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HOME > MTB Types > Mountain Bikes Beginner > The Complete Guide to Full Suspension Mountain Bikes.

The Complete Guide to Full Suspension Mountain Bikes.

Discover the exhilarating world of off-road cycling through the lens of full suspension mountain bikes, the game-changers in the realm of adventurous riding. This comprehensive guide offers an accessible window into the universe of these high-performance machines, providing insights into their structure, versatility, benefits, unique features, comparisons with hardtail bikes, recommended models, care tips, and more.

Mountain biking has steadily gained momentum as the go-to outdoor activity for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. While hardtail mountain bikes, known for their front suspension, have been a trusty companion for many riders, full suspension mountain bikes have taken the off-road experience to new heights.

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Inner Workings of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes are not just tools for conquering challenging trails; they are mechanical marvels that have undergone a continuous evolution to offer riders an unmatched off-road experience. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the intricate anatomy of these cutting-edge machines, revealing how each component works in harmony to elevate your mountain biking adventures.

The Backbone: Frame At the core of every full suspension mountain bike lies its frame, often crafted from lightweight materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, or robust steel. This frame is meticulously engineered to strike a balance between stability and agility, ensuring it can handle even the most unforgiving terrains while responding seamlessly to the rider’s commands.

Front-End Comfort: Suspension Fork The front suspension fork is the first line of defense against rough terrain. It incorporates hydraulic or air-based dampers to absorb shocks, delivering a smoother and more controlled ride. This component allows riders to tackle uneven trails with confidence, maintaining traction and steering precision.

Rear Resilience: Rear Suspension System The hallmark of full suspension mountain bikes is their rear suspension system, a dynamic duo that teams up with the front fork to provide superior traction, control, and comfort. The rear suspension, often accompanied by a shock absorber, adapts to varying terrains, enabling riders to confidently tackle steep descents, technical climbs, and obstacles of all kinds.

Traction Masters: Wheels and Tires The wheels and tires are your connection to the trail. These mountain bikes often feature larger wheels, typically 27.5 or 29 inches in diameter, for smoother rolling over rugged terrain. Paired with wide, knobby tires, they ensure optimal grip and stability. Many riders opt for tubeless setups to reduce puncture risks and maintain consistent performance in demanding conditions.

Control and Safety: Braking System Safety and control are paramount, and the disc braking system delivers both. With options for hydraulic or mechanical variants, these brakes offer reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. This critical component ensures that riders can confidently navigate steep descents and maintain control during challenging maneuvers.

Powerhouse: Drivetrain The drivetrain is the beating heart of the bike, featuring an array of gears, derailleurs, and shifters. Its primary responsibility is to convert your pedaling effort into forward motion. Modern drivetrains come in various configurations, emphasizing efficiency and precise shifting, enabling riders to seamlessly adapt to diverse terrains.

Diverse Categories of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes encompass a broad spectrum of options, each finely tuned to excel in specific terrains and cater to the unique preferences of riders. These bikes are categorized into distinct types, each designed to provide a specialized and thrilling riding experience. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of full suspension mountain bikes and explore the various types available. This exploration will empower you to understand the distinct attributes of each type and choose the one that aligns perfectly with your cycling goals.

Trail Bikes: Versatility in Motion

Trail bikes are the Swiss Army knives of mountain biking, offering versatility that allows riders to tackle a wide range of trail conditions with ease. They strike a harmonious balance between climbing efficiency and downhill performance. Sporting moderate suspension travel, versatile geometry, and a comfortable riding position, trail bikes are ideal companions for all-day adventures. Whether you’re navigating technical descents, exploring meandering singletracks, or embarking on epic long-distance rides, these bikes provide the adaptability and comfort needed to conquer diverse terrains.

Enduro Bikes: Dominance on the Descents

Enduro bikes are the bruisers of the mountain biking world, purpose-built to dominate aggressive downhill riding and challenging descents. These specialized machines boast extended suspension travel, robust construction, and aggressive geometry. While they excel in tackling technical trails and absorbing hard impacts, enduro bikes are known for their surprising uphill prowess, making them a popular choice among thrill-seekers who relish the balance between uphill challenges and adrenaline-pumping descents.

Downhill Bikes: Speed and Precision

Downhill bikes are all about one thing: extreme speed and precision in descents. These dedicated machines feature exceptionally long suspension travel, sturdy frames, and geometry that is optimized for high-speed stability. While they are unmatched in downhill performance, downhill bikes are not suited for climbing and are typically reserved for dedicated downhill parks and racing circuits.

Cross-Country Bikes: Racing and Exploration

Cross-country (XC) bikes are the thoroughbreds of mountain biking, designed for speed, efficiency, and endurance. These lightweight frames, coupled with shorter suspension travel and efficient geometry, make XC bikes the top choice for racers and riders who seek long-distance adventures. They excel in climbing and acceleration, making them perfect for those who aim to compete in races or explore extensive trail networks without compromising on speed.

All-Mountain Bikes: Versatile Trail Explorers

All-mountain bikes offer a balanced and versatile riding experience that bridges the gap between trail and enduro bikes. These bikes feature well-rounded suspension travel, versatile geometry, and adaptability across a range of terrains. Whether you’re navigating technical sections, conquering steep climbs, or descending challenging trails, all-mountain bikes are the versatile companions for riders who crave exploration without sacrificing performance.

In a world of full suspension mountain bikes, these diverse categories offer riders a spectrum of choices, each tailored to suit specific riding preferences and terrains. Your ultimate adventure begins with selecting the type of bike that matches your style and inspires you to conquer new horizons.

Revealing the Benefits of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

1. enhanced comfort on rough terrain.

• The dual suspension system, composed of a front fork and rear shock, serves as your ultimate comfort cushion, absorbing shocks and vibrations from the most uneven and challenging trails.
• Reduced rider fatigue means that even long rides become significantly more comfortable and less physically demanding, allowing you to explore new territories without feeling beat up.
• The plush and cushioned ride quality encourages riders to take on more demanding trails, fostering a sense of adventure while ensuring the utmost comfort.

2. Superior Traction and Control

• Full suspension bikes excel in maintaining tire contact with the ground, offering superior traction even on slippery or technically demanding terrain.
• This enhanced traction translates into unrivaled control, especially when tackling tight corners, daunting climbs, and exhilarating descents.
• Riders can confidently navigate obstacles, maintaining control, reducing the risk of accidents, and pushing the boundaries of their off-road prowess.

3. Confidence-Boosting Performance

• The heart of a full suspension bike is its ability to instill unwavering confidence in riders, empowering them to push their limits and explore uncharted territories.
• The suspension systems work diligently to absorb impacts from unforgiving elements like rocks, roots, and drops, enabling riders to tackle even the most challenging technical sections with grace and ease.
• With full suspension under you, you can venture forth on your mountain biking adventures without hesitation, knowing your bike is prepared to meet the demands of the trail.

4. Acceleration and Speed

• Full suspension bikes deliver remarkable power transfer, thanks to their improved traction and control, leading to faster acceleration and the ability to maintain higher speeds on descents and technical sections.
• Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush on thrilling downhill runs or looking to outpace your competition in cross-country races, the added speed potential of full suspension bikes is a game-changer.

5. Precise Handling and Responsiveness

• The sophisticated suspension systems found on these bikes optimize your contact with the ground, enhancing stability and responsiveness.
• You can confidently and precisely navigate tight switchbacks, negotiate treacherous rock gardens, and handle challenging technical features with finesse.
• The bike’s agility and responsiveness cater to a wide range of riding styles and terrains, ensuring that you can conquer any trail with grace and skill.

6. Versatility for Varied Riding Styles

• Full suspension mountain bikes come in a variety of types, each tailored to specific riding styles, from the lightning-fast world of cross-country racing to the exhilarating realm of downhill adventures.
• Riders can select a bike that perfectly aligns with their preferences, whether they prioritize speed, comfort, or technical prowess.
• The versatility of these bikes ensures that you can explore an extensive range of trails and terrain types, truly embracing the spirit of off-road cycling.

In summary, full suspension mountain bikes offer a compelling array of benefits that go beyond enhancing your off-road adventures. They provide a gateway to exhilarating experiences, unmatched comfort, and the confidence to push the boundaries of your riding skills. Whether you’re navigating technical descents, embarking on lengthy cross-country journeys, or dominating downhill courses, full suspension bikes have the versatility and performance to make your mountain biking dreams a reality.

Crucial Factors to Evaluate When Purchasing a Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Choosing the ideal full suspension mountain bike is a pivotal decision for riders at every level of experience. To ensure that your chosen bike aligns seamlessly with your riding preferences and aspirations, it’s paramount to meticulously assess a range of key features. In this guide, we explore the essential aspects you should consider when investing in a full suspension mountain bike:

1. Frame Material and Design

• Frame material choices, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel, substantially affect the bike’s weight, strength, and overall performance.
• The frame’s design and geometry are integral to determining the bike’s handling characteristics and suitability for specific terrains. Frame geometry can influence factors like stability, agility, and how well the bike tackles obstacles.

2. Suspension Travel

• Suspension travel, or the distance the front fork and rear shock can compress, has a significant impact on the bike’s performance.
• Consider the type of riding you plan to undertake; greater suspension travel is well-suited for handling technical descents with finesse, while less travel translates to greater efficiency for climbing and cross-country riding.

3. Wheel Size

• Wheel size is a pivotal factor that profoundly influences a bike’s performance. Common options include 27.5 inches and 29 inches.
• Delve into how different wheel sizes affect the bike’s rolling efficiency, handling characteristics, and overall stability, particularly in the context of the specific trails you intend to explore.

4. Braking System

• Full suspension mountain bikes are typically equipped with disc brakes, which come in hydraulic and mechanical variations.
• Assess the braking system’s performance, taking into consideration elements such as stopping power, modulation (the ability to control braking force), and durability. These factors significantly impact your safety and control on the trails.

5. Drivetrain and Gear Range

• Whether you prioritize speedy descents, efficient climbs, or a combination of both, the drivetrain should cater to your specific needs.

6. Price Range

• Define a budget that aligns with your financial considerations and the features you prioritize in your mountain bike.
• Be prepared to strike a balance between cost and performance, focusing on components and features that hold the most significance in enhancing your overall riding experience.

By thoughtfully evaluating these key features, you can streamline your selection process and find a full suspension mountain bike that resonates with your riding style, preferences, and performance expectations. Each feature plays a pivotal role in shaping the bike’s capabilities and overall performance, ensuring an engaging and satisfying journey on the trails.

Full Suspension vs. Hardtail Mountain Bikes: Making the Right Choice

The decision between a full suspension and a hardtail mountain bike is pivotal in shaping your off-road cycling adventures.

1. Suspension System

• Full Suspension: Full suspension bikes boast both front and rear suspension systems, offering a multitude of advantages such as enhanced comfort, traction, and control on rough and technical terrain. The rear suspension ensures a smoother ride over obstacles, reducing rider fatigue.
• Hardtail: On the other hand, hardtail bikes feature only front suspension. The simplicity of this design often results in a lighter overall weight, making hardtails efficient climbers, ideal for those who favor ascending challenges.

2. Comfort and Control

• Full Suspension: Full suspension bikes excel in absorbing shocks and vibrations, leading to a plush and comfortable ride, particularly on demanding trails. The increased traction and control provide riders with the confidence to tackle obstacles and descents with ease.
• Hardtail: Hardtail bikes offer a more direct and connected feel with the trail. This can be appreciated by riders who seek precise control and immediate feedback from the terrain, enhancing their handling skills.

3. Efficiency and Climbing

• Full Suspension: While full suspension bikes provide a host of benefits, they may sacrifice some climbing efficiency due to the added weight and the phenomenon known as “suspension bob,” where energy is lost in the suspension system during pedaling.
• Hardtail: Hardtail bikes shine in climbing efficiency, making them a preferred choice for cross-country riders and those who prioritize the ascent. The lack of rear suspension simplifies power transfer to the pedals.

4. Terrain Versatility

• Full Suspension: Full suspension bikes are incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of terrains, from technical descents to rugged trails. They excel in providing comfort and control across diverse conditions.
• Hardtail: Hardtail bikes are well-suited for less aggressive trails and cross-country riding, making them a popular choice for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency on smoother terrain.

5. Maintenance and Simplicity

• Full Suspension: Full suspension bikes typically require more maintenance due to their complex suspension systems, which have more moving parts. Regular maintenance is essential to keep them in peak condition.
• Hardtail: Hardtail bikes are lauded for their simplicity, featuring fewer moving parts and thus demanding less maintenance. This can be a significant advantage for riders seeking a low-maintenance bike.

6. Cost Considerations

• Full Suspension: It’s essential to acknowledge that full suspension bikes are generally more expensive due to their additional components and advanced technology. This should be considered when determining your budget.
• Hardtail: In contrast, hardtail bikes are often more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for riders who have financial constraints but still desire a reliable and enjoyable mountain biking experience.

7. Riding Style and Preferences

• Encourage riders to reflect on their individual riding style, preferences, and the type of trails they frequent. The choice between full suspension and hardtail should align with these personal factors and their unique riding objectives.

Both full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes have their rightful places in the world of mountain biking, catering to diverse preferences and riding objectives. The ultimate choice comes down to aligning your bike with your individual aspirations and the type of terrain you’re passionate about exploring.

Accessories and Gear for Full Suspension Mountain Biking

When embarking on full suspension mountain biking adventures, having the right accessories and gear is essential for safety, comfort, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key accessories and gear categories along with some examples:

Protective Gear:

• Helmets: Your first line of defense in case of falls or impacts. Full-face helmets provide comprehensive protection for your head, while trail helmets offer a balance of protection and ventilation.
• Body Armor: This gear protects your chest, back, and limbs. Chest protectors shield your torso, while knee and elbow pads safeguard your joints during falls or collisions.
• Gloves: Providing grip and protection for your hands, full-fingered gloves with knuckle guards are essential to ensure your hands stay unscathed.
• Goggles/Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris and harmful UV rays with goggles or glasses. Look for options with anti-fog and UV protection features for clear vision.
• Shin Guards: Prevent injuries from pedal strikes and impacts on your shins. Look for lightweight, breathable shin guards that won’t hinder your movement.
• Neck Braces: Designed to support your neck and minimize the risk of injury, adjustable neck braces offer comfort while enhancing your safety during challenging rides.

Cycling Apparel:

• Jerseys: Moisture-wicking and breathable, jerseys help regulate your body temperature and keep you dry. Consider both short and long-sleeve options for various weather conditions.
• Shorts/Pants: These durable bottoms come with padding to enhance saddle comfort. Padded shorts or baggy riding pants are popular choices for full suspension riders.
• Gloves: Apart from protecting your hands, cycling gloves enhance grip and overall comfort. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking options to keep your hands dry.
• Socks: High-performance, moisture-wicking socks play a crucial role in maintaining dry and comfortable feet, even during long and demanding rides.
• Footwear: Sturdy and grippy shoes are essential for maintaining pedal control and rider safety. Depending on your preference, choose between clipless or flat pedal mountain biking shoes.
• Jackets: Designed to withstand varying weather conditions, windproof and waterproof jackets provide the protection you need when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Look for options that are packable and breathable for added convenience.

Accessories:

• Hydration: Staying hydrated on the trails is vital. Hydration packs offer easy access to water while riding, while water bottles provide a simple and lightweight alternative.
• Tools: Carry essential tools for on-the-trail bike repairs. Multi-tools, tire levers, and pumps ensure you can address minor issues and continue your ride.
• Bike Lights: Bike lights are essential for safety when riding in low-light conditions or at night. Both front and rear LED bike lights increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
• GPS/Navigation: For route planning and tracking, bike-specific GPS devices and apps help you navigate new trails, record your progress, and share your achievements.
• Bike Racks: When transporting your bike to different trails, bike racks, whether hitch-mounted or roof-mounted, make the process convenient and secure.
• Trail Repair: Kits for fixing punctures and minor issues are a must. Items like tube patches, tire boots, and chain tools ensure you can handle unexpected problems on the trail with ease.

Choosing the right protective gear, cycling apparel, and accessories is crucial for a successful and enjoyable full suspension mountain biking experience. Selecting items that align with your riding style, preferences, and the specific challenges you’ll face on the trails is essential for your safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction.

Conclusion  

In the world of off-road cycling, the full suspension mountain bike stands as a symbol of adventure, versatility, and uncompromising performance. As we’ve ventured through this comprehensive guide, we’ve unveiled the intricate details that make these high-performance machines exceptional in every sense. From the anatomy of full suspension bikes to their diverse types, advantages, and key features, it’s clear that these two-wheeled marvels have revolutionized the way riders conquer rugged terrains.

With a full suspension mountain bike, riders are equipped with the tools needed to take on the most challenging trails and conquer nature’s obstacles. The dual suspension system, consisting of front forks and rear shocks, ensures enhanced comfort, superior traction, and unmatched control on rough terrain. As we’ve learned, this leads to reduced rider fatigue, increased confidence, and the ability to tackle technical sections and rough descents with ease.

The versatility of full suspension mountain bikes is another standout feature. Whether you’re navigating a technical descent, seeking the thrill of downhill racing, or embarking on an epic cross-country adventure, there’s a full suspension bike that aligns with your riding style and preferences.

However, the choice between full suspension and hardtail bikes can be a significant decision. While full suspension bikes offer unrivaled comfort and control, hardtails excel in climbing efficiency and simplicity. The decision ultimately depends on your riding style, the type of trails you frequent, and your individual preferences. Both options have their places in the world of mountain biking.

To maximize your full suspension mountain biking experience, equipping yourself with the right protective gear, cycling apparel, and accessories is essential. Helmets, body armor, gloves, jerseys, and more ensure safety and comfort on the trails. These essential items, when chosen carefully, enhance your adventures while keeping you protected from the elements.

In conclusion, full suspension mountain biking is a world of excitement, challenges, and unending opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or a nature lover, full suspension bikes are your gateway to the great outdoors. By understanding their intricacies and making informed choices regarding types, features, and gear, you can embark on thrilling rides and create unforgettable memories on the trails. So, gear up, pick your bike, and ride on to conquer the rugged terrains with confidence and enthusiasm. Your mountain biking journey awaits, and it’s bound to be an exhilarating one.

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Best full-suspension mountain bike: maximum speed, comfort, and control

• Alan Muldoon
• March 30, 2024

Rear suspension amplifies the fun off-road. Here's our pick of the best XC, trail, and enduro full-suspension mountain bikes.

Choosing the right full-suspension bike can be a complex and nerve-wracking process, with a mind-boggling array of options on the market. We have tested all of the following bikes. Tested them properly against their peers, backed up with years of experience reviewing thousands of mountain bikes since MBR was launched back in 1997. This isn’t some shortlist pulled together from browsing brochures and brand websites – these are the best mountain bikes , ridden and rated by some of the most experienced testers in the business, all with a shared passion for mountain biking and giving you the best buying advice possible.

The Polygon Siskiu T8 is a slick full-sus trail bike with a down-to-earth price tag.

1. Polygon Siskiu T8

Best value full-suspension bike.

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.6kg | Suspension travel: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Progressive sizing and geometry
• Great value for money

Reasons to avoid:

• Needs a Shimano chain

If you’re on a tight budget, there are few better full-suspension options on the market than the Polygon Siskiu T8. There are two versions to choose from, one with larger, faster rolling 29in wheels but less suspension travel, and one with more agile 27.5in wheels and slightly more bounce at both ends. In both cases, you get a quality alloy frame with fully adjustable Fox suspension.

Whichever wheel size you choose, you’ll be rewarded with pace and handling that matches bikes with much more serious hang tags. The chain is pretty much the only weak link in the specification, so you can ride the Siskiu hard straight from the showroom floor.

Read the full review of the Polygon Siskiu T8

The Cannondale Habit 4 boasts direct-sales value, but you can buy it from a physical store.

2. Cannondale Habit

Most fun trail bike for under £2k.

Wheel size: 29in (XS frame gets 27.5in wheels) | Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.2kg | Suspension travel: 140mm f/130mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Agile and easy to ride, the Habit 4 handles like a much more expensive machine
• Shock tune feels perfect
• Fun and flicky ride that keeps rider weight well-balanced on all trail gradients
• SRAM DB8 brakes feel solid and have a smooth action for a budget brake
• RockShox’s Recon RL fork lacks finesse and precise tuning
• Deore drivetrain shifts can be slightly clunky, especially with the KMC chain
• Maxxis Rekon tyres use harder compound with less wet weather grip

Cannondale has done a stellar job with the new Habit trail bike. Coming in at under £2k for the entry-level model is impressive given that you can buy it from a bricks-and-mortar store, and yet it still comes with decent tyres, quality suspension, and a dropper post. It’s a good looking bike, with a slick alloy frame that is worth upgrading over time.

The handling is quick and snappy, making it fun and rewarding to throw around, and the suspension is smooth and supple, bringing both comfort and agility to the party. To sum up, as we said in the review, “as a pure trail bike, it nails the fundamentals of geometry, suspension and efficiency and has an engaging, responsive ride quality that feels anything but budget”.

Read the full review of the Cannondale Habit 4

Specialized’s classic four-bar suspension delivers on its promise of 160mm travel

3. Specialized Status

Best budget mixed wheel play bike.

Wheel size: 29in f/27.5in r | Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 | Weight: 15.75kg | Suspension travel: 160mm f/160mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Killer value for money
• Inspiring handling
• Wide range of sizes
• Sluggish NX shifting
• Lack of official product info is frustrating

If you’re starting to see a few grey hairs appear then you may well remember the iconic Specialized Big Hit. Although not the original mullet bike, it was perhaps the most successful mixed wheeler before the trend’s recent resurgence. Why was it such a big hit, if you’ll excuse the pun? Well, it wasn’t designed for long distances or going racing, it was built to put a smile on riders’ faces. And it succeeded in spades. The Status invokes the spirit of that classic Big Hit, with a mixed wheel set-up, an affordable price, and the ability to generate fun at every turn. Now there are two models on offer, one with 140mm travel, and the original version with 160mm travel. Whichever one you pick, you’re in for a great time.

Read our full review of the Specialized Status 160

The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo is our favourite trail bike

4. Specialized Stumpjumper Evo

The ultimate adjustable trail bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 | Weight: 14.6kg | Suspension travel: 160mm f/150mm r | Rating: 10/10

• A truly versatile trail bike with addictive handling
• Adjustable geometry and internal frame storage
• Uses a smaller 30t chainring, so you can run out of gears on descents

Our Trail Bike of the Year for 2022, and the recent winner of our adjustable trail bike test, the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo effortlessly blends pleasure and performance and boasts the ultimate adjustability of any trail bike. That means head angle, BB and chainstay adjustment, to give a whopping 6 different configurations.

Choose from alloy or carbon frames according to your budget, while the comprehensive range of sizes means everyone can enjoy the perfect fit. Part enduro shredder, part trail ripper, the Stumpjumper Evo makes every ride better and even boasts internal storage for stashing your snacks.

Read our full review of the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp

5. Yeti SB120

Best short travel down-country ripper.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Turq carbon, 120mm | Weight: 13.3kg (29.3lb) | Rating: 9/10

• All round overachiever with superlative suspension
• Agile rather than ultra aggressive

Yeti’s SB120 had us in rapture when we tested it against the Santa Cruz Tallboy. Eye-wateringly rapid, yet forgiving and comfortable at the same time, the SB120 isn’t afraid of showing its softer side.

The suspension offers bags of grip while responding instantly to pedal inputs. A touch of frame flex means it sticks to lines rather than getting pinged from side to side, making it more suitable for natural terrain than sculpted bike park trails. With a head badge that evokes passion in any serious mountain biker, the Yeti SB120 is a bike you can’t help looking back over your shoulder at when you walk away from the garage.

Read our full review of the Yeti SB120

6. Santa Cruz Tallboy

A two-wheel terrier: the down-country bike that thinks its an enduro bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon CC, 120mm | Weight: 13.08kg (28.84lb) | Rating: 9/10

• Outstandingly fast and focused full-send aggression
• Needs a pretty skilled rider to avoid prat-falls
• Uncomfortably uncooperative on technical off-piste trails

Santa Cruz seems to have a gazillion models that all look the same, so it’s easy to miss the diminutive Tallboy. With only 120mm of travel, there’s no safety blanket to fall back on, but for skilled riders, that connection to the trail is addictive. There are 29in wheels front and rear, and a choice of two different carbon frames depending on your budget.

When we tested the Tallboy we said: “The bristling in-your-face aggression of the brutally stiff frame, ‘fast or F-off’ suspension and progressive geometry creates a whole new level of ‘short-travel bike syndrome’ that hard-charging hooligans will love”. It’s not as forgiving as the Yeti SB120, but it’s fabulously rewarding.

Read our full review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy

7. Transition Spur X01

Best down-country bike for effortless speed.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.25kg | Suspension travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Perfect speed/capability ratio
• Super light
• Looks amazing
• Business-like way it keeps wheels on the ground

Did someone say down-country? The Spur is the original and, we’d argue, still the best. Why? Well it blends trail bike capability with XC bike pace, feeling impossibly fast everywhere, while goading you into pushing your limits on every descent.

Avoid the temptation to overfork the front end. Instead, keep a SID up front for maximum weight saving, and stick with light wheels and rapid tyres. Keep the build svelte, and you’ll revel in the effortless speed and endless momentum. Like mountain biking experienced x1.5 speed.

Read our full review of the Transition Spur

Did the Mondraker Raze RR impress us? Yes, it did.

8. Mondraker Raze

Next level performance with integrated data logging.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight:  13.65kg (30.09lb) | Suspension travel: 150mm f/130mm r | Rating: 10/10

• Fast and capable
• Built-in suspension data acquisition
• Excellent on-trail performance
• You need a 4G connection to keep the MIND engaged

With Forward Geometry, Mondraker revolutionised how we think about mountain bike sizing . Ten years on and the Spanish brand is revolutionising suspension set-up. With MIND, Mondraker’s built-in suspension data acquisition, suspension set-up and analysis has never been easier or more accurate. On its own, the Raze RR is a great package, with MIND it offers next level technology and performance for a small up-charge. More importantly, Mondraker has nailed the balance of speed, compliance and capability with the Raze RR to perfectly capture the essence of the short-travel trail category.

Read our full review of the Mondraker Raze Carbon RR

Integrated suspension system conceals the RockShox NUDE 5 shock inside the full carbon frame

9. Scott Spark RC WC AXS

Best xc race bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.12kg | Suspension travel: 120mm f/120mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Ruthless in its efficiency
• Hidden shock should need less maintenance
• TwinLoc remote suspension control is a big advantage
• Suspension could be more supple in Descend mode.

Scott’s Spark has won more trophies than any other race bike, with double Olympic gold back in 2016. The current model gets a sleek carbon frame with modern geometry, so it’s fast, but also surprisingly capable on the descents, so it’s impressively versatile. It also gets a hidden shock for reduced maintenance, and remote suspension control for uphill efficiency without compromising on downhill confidence.

Read our full review of the Scott Spark RC WC AXS

10. Nukeproof Giga

Best long-travel enduro bike.

Wheel size: 27.5, 29in or mullet | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 15.4kg | Suspension travel: 180mm f/170mm r | Rating: 10/10

• All of the travel, none of the drawbacks
• Surprisingly agile and dynamic
• Michelin tyres are slow and temperature sensitive
• Uncertain future for the brand could be an issue if something goes wrong

The Giga is testament to the adage that you can have your pudding and eat it. You can all of the all-ness all of the time. Loads of travel. Slack AF head angle. The biggest of wheel sizes. And the most remarkable thing? It rides just like a normal mountain bike when the gradient tips up. The Giga really is a race-worthy enduro bike that doesn’t feel like a chore to pedal around on your Sunday Social rides. Poppy and playful, the Giga is no passive plough.

With the brand’s future in doubt, there’s no guarantee that any warranty issues will be sorted, so bear that in mind before buying.

Read our full review of the Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory

Hardtail or full-suspension?

It’s easy to assume that everyone would be riding full suspension bikes instead of hardtails if there was no price difference. This isn’t really true. Hardtails do have some advantages over full-suspension bikes regardless of price tag.

Hardtails are lighter. Hardtails have less to go wrong or require servicing. Hardtails are easier to clean. Hardtails can be faster and more fun on smoother trails. Adding to this the fact that hardtails are cheaper than their full-sus counterparts means that hardtails aren’t going to be extinct anytime soon.

What are the benefits of going full-suspension? First and foremost, control. Full suspension bikes track the ground better and as such offer greater traction. Full-suspension bikes are more composed and not as sketchy to ride as hardtails. The fatigue and comfort benefits are also important, particularly over longer distances. Being less beaten up and less tired on longer rides is an added bonus of bounce.

What are the drawbacks of full-suspension? They’re heavier than hardtails. They usually have a lower component spec (compared to hardtail of the same price). They have bearings and pivots that will eventually wear out and cost money to replace/service. They can be mud traps. They can be difficult to clean properly. And if you don’t understand the basics of how to setup suspension, then a full-suspension bike can ride really badly, inefficiently and sketchily.

Carbon or aluminium?

At the mid to high end level there’s something of a crossover point where you can sometimes choose between a carbon framed bike (with lower end parts) or an aluminium framed bike (with better bits) at around the same price point. We’d always recommend going for the better specced aluminium model.

Is carbon worth the extra money? For most riders, no it isn’t. Just how much extra does it cost anyway? To go carbon will cost you approximately an extra £1,000 (for the similarly equipped bike).

What does this £1,000 get you? A lighter frame for sure. But not that much lighter, maybe 700g or so at the absolute most. The more convincing argument for going carbon is not weight, it’s ride feel. Carbon bikes ride differently to aluminium bikes. Stiffer. Sometimes with a damped (dead) sort of feeling. And these days carbon bikes are often stronger than their aluminium counterparts.

The carbon feel and strength is what it’s all about. This is not to say that this racy, rally-car ‘carbon feel’ is going to suit everyone. Some riders prefer the feel of aluminium bikes over carbon.

Which wheel size is best?

This old chestnut. Again, we’re going to be mildly controversial and say that the difference between 27.5in bikes and 29er bikes isn’t as pronounced as it was back in the mid ’00s.

Nowadays you can get 29ers with decent amount of suspension travel (up to 170mm – more for DH) and with decent geometry, so the wheel size debate has fizzled out. Some brands even offer two versions of each model, one with 27.5in wheels and one with 29in wheels, so you can just choose the option that suits you.

29ers are more stable and have better grip. But they have unavoidably higher front ends and the rear tyre can hit your bum on steep stuff if you’re under 6ft tall. The higher wheel axles can make the bike feel taller in tight switchbacks and thus require more leaning over. 27.5in bikes can be stiffer, can have lower front ends and the rear tyre won’t boot you up the behind on steep drops and chutes. The lower wheel axles require less body English in tight hairpins so the bikes can feel more nimble for a given rider input.

If you’re 6ft tall or over, you’re probably going to better served by a 29er. If you’re under 5ft 6in then a 29er is likely going to feel too big. Which is where the mullet bike, or MX, fits in. These models use a 29in wheel up front (for maximum stability, speed and rollover) paired with a 27.5in wheel at the back (to improve agility and bum clearance). They’re a great option for riders who want a fun, playful bike or have shorter legs.

Which suspension design is best?

A bonus debate for you. Sorry! Although there’s less hype and grand claims made about different suspension frame designs these days (compared to the slanging matches and OTT marketing of yore, anyway) there is still a valid interest in how the designs differ from each other. The mountain biking market is now mature and experienced enough to admit that there is no single Best Suspension Design . The four-bar (or Horst Link) used to be the Holy Grail. Single pivots used to get ragged on for being crude. Neither of these stances are correct.

To be frank, pretty much all suspension designs are good. But they are not all the same. They do differ in how they feel and respond (to both the trail and to the rider onboard). Some are fussy in how precisely they’re set up, some are more forgiving. Some also require more maintenance than others. The rear shock – and how you can tune it – is arguably more important than frame suspension design these days. It is now possible to do an awful to with a rear shock to alleviate any frame design niggles you may encounter. Bike too bob-prone, or wallowy, or harsh bottom out? Chances are something can be done with the rear shock to address this.

Basically, bike companies have got most of the kooky, bad designs out of their system now. The differences between them are now extremely subtle. Learning about suspension theory and setup is more important.

By gum it’s good to be back! We’ve waited long months and hunted down the best trail bikes to finally put together another annual edition of the UK’s ultimate trail bike test.

Geometry, geometry, geometry

The angles and lengths of the frame tubes governs almost everything in how a bike will ride. The best suspension in the world counts for nought if the geometry is poor. Similarly, a bike with great geometry can often overcome any suspension shortcomings and ride just fine.

What’s the best geometry for a mountain bike ? This is a tricky area and one which is still full of old myths and prejudices. But here’s our take on it…

Long reach (the distance between saddle and handlebars, in layman’s terms) is good. Steep seat angles are good. Slack head angles are good. And we’re not talking just ‘good for descending’. This geometry is good everywhere. Slack head angles don’t cause front end wandering on climbs (that’s caused by slack seat angles and/or short top tubes).

Low bottom bracket heights are generally good (for stability and for cornering), but riders who pedal in rutted/tufty/stumpy terrain, or like to be challenged by rocky, trials-style terrain, may get bored with frequent pedal strikes and so prefer a higher bottom bracket height and accept the compromise in handling.

Chainstay length is another area full of cliché. Short chainstays are seen as highly desirable. Long chainstays are seen as bad. Why is short good? We’re not sure it is particularly. It makes bikes easier to manual but that’s about it. They can be problematic on climbs if the seat tube is too slack, making it difficult to keep the front wheel weighted. Long chainstays offer greater stability and climbing prowess, but there is a trade-off in agility.

Another aspect these days is the return of standover as being high on the important list. The advent of dropper posts with 150mm+ of travel has meant that bike designers are factoring shorter seat tube lengths in their bikes now so that they can fit in long drop dropper posts. Truth be told though, you still can’t judge how a bike will ride by looking at its geometry chart. Geometry is a combination of multiple factors that all interact with each other. One isolated measurement doesn’t govern everything.

How much should you spend?

If you have less than £1,000 to spend then we still think a hardtail is the way to go. Sub-£1k full-sussers are going to be overly hefty and sport low-end kit that will impair your ride experience.

These days you can get capable and fun full-suspension bikes for between £1,000 and £2,000. They aren’t especially light but they aren’t restrictively heavy either. And the parts package on a good £1k susser will feature perfectly good stuff from recognised brands. Sure there’ll be some cost-cutting here and there, and some no-name finishing kit, but it won’t overly affect the bike’s ride.

What size bike should you get?

A lot of people are riding around the wrong size bike.

The first myth to bust is that smaller bikes are more nimble/playful/manoeuvrable. Nope. Smaller bikes are less stable, more sketchy and uncomfortable. Don’t buy a bike that’s too small thinking it’ll be alright. Don’t get suckered into buying the wrong size bike because it’s at a bargain price. A cheap bike that’s big enough for you and has good geometry will be infinitely better than a half-price bling bike that’s too small for you.

The best way to do it is consult a size calculator (most bike brands have them), confer with other owners, and (if you’re in the 5ft 10in – 5ft 11in height range) check out our reviews. We always add the rider height and size tested information in the specification table and we will usually comment on the sizing within with review. You should also check out our guide to choosing your mountain bike frame size . Remember that there is a degree of adjustability when it comes to fit with any frame size – you can slide saddles fore and aft on the rails, you can run longer or shorter stems, high-rise or low-rise bars – but you can never change the length of the seat tube.

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How to Choose a Full Suspension Mountain Bike: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Ever found yourself bouncing around on a rocky trail, wishing for a smoother ride? You’re not alone. Picking the right full suspension mountain bike can be a game-changer.

This article is your one-stop guide to making that choice. We’ll dive deep into why full suspension bikes are worth considering, what features to look out for, and how to match a bike to your unique riding style. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for you. So, let’s get rolling!

Why Go for a Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

Benefits over hardtail bikes.

Imagine gliding over rocks and roots like they’re mere pebbles. That’s the magic of a full suspension bike. Unlike hardtails, these beauties have both front and rear shocks. What does that mean for you?

First up, control. Full suspension bikes give you a grip on the trail that hardtails can only dream of. You’ll navigate twists and turns like a pro.

But it’s not just about control. Think about those long rides that leave you sore. Full suspension bikes cushion your body, making those marathon sessions way more comfortable. And let’s not forget traction. With shocks absorbing the bumps, your wheels stay grounded, giving you that extra bit of grip when you need it most.

R ead also: Full Suspension vs Hardtail: Which Mountain Bike is Right for You?

Ideal Use Cases

So, where does a full suspension bike shine the brightest? If you’re into technical trails with lots of obstacles, this is your ride. You’ll tackle rocks, roots, and steep descents like they’re a walk in the park.

Downhill riding? A full suspension bike is your best friend. It’ll eat up those big drops and jumps, letting you focus on the thrill.

And for the enduro racers out there, full suspension is a no-brainer. These bikes are built for the challenges of both uphill and downhill, offering a balanced ride that’s hard to beat.

Key Components to Consider

Alright, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of choosing your dream full suspension mountain bike. There are a few key components that can make or break your ride. Let’s break them down.

Front and Rear Suspension

First things first, the heart of a full suspension bike: the shocks. You’ve got two main types—coil and air shocks. Coil shocks are like that reliable friend who’s always there—consistent and sturdy. Air shocks? They’re the adaptable ones, easy to tune for different terrains.

Now, let’s talk suspension travel. This is how much your shocks can compress and it’s measured in millimeters. For cross-country, you’re looking at around 100-120mm. Trail and enduro bikes might go up to 150mm. The more travel, the rougher terrain you can handle. But remember, more isn’t always better. Too much can make your bike hard to control.

Wheel size is like the shoe size of your bike. The most common sizes are 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch. Each has its own vibe.

The 26-inch wheels are the old-school choice. They’re nimble and great for tight trails but might lack in speed. The 27.5-inch wheels are the middle child—balanced and versatile. Then you’ve got the 29ers. These big wheels roll over obstacles like a boss but can be a bit harder to maneuver.

Frame Material

Last but not least, let’s talk frame material. You’ve got three main options: aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel.

Aluminum is the most common. It’s lighter than steel and easier on the wallet than carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is the lightweight champ and offers a smooth ride but can be pricey. Steel? It’s the heaviest but also the most durable.

Each material has its pros and cons, so think about what matters most to you. Is it the lightweight speed of carbon fiber, the durability of steel, or the balanced features of aluminum?

How to Match Your Riding Style

So, you’ve got the basics down. Now, let’s make sure your new full suspension mountain bike is in tune with how you ride. Different styles call for different setups, so let’s dive in.

Cross-Country (XC)

Cross-country riders are all about speed and efficiency. Less is more when it comes to suspension travel. Aim for around 100-120mm. This gives you enough cushion without weighing you down.

Wheel size? Consider going for 29-inch wheels. They’re speedy and roll over obstacles with ease, perfect for those long, winding trails.

Trail Riding

Trail riders, you’re the Jacks and Jills of all trades. You need a bike that’s as versatile as you are. Look for a balanced setup that offers a bit of everything. Suspension travel around 130-150mm is your sweet spot. It’s enough to handle various terrains but not too much to make climbing a chore.

Downhill and Enduro

Alright, adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Downhill and enduro riding is all about tackling the toughest terrains and steepest slopes. You’ll need robust suspension, think 160mm or more, to absorb those big hits.

Don’t skimp on the brakes either. You’ll be descending at high speeds, so powerful, reliable brakes are a must. Hydraulic disc brakes are generally the go-to here.

Read also: How To Start Mountain Biking: Guide For Beginners

Budget Considerations

Let’s talk money. A full suspension mountain bike can be an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Knowing where to save and where to splurge can make all the difference.

Entry-Level vs Mid-Range vs High-End Bikes

First off, what’s your budget? Entry-level bikes start around $1,000 to $1,500. They’re solid but might skimp on some features. Mid-range bikes fall between $2,000 to $4,000 and offer a good balance of quality and cost. High-end bikes? Well, the sky’s the limit, but expect to pay $5,000 and up.

Where to Save and Where to Splurge

If you’re on a budget, focus on the essentials. A good frame and suspension system are worth the investment. You can always upgrade components like brakes and wheels later.

Top Brands to Consider

Alright, let’s talk brands. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but some brands have earned their reputation for a reason.

• Trek : Known for versatility and a wide price range. Great for both beginners and pros.
• Specialized : Offers high-performance bikes. A bit on the pricier side but worth it.
• Cannondale : Famous for innovative design and lightweight frames. Ideal for cross-country and trail riding.
• Giant : Offers solid bikes at competitive prices. A good all-rounder.
• Santa Cruz : High-end bikes with top-notch components. If you’re looking to splurge, this is your brand.

Each brand has its own specialties and price ranges, so take your pick based on what you need and how much you’re willing to spend.

• Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $1000
• Best Budget Full-Suspension Bikes

Where to Buy Your Full Suspension Mountain Bike

So, you’re ready to pull the trigger and buy that dream bike. But where should you go? The experience can be wildly different depending on where you shop.

Online vs In-Store

Buying online is super convenient. You can browse endless options from the comfort of your home. Plus, you might snag some online-exclusive deals. But be cautious. You won’t get to test ride or feel the bike, and returns can be a hassle.

In-store shopping lets you get up close and personal. You can take a test ride, get fitted, and even negotiate prices. The downside? Your local store might not have the broadest selection, especially for niche models.

Pre-Owned Options

Going for a second-hand bike? It’s a great way to save some cash. Just make sure to check the bike thoroughly. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the frame and suspension. And always, always take it for a test ride.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? From the benefits of full suspension and key components to consider, to matching your riding style and budget considerations. Remember, the perfect bike for you is out there; it just takes a bit of digging to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, especially if you’re tackling rough terrains or going for long rides.

Around 130-150mm offers a balanced ride suitable for various terrains.

They offer top-notch components and lighter frames but come at a premium price.

Yes, starting with a basic model and upgrading parts like brakes and wheels is a smart approach.

It can be, as long as you thoroughly inspect the bike and take it for a test ride.

About The Author

Mario Baker

Hey there! We’re Antonnette and Mario, a sister-and-brother tandem who love bikes and biking.

We and our team use our extensive knowledge about bicycles to help you have a great riding experience.

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Full suspension mountain bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes: Find out how to choose the perfect bike for you. Learn about different types of mountain bikes by Cannondale.

When it comes to riding technical trails and rough terrain, there’s no substitute for the traction and control a full suspension mountain bike delivers. For many riders, full suspension makes mountain bike riding faster, safer, and more fun.

That said, not all full suspension mountain bikes are built for the same types of riding. That’s why choosing the right bike for you and the riding you want to do is an important consideration that can have a major impact on your satisfaction and the fun you’re able to have.

In this article, we’ll discuss the primary categories of full suspension mountain bikes and the types of terrain and riding each is designed for. Then, we’ll answer a variety of common questions riders ask when they’re in the market for a full suspension mountain bike.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike Categories

Cannondale builds a wide range of full suspension mountain bikes, from 100mm/4-inch travel bikes built for racing and fast XC (or cross country) riding, to hardcore trail mountain bikes with more than six inches of travel at each wheel, capable of taking on the world’s toughest trails. And while this article focuses on traditional non-powered full suspension mountain bikes, Cannondale also offers a complete line of electric full suspension mountain bikes as well.

So, how do you decide which Cannondale full suspension bike is right for you? First, let’s talk about what you want to do with the bike.

Typically, shorter travel xc-oriented suspension bikes will be easier to climb with at a fast pace, while longer travel bikes will win the race going back down hills. The goal is to find the full suspension mountain bike with a balance that best matches your goals going both up and down hills.

And while professional mountain bikers might have access to a variety of bikes, most riders just have one full suspension bike. That’s why choosing the right one is so important.

XC and ‘downcountry’ mountain bikes

Riders looking for a light, fast full suspension bike that goes as quickly uphill as it does down the mountain should check out an XC, or cross-country bike . Typically, short travel xc racing-focused bikes will have 100-110mm (4.0-4.3-inches) of travel at each wheel and will be tuned to be lightweight and relatively quick handling.

While riders focused on xc racing generally gravitate towards short travel bikes like the Cannondale Scalpel , it’s the 120mm (4.75-inch) travel ‘Downcountry’, or short-travel trail bikes like the Scalpel SE that a lot of riders are excited about. Designed as a slightly longer travel, more capable version of the XC Scalpel, the 120mm travel Scalpel SE is nearly as light and fast uphill as its shorter travel sibling, but it gives riders an added advantage when the trail turns downhill. The added suspension travel and dropper seatpost, which allows the saddle to be lowered (more detail below), make carrying speed through technical singletrack easier than ever.

Since weight, or lack thereof, is a primary consideration, most XC and Downcountry bikes will be equipped with air sprung front and rear suspension, as opposed to coil springs. Not only is air sprung suspension lighter than coil sprung suspension, it also offers a more responsive feel both up and down the mountain. Several Scalpel models also feature Cannondale’s exclusive Lefty Ocho , the world’s most advanced, smoothest, and most precise-handling ultralight suspension fork.

Trail mountain

For riders more interested in going fast downhill and having fun than in racing, a longer travel trail bike like the Cannondale Habit is an excellent choice. With 130-140mm (5.1-5.5 inches) of travel front and rear, a long-travel dropper post and geometry designed to excel both up and down the mountain, the Habit is light enough to comfortably climb on and versatile enough to tackle any trail with confidence. Trail bike frame geometry prioritizes stability at speed, so it’s easier to control the bike when going fast downhill in rugged terrain.

While most trail bikes are equipped with air sprung suspension, the suspension components themselves are often beefed up to withstand the additional demands of increased travel and more aggressive riding. Rear shocks equipped with external reservoirs stay consistent on long, bumpy downhills, while suspension forks with large, 36-38mm stanchion tubes increase steering precision at high speeds.

What about frame materials?

Because full suspension bikes are naturally heavier than rigid or front suspension mountain bikes , most high-quality full suspension mountain bikes are constructed of either aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. Most Cannondale full suspension bikes are built of BallisTec carbon, though the Habit trail bike is offered with an alloy frame on the most affordable models. Typically, upgrading from an alloy frame to a lighter-weight carbon frame will add $900 to $1,000 in cost to a similarly equipped suspension bike.

Which suspension design is best?

While some manufacturers use a similar rear suspension design and layout throughout its line, Cannondale offers three distinct suspension platforms across its line. XC and short-travel trail bikes use Cannondale’s patented FlexPivot frame, which uses engineered flex in the rear triangle to deliver the performance of a multi-link suspension system, combined with the light weight of a single pivot design.

Cannondale’s mid-travel Trail bike, the Habit , uses the company’s exclusive Proportional Response 4-bar pivot suspension system. Proportional Response uses size-specific Center-Of-Gravity data to optimally tune suspension performance for any rider, from the tallest to the smallest.

To better handle the higher speeds and rougher terrain of enduro-trail riding, Cannondale developed a new high pivot, idler-equipped 4-bar suspension system for its Jekyll models. The high main pivot helps the rear wheel more easily roll over obstacles without losing forward momentum, while the idler pulley neutralizes the suspension’s effect on pedaling performance.

While offering three unique suspension platforms certainly isn’t the easiest or least expensive way, for a performance-first company like Cannondale, it’s the only way to deliver truly optimized performance for every rider, on every ride.

What do I get as I go up in price?

Generally, as you move up in price within a category of bike (XC or Trail), you will get lighter weight, better quality suspension and increased drivetrain performance. Instead of an alloy frame, a more expensive model might have a carbon frame. Suspension components gain more sophisticated dampers with more adjustability as prices increase. And at the very high end, carbon fiber wheels and wireless electronic shifting drivetrain components sweeten the deal even further.

When shopping for a new full suspension mountain bike, it makes sense to ride models both above and below your target price point, so you can better understand and feel the specific benefits you’re getting for the money.

In Conclusion

While there is no one ‘best’ full suspension mountain bike for everyone, finding the best full suspension mountain bike for you doesn’t have to be hard. By considering the type of riding you want to do, establishing a budget, and test riding as many bikes as you can, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down the field. Get started by checking out Cannondale’s Bike Finder .

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Best Short-Travel Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes – 100 to 130mm

Ibis Ripley – One of the most iconic short-travel playbikes available.

Trail and Cross-Country mountain bikes offer limitless fun on various terrains. There are quite a few different mountain bike types out there, but in this review – we’ll be focusing on the lighter end of the spectrum, bikes that are considered as short travel full-suspension mountain bikes.

• You may also like:   15 Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes to Consider

Best Short-Travel Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

1 . orbea – oiz h20.

Best XC Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

Aluminum / 12-Speed Shimano Deore  / 29×2.35″

MSRP: $3,599 Jenson USA

Fork : Fox 32 Float Rhythm, 120mm travel Shock : Fox i-Line DPS Performance, 120mm travel Wheels : Orbea OC1 25c

The Orbea Oiz H20 is a sleek full-suspension XC bike built for speed and efficiency. With a premium aluminum frame, quality components, and World Cup geometry, you’ll be smashing your PRs with the Oiz in no time. 

It’s ideally suited to cross-country or long-distance trail riding, with a 12-speed Shimano Deore/XT groupset that includes a 10-51T cassette.

Fox provides both the I-Line DPS Performance shock and the 32 Float Rhythm fork. To complement the lightweight Orbea OC1 rims, you get 29×2.35″ Rekon Race EXO tires.

Head tube angle: 68º / Seat tube angle: 74º / Chainstay: 435mm

Buy on Jenson USA

2 . Santa Cruz Bicycles – Blur C S

MSRP : $5,549 Evo.com

Fork: RockShox SID SL Select 100mm travel Rear Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ 100mm travel Wheels:  RaceFace AR Offset 29″

The Santa Cruz Blur is the famous MTB brand’s race-ready XC bike, designed to be lightweight, fast, and efficient. 

The Blur C S uses Santa Cruz’s more affordable carbon grade, which has excellent stiffness and strength characteristics that help maximize power transfer.

A 100mm travel RockShox SidLuxe Select+ shock is enhanced by a patented SuperLight suspension linkage that keeps the weight low but enhances rear-end traction on trickier sections. 

This build comes with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed, 10-50T drivetrain with Level TL hydraulic disc brakes. Other notable components include the fast-rolling Maxxis Aspen 2.4″ tires, an SDG Tellis dropper for extra descending control, and lightweight RaceFace AR Offset rims. 

Pick the Santa Cruz Blur C S if you’ve got lofty XC ambitions and the budget to match. 

Buy on evo.com

3 . Pivot – Mach 4 SL Ride

Carbon / 12-Speed Shimano XT/SLX / 29×2.2″

MSRP: $6,199 Competitive Cyclist

Fork : Fox Float 34 Performance Step-cast 120mm  Shock : Fox Performance Float DPS 100mm  Wheels : DT Swiss X1900 alloy

The Pivot Mach 4 SL Ride is a sleek full-suspension XC MTB by a lesser-know but high-end MTB manufacturer, perfect for racers who want top performance.

The full carbon frame is incredibly light and strong, built for 29″ wheels and DW-Link suspension that perfects anti-squat characteristics for a snappy, responsive feel and extra traction. This model comes with race-ready 2.2″  Maxxis Ardent Race EXO tires.

The Mach 4 SL Ride has 100mm rear and 120mm fork suspension. In addition, you’ll have ample gearing from the 12-speed Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain. Thankfully, Pivot includes a Fox Transfer Performance Elite  dropper post with 100 to 150mm travel depending on the size. 

Choose the Pivot Mach 4 if you want to take your XC riding to the next level with a bike that’s ready for aggressive riding. 

Buy from Competitive Cyclist

4 . Niner – Jet RDO 4-Star

Carbon / 12-Speed Shimano XT / 29×2.6″

MSRP: $6,799 Jenson USA

Fork : Fox 34 Float Factory GRIP2 EVOL 130mm travel Shock : Fox Float X Factory EVOL 120mm travel Wheels : DT Swiss XM-1700 Spline 30

One of the more expensive offerings on our list, this Niner full-suspension mountain bike is a burly trail/XC bike with modern trail geometry and top-quality parts.

The RDO Carbon frame features Niner’s CVA suspension platform, integrated protection, and 2.6″ tire clearance. The 130mm travel Fox Float Factory fork and 120mm Float X Factory shock provide a plush feel on rough trails while the CVA design improves the pedaling efficiency of the system. 

A 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain comes with RaceFace Next R carbon cranks and a 10-51T cassette. 180mm rotor XT hydraulic disc brakes round out the groupset.

An unusual inclusion is the Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix Speedgrip 2.6″ tires which are very versatile and tough but add a little more weight. Finally, you have a KS Lev SI dropper with 100 or 150mm of travel. 

Choose the Jet RDO 4-Star if you want a highly-capable trail/XC bike with innovative design features, solid components, and long-lasting quality. 

Head tube angle: 66.5º / Seat tube angle: 76º / Chainstay: 430mm

5 . Rocky Mountain – Element Alloy 30

Aluminum / 12-Speed Shimano Deore  / 29×2.4″

MSRP: $3,089 Jenson USA

Fork : RockShox Recon Gold 130mm Shock : RockShox Deluxe Select+ 120mm travel Wheels : WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0 TR 29″ (27.5″ on XS frame)

The 29″ Rocky Mountain Element Alloy 30 is a cross-country/trail MTB with a do-it-all personality.

The FORM alloy frame has relatively aggressive trail geometry which pairs well with a RockShox Recon Gold 130mm fork, Deluxe Select+ 120mm shock, and Toonie Drop dropper post for confident riding on most trails. 

The groupset includes Shimano’s Deore M6100 drivetrain with a  10-51T cassette with MT4100 hydraulic disc brakes. This setup and Maxxis Rekon 2.4 makes climbing easier and descending safer. 

Head tube angle: 65º / Seat tube angle: 76º / Chainstay: 436mm

6 . Yeti – SB120 T1

Turq-Series Carbon / SRAM X01/GX Eagle / 29×2.5/2.3″

MSRP: $8,200 Jenson USA

Fork : Fox Factory 34 GRIP2 130mm  Shock : Fox Factory Float DPS 120mm Wheels : DT Swiss XM1700

The SB120 is a Yeti full-suspension MTB focused on cross-country and trail riding. This bike has an eye-watering price but has the spec and performance to match.

The Yeti SB120 T1 is built for speed and versatility with 29″ wheels and modern trail geometry. This is balanced by confidence-inspiring and premium 2.5/2.3″ Maxxis Minion DHF/Aggressor EXO tires. 

A blended SRAM groupset consists of a 12-speed, 10-52t X01/GX drivetrain that provides reliable and durable performance and G2 RSC four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The wide gear ratio allows for easy hill climbs while powerful brakes ensure safe descents.

Consider the SB120 T1 if you want a high-end trail bike for tackling a wide variety of trails. 

Head tube angle: 66.5º / Seat tube angle: 76.5º / Chainstay: 433-443mm

7 . Co-op Cycles – DRT 3.3

A reliable, affordable XC bike

Aluminum / 12-Speed Shimano SLX / 27.5 or 29 x2.4″

MSRP:   $3,299 REI

Fork : RockShox Revelation Motion Control RC 120 or 130mm Shock : RockShox Deluxe Select+ 120 or 130mm Wheels : WTB ST Light i30 TCS

The DRT 3.3 is a cross-country bike with plenty to offer beginner or intermediate XC mountain bikers. It features progressive wheel sizing and suspension travel based on frame size, Airsprung RockShox suspension, and premium Maxxis High Roller or Dissector tires. 

This bike has a lightweight but strong aluminum frame that helps keep the price down without sacrificing too much performance. This is boosted by a Shimano SLX 12-speed with a 10-51t climbing cassette and powerful Shimano SLX disc brakes for controlled descending. 

Head tube angle: 66/67°   /   Seat tube angle: 75°   /   Chainstay length: 433/441mm

Buy on REI.com

8 . Juliana – Wilder C R TR

MSRP : $4,899 Evo.com

Fork: RockShox SID RL 120mm travel Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance DPS 115mm travel Wheels: RaceFace AR Offset 

Julianna’s Wilder is a race-ready trail bike designed to tackle the toughest trails with confidence. As Santa Cruz’s women-specific brand, Julianna takes advantage of its VPP suspension system to provide the Wilder with unbeatable suspension performance.

Large 29″ RaceFace AR rims and slack geometry allow you to roll over any obstacle on the trail. In addition, female-tailored geometry and a Carbon C frame ensure the Wilder is painless to maneuver.

Finally, this bike is built on an SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and paired with grippy Maxxis Rekon Race tires and powerful SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes to ensure smooth climbing ability and controlled descending. 

Buy on Evo.com

9 . Marin – Rift Zone 1

Best value full-suspension mountain bike

Series 3 Aluminum / 11-Speed Shimano Deore / 29×2.3″

MSRP: $1,899 Jenson USA

Fork : RockShox Recon Silver RL 130mm Shock : X-Fusion O2 Pro R 125mm Wheels : Marin Aluminum Double-Wall

The Rift Zone is a 29-inch trail mountain bike designed for speed over fast, flowy trails.

Multi-Trac suspension improves big hit absorption and delivers a more efficient pedaling platform for the 130mm RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and a 125mm X-Fusion O2 Pro R rear shock.

Vee Tire Crown Gem 29×2.3″ tires are durable but lack some grip in the corners and are slightly slow for this type of bike.

The Rift Zone 1 runs a typical 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes and is finished off with a budget alloy seatpost instead of a dropper.

This is a solid XC/trail bike that offers excellent value for money in the entry-level category of full-sus bikes. 

Head tube angle: 65.5º / Seat tube angle: 76º / Chainstay: 425mm

  Buy on JensonUSA.com

10 . Norco – Fluid FS 2

MSRP: $2,499 Jenson USA

Fork : RockShox 35 Silver R, 130mm travel Shock : RockShox Deluxe Select, 120mm travel Wheels : Stan’s NoTubes Flow D 

The Norco Fluid is a full-suspension mountain bike with an innovative progressive frame design for enhanced fit and performance. It features 130mm of front travel and 120mm in the rear, with a reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and matching Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc brakes.

Norco chose Stan’s NoTubes Flow D rims with Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ tires for their excellent grip and durability. For a seatpost, you can rely on an X-Fusion Manic dropper. Every detail is accounted for on the Fluid FS 2, making it an excellent value trail bike.

Head tube angle: 66º / Seat tube angle: 76º / Chainstay: 431mm

Buy from JensonUSA.com

11 . GT – Sensor Sport

Aluminum / MicroSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed / 29 x 2.3″

MSRP: $2,300

Fork : RockShox Recon Silver, 140 mm Shock : X-Fusion 02 Pro RL 130mm travel Wheels : WTB Aluminum rims

The GT Sensor Sport is a full-suspension trail mountain bike designed to handle almost any trail out there .

This bike can smash climbs and thunder down descents with ease thanks to GT’s LTS rear linkage technology which soaks up trail chatter and improves traction.

The lightweight, durable aluminum frame is fitted with a RockShox Recon Silver RL 140 mm fork and an X-Fusion 02 Pro RL 130 mm shock which offer decent performance for this price range. 

This bike takes rolls along smoothly and corners confidently with 29″ wheels wrapped in WTB Breakout 2.3″ tires. Finally, you can rely on a MicroSHIFT Advent X  10-Speed drivetrain for smooth shifting and powerful but inconsistent Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes. 

Head tube angle: 65.5º / Seat tube angle: 76º / Chainstay: 435mm

Buy from Jenson USA

12 . Alchemy Bikes – Arktos 120

Carbon / 12-Speed Shimano XT / 29×2.3″

MSRP: from $4,699 Alchemy Bikes

Fork : Fox 34 29 Factory Kashima 130mm travel Shock : Fox DPX2 Factory Kashima EVOL 120mm travel Wheels : Industry Nine 29 Enduro S Hydra

The Alchemy Bikes Arktos 120 is a full-suspension XC/trail mountain bike that’s perfect for riders who enjoy charging uphill and thundering down descents.

The Alchemy carbon frame is ultra-lightweight and laterally stiff, and the seat tube allows longer dropper posts like the stock Fox Factory 175mm Transfer dropper.

The Arktos runs on Alchemy’s patented Sine Suspension dual-linkage platform. This system provides next-level performance through enhanced efficiency on climbs and improved handling and traction on chunky descents. The 130mm and 120mm Fox Factory Kashima suspension soaks up all but the most aggressive hits.

The Arktos 120 comes with a choice of three 12-speed groupsets (Shimano XT or SRAM GX/X01). Each has a hill-crushing cassette and 180mm-rotor hydraulic discs. Finally,  burly Industry Nine enduro rims are fitted with Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR 29×2.3 tires, providing plenty of capability but adding some extra weight. 

Consider the Arktos if you want high-end performance and an award-winning carbon frame at a reasonable price. 

Head tube angle: 65.75-66.5-º / Seat tube angle: 77.75-78.5º / Chainstay: 437mm

Buy on Alchemy Bikes

13 . Pivot – Trail 429 Pro

Carbon / SRAM X0 Eagle / 29×2.4″

MSRP: $9,900

Fork : Fox Factory 36 GRIP2 140mm travel Shock : Fox Factory Float X, 130mm travel Wheels : Reynolds Blacklabel carbon

Pivot Cycles is a relatively new bicycle company that has already won awards for its innovative design.

This can be seen on its Trail 429 Pro 29er full-suspension trail/XC bike, a lightweight carbon beast with top-level parts. It’s a professional XC bike for advanced riders, with modern trail geometry in the low flip-chip setting that provides confidence on steep descents. 

The suspension is tight, with a Fox Factory 36 140mm fork up front and 130mm Factory Float X shock on the rear. The DW-Link platform and carbon fiber build kit allow you to get more power from each pedal stroke, making this a highly efficient climber. 

Using the 12-speed SRAM X0, 10-52t drivetrain you get perfect shifting every time and plenty of gears for steep grades. In addition, the Trail 429 has powerful four-piston SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brakes. 

Don’t miss out on the Pivot Trail 429 Pro if you’ve got a huge budget and want unbeatable trail performance to match. 

Head tube angle: 66-66.5º / Seat tube angle: 75-75.5º / Chainstay: 430-432mm

Buy from Mike's Bikes

14 . Santa Cruz Bicycles – Tallboy R

Aluminum / 12-Speed SRAM NX Eagle / 29×2.4″

MSRP: $4,199

Fork : FOX Rhythm 34, 130mm travel Shock : Fox Float DPS Performance, 120mm travel Wheels : Race Face AR Offset 30

The Tallboy is of the most popular Santa Cruz full-suspension Mountain Bikes and this version has a tighter, more grounded feel, perfect for attacking bumpy terrain at high speed.

With the Santa Cruz Flip-Chip upper link, you can fit 29″ or 27.5″ rims and tires, although it comes standard with 29×2.4″Maxxis Dissector/Rekon EXO tires on Race Face AR Offset 30 rims.

The 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle groupset runs a wide-ratio 11-50T cassette for easy climbing and includes SRAM Guide T four-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

It’s finished off with a Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem, handlebar, SDT Tellis dropper, and Cane Creek 10 IS integrated headset.

Head tube angle: 65.7º / Seat tube angle: 76.8-76º / Chainstay: 436mm

15 . Juliana – Joplin 4 C R

Carbon C / 12-Speed SRAM NX Eagle /  29×2.4″

MSRP: $5,299 Evo.com

Fork : RockShox Pike Base 130mm Shock : Fox Float Performance DPS 120mm travel Wheels : Raceface AR Offset 30

The Juliana Joplin is a women’s full-suspension trail/XC mountain bike built for speed.

The premium Santa Cruz Carbon C frame is fitted with a RockShox Pike Base fork with 130mm of travel and a Float Performance DPS 120mm rear shock. These components are enhanced by the tailored lower-link VPP suspension that improves pedaling efficiency and traction. 

The drivetrain is a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle with an 11-50t cassette for steep climbs and for braking you have SRAM Guide T hydraulic discs.

Finally, the Juliana Joplin 4 C R has an SDG Tellis dropper and 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector/Rekon 3C MaxxTerra EXO tires to provide confidence when descending on fast, chunky trails. 

Choose this women’s mountain bike if you love days on the trails with lots of elevation gain and a variety of trails. 

Head tube angle: 65.7º / Seat tube angle: 76-76.7º / Chainstay: 430-433mm

16 . Ibis – Ripley AF

🏆 Best all-around mountain bike for every terrain

Aluminum / 12-Speed Shimano Deore / 29×2.4″

MSRP: $3,799 Jenson USA

Fork : Fox Float 34 Performance, 130mm travel Shock : Fox Performance Float DPS, 120mm travel Wheels : Blackbird Send Alloy Max Clearance 2.6″

Coming in at just under $4,000, this is one of those bikes that outperforms its price tag. Straight off the bat, the 12-speed Shimano Deore groupset is impressive with hydraulic disc brakes. 

Naturally, it has a premium quality aluminum frame with superb DW-Link suspension technology, offering 120mm of rear travel from Fox Performance Float DPS shock. With a similar kit upfront, you get 130mm of travel on the Float 34 fork, and it’s all rounded off with Blackbird rims and 2.4″ Maxxis  DHR II and Dissector tires. 

 Head Tube Angle: 65.5º / Seat Tube Angle: 76º / Chainstay length: 432mm

17 . Yeti – SB115 C2

CARBON C1 BIKE

Available in 3 designs

Carbon / 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle / 29×2.5″, 2.3″

MSRP: $6,200 Competitive Cyclist

Another top-class mountain bike from Yeti , this combination XC and trail bike attacks both the hills and the drops with equal vigor and aggression. The lightweight carbon frame combined with the 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle 10-52T cassette makes easy work of hills, while the Switch Infinity rear suspension technology combined with 130mm travel on the Fox Performance fork makes downhills a breeze.

You get added support from a thick 2.5″ Maxxis Minion DHF front tire and 2.3″ Aggressor on the rear, wrapped around DT Swiss rims. Oh and let’s not forget the Fox Transfer dropper seat post for added ease and enjoyment!

Head tube: 67.6 / Seat Tube: 74.1 / Chainstay: 437mm

Buy on Competitive Cyclist

18 . Santa Cruz Bicycles – Blur

Carbon C / 12-Speed Shimano XT / 29×2.4″

MSRP: $6,599

Fork : RockShox Sid SL Select+ 100mm travel Shock : RockShox SidLuxe Select+ 100mm travel Wheels : Race Face ARC Offset 27

The race-ready Blur XC bike from Santa Cruz is designed for fast riding on cross-country trails.

The SuperLight suspension linkage combined with a 100mm RockShox Sid SL Select+ fork and SidLuxe Select+ shock provides plenty traction on the rougher stuff.

Fast-rolling 29er wheels, Maxxis Aspen 2.4″ XC racing tires, a stiff and lightweight carbon frame, and agile geometry give the Blur its high-performance personality. 

The groupset is a 12-speed Shimano XT with four-piston hydraulic disc brakes and plenty of gearing from the 10-51t cassette. 

Consider the Santa Cruz Blur if you’re ready to take your XC rides to the next level. 

Head Tube Angle: 65.7-65.4 / Seat Tube Angle: 77.5-76.8 / Chainstays: 423-433mm

Buy on Mike's Bikes   

19 . Cannondale – Habit Carbon 1 

MSRP: $5,500 Planet Cyclery

Every XC rider comes across an unexpectedly steep descent every now and again, leaving them in a precarious situation with an inadequate bike. The Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 rises to this challenge, offering an XC-specific bike that can tackle steep downhills with confidence.

It achieves this with the addition of a Cannondale DownLow dropper post combined with Cannondale’s Proportional Response Tuned suspension system. The RockShox Pike Select+ 140mm fork has slightly longer than usual travel for an XC bike, with the 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock to match. A wide-range SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a 10-52t cassette and SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brakes make up a solid mountain-ready groupset that can tackle climbs and descents with ease.

HT: 66° / ST: 74.5° / Chainstay: 435mm

Buy on Planet Cyclery

20 . Evil – Following LS GX

MSRP: $6,450 evo.com

Evil Bikes is known for making high-quality mountain bikes that push the boundaries of design and innovation. The ‘Following’ is its versatile XC offering – a high-speed MTB with 29″ wheels, semi-compact geometry, and mid-range travel that can tackle unusually harsh conditions 

The proprietary DELTA suspension system and RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock are both highly tunable to adapt to varying conditions so if you feel like doing some downhill riding, simply adjust it to your needs and hit the trails. On this version of Evil’s Following, SRAM provides decent 12-speed gearing and instant braking with its mid-level GX Eagle groupset and G2 RS disc brakes.

Where Can You Ride a Short-Travel Mountain Bike?

Short travel mountain bikes are ideal all-rounder bicycles for fast and zippy trails, whether it is flat or hilly.

Downhill mountain bikes with lots of travel are ideal for extremely rough terrain with big drops and large obstacles but provide a disadvantage on flatter terrain. 

The less stiff your suspension is, the more speed you lose when riding fast on flat terrain. So you need to choose a bike that best suits the type of riding you intend to do. For most All-mountain, Cross-country, and Trail riding, you shouldn’t need more travel than 100-130mm. MTB bikes with travel between 140-180mm are intended for intense downhill and enduro-style riding.

Of course, many of these bikes have adjustable suspension, so in some cases, you can change it for the terrain of that day. However, if you don’t intend on ever tackling extreme downhills, big jumps, or huge drops, then there is no need to spend the extra on advanced suspension with unnecessarily long travel.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind

Carbon vs. aluminum: which is better.

Which is better: Carbon or Aluminum for a full-sus. MTB? Well, carbon has taken over the whole cycling industry for a while by now, and it is not different from the mountain bike scene. As carbon-tubing gets better each year, there is a reason why mountain bikers prefer carbon over aluminum. Carbon simply has the right ‘feel’ to the whole ride, while providing enough durability and ways to form a bike.

Tires & Tire Pressure

It is recommended to use more air in the rear tire when on trails.

• 29″ – 18-28 psi. Plus-size tires or on wider wheels (Ibis) can be run on lower,11-18 psi range
• 27.5″ (650b) – 16-30 psi.

Lowering your tire pressure means you create more contact with the ground so if you have thin tires, less pressure will provide more grip. However, while this may be a bit more comfortable offroad it comes at the sacrifice of speed on flatter ground. Depending on your weight, you should try to find a perfect balance that isn’t too low or too hard.

Tubeless tires can usually run lower pressure since there is no tube to pinch. Similarly, wider rims can also accommodate lower tire pressure. These are all factors to consider when pumping your tires.

Suspension set-up

You should always tune your suspension correctly to accommodate your weight and riding style. This can be done by rocking up and down on the bike to measure your ‘sag’ rate and then adjusting the air or spring pressure accordingly.

If you’re going to be hitting big jumps or drops, you’ll need a wider, looser suspension to take heavy impact. If you’re riding mostly flat trails, you’ll want it stiffer so you don’t over-compress and lose speed on each little bump.

Compression / Sag / Rebound

The Sag, as mentioned earlier, is important to measure and set accordingly before heading out on the trails. Once that’s done, set the rebound damping by pushing on the front suspension and seeing if you get any ‘bounce’. Tighten it until it only rebounds once, doesn’t bounce up and down.

For the compression settings, you’ll need to specify them according to your riding style. Different shocks have different settings, so it’s down to your style and preference. Basically, add more compression damping if you want tighter traction on corners, or less if you want more absorption on big drops.

Rider Weight

It’s important to get the correct weight distribution on a full-suspension bike otherwise you could injure yourself on the trails. The longer wheelbase a bike has, the more stable it will be, so heavier riders should consider this factor. 

Bottom bracket height is also important, as the higher the less stability you get but it can’t be too close to the ground either for obvious safety reasons. Generally, these measurements can all be perfected for you in-store when you buy a new bike. It’s always a good idea to have a professional fit your bike for you.

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Best budget full-suspension bikes 2024 – full-sus performance has never been so affordable

Our expert picks of bargain full-suspension bikes that will help boost your control and confidence on any trail

1. Best overall

2. best shorter travel bike, 3. best all-rounder, 4. best spec, 5. best for flowy trails, 6. best confident handling, 7. best lighter weight.

• How to choose
• How we test

Quick list 1. Best overall 2. Best shorter travel 3. Best all-rounder 4. Best spec 5. Best for flowy trails 6. Best confident handling 7. Best lighter weight How to choose How we test

It used to be the case that there was little point in shopping for the best budget full-suspension bikes. The extra cost of adding pivots, a rear shock and a more complex frame design always meant that even the best full-suspension mountain bikes for those on a tighter budget had too many component compromises compared to the best hardtail MTBs , which delivered a really well-sorted ride. Often the suspension components or the frame were poor quality or outdated too.

Thankfully, there are now a number bikes out there that genuinely make riding more controlled and more fun than a hardtail and are good enough to be worth upgrading into something really good. So here’s our pick of the best budget full-suspension bikes to start your full-sus riding experience.

If you are unsure what to look for, skip to the bottom of this article to find out how to choose the best budget full-suspension bike for you.

The quick list

Best budget full-sus bike overall

Great ride quality and a well-thought-out spec for a reasonable price. 

Read more below

Best shorter travel full-sus bike

A naturally fast and efficient full-sus bike with a great spec for the money.

Best all-round performer full-sus bike

Ready-to-rock full-suspension trail bike package with excellent geometry.

Best spec budget full-sus bike

High-quality trail bike with a seriously comprehensive spec.

Best budget full-sus bike for flowy trails

Alloy flex-stay bike that's great for cruising flow trails.

R ead more b elow

Best confident handling full-sus bike

With a smooth four-bar suspension system that competes with much more expensive bikes.

Best lighter weight budget full-sus bike

Lightweight, and excellent value spec from the German online bike brand.

Best budget full-suspension bikes

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Canyon Neuron 5

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Canyon mountain bikes are well known for their incredible ride quality, so no matter whether you are paying top dollar or penny-pinching, you should expect a bike that has a dialed ride quality out on the trail. Canyon's top-of-the-range Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD really impressed us when we tested it and the Neuron 5 should have much the same suspension efficiency, lightweight and lively ride on twisting XC trails.

As is to be expected on a bike that is really pushing the boundaries of what 'budget' means, it's unsurprising that the Canyon Neuron 5 has one of the best specs out of all the bikes in this guide. Reliable suspension from RockShox, gearing from SRAM and braking by Shimano should see you through plenty of trail miles without fuss.

For more on the Neuron, see our Canyon Neuron 6 review – the next model up in the range.

Jamis Faultline A2

Our expert review:

Faultline A2 is the cheapest full-suspension 29er trail mountain bike from US brand Jamis. It follows the classic shock under top tube driven by a swing link design, matched to a pivot on the seat stay and a main pivot level with the chainring top. That means the rear wheel moves in a simple arc, but it’s a well balanced one. 

The spec is impressively solid, dependable and recognizable brand name based. RockShox provides the 130mm Recon Silver RL fork and Deluxe Select R air-sprung rear damper. Transmission is 11-speed Shimano Deore including matching bottom bracket, through-axle crankset and 10-51 tooth wide range cassette. Brakes are Shimano too, but the entry-level M200 spec with a 160mm rear rotor. The hubs are also Shimano, laced to WTB 25mm rims fitted with tubeless ready WTB tires. Bar and stem are Race Face with a WTB Volt saddle on the KS dropper.

In our tests we found it gains speed easily for an economy option despite a near 16kg weight. The 760mm bar gives reasonable leverage through a head angle that’s appropriate for a trail all-rounder with 130/120mm travel. The Recon fork is consistently controlled and the toothy Vigilante front tire adds confidence in dry turns too. Add in the inherent reliability of the Shimano and RockShox kit, plus harder ‘Fast Rolling’ compound tires and it’s a good choice for high mileage riding on tamer trails.

For more details, check out our full Jamis Faultline A2 review .

Marin Rift Zone 29 1

While most of the bikes here now have decent geometry, Marin’s Rift Zone bikes set the benchmark for bringing proper no-holds-barred rough play numbers to the affordable bike rankings. 65.5-degree head tube locks the front wheel into the terrain with a 35mm stem. A 77-degree seat angle still gives it attacking poise on climbs while the 430mm chainstays give a super responsive rear-end feel. 

The 'Multitrac' frame gives 130mm of travel and while it comes with a 141mm QR rear it can be upgraded to a full 148mm width Boost bolted thru-axle. Suspension is taken care of by the Slide Boost RC fork with 140mm travel, and the X-Fusion O2 Pro R shock. Vee Tire dual compound Crown Gem tires are good all-round performers with broad tubeless-ready rims for stability and easy upgrading. 

The gears are Shimano Deore 11-speed and the brakes Tektro HDM-280. You’ll need to pay more for the Rift Zone 2 to get a dropper post as standard, but overall value is good for a shop-bought, globally available bike.

Polygon Siskiu T7

The parent company of Polygon manufactures bikes and frames for a big list of other brands including some real premium names. Buying its own bikes gets you the same quality at a much lower price though and the Siskiu T7 is a thoroughly modern trail bike at a great price. 

Here you get the option of 27.5-inch wheels in smaller frame sizes and then 29er on the bigger bikes. That gets you either 150mm forks and 140mm rear travel or 140mm fork and 135mm rear. Either way head angles are around 65-degrees with a 76.5-degree seat angle and a long 480mm reach on the large for excellent self-correcting stability. Super-short seat tubes keep the center of gravity low and you get long-stroke dropper seatposts as standard. You get a super-short 35mm stem for super-responsive steering with a RockShox Deluxe Plus Select shock and lightweight Recon RL fork. Add a 12-speed Shimano gearing mix and 2.4in wide Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires on wide tubeless-ready rims and you’ve got a seriously comprehensive spec for a total bargain price. Especially considering it comes from proper bike shops not just delivered in a box for you to build. 

If you want a lighter, XC format then the Siskiu D7 and D5 deliver a slick-looking 120mm suspension performance, making Polygon a bargain bike powerhouse. 

Giant Stance 29 2

While many of the best cross-country mountain bikes on the market are moving to flex-stay suspension designs, the reason for this is that by removing some pivots it saves weight and reduces the amount of things that need to be serviced. That said, Giant's budget Stance has been using its Flex Point design for years to create a rocker activated single-pivot system to deliver decent trail performance at a lower price.

The impressively low price is further aided by Giant's massive economies of scale and the fact that almost every component is also sourced in-house – even the forks are Giant's own design. The Suntour shock, Shimano drivetrain, cranks and brakes, and Maxxis tires are the exclusions to this. The only missing piece is a dropper post, although the frame does feature routing for an internally routed dropper post should you wish to add one yourself.

The decent selection of parts and quality frame production is paired with some fairly neutral geometry which will be best suited to cruising flow trails and new riders looking for fun rather than going full send through steep rock gardens.  

GT Sensor Sport

GT's Sensor has been around for several years and uses a really well-executed take on a classic suspension layout rather than the unique designs of GT’s past. Combine the four-bar linkage with a large-volume X-Fusion 02 Pro RL trunnion shock and you’re getting a really smooth and neutral 130mm travel rear end that competes with much more expensive bikes. 

The RockShox Recon Silver RL fork is usefully smooth too and while the skinny steel legs are heavy they are stiffer under load. You get a fully up to date 148x12mm Boost rear axle and the geometry can be set high or low. That gives a 65.5- or 66-degree head angle and 76- or 76.5-degree seat angle so the angles are totally on point for technical riding. The bottom bracket is still very high even in the low setting which can make it feel precarious rather than grounded. Reach is reasonable and you get a short stem and wide bar for control. The 10-speed MicroSHIFT gears work well, but the brakes are very wooden and numb. The WTB rims are relatively narrow too and the DNA compound WTB tires are better in the dry than the wet. You get a dropper post though which is a definite win.

Radon Skeen Trail AL 8.0

German online bike brands are smashing the value-for-money comparison game these days and Radon reaches down lower on budget than Canyon or YT. 

The Radon comes with the RockShox Pike Ultimate fork and RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock. As well as this you get mid-range SRAM NX/GX Expanded Eagle 12-speed gears, powerful Magura brakes, a proper post as standard and Maxxis Forecaster tires on quality Sun Ringle wheels. According to Radon that makes it just 14.35kg.

The only downside in what looks an unbeatable deal is that the frame is relatively old (it still has tabs for a front derailleur) and that’s reflected in the short and relatively steep geometry. If you’re not after slack and long then save your pennies and your effort on the climbs with the super-value Skeen.

How to choose the best budget full-suspension bikes

Does geometry matter.

The only thing you can’t upgrade on a mountain bike is the shape of it. Some manufacturers (not the ones featured here) just use old, outdated steep-and-short frames as the basis for their cheap bikes. Others make new frames but weirdly seem to think that the fresh riders likely to be buying at this price point would benefit from something that’s twitchy and sketchy rather than stable and confident.

As a rough guide, 120mm travel bikes should have a 67-degree head angle, moving towards 65-degree as travel extends to 150mm and you’re getting faster on descents. Reach figures should be 460+mm on a large, with a 50mm or shorter stem and a 760mm or wider bar for decent power steering. 

What about suspension?

At the lower end of the price range, you’re almost certainly going to take a hit on suspension quality. That means 32mm steel legs rather than 35mm alloy legs on forks and simple rear shocks with limited adjustment and potentially less than perfect damping. You can expect to get equipment from Manitou, Suntour, X-Fusion or own-branded gear rather than RockShox or Marzocchi dampers although you can get them in this list. That doesn’t mean that cheaper forks and shocks etc can’t work well, but read our reviews to guide you in the right direction and potentially be more prepared to do more servicing and general TLC.

What components should I look for?

The real surprise with this list is how good the rest of the spec on several of these bikes is, with comparable brake and gear setups to hardtail bikes. The days of super long stems and narrow bars ruining the ride are thankfully behind us too and even saddles and grips are generally sorted. The thing you probably won’t get and will have to upgrade to is a dropper seat post but make sure that the frame you choose is at least ready for an internally routed setup. 

Whether you get a hardtail or a suspension bike, swapping tires is a great way to make real performance gains at a reasonable price. So if you’re buying from a shop and have a bit of cash left in your budget then ask if they can swap them (or set the existing ones up tubeless) before you get the original ones dirty.

How much is a good full suspension bike?

It all depends on the type of trails you plan on riding, although almost all of the best budget full-suspension bikes focus on trail riding. Pricing starts at around $1,500 for a bike that is going to give decent performance on the trail. That said it can vary between different brands and the price points they choose.

The amount of extra kit and performance you get on the next bike up in the range – and the price gap – can alter significantly. In some cases, brand managers will sacrifice some profit to create a really killer value entry-level bike. In other cases, it’s you who’ll be making those sacrifices. It’s certainly always worth checking what saving a bit longer or digging deeper into your budget will get you and where relevant we’ve flagged up whether the ‘next bike up’ is the better deal here. If you can stretch your budget, check out our pick of the best mountain bikes under $2500 .

How we test the best budget full-suspension bikes

All the budget full-suspension bikes tested here have been ridden on a wide range of trails, from singletrack to technical woodsy riding, in a variety of weather conditions, from bone dry to properly sodden. We test bikes over a number of months so we can assess how they fare over time. 

Meet the tester

Guy Kesteven is Bike Perfect’s tech editor. He spent a few years working in bike shops before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s tested many hundreds of full-suspension mountain bikes.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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How much suspension travel do I need on my mountain bike?

From cross-country to downhill, we take you through how much travel you can expect on the major types of mountain bike

Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Mountain bikes feature different amounts of suspension travel depending on the type of riding they're designed for.

Suspension travel describes the amount of movement a suspension fork or rear shock has. It is usually a measurement of how far the wheel axle moves in a vertical or near-vertical plane as the suspension compresses.

Depending on the discipline of riding the bike is designed for, the suspension travel can vary from 80 to 200mm. While more travel may seem better, helping you soak up lumps and bumps, it can be a hindrance if your riding includes lots of climbing or you benefit from a light, responsive bike.

This means deciding on the right amount of travel for your needs can be difficult, but there are a few factors to keep in mind, including your riding style and the type of trails and terrain you'll be tackling.

Bike manufacturers design their mountain bikes around different travel lengths, tailored to specific terrains or riding disciplines, and categorise the bikes accordingly. As a result, looking at the different categories of mountain bikes, their intended application and travel length is a handy way to determine how much travel you need and what bike you should get.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different mountain bike categories and how much suspension travel they typically have.

Cross-country mountain bikes

The best cross-country mountain bikes are designed to compete in high-level, fast races, where lightness and pedalling efficiency are often the keys to success.

Typically, cross-country bikes have featured 80 to 100mm of travel. Because cross-country race courses have become more extreme and technical, it is now common to see bikes designed around 120mm travel front and rear, such as Scott’s Spark RC .

Using less suspension travel than other mountain bikes means cross-country bikes can be built with a lighter frame construction because less reinforcement is needed to deal with the lower frame articulation. This helps riders race up the kinds of inclines that characterise XC races .

The short-travel forks used on cross-country bikes also help to keep weight down because they utilise a lighter chassis and narrower stanchions, usually 30 to 32mm in diameter.

Stanchions are the part of the fork connected to the crown and remain rigid to the bike while the lowers move up and down over them.

The trade-off for this weight saving comes in the form of fork flex, which impacts the directness of steering inputs and the overall ability of the fork to perform in gnarlier terrain as friction levels build on the seals.

A short-travel fork will also run out of travel quicker compared to one with more travel. Although setup and damper performance will dictate a lot of factors in how proficiently it absorbs bumps, less travel means it won't absorb bigger bumps as well as a long-travel fork.

Hardtail mountain bikes are also well-represented in cross-country, because rigid frames allow for the highest pedalling efficiency. However, the traction and descending ability of full-suspension bikes make them desirable to many riders.

Downcountry mountain bikes

Downcountry bikes aim to balance a cross-country bike's efficiency with a trail bike's downhill capability.

‘Downcountry’ is a relatively new mountain bike discipline and isn’t that well defined as a result. But in terms of suspension, these bikes range from beefed up cross-country at 110mm of travel, to lightweight trail with around 130mm front and rear travel.

Having slightly more travel than an outright cross-country bike means downcountry bikes are more capable on descents. However, with shorter travel than trail bikes, they still offer greater pedalling efficiency than burlier bikes.

Downcountry bike frames can be made lighter than trail bikes because the demand on the frame is less. This means they require less material in their construction because they don’t require the same amount of strength as a trail or enduro bike needs.

Downcountry bikes usually feature stronger, stiffer forks, with thicker stanchions, usually 34mm in diameter. This gives higher levels of rigidity to the fork, making steering inputs more direct, although concessions are still made to weight savings.

Trail mountain bikes

Trail bikes are one of the most popular types of mountain bike. They are designed to straddle the line between enduro bikes and cross-country bikes, providing a ride that’s fun but capable.

Confident on descents and fairly capable on climbs, trail bikes typically have between 120 and 160mm of suspension travel.

Trail bikes at the longer end of the suspension-travel spectrum cross the boundary into all-mountain. Typically, these bikes will feature beefier frame construction to deal with the added suspension travel.

The optimum amount of travel depends on what terrain or trails you like to ride, and where you’d like to progress with your riding. 140mm is ideal for even the toughest trail centres, with more travel being required for gnarlier ambitions.

Forks with mid-sized stanchions, either 34mm, 35mm or 36mm in diameter, are common on trail bikes. These shift the balance away from lightness toward rigid stability for better handling while descending. Less flexibility in the fork will mean more direct steering input, making the bike feel more planted through the rough stuff.

Enduro mountain bikes

Enduro bikes are designed to meet the demands of enduro racing , which consists of multiple downhill stages that riders have to reach within a set time limit. As a result, enduro bikes have to perform well on technical descents while providing a decent pedalling platform to get you to the top of the trail in good time.

Travel for enduro bikes starts at 150mm and ranges up to 180mm. There is a 190mm-travel version of RockShox’s enduro-focused ZEB fork, but you’re more likely to see this attached to a freeride or bike park bike.

Enduro bikes require a burly frame construction in order to cope with the demands of downhill trails.

Head tubes have to be stronger to deal with the extra force coming from the long-travel fork, while the rear linkage has to be able to support the extra articulation.

This added frame construction makes the frame heavier, impacting efficiency when going uphill, but the pay-off is worth it when coming back down.

Forks within this travel range prioritise rigidity over weight savings, with thicker stanchions of 36mm to 38mm, providing direct steering inputs and a solid feel as you ride over gnarly terrain.

Downhill mountain bikes

Downhill bikes are designed for, you guessed it, riding downhill. The discipline doesn’t require the bike to be pedalled on uphill or even flat terrain, enabling designers to focus solely on providing the best platform for descending steep and technical trails.

These bikes feature some of the longest suspension travel, ranging from 180 to 200mm, helping to protect riders from large, repeated impacts.

Frames have to be built to the highest strength levels to cope with the impacts you experience on downhill trails. Although downhill frames are heavier than those intended for other disciplines, it's less important to have light frames because you’re not pedalling them uphill.

Downhill forks feature the thickest stanchion, ranging from 35 to 40mm in diameter, because they deal with the most extreme terrain and require the greatest rigidity.

Weight isn’t a big issue for downhill bikes, so the added heft is worth the trade-off for the performance gains.

The forks on downhill bikes have a dual-crown design, meaning the fork mounts above and below the head tube, as opposed to single-crown forks, which mount only from below. This adds more torsional stiffness to the fork, helping to keep steering inputs direct through the toughest terrain and providing strength for big impacts.

Electric mountain bikes

Electric mountain bikes are heavy, even compared to downhill bikes. The added weight a battery and motor bring means frames as well as components have to be engineered to cope with the extra weight – and contribute even more weight to the bike in the process.

Electric bikes can be categorised by the other disciplines featured in this article and will tend to feature the travel of that discipline.

The best electric mountain bikes will feature e-MTB specific forks and shocks, some with thicker stanchions for rigidity, and custom tunes that are suited to the heavier weight of the bike.

Because you’ll have a motor, there won’t be a trade-off in having a bike with more travel (and therefore weight), with the bike taking up the burden on the hills.

What about hardtail mountain bikes?

Hardtail mountain bikes have a suspension fork and a rigid rear end. They can be seen in a variety of disciplines, though are mainly represented in the cross-country and trail disciplines. They are also popular when it comes to budget mountain bikes because the simplicity of their design and less suspension means less cost.

As with other types of mountain bikes, fork travel is usually dependent on discipline. Cross-country hardtails typically have 100mm of travel, but more aggressive hardtails can have suspension travel of up to 150mm.

Some manufacturers will design frames with flex points in the rear triangle, allowing for vertical compliance in the frame. This improves comfort when sat in the saddle, and to a smaller extent rear-wheel traction while climbing.

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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Real madrid team news vs bayern munich: injury doubt in defense.

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Real Madrid will travel to Germany for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern ... [+] Munich.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to have a host of first-team regulars available for the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena after several were missing for Friday night’s win over Real Sociedad.

Jude Bellingham was only fit enough for the bench after suffering with a stomach bug, while Rodrygo Goes did not travel north for the La Liga fixture, but both are expected to be fully fit for this match.

Ancelotti made widespread changes for the 1-0 win on Friday, which was rescheduled in order to give Los Blancos an extra 24 hours of rest before taking on Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger and Fede Valverde made cameo appearances off the bench, while Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham were rested entirely.

That means that the Italian coach has a very fresh squad as they travel to Germany for the first leg of this clash, with the return fixture being played eight days later at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, following a La Liga game against Cádiz on Saturday.

Who will play for Real Madrid at full-back?

The biggest doubt for Real Madrid is who will be operating at left-back, as first choice option Ferland Mendy has been absent from training for the past week, missing both the Clásico win over Barcelona and Friday night’s victory against Real Sociedad.

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Speaking ahead of the trip to San Sebastián to take on Real Sociedad, Ancelotti seemed optimistic that he could be in contention for the trip to Germany, saying, “Mendy won’t be available, I would prefer him to stay here to work and be back for the Champions League”, though it remains to be seen how fit he will be.

The Italian has often preferred Eduardo Camavinga to Fran García as second choice in that position for big games like this one, though García did impress against Real Sociedad on Friday. If there is any doubt about Mendy’s fitness, it will be Ancelotti’s biggest selection decision.

The only other position to cause him some thought could be in the heart of defence, where Antonio Rüdiger could be partnered by either Nacho Fernández, Aurélien Tchouameni or Éder Militão, who completed his first 90 minutes of the season on Friday.

Ancelotti is most likely to revert to what he believes to be his strongest team, with Tchouameni dropping into defence, but the strong performance from Nacho in Manchester and Militão’s return to fitness will force Ancelotti to consider his options.

Real Madrid injury and suspension news against Bayern Munich

Ancelotti will be without one key player in the form of right-back Dani Carvajal, as he will serve a suspension for picking up his third yellow card of the season in the quarter-final second leg against Manchester City.

UEFA’s rules mean that no player is at risk of missing the second leg in Madrid if they collect a yellow card, and so the only players who could be absent through suspension would be those who see a red card.

The only player definitively ruled out due to injury is former Bayern defender David Alaba, who will not be available for the return to his previous club. Thibaut Courtois is also highly unlikely to feature, though he could return from a season-long injury against Cádiz in La Liga action this weekend.

Real Madrid’s expected line-up against Bayern Munich

Expected line-up for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich: Andriy Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Júnior.

One certainty is that Lucas Vázquez will replace Dani Carvajal following his excellent display in the Clásico with a goal, an assist and winning a penalty as the perfect preparation for this trip to Munich.

The fitness of Mendy will likely have a domino effect on this side, as his absence could mean a rejig with Eduardo Camavinga moving to left-back, Aurélien Tchouameni moving to midfield and Nacho coming in.

Players like Brahim Díaz, Joselu and Luka Modrić have made a real impact off the bench and could be called upon again here by Carlo Ancelotti.

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Politics latest: Yousaf quits as Scotland's first minister

Humza Yousaf has announced his resignation as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister ahead of facing two votes of no confidence for ending the SNP's powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.

Monday 29 April 2024 12:45, UK

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• Yousaf announces resignation after ending powersharing deal
• Outgoing SNP leader admits he 'underestimated level of hurt' caused
• Analysis: Yousaf's fate sealed by biggest political miscalculation of his career
• Explained: How did we get here?
• Analysis:  Tories expect elections pounding - but Labour may have harder job
• Watch in full: Trevor Phillips interviews the prime minister
• Tap here to follow Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Live reporting by Samuel Osborne

Humza Yousaf's decision to sack the Green Party from his coalition ultimately triggered a series of events that sealed his political fate, our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies reports.

"It was the biggest political miscalculation of his career that sealed the fate of the first minister," he said, speaking after Mr Yousaf announced he will step down ( see 12.04 post ).

Ending the three-year powersharing deal at Holyrood was a "fatal mistake" which saw the "walls come closing in".

Those close to Mr Yousaf had suggested that agreement "had become a liability within government and many in the SNP were uneasy about how many strings they were pulling".

"So he got rid of them and that triggered a set of events in motion that ultimately led to this moment and ultimately led to his demise."

No confidence votes

No confidence motions were looming at the Scottish parliament later this week, and he was facing wipeout and a backlash of "no" votes from the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, who were furious. 

"And then at that stage there was a suggestion that the ALBA party, Alex Salmond's party, would prop up the SNP government with their one MSP, Ash Regan," Gillies added. 

"That was just a step too far. Allies and sources close to Scotland's first minister said, 'look, that would be like doing a deal with the devil'. 

"So, there was only one other option and that was to resign."

Stepping in for Sturgeon

Gillies added an "interesting" element to this is how Mr Yousaf said to Sky News just 48 hours ago he would defy that vote of no confidence.

"On a human level, this is a man who is well-liked within the SNP," Gillies said. 

"He is a man who stepped up to the plate when Nicola Sturgeon stepped down last year, and he was always going to have a battle ahead."

But even his closest of allies, Gillies said, would realise "he was not Nicola Sturgeon, and he did not command her authority".

Humza Yousaf gave an emotional end to his resignation announcement.

"I bear no ill will and certainly no grudge against anyone. Politics can be a brutal business," he says.

"It takes its toll on your physical and mental health. Your family suffer alongside you."

Becoming emotional, he adds: "I am in absolute debt to my wonderful wife, my beautiful children and my wider family for putting up with me over the years.

"I'm afraid you'll be seeing a lot more of me from now. You are truly everything to me."

Mr Yousaf continues: "I am so grateful. I'm so blessed for having the opportunity afforded to so few to lead my country, and who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland? Thank you very much."

Mr Yousaf says he is "incredibly proud" to have a "fair tax system", which he hails as "the most progressive in the UK".

"I've always been guided by my values," he says. 

"As first minister, I'm incredibly proud to have a fair tax system, the most progressive in the UK. 

"But those who earn the most, contribute the most, and it will always be my core belief that a country as rich as ours wealth must be far more evenly distributed." 

He added he has "no doubt at all" that whoever takes over "will continue the Scottish government's drive to reduce child poverty".

"I'm proud that through our actions, an estimated 100,000 children are expected to be lifted out of poverty this year," he claimed.

He also said he will "continue to champion… the rights and the voices of those who are not often heard", including those suffering the "most horrific humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.

Humza Yousaf says he is stepping down at a time when Scottish independence "feels frustratingly close".

"As the world watches on, let me say to my SNP family, I will always be with you," he says.

"I will always campaign alongside you. We have had setbacks in our movement, but we have overcome them, and we will do so again.

"Independence feels frustratingly close. Believe me, no one feels that frustration more than the leader of the SNP.

"For the last few miles of the marathon are always the hardest, and we have run this race as a team and I now will prepare to pass the baton to a successor who I'm absolutely certain will lead us over the finish line."

Giving a message to his successor, Mr Yousaf says: "First ministers get to meet countless inspirational people and communities across Scotland working to make life better for those around them.

"First ministers get to see first-hand many of the exciting businesses and industries that will power Scotland's future.

"And whenever first ministers set foot beyond Scotland's shores, no matter where they go in Europe or across the world, they encounter friends and admirers of our nation.

"If only every person in Scotland can be afforded the opportunity of being first minister for just one day on the very next day. It's my belief that they would vote for independence with both their head and their heart."

Humza Yousaf announces he will continue as first minister until his successor is elected.

He says he "clearly underestimated the level of hurt and upset" he had caused his colleagues in the Green Party by ending the powersharing agreement between the SNP and the Greens.

"For a minority government to be able to govern effectively and efficiently, trust when working with the opposition is clearly fundamental," he says.

"And while a route through this week's motion of no confidence was absolutely possible, I am not willing to treat my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power."

He said he after a weekend of reflection, he'd concluded "repairing a relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm".

Mr Yousaf adds: "I have therefore informed the SNP's National Secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader and ask that she commence a leadership contest as soon as possible.

"In order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, it is my intention to continue as first minister until my successor has been elected."

 Humza Yousaf has said he will resign as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister.

Mr Yousaf had previously said he would not resign, and he intended to win the confidence votes.

He was fighting for his political future after ending the powersharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens on Thursday.

He was facing two votes of no confidence - one from the Scottish Conservatives, and another from Scottish Labour, which has tabled one for the Scottish government as a whole.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is just about to hold a press conference at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh.

Mr Yousaf is expected to resign as first minister of Scotland.

You can watch his announcement in the stream above.

The Scottish Conservatives have "forced Humza Yousaf out of office for repeatedly failing Scotland", the party's leader has said.

The Scottish Tories had tabled a motion of no confidence in the first minister.

Douglas Ross said: "Faced with our vote of no confidence, the SNP leader has quit rather than face a humiliating defeat."

While he stressed that "on a personal level, I wish Humza Yousaf and his family well", he added his party "cannot forgive the damage he did to families and households across Scotland by raising taxes, letting NHS waiting lists spiral and attacking free speech".

Mr Ross added: "The next first minister must abandon the nationalist obsession with independence and focus solely on Scotland's top priorities, such as creating jobs and improving our ailing public services."

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf could be set to announce his resignation at a news conference in half an hour's time.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

What brought things to a head?

Mr Yousaf decided to pull the plug on the agreement - arguing it had "served its purpose" - prompting a major fallout with his former allies, who vowed to back a no-confidence motion in his leadership proposed by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has arrived at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, ahead of a news conference on his political future at midday.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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