THE YEAR'S BEST AND MOST EXCITING BIKES - MOUNTAIN

Bicycling’s annual Bike Awards are the culmination of a year’s worth of real-world ride testing of hundreds of bikes. We rode them as you would—commuting on city streets, in the bikepark, up tough climbs, deep in the woods, or just out for a spin after a busy day. In selecting our top 40, we evaluated each bike’s performance, its value, and how it stacks up against similar models in its category. We thought hard about each bike and whether it was one we’d want for ourselves before recommending it. If you’re searching for a new road, mountain, gravel, or commuter bike—or just dreaming—one of these will be right for you.

JULIANA WILDER X01 AXS TR CARBON CC

$9,450 // 23.7 LB (Small)

Purpose-built for the XC rider who has outgrown 100mm-travel bikes, the Juliana Wilder can take on more challenging trails, bigger features, and wilder terrain. At just under 24 pounds—in a size small—and with 115mm-travel in the rear, it’s an XC bike that is just as capable as many heavier-weight trail bikes.

Juliana sweats the details in the frame geometry. By incorporating chainstay lengths specific to each frame size, the brand delivers on the Wilder’s intentions of a snappy, fun ride. You’ll find this bike easy to flick between roots and rocks of any size. This bike begs you to let your hair down and rip the party lines.

The Wilder still responds with urgency when you want to be the first woman on the singletrack after the spicy gravel climb. The X01 Eagle AXS Shifting and 12-speed, 10-50 tooth cassette lends you the smoothness and grace you might be lacking once your heart rate gets pinned in pitch or battle. Once you crest the summit, drop the butter-smooth, RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post and let the Wilder wile out.

Beyond the Wilder’s ride quality, the bike is loaded with nice details. A tiny chainguide offers that little bit of extra security. Cable routing is fully internal, giving the bike a sleek, almost spacecraft-like majesty. The pairing of Industry Nine Hubs and Reserve 28H Carbon Rims is a great choice for climbing efficiency, lifespan, and reliable engagement. Parts of the frame most vulnerable to chain slap and trail spew are protected with a molded rubber coating.—Taylor Kuyk-White