Readers’ Choice: The 5 Most Innovative Mountain Bikes of 2016

Based on reader votes, the Santa Cruz Hightower tops our list of 2016's most innovative mountain bikes, with plus-sized compatibility being the year's hottest trend.

By Aaron Chamberlain
September 12, 2016 Last Updated: January 5, 2026

17 comments

Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.

2. Trek Fuel EX

Trek has made some big changes in 2016 to simplify their line. Previously, the Fuel EX was available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. When you factor in that they also offered aluminum and carbon frames, and numerous builds, things quickly got confusing. Going forward, Trek dropped the 27.5″ Fuel altogether. They also took the opportunity to redesign the bike from the ground up. The new frame works with either 27.5+ or 29″ wheels and sports increased travel–up to 130mm in the rear. Trek’s most popular mountain bike is now more capable than ever.

Key features/specs:

Travel: 130mm rear / 140mm front
67.2-degree head tube angle
17″ (433mm) chainstay length
Aluminum and carbon frames available
Pricing: $2,200 – $8,400

Community

Droolworthy Mountain Bikes and Gear from Rocky Mountain, Giro, Fox and Maxxis

Map highlighting the best bike parks in North America for 2015, presented by MTBparks.com. The map is divided into regions: Northwest, Western Canada, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Eastern Canada, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic/Southeast, with each region listing the top bike parks along with corresponding state or province abbreviations. The parks are marked with stars and numbered for rankings.

Community

The Best Bike Parks in North America, According to MTBparks.com

Image of two bicycle wheelsets from Ibis, showcasing detailed hub designs and rims, with the text "6 New Wheelsets from Ibis" prominently displayed.

Culture

Ibis Launches 6 New Asymmetric Rims

A modern youth mountain bike with a gray frame, featuring a bright yellow and red graphic design. The bike has wide, knobby tires designed for off-road terrain, disc brakes, and a sturdy frame. It is angled to show the side view, highlighting the suspension fork and gearing system.

Culture

Specialized Goes 24+ for Kids Bikes with the All-New Riprock

17 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Sep 12, 2016

Aaron or Greg, do you have an opinion why the Yeti SB6c or 5c are not on the list? Do you think it's because they didn't come out in a plus size in 2016. Isn't there a SB5c+ or SB6c+ for 2017???

0 reply

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Sep 12, 2016

Also @mongwolf, in case you missed it, check out deets on the new SB5+, just announced at Eurobike, here: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/yeti-releases-their-first-plus-bike-the-sb5

AUTHOR

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 12, 2016

Hey @mongwolf, there were numerous votes for the Yetis, but they were spread out over their various models which put them out of the top 5. There will be a plus-sized Yeti for 2017, but it had yet to be announced when we ran our survey.

Also, it could be that the new SB line of Yetis has been around for a couple years, so apart from some refinements, there hasn't been too much in the way of "innovation." That's just a guess though.

Thanks Greg. I did read that article before when you posted. Good to read again. Soon the sb6+ ... ...

Thanks Aaron and Greg. Some very cool bikes. Looks like plus tires are here to stay and the adjustable geometry is becoming more and more a reality. I look at my 2.35 tires now and think, "Man, those look skinny." =)

dpb1997 Alberta // 2015
Sep 15, 2016

Hi,

Really not too sure how the poorly designed Trek got in on the list... With the fork and down tube clashing, and the restricted turning radius of the handle bar, all equate to warranty claims, widgit replacement, at owner's expense, and crashes... Trek will be changing this design... Don't believe me? I hope I am wrong, but time and statistics will tell.

Plus size bikes are so unnecessary and carry more weight...and as for boosted hubs...what a joke on the consumer...!!

Regards.

Joel DH
Sep 14, 2016

I agree that the Santa Cruz bike deserves #1. That is a very innovative wheel system. I am a Specialized fan, so me picking the hightower over the stumpjumper is saying somethin'. I love the fact you can chose whatever tire size you want, but an interesting question popped up in my mind that nobody addressed in the other posts: what about the shock and fork? Do you have to adjust your settings with each tire change? Wouldn't the damping have to be adjusted?

Mr Mojo Risin West Virginia // 2015
Sep 15, 2016

Switched from a Stumpjumper FSR to the Hightower C+ this summer and haven't looked back. Truly amazing bike, sometimes I pinch myself that I really own it.

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 14, 2016

I mentioned it in the paragraph about the SC, but yes they recommend running a longer travel fork when using the plus wheels to maintain a consistent BB height. There is a flip chip for the shock as well, but you don't have to adjust that unless you want to.

Mr Mojo Risin West Virginia // 2015
Nov 29, 2016

Sorry, just saw this. I laughed when I read this question, not because it was a silly question but because how much better the HT is. The HT is way more nimble and playful, yet it hammers at speed. This could be because of the plus tires, or the stiffer carbon frame (my Stumpy was the Elite alloy). As far as jumping goes, again it's not even close. I had the Fox Brain fade on the Stumpy and just flat out hated that shock. The HT is really playful and the plus tires feel super plush when hitting the jumps.

Joel DH
Sep 16, 2016

How does the hightower descend compared to the stumpy? Does it feel as capable? How does the jumping performance compare?

Steve55 New Zealand // 2014
Sep 16, 2016

It's Steve here from down under in NZ of self flagellating luddite fame. I thought I might like to stir the pot a little, or as the Trappist monks would say, stir the wort, and add this little beauty to the mix

http://ebike-mtb.com/en/moustache-debut-new-hidden-power-samedi-27-race-trail-range/

This is a masterpiece in carbon, for diversity they also make an Aluminum one where hydroforming techniques are pushed to the limt

k2rider California // 2013
Sep 16, 2016

The silly part about these bikes being chosen, presumably for their ability to switch wheel sizes (aside for the Mojo 3), is that apparently very few people are swapping wheels. If you read everybody's posts on MTBR, people are finding one size is working much better that the other and they are sticking with that wheel size. Consequently, being able to switch wheels is effectively moot.

I appreciate the option of choosing my desired wheel size. This doesn't mean I intend to run all other options.

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 16, 2016

That backs up from what I've heard from shops as well as my personal preference. After all, you at minimum need a set of wheels and tires, if not a fork. That gets spendy.

Wow I can't believe how this list turned out! You could correctly categorize every single bike on this list as "a high-dollar, carbon fiber, 27.5+ full suspension trail bike." I was honestly expecting more diversity, but apparently FS plus bikes are the story of the year!

Gunnar Westholm 2016
Sep 13, 2016

www.tantrumcycles.com deserves to be mentioned.
If Missing Link delivers what is promising, Tantrum will be on 2017 list of innovations.

2. Trek Fuel EX

Featured Articles

17 Comments