Are you looking to test your riding skills beyond those commonly available smooth and fast trails? Do you want to have a mountain bike that would give you the most control and traction possible to conquer more technical trails? If you say yes, simply go and get a full-suspension mountain bike.
A full-suspension machine not only enables you to ride a broader spectrum of terrains but comes with more versatility than a hardtail as well.
Now, coming to the cost aspect, full-suspension MTBs come at many different prices. In this article, we’ve focused on ten best full suspension mountain bikes under $4,000 that you can buy right away.
When it comes to buying an all-round mountain bike under $4,000, you can find a huge number of options available in the market which makes it a truly uphill task to take your pick.
In order to help you make the job a little easier, we decided to take a thorough look at the mountain bikes presently available in the market and jot down the best ones you can buy under this price cap.
All of these machines balance geometry, weight, and are truly in order to ensure you always get a fun and rewarding experience on all kinds of trails – the climbs, the descents, and the flat as well.
No matter whether you want to ride technical trails most of your time or huck drops – all of these mountain bikes have got you covered.
So, let’s jump right in.
Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $4,000
1. Top Fuel 8 ($3,299.99)
Feature Overview
If you’re looking for a full-suspension mountain bike that would perform equally great on both steep climbs and chunky downs, the Top Fuel 8 could fit the bill right.
It comes with an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame which is lightweight enough to help you keep going efficiently regardless of the terrain.
The frame design comes with Knock Block frame defense, so you can ride assured of having the frame protected from spinning handlebars and fork crowns.
You get a 120mm RockShox fork along with a 115mm rear-wheel travel, which makes it more fun and capable on the trail.
It features a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, which means you get a gear range that would always provide you with a suitable gear in every terrain along with quiet and precise shifting.
You get tubeless ready 29×2.40” Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tires which would offer more clearance, traction, speed, and puncture resistance while the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes will take care of the stopping tasks.
It features Active Braking Pivot or ABP system that won’t let braking forces interact with the suspension, offering your more control. With the help of the TwistLoc Dual Remote Lockout feature, you’d be able to lock the fork and shock out.
It’d stiffen the bike further up when the suspension isn’t necessary like climbs, pavements, or smooth bits of terrain.
By utilizing the “Mino Link” feature, you can change the setting of the geometry from a low to a high. The Top Fuel 8 also features a dropper post to help you adjust to the terrain.
If you’re searching for a machine that brings a perfect combination of efficiency of an XC bike and the capability of a trail bike, the Top Fuel 8 would certainly be one of your best options.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL
- Weight – 30.09 pounds (M)
- Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager XR3 Team Issue 29×2.40” tubeless-ready tires
2. Slash 8 ($3,699.99)
Feature Overview
Though labeled as an enduro bike, the Slash 8 is actually an all-round trail performer that’s designed to handle demanding terrains with ease.
The robust Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame has made it super stiff yet lightweight. Similar to the Top Fuel 8, it also comes with the Knock Block system that keeps the fork and bar from damaging the frame.
The bike comes with a 160mm RockShox Yari RC fork featuring Motion Control damper together with a RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock that comes with Trek’s best shock technology called RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft, which reduces the friction and in turn, gives you a more faster-acting and sensitive suspension.
You also get a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain which makes the Slash efficient enough on the pedals in both steep climbs and rocky descents.
It comes with the durable Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in grippy Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29×2.40” (front) and XR5 Team Issue 29×2.60” (rear) tires.
The SRAM Guide R brakes ensure you get the maximum stopping power whenever needed.
Like other Trek suspension bikes currently available in the market, the Slash also features Trek’s ABP system that would give you better control and traction by allowing the suspension to move more freely when you brake.
With the help of the adjustable Mino Link, you’d be able to fine-tune the bike’s geometry as needed.
And if you’re thinking about getting optimum saddle height when climbing and descending, the Bontrager dropper post would help you take care of that easily.
All in all, the Slash 8 would fit the bill right if you’re an adept rider and looking to get the best aluminum 29er mountain bike.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – S, M, M/L, L, XL
- Weight – 30.38 pounds (M)
- Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager Team Issue tubeless ready tires (XR4 29X2.40” and XR5 29×2.60”)
3. Intense Sniper Trail Expert 29” Bike ($3,999.00)
Feature Overview
This version of the Sniper Trail could be your best full suspension mountain bike under $4,000 if you’re searching for a machine that would be fast on rolling terrains, technical climbs, and of course, tricky descents.
Made up of a Monocoque UD carbon frame, it brings you one of the most lightweight mountain bikes that offer peak pedal efficiency along with confidence-inspiring geometry while helping you conserve energy on downhills or technical terrains.
In terms of suspension, you get a 120mm Fox Performance Float 34 Stepcast fork and Fox Performance Float DPS shock which would help you hit demanding trails with confidence while offering a plush ride.
It features a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that would ensure you get a precise gear regardless of the terrain.
The Sniper comes with Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35” tubeless-ready tires with E*Thirteen TRS+ wheelset to take just about anything – from enduro racing to all-day epics while the Shimano M500 hydraulic disc brakes take great care of the stopping tasks.
In addition to all these, the Sniper Trail Expert comes equipped with the Intense Recon dropper Seatpost to help you adjust the saddle height on the fly.
This Sniper Trail is a machine that combines serious attitude with enviable performance and could easily satisfy the needs of riders looking for a highly efficient light and fast trail bike.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – S, M, L, XL
- Weight – 26.12 pounds (M)
- Monocoque UD carbon frame
- 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- Shimano M500 hydraulic disc brakes
- Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35” tubeless ready tires
4. Fuel EX 8 ($3,449.99)
Feature Overview
If you’re searching for a full suspension mountain bike that excels on every terrain – from long climbs and rocky descents to fast corners, you should take a look at the Fuel EX 8.
Featuring a stiff and capable Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, this lightweight bike would help you ride with complete confidence regardless of the trail.
And then there’s Trek’s Knock Block system that would keep the frame from damaging due to overturning of the bars.
With the help of the Mino Link flip-chip, you can adjust the geometry based on your needs. The Fuel comes with a mix of 140mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and Fox Performance Float EVOL shock to give you a capable, confidence-inspiring, and comfortable ride.
You also get the RE:aktiv suspension technology which would greatly help you minimize the loss of pedaling force when encountering small bumps in the trail.
The bike features Trek’s ABP or Active Braking Pivot suspension design that lets the suspension move freely while remaining unaffected by the braking forces.
With the 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, you can ride assured of getting plenty of gear range along with crisp shifting.
You get tubeless-ready Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires (XS, S – 27.5×2.60” and S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL – 29X2.60”) that offer a massive contact patch and ample climbing traction on almost all surfaces while Shimano Deore M6000 brakes take care of the stopping tasks.
The Bontrager Line dropper post would be adequate to help you get adjusted to any terrain.
If you belong to the league of hardcore all-day riders, the Fuel EX 8 would be one of the best options you can get at this price to choose from.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – XS, S (27.5” and 29” wheel), M, ML, L, XL, XXL
- Weight – 30.39 pounds (M)
- Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame
- 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
- Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tubeless ready tires
5. Cannondale Habit 4 Bike – 2024 ($3,250.00)
Feature Overview
If you’re looking for the best full suspension mountain bike under $4,000 that would help you shred any trail, this all-new Cannondale Habit could be the one you should buy.
Featuring a SmartForm C1 alloy frame, this 130mm travel fun machine is designed around Cannondale’s Proportional Response suspension design that’s aimed at giving riders of all sizes the same experience on the trail.
The Habit’s suspension is taken care of by Fox – a 140mm Fox Float Rhythm 34 with a Fox Float Performance DPS EVOL shock which makes it capable enough to tame unruly trails.
You get a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain that ensures you can propel the machine up to whatever terrain you want to. The Ai offset drivetrain would give you climb-crushing traction while preserving maximum frame stiffness and tire clearance.
The bike comes with a Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5” tire at the front followed by a Maxxis High Roller II 29×2.3” in the back which would ensure you get an excellent grip whatever trail you want to ride on while getting maximum stopping power from the powerful SRAM Guide T brakes.
It features Cannondale DownLow dropper post to help you stay adjusted to the terrain.
Cannondale Habit 4 beautifully blends outstanding capability with lots of fun, which makes it one of the most competent full suspension mountain bikes available out there.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – S, M, L, XL
- Weight – 33.03 pounds (M)
- SmartForm C1 alloy frame
- 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes
- Maxxis tires (front – Minion DHF 29×2.5”, rear – High Roller II 29×2.3”)
6. Kona Process 153 CR 27.5” 2019 ($3,249.95)
Feature Overview
This Kona Process bike comes with a clear preference for aggressive terrains and high speeds and is designed to deliver its full potential when pointed downhill by tackling rocky descents.
As you’ve probably guessed from the “CR” in the name, the frame is made of Kona DH Carbon along with 6061 aluminum that’s used to craft the chainstays.
It comes with a 160mm RockShox Lyrik fork paired with a 153mm RockShox Deluxe RCT Trunnion shock which would be enough to give you a smooth ride even on the demanding terrains.
Kona has included their “Beamer suspension platform” to help riders encounter big hits with confidence. The bike sports a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain that would ensure you always get a precise gear whenever needed.
You get the popular Maxxis Minion DHF tires (front – 27.5×2.5” and rear – 2.5×2.3”) which would help you ride with confidence on both chunky descents and less-technical sections.
The SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes are capable enough to act as powerful stoppers. All these along with a RockShox Reverb dropper post make this machine a highly comfortable and efficient one when it’s brought up to speed.
An efficient climber, a reliable descender, a nimble machine – that’s the Kona Process 153 CR 27.5”
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – M, L, XL
- Weight – 34.00 pounds (XL)
- Kona DH Carbon with 6061 aluminum frame
- 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes
- Maxxis Minion DHF tires (front – 27.5×2.5” and rear – 2.5×2.3”)
7. Carbon 5010 27.5+ R Mountain Bike ($3,999.00)
Feature Overview
This Santa Cruz is a fun-focused bike that’s designed to offer a punchy and dynamic ride. Built around a Carbon C frame, this machine provides a high degree of strength and stiffness helping you to get superfast acceleration whenever needed.
It sports a 130mm FOX Rhythm 34 fork and a 130mm FOX Float Performance DPS shock that are intended to give a perfectly balanced feel.
It’s built around the VPP suspension platform so you can ride assured of getting a more positive pedaling feel.
You get an SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain offering a massive 11-50t cassette range, which ensures you’ll always have the precise gear whenever needed.
It comes with a perfect mix of 27.5×2.6” tires (front – Maxxis Minion DHF, rear – Maxxis Rekon) so that you can get a fatter grip while the SRAM Guide T post-mount disc brakes give you maximum stopping power.
The machine also features flip-chip switches using which you’d be able to fine-tune its geometry for different riding styles and trails.
If you’re thinking about adjusting yourself to the terrain on the fly, the Race Face Aeffect dropper post would help you take care of that.
If you want to have the maximum fun when thrashing the trails, the 5010 Carbon 27.5+ R is what you can count on.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL
- Weight – 30.13 pounds
- Carbon C frame
- SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Guide T post-mount disc brakes
- 27.5×2.6” tires (Maxxis Minion DHF – front, Maxxis Rekon – rear)
8. Niner RKT 9 RDO RS 2-Star ($3,900.00)
Feature Overview
If you’re in need of a cross-country bike that would serve you equally on a race day, this RKT 9 RDO model could be what you should focus on.
Built around a lightweight yet robust Niner RDO carbon fiber frame, this machine is designed to give you unbeatable sprinting ability.
This build comes with Niner’s well-acclaimed CVA suspension design that effectively neutralizes the suspension but keeps it reasonably active, yielding high pedaling efficiency.
It comes with a 100mm Fox 32 Float Rhythm GRIP EVOL fork and a 90mm Fox Float DPS Performance EVOL, bringing a poised suspension your way.
You get a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 11-50t cassette which means you’d be able to ride assured of being able to speed up on the flats and ride comfortably on the climbs.
The machine sports aggressive Maxxis Rekon tires (front – 29×2.4” and rear – 29×2.25”) which are popular for being able to handle almost any kind of terrain – from big rock slabs to thick mud.
And if you’re thinking about the stoppers, you get SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes so making the Niner stop would be easier than ever.
And finally, the Niner Alloy dropper post would let adjust the saddle’s height while on the move, offering you smoother riding experience.
All in all, if you belong to the league of avid XC racers, this RKT 9 RDO RS would serve you well, in terms of both speed and efficiency.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL
- Weight – 24.70 pounds
- Niner RDO carbon fiber frame
- 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes
- Maxxis Rekon tires (29×2.4” – front, 29×2.25” – rear)
9. Blur Carbon R Mountain Bike ($3,799.00)
Feature Overview
If you’re searching for a mountain bike that’s designed to meet the needs of new-school cross-country riders, this Blur would be worth checking out.
The frame is made of Carbon C that makes the machine stiff, light enough, and fun to ride.
Similar to all other high-end full-suspension bikes from Santa Cruz, the Blur also sports the VPP suspension to ensure you get robust traction and precise tracking.
It comes with a 100mm Fox Rhythm 32 fork followed by a 100mm Fox Float Performance DPS shock. The bike features a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a huge 11-50t cassette which would ensure you get bang-on shifting without any tinkering needed.
The Maxxis Aspen EXO TR 29×2.25” tires with a slightly stretched wheelbase would give you a more planted feel while the stopping tasks are being taken care of by the powerful SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes.
It also features the Race Face Ride dropper post so you can ride assured of getting the saddle adjusted whenever required.
The Blur Carbon R would be ideal for those who prioritize efficiency and want to have a bit more stability and capability when speeding up.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – S, M, L, XL
- Weight – 26.93 pounds
- Carbon C frame
- 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes
- Maxxis Aspen EXO TR 29×2.25” tires
10. Juliana Furtado Carbon 27.5 R- Mountain Bike For Women’s ($3,999.00)
Feature Overview
If you’re looking for the best full suspension mountain bike under $4,000 for women, you should check this Juliana Furtado out that sports confidence-inspiring longer and slacker geometry.
This Furtado comes with a stiff and durable Carbon C frame making the machine ideal for riders who want to direct their energy into forwarding motion in a better manner.
You get a 130mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork offering precise handling and stiff tracking along with smooth VPP rear suspension which comes in the form of a 130mm Fox Float Performance DPS that would help you get a perfect balance between excellent plushness on the descent and pedaling efficiency on the climb.
The bike sports a 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 11-50t cassette range that would enable you to comfortably sit and spin up almost everything regardless of the terrain.
It comes with an excellent mix of 27.5×2.3” Maxxis Minion tires (front – DHF, rear – DHR II) to provide a good amount of traction while giving you a less squirmy and more precise feeling.
You get SRAM Guide T post-mount disc brakes paired with Avid Centerline with 180mm rotors for providing on-demand stopping power.
And there’s a Race Face Aeffect dropper post to help you get adjusted to the trail when it gets spicy.
This Juliana Furtado is designed for those who want to have a lighter and livelier feel no matter the trail they ride on.
Bike Specification
- Available frame sizes – XS, S, M
- Weight – 30.01 pounds
- Carbon C frame
- 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
- SRAM Guide T post-mount disc brakes
- Maxxis Minion tires (front – DHF, rear – DHR II)
Final Thought
While there’re some other good options also available in this price range, the above-mentioned ones are the best full suspension mountain bikes under $4,000 based on our strict parameters.
While this $4,000 cap may still seem high, it’s actually difficult to find the best mountain bikes available on the market within this range. However, for this range, all the above machines offer an excellent value anyway.
From a robust and lightweight frame and quality suspensions to an efficient drivetrain, meaty tires, and powerful brakes – they’ve got covered every aspect to help you get the most out of your trail riding experience, no matter if it’s a steep climb or more technical trail or rocky descent.
