A solid choice for all-round use, RockShox's SID RCT3 can sometimes struggle on rougher trails

Cube AMS 120 29 £1,499.99

Read our review on the 120mm-travel full-suspension Cube AMs 120 29er

With many full-suspension frame designs, maintenance can be a real chore, but the Orange Five is different. Multi-linkage bikes can run on several bearings and/or bushes, and working on them…

Felt Edict Nine 60 £1,499

Read our review on the Felt Edict Nine 60 full-suspension 29er — a 100mm XC race bike with a difference

XX44 head tube makes for a stiff steerer

The 650b Kona Explosif 27.5 is a do-it-all hardtail with a steel frame, 120mm fork and 20 gears