$2200 (Frame)

43 pounds

8.75-inch rear wheel travel

Cove, (800) 919-2453

Maxi test: February 2006

Highlights: The Shocker is the first multilink bike in the Cove lineup featuring the "71" linkage that is designed to maintain a vertical wheel path through the rear wheel's travel. The cockpit of the Shocker has a very slack feel, typical of downhill-race-oriented bikes. The 43-pound Shocker pedaled like a much lighter bike. With every pedal stroke it got up and sprinted, in part because of the adjustable platform setting of the Fox DHX shock. The Shocker's slack 64.5-degree head-angle made navigating the most demanding terrain fun.

Best quote: "We often have to compensate for the suspension with body English until a bike's handling is second nature to us. Not the case with this bike. We were surprisingly confident when tackling ominous obstacles."

Bottom line: The Shocker floats over roots and makes easy work of drops, jumps or whatever technical terrain comes its way. Cove is on to something good with their downhill bike design, and since they offer several build kit options, you can order your Shocker exactly how you want it.