$2599 (frame and shock)

31.7 pounds

6-inch rear wheel travel

Maxi test: February 2008 Click here for the back issue

Highlights: The 2008 Foes FXR, a leggy, 6.5-inch-travel chassis engineered tough enough to take the hard way down the mountain, and lean enough so that its owner can get to the summit under his own power, may appear identical to previous models. ItÃ

Best quote: "Cat-like balance and capable suspension make the Foes FXR an easy descender. In fact, you'll search for the most difficult lines sometimes, just for entertainment while you make your way down the mountain."

Bottom line: If you can settle into a rhythm and climb smoothly, you can top substantial mountains aboard the Foes FXR--without the legs and lungs of a World Cup cross-country racer. Heart-rate-monitor, stopwatch-wielding leg-shavers should shop elsewhere, because showy, erratic pedaling will get you tired in a hurry. This is a sophisticated machine for an accomplished bike-handler with a good pair of legs who wants a durable, great-handling bicycle that can play for a week at Whistler, and then explore the outer reaches of Arizona's National Trail. The FXR rider doesn't mind taking the hard way up--because he is looking forward to taking the hard way down.