We have noticed a few high-end mountain bikes which would certainly make great XTERRA, XC or marathon racing rigs. All of these bikes would of course also make some fast, fun and casual mountain bike rides. Look closer at Trek Top Fuel 9.9 SSL, Santa Cruz Blur XC, Specialized S-Works Epic, Niner Air 9 C, Pivot Mach 429 and Scott Scale RC.

Trek Top Fuel 99 SSL

What: The top of the line XC bike from Trek offers 100m of travel front and back and features a one piece magnesium rocker. Ridden to the 2009 XTERRA World Championship title by Julie Dibens.
Colors: White Onyx
Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5"
MSRP: $7349.99 (as featured)
Website: www.trekbikes.com

Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon

What: The Carbon Blur XC is an ultra light and stiff update to the very popular aluminum version of the Santa Cruz brand.
Colors: Silver (featured), Orange
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $3876 to $7439 (depending on kit)
Website: www.santacruzmtb.com




Specialized S Works Epic

What: The S Works Epic features Specialized’s Mini Brain suspension technology and is ridden by Conrad Stoltz and Dan Hugo among others.
Colors: As featured
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $8800 complete, $4400 frame set (frame, fork, seat post)
Website: www.specialized.com




Niner Air 9 Carbon

What: The Niner Air 9 Carbon offers beautiful lines and 29” wheels just as the brand name suggests. But this frame is not available until March 2010.
Colors: Vana White (featured), Tang
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $1899 (frame only), matching rigid fork is $399
Website: www.ninerbikes.com




Pivot Mach 429

What: The Pivot Mach 429 is the 29” version of the popular Mach 4, and the only aluminum frame in this feature.
Colors: Silver, Black, Red, Blue-White (featured)
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $4150 - $6499 depending on kit, $2199 frame set (rear shock, bb)
Website: www.pivotcycles.com




Yeti AS-R Carbon

What: The Yeti AS-R Carbon offers 98mm of rear travel and an integrated seat mast in a very light package.
Colors: Black Turq (featured), Turq White
Sizes: S, M, L
MSRP: $2990 frame only
Website: www.yeticycles.com




Scott Scale RC

What: This ultra lightweight hardtail from Scott captured Gold and Bronze at the XC MTB World Championships in Canberra, Australia.
Colors: as featured
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $6599.99
Website: www.scottusa.com