$2695 (frameset)

When we first rode Maverick USA's new bike last year, we couldn't believe how active the rear suspension was and how well it handled. It felt like it was custom-designed just for us, and felt like a dream on both tough climbs and fast rocky descents. So this year we went back for another ride and - guess what - it's still the best thing we've ridden.


This is the bike designed by Paul Turner who, you might recall, invented the Rockshox fork. The ML7, with 100mm or rear travel, is joined this year by the new Repasado XC model. But we prefer the plush ML7, which uses an ingenious integrated rear shock in its Easton frame for unparalleled performance. And, new this year is the debut of Paul's front fork. We haven't ridden it yet, but it's definitely a thing of beauty.
The FS frame weighs in at 5.8 lbs., making for a fully built bike that weighs approximately 26 lbs. You're buying the frameset (which includes Cane Creek headset and XTR front derailleur), so how you build it up is your choice. A nice touch is the fact that Maverick actually names each of their bikes - rather than stamping a serial number on the frame. We rode "Adagio."


On the trail the bike was always active, yet easy to pedal uphill. The geometry is perfect, and put us in an ideal riding position. We felt confident and stable in all conditions, especially while pedalling through twisting rocky singletrack. But, as you can see, you pay for perfection.