Specialized Pitch Comp

For rugged terrain, many experts recommend all-mountain bikes. These bikes are sturdier and more rugged -- and have more suspension -- than traditional mountain bikes, but they are also heavier. In this category, reviewers say the Specialized Pitch Comp provides great value and good performance over rough trails. The Specialized Pitch Comp is based on the same frame as the Specialized Enduro SL bikes (*MSRP: $3,300 - $7,700), and riders benefit from much of the same technology without the hefty price tag. Tester feedback shows that the Specialized Pitch Comp performs well on all types of rugged terrain, including steep climbs and technical descents, thanks to nearly 6 inches of travel. Some owners feel the need to upgrade a few components, but they acknowledge that this bike is a good deal. Other reviewers would like to have a shock or fork lockout. If that feature is important to you, the Fuji Thrill LT 2.0 (*MSRP: $1,850) has a rear shock lockout, and it also gets good reviews.

We found a number of good reviews of the Specialized Pitch Comp. Mountain Bike Action and Bicycling include the bike in their 2009 buyer's guides, and Bicycling includes a lengthy write-ups based on tester feedback. Bike magazine also writes a recent review of the Specialized Pitch Comp, but it's not quite as detailed. There are also a good number of owner-written reviews on MTBR.com, which help confirm what experts are saying in the bike publications.