Top 7 XCO full mountain bikes of 2022

Full suspension mountain bikes seem to have taken over from hardtails in competition, and nowadays a pro only rarely chooses a hardtail over a full suspension.

The weight of the full-suspension bikes is getting tighter and tighter, and their better performance on technical downhills and uphills is enough justification to ride with a few extra grams. Among the multitude of brands and models here we have selected 7 of the XCO full suspension mountain bikes that we have liked the most this 2022.

7 of the best XCO full mountain bikes 2022

SCOTT SPARK RC 2022

The SCOTT Spark 2022 was introduced in the middle of last season to revolutionize the segment. With a very unique look that hides its rear shock and a risky geometry, this model once again pushes the limits of XCO.

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The new Spark comes with travel of at least 120 mm and adopts steering angles of 67.2°/65.8° (more typical of Trail or Enduro) and saddle angles above 75°. It is the first of its kind but that has not prevented it from winning the European Championship with Lars Forster or the World Championship with Nino Schurter. We will see if the rest of the brands follow the path opened by the Spark in the coming years.

The SCOTT SPARK RC SL EVO AXS is the top of the range model of the RC family, weighing 10.10 kg and priced at 13,499€. A very high price that the brand compensates with a wide range of models starting at 3.799€ for the Spark RC Comp of 12.5 kg. Here you can see all models with their corresponding weights and prices.

BMC Fourstroke 2022

The BMC Fourstroke may not be one of the best known models for the general public, but the fact is that in 2020 it won the World Cup on the feet of Jordan Sarrou and in 2021 it was proclaimed Olympic champion with Tom Pidcock. In addition, the British rider has already won two World Cups this year with his BMC Fourstroke with electronic suspensions.

It is one of the most balanced full suspension mountain bikes on the market for its low weight and high performance. Its integrated dropper seatpost and the simple and elegant lines of the bike make the aesthetics another of its strong points.

The BMC Fourstroke 01 ONE is the best equipped model and is priced at 11.999€, but the range starts at 4.999€ with the BMC Fourstroke 01 THREE.

Orbea Oiz 2022

The Orbea Oiz 2022 is one of the best rated mountain bikes by amateurs and professionals. And there is no doubt that we are facing one of the models that offers the best performance in different modalities if we remember that Victor Koretzky climbed several times to the top of the XCO World Cup podium in 2021 and in 2022 the Speed Company Racing won the most important MTB race in the world, the Absa Cape Epic.

In the latest update, the rear triangle is made of OMX carbon and the chainstays have been shortened. But its signature is undoubtedly the Fiberlink linkage, which gives the frame's top tube its characteristic rise. The frame weighs only 1740 grams and is customizable with Orbea's MyO program. The Orbea Oiz M LTD is priced at 9,599€, the most "economical" of our selection and can be obtained for up to 3,899€ if you choose the M30, the entry-level model. Here you can see all the models and set-ups.

Cannondale Scalpel 2022

In 2020 one of the iconic mountain bike models was renewed: the Cannondale Scalpel. It highlights its geometry the already famous FlexPivot (a system with which Cannondale provides a third pivot point using only the properties of carbon) and of course, the Lefty Ocho fork that now comes in 120mm version. It is still one of the mountain bikes that leaves the best sensations after testing it, and the Lefty Ocho is simply the fork with the best feel on the market. Here you can read our full test.

The Hi-Mod Ultimate version is the best equipped, it mounts SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS and its frame weighs 1900 grams. This XCO fully mounts the also acclaimed Lefty Ocho Carbon front, 100mm of travel; and Fox Float DPS Factory EVOL at the rear, 100mm also. Its price has also been affected by last year's increase and is now 12,499€. Although the range starts with the 4.199€ of the Scalpel Carbon 4.

Specialized S-Works Epic 2022

The Specialized Epic, surely one of the best-selling bikes in the world, needs little introduction. In 2021 it returned to the top of the World Cup podium with Cris Blevins' victory at Snowshoe and in 2022 it took the women's victory at the Absa Cape Epic.

Here you can read our test of a Specialized Epic 2022 that arrives "smarter" than ever. Longer, lower geometry and Brain technology front and rear with RockShox SI Brain fork and RockShox Brain RX XC Tune shock. The Specialized S-Woks Epic is the top of the range model that comes with SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS and its price, which has also undergone a significant increase, is 12,499€.

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29

In late 2021, Giant completely updated its flagship XCO full suspension model. The Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 ditched the acclaimed Maestro suspension system in favor of the new FlexPoint Pro. But its new features don't stop there, and this new model is lighter, stiffer and faster than ever.

Its geometry has been updated to relax its steering angle, lengthen the reach and make its seat tube more vertical. In short, to achieve a more stable and efficient bike, which together with its extreme lightness achieves the perfect combination for XCO performance. Here you can read all about this bike.

We cannot forget that this model mounts the most exclusive electronic suspension system of the moment, the FOX Live Valve, and that alone would justify its choice ahead of any other model.

The Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 model is priced at 12,999€ and comes with SRAM Eagle XX1 AXS drivetrain, Shimano XTR brakes, DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels and Fox Live Valve suspension. The entry-level model starts at 4599€.

Canyon Lux World Cup 2023

The Canyon Lux World Cup 2023 is the most recently introduced model in this selection of mountain bikes.

Although aesthetically it looks very similar to its previous version, the truth is that it is a complete renovation in which its geometry has been updated and the position of the shock absorber and the crank has been changed. At the same time, the frame is now lighter and stiffer than ever, and the brand presents it as the lightest full suspension XCO on the market.

With the new Canyon Lux World Cup 2023, Loana Lecomte has already won the Leogang World Cup and Samuel Gaze took the victory in the Albstadt Short Track.

For its qualities and performance, it deserves a place in this selection, but in addition, the top-of-the-range model of the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR LTD is priced at 7,999€ and weighs 9.8 kg. This is the lightest and most economical full suspension MTB in this selection of superbikes. Here you can check the rest of the models and prices of the range.

What do you think about the 7 mountain bikes we have chosen? Which one would you choose? We read you on our social networks!