What's the Lightest Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

Integrating lighter components onto your bike can make a substantial difference to its weight and performance on the trail. 

While the weight reduction may not seem significant at first glance, even slight modifications could have an immediate and positive impact.

Pinarello's Dogma race bikes dominated this year's Elite Mountain Bike World Championship, winning three gold medals to demonstrate their unparalleled speed and efficiency as full-suspension racing machines.

 What's the Lightest Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

1. Cervelo ZHT-5

Cervelo made its mountain bike debut in 2022 with an XC hardtail that was both lightweight and capable. 

Their expertise in crafting road bikes that fly up steep climbs quickly gave their engineers plenty of experience with developing lightweight yet high-performance carbon frames for mountain bikes.

The ZHT-5 is a fast, super stiff bike designed for technical stretches and downhill racing. 

Experienced riders appreciate its precise handling on tight trails, fast climbing speed and fatigue-reducing comfort; not to mention it is relatively affordable when compared with other high-end MTB frames.

Stiffness comes from its massive tubes, straight connections and lack of lugs on the frame; when combined with its moderate geometry and sporty riding position, these details combine to form a direct path from pedal to trail for the ZHT-5. 

Furthermore, its Rockshox SID SL Ultimate fork offers additional safety at high speeds.

The medium size frame weighs in at an impressive 870g - only 50g heavier than competing hardtail XC bikes from Canyon and Orbea.

What's the Lightest Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

2. Trek Isostrut

As its name implies, this bike is a stripped down version of Trek's top-of-the-line carbon cross-country race frame. 

As its lightweight frame makes an impressionful statement when riding cross country terrain, and is highly customizable to your preferred riding style; suspension components and wheels can easily be upgraded based on personal riding preferences.

At 1300g (without shock), this full suspension mountain bike is one of the lightest available. 

Constructed from carbon fiber - lighter and more durable than aluminum alloy - its frame features a straight down tube to increase stiffness while using Trek's IsoStrut suspension design with 60mm damped, tuneable rear wheel travel. Furthermore, its suspension system is housed within a structural stanchion to prevent twisting, flexing, or deflection.

Trek has made major updates to their Supercaliber frame in 2024 to enhance travel, adjust to any terrain more readily, and remain one of the lightest XC full suspension racing frames on the market. 

Equipped with SRAM's flagship wireless groupset and Bontrager Kovee RSL 30 carbon wheels wrapped with fast rolling Pirelli XC RC tires; as well as a dropper post; this year it also comes equipped with SRAM's premier wireless groupset and dropper post technology.

Orbea's Alma OMR is an updated version of an older model that has long been a mainstay in World Cup XC racing. 

Though not quite as light as Procaliber, the OMR offers more versatility thanks to Orbea's Spirit Rigid fork, which saves 800-1,000 grams compared to suspension forks while keeping weight under 8kg overall.

 What's the Lightest Full Suspension Mountain Bike

3. Canyon Lux World Cup

With an estimated frame weight of only 10kg, the Lux World Cup makes a powerful statement. 

A full suspension race bike, it almost feels weightless when picking it up; not to mention, its efficiency in pedaling over rough terrain means less wasted energy when pedaling hard!

Canyon's Lux World Cup, touted as "probably the lightest full-suspension frame in the world", receives a significant upgrade with subtle modifications that make it competitive with top XC racers - more capable modern geometry for faster uphill and downhill runs, improved suspension curves, seamlessly integrated cable routing and tweaked tube shaping that provides for stronger yet lighter bikes.

The new frame features a longer wheelbase for increased traction on the trail and better balance, helping it navigate technical sections more confidently than other XC bikes would.

Canyon has taken another approach to saving weight with their Lux World Cup bike by ditching its dropper post altogether, much like what Oiz and Spark bikes did. 

While this might not be a deal breaker for some riders, others may shun this move since fitting one later may incur additional cost or hassle.

What's the Lightest Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

4. Orbea Alma OMR

Orbea's most advanced Alma model, the OMR is tailored for fast and efficient XC riding. 

Utilizing premium carbon OMX materials that create a rigid ride that allows your efforts to translate directly into forward drive without mechanical assistance - perfect for fast technical climbs while not punishing casual riders who take more casual approaches to cycling.

OMR's frame features Orbea's new Spirit fork which provides 100mm of travel and allows riders to switch between Boost or traditional 100mm spacing at axle-to-crown, providing greater versatility in wheel selection as well as larger tire options without issues like toe overlap or excessive suspension travel.

Orbea offers their OMR bike equipped with a Shimano XT groupset featuring their popular MT201 hydraulic disc brake set and DT Swiss X1900 rims, combined with 29er OC1 tubeless tires from Orbea's own 29er line up. 

Orbea also provides their MyO customization program so riders can select colors and components of their bike before having it assembled at their Basque factory - though this may incur higher costs but reduce wait times significantly.

Q. What is the lightest full suspension mountain bike currently available?

A: The lightest full suspension mountain bikes vary by year and model, but as of 2024, models like the Trek Supercaliber 9.9 and the Scott Spark RC are often cited as some of the lightest options, weighing around 20 pounds or less. It's essential to consider factors such as frame material, components, and wheel size, as these can significantly influence the overall weight.

Q. How do manufacturers achieve a lightweight design in full suspension mountain bikes?

A: Manufacturers achieve lightweight designs through various methods, including using advanced materials like carbon fiber and high-grade aluminum, optimizing the geometry and design of the frame, and incorporating lightweight components like wheels, tires, and drivetrains. Engineering innovations, such as integrated components and simplified suspension systems, also play a crucial role in weight reduction.

Q. Who should consider a lightweight full suspension mountain bike?

A: Lightweight full suspension mountain bikes are ideal for competitive riders, cross-country racers, and those who prioritize climbing efficiency and agility on technical trails. They are also beneficial for riders who want to minimize fatigue over long rides. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners or riders focused on downhill performance, as durability and stability can sometimes be sacrificed for weight savings.

Q. What are the advantages of a lightweight full suspension mountain bike?

A: The main advantages include improved climbing efficiency, enhanced maneuverability, and reduced fatigue during long rides. A lighter bike can accelerate faster and is easier to handle on technical terrain, making it suitable for aggressive riding styles.

Q. Are there any downsides to using a lightweight full suspension mountain bike?

A: Yes, some potential downsides include reduced durability compared to heavier models, higher costs due to the use of premium materials, and potentially less stability on steep descents. Riders may also find that the lightweight design sacrifices some suspension performance or comfort.

conclusion

In conclusion, the pursuit of the lightest full-suspension mountain bike is not merely about reducing weight; it’s about enhancing performance and rider experience on the trails. 

Brands like Cervelo, Trek, Canyon, and Orbea have demonstrated that innovative engineering and premium materials can lead to significant advancements in bike technology. 

Each of these bikes—whether it’s the Cervelo ZHT-5’s stiffness and climbing prowess, the Trek Isostrut’s customizable design, the Canyon Lux World Cup’s almost ethereal lightness, or the Orbea Alma OMR’s versatility—offers a unique blend of speed, agility, and rider comfort. 

As riders become increasingly discerning, the importance of lightweight bikes that can handle the rigors of competitive racing and varied terrain cannot be overstated. 

Ultimately, choosing the lightest full-suspension mountain bike is about finding the perfect balance between weight, performance, and individual riding style, paving the way for enhanced adventures on the trails ahead.