The rise of the XC (cross-country) mountain bike is a boon to off-roaders wanting a do-it-all ride. These are the best of the 2010 crop.

By Doug Schnitzpahn

Best Value
Specialized Epic Comp

The Epic Comp has the same geometry as Specialized’s pro bikes at half the price. It’s alloy, not carbon fiber, but mere mortals won’t notice. It’s nimble and stable, even on tricky descents that would normally rattle such a light bike. “Poetry on wheels,” says Ian Adamson. “I could hunker down and ride seated through a variety of terrain.” Note: The rear suspension needs some tinkering to get set up right. [$2,800; specialized.com]

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Best Downhiller
Kona Cadabra
All hail Kona’s Magic Link suspension (see below), which turns the Cadabra into a worthy XC ride for the right guy. “The bike sits up nice and cross country–ish on climbs, but it’s too heavy for anything beyond shorter ascents,” says Eller. If you can stay within striking distance going uphill, the Magic Link’s 6.3 inches of max rear travel — the most in the test by far — let you smoke them going down. [$2,799; konaworld.com]

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Best Climber
Giant XTC 29er 1
Why a hardtail in a sea of full-suspension rides? Eliminating the rear shock, the priciest part of the bike, gets you high-end Shimano Deore XT components for two grand. While the lack of a rear suspension will slow you going downhill, the stable back end lets you beat the pack in the ascents. “It climbed better than any other hardtail I’ve ridden,” says Adamson. “This bike makes it easy to go fast.” [$2,000; giant-bicycles.com]

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Best 29er
Santa Cruz Tallboy SPX
The Tallboy shows why all mountain bikes will soon wear 29-inch wheels. These larger-than-average rollers cruise easily over rocks, roots, and small children, but never has a bike wearing them felt this agile and responsive. “You’ve got a feeling of confidence despite the higher center of gravity,” says Adamson. Thank the light 5.1-pound carbon-fiber frame. [$4,699; santacruzbicycles.com]

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Best Starter Bike
Trek Fuel EX 8
The EX 8’s aluminum frame, pudginess (at 27.2 pounds), and midgrade components won’t induce envy, but its rear suspension is the star of the show here. “It delivers an incredibly consistent feel,” says Mark Eller. “The Trek handles great at all speeds.” That kind of predictability — especially when bombing a rutted mountainside — makes the Trek a newcomer’s dream. [$2,520; trekbikes.com]

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Best Overall
Pivot Cycles Mach 4
The Mach 4 is a teensy bit less plush on the downhills than the other bikes here, but that’s us picking nits. It climbs the loosest steeps like a mountain goat thanks to a rear suspension that all but eliminates bob and an ultralight 21.5-pound build. Its tight (yet never twitchy) geometry practically carves fast corners for you. “But the most fun aspect was bunny hopping,” says Eller. “A little tug and it jumps for joy.” [$6,699; pivotcycles.com]

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The Case for the Walmart Ride
It’s got no suspension, and the components won’t last long. (Grip shifters? Really?) But the Mongoose Impasse is a blast on rolling trail thanks to those meaty 29-inch wheels. Oh, yeah — and it only costs $199. Truth is, a worthwhile mountain bike with any suspension starts at $2,000, so if you’re just looking to dip your toes in the sport or try the 29er experience on the cheap, you can’t go wrong with the Walmart special. [walmart.com]

UPDATE: The Impasse has since sold out at Walmart, and has been replaced by the Mongoose Deception, also a $199 29er. Check it out here.