trades some lightness and refinement for toughness and a lower entry cost.
Flip-chip tuning — mood-swappable
Active suspension — root-hugger
Flip-chip tuning — mood-swappable
Active suspension — root-hugger
Review Summary
"Users report the Range C is a bombproof, high-speed descender with stable, confidence-inspiring geometry, though some find it less playful and a bit harsh on smaller hits."
Enduro-ready strength — dent-defiant
Purpose-built enduro carbon frame with a long, low, and slack geometry optimized for big-terrain charging.
Enduro-ready strength — dent-defiant
Purpose-built enduro carbon frame with a long, low, and slack geometry optimized for big-terrain charging.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Range C is the rugged, value-focused option in this group, offering durable construction and aggressive 29-inch enduro geometry that prioritizes durability and impact resistance for heavy use. As a more affordable frameset choice—often available in alloy or cost-conscious carbon variants—it appeals to riders who want raw capability and serviceability on demanding trails without the premium carbon tax. Compared to the carbon-focused Megatower and S-Works, the Range C trades some lightness and refinement for toughness and a lower entry cost.
Flip-chip tuning — mood-swappable
Active suspension — root-hugger
Enduro-ready strength — dent-defiant
Purpose-built enduro carbon frame with a long, low, and slack geometry optimized for big-terrain charging.
Progressive suspension kinematics designed to maintain traction and composure under heavy braking.
Flip-chip tuning — mood-swappable
Active suspension — root-hugger
Enduro-ready strength — dent-defiant
Purpose-built enduro carbon frame with a long, low, and slack geometry optimized for big-terrain charging.
Progressive suspension kinematics designed to maintain traction and composure under heavy braking.
$3,000-4,500 USD
Forbidden Druid Frame
The Forbidden Druid is a boutique 27.5 enduro frameset focused on bespoke geometry options and advanced kinematic tuning, aimed at riders who want highly tailored handling and exclusivity. Its limited-production, high-detail approach commands a premium compared with mass-market offerings, but the Druid stands out technically for those seeking custom-fit performance and unique integration that mainstream frames don't provide.
Snappy pop—micro-jump wizard
Featherweight punch
Snappy pop—micro-jump wizard
Featherweight punch
Review Summary
"Owners rave about the Forbidden Druid's plush, composed descending, tunable geometry and premium construction, while noting high cost, limited dealer support and occasional long lead times as downsides."
Responsive, arrow-like handling
Hand-orientated carbon frame design focused on premium layups and finish for 27.5 enduro use
Responsive, arrow-like handling
Hand-orientated carbon frame design focused on premium layups and finish for 27.5 enduro use
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Forbidden Druid is a boutique 27.5 enduro frameset focused on bespoke geometry options and advanced kinematic tuning, aimed at riders who want highly tailored handling and exclusivity. Its limited-production, high-detail approach commands a premium compared with mass-market offerings, but the Druid stands out technically for those seeking custom-fit performance and unique integration that mainstream frames don't provide.
Snappy pop—micro-jump wizard
Featherweight punch
Responsive, arrow-like handling
Hand-orientated carbon frame design focused on premium layups and finish for 27.5 enduro use
Sophisticated linkage and kinematics tuned for traction and control on technical terrain (~170mm travel)
Snappy pop—micro-jump wizard
Featherweight punch
Responsive, arrow-like handling
Hand-orientated carbon frame design focused on premium layups and finish for 27.5 enduro use
Sophisticated linkage and kinematics tuned for traction and control on technical terrain (~170mm travel)
$3,500-5,500 USD
The Devinci Spartan HP Carbon Frame stands out for its high-pivot geometry and engineered kinematics that exploit coil-shock characteristics to maximize traction and rear-wheel compliance on steep, technical terrain. Its focused design approach gives it a distinct technical advantage in descending control and small-bump sensitivity versus more traditional linkage frames, and it sits competitively in price against boutique builds like the Forbidden while offering a clear performance edge for riders who value high-pivot behavior.
Hardpack hammer
Carve-and-crush
Hardpack hammer
Carve-and-crush
Review Summary
"The Spartan HP Carbon is loved for its high-pivot stability, traction and coil-friendly rear end that soaks big hits; some users mention added weight, idler maintenance and a slight learning curve to extract its best performance."
Tuned aggression
High-pivot suspension layout improves traction and control through rough, technical terrain.
Tuned aggression
High-pivot suspension layout improves traction and control through rough, technical terrain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Devinci Spartan HP Carbon Frame stands out for its high-pivot geometry and engineered kinematics that exploit coil-shock characteristics to maximize traction and rear-wheel compliance on steep, technical terrain. Its focused design approach gives it a distinct technical advantage in descending control and small-bump sensitivity versus more traditional linkage frames, and it sits competitively in price against boutique builds like the Forbidden while offering a clear performance edge for riders who value high-pivot behavior.
Hardpack hammer
Carve-and-crush
Tuned aggression
High-pivot suspension layout improves traction and control through rough, technical terrain.
Carbon frameset optimized for long-travel enduro performance and heavy-duty use.
Hardpack hammer
Carve-and-crush
Tuned aggression
High-pivot suspension layout improves traction and control through rough, technical terrain.
Carbon frameset optimized for long-travel enduro performance and heavy-duty use.
$2,800-3,800 USD
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.
Massive composure
Gnar-plowing power
Massive composure
Gnar-plowing power
Review Summary
"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.
Massive composure
Gnar-plowing power
Mullet-ready mayhem
High-pivot layout providing superior traction and rollover at speed
~170mm rear travel and durable carbon construction
Massive composure
Gnar-plowing power
Mullet-ready mayhem
High-pivot layout providing superior traction and rollover at speed
~170mm rear travel and durable carbon construction
$3,000-4,000 USD
The Spartan Carbon 29 stands out as the long-wheelbase, big-wheel race frame that prioritizes high-speed stability, traction and composure through rough, fast tracks. Its carbon layup and 29er geometry deliver efficient tracking and momentum retention that can be advantageous on high-speed enduro stages compared with mullet or 27.5-focused frames in this list. Financially it typically undercuts some boutique offerings for a similar spec-to-performance ratio, and compared to the Range and Altitude it trades some low-speed playfulness for superior straight-line confidence.
29er roll-over
Race-bred agility
29er roll-over
Race-bred agility
Review Summary
"Devinci Spartan Carbon 29 is celebrated for high-speed stability and predictable handling on technical descents, with robust construction. Some riders mention its weight and that it rewards an aggressive setup to unlock full capability."
Snappy rear-end
Lightweight carbon chassis optimized for 29" wheels to preserve rollover and momentum on race stages.
Snappy rear-end
Lightweight carbon chassis optimized for 29" wheels to preserve rollover and momentum on race stages.
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Spartan Carbon 29 stands out as the long-wheelbase, big-wheel race frame that prioritizes high-speed stability, traction and composure through rough, fast tracks. Its carbon layup and 29er geometry deliver efficient tracking and momentum retention that can be advantageous on high-speed enduro stages compared with mullet or 27.5-focused frames in this list. Financially it typically undercuts some boutique offerings for a similar spec-to-performance ratio, and compared to the Range and Altitude it trades some low-speed playfulness for superior straight-line confidence.
29er roll-over
Race-bred agility
Snappy rear-end
Lightweight carbon chassis optimized for 29" wheels to preserve rollover and momentum on race stages.
Race-focused kinematics that balance pedaling efficiency with predictable descending behavior.
29er roll-over
Race-bred agility
Snappy rear-end
Lightweight carbon chassis optimized for 29" wheels to preserve rollover and momentum on race stages.
Race-focused kinematics that balance pedaling efficiency with predictable descending behavior.
$2700-3500 USD
Cannondale Jekyll
The Cannondale Jekyll is a versatile enduro frameset that emphasizes efficient pedaling and agile handling, offering a lighter, more climb-capable alternative for riders who want some high-speed stability without fully embracing the weight or complexity of a high-pivot layout. While it doesn’t focus solely on high-pivot kinematics, recent iterations adopt progressive geometry and suspension refinements that capture several HP-style benefits in a more user-friendly and financially accessible package. Compared with the specialist HP and DH frames listed, the Jekyll is the best compromise for riders needing daily-ride usability and overall value alongside strong descending capability.
Balanced travel
Climb-friendly boost
Balanced travel
Climb-friendly boost
Review Summary
"The Cannondale Jekyll is remembered as a very capable enduro platform that balances pedaling efficiency with confident descending, making it a popular choice for riders wanting a versatile long-travel bike; some long-term owners note it isn’t a high-pivot specialist and can feel less aggressive on extreme chutes compared with true high-pivot frames. Overall reviewers appreciate its daily-ridable manners and solid build quality."
Playful yet planted
Aggressive enduro geometry with a progressive leverage curve suited for big‑trail impacts.
Playful yet planted
Aggressive enduro geometry with a progressive leverage curve suited for big‑trail impacts.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Cannondale Jekyll is a versatile enduro frameset that emphasizes efficient pedaling and agile handling, offering a lighter, more climb-capable alternative for riders who want some high-speed stability without fully embracing the weight or complexity of a high-pivot layout. While it doesn’t focus solely on high-pivot kinematics, recent iterations adopt progressive geometry and suspension refinements that capture several HP-style benefits in a more user-friendly and financially accessible package. Compared with the specialist HP and DH frames listed, the Jekyll is the best compromise for riders needing daily-ride usability and overall value alongside strong descending capability.
Balanced travel
Climb-friendly boost
Playful yet planted
Aggressive enduro geometry with a progressive leverage curve suited for big‑trail impacts.
Robust frame options (carbon or alloy) with tuneable geometry for a balance of climbing and descending.
Balanced travel
Climb-friendly boost
Playful yet planted
Aggressive enduro geometry with a progressive leverage curve suited for big‑trail impacts.
Robust frame options (carbon or alloy) with tuneable geometry for a balance of climbing and descending.
$3,500-9,000 USD