Reaching the mountaintop is much easier

My mountain-biking friends and I didn’t need cutting-edge technology to enjoy the scenic vistas of Black Star Canyon in Orange County’s Santa Ana Mountains last weekend. But as we swapped test bikes featuring some of the most striking technical innovations in years, our favorite 28-mile trek seemed faster, easier and more comfortable. Here are four new dual-suspension aluminum mountain bikes that may improve your ride.

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A smart design

Specialized S-Works Enduro FSR: Features complex rear shock called “the Brain” that claims to eliminate the tendency of most suspension bikes to bob up and down from hard pedaling -- let alone when you hit a bump.

Likes: Cushy shocks smooth rough descents. You can adjust the front shock’s firmness as you ride. Top-end Shimano disc brakes and drive train. Weight: 27 pounds.

Dislikes: None

Price: $4,880 (lower-end Enduros with the “Brain” start at $1,950). (800) 245-3462; www.specialized.com.

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A smooth ride when the road isn’t

Santa Cruz Blur: Features a multi-link suspension frame called “VPP” that also claims to eliminate the inefficient bob.

Likes: Best all-around ride of the bikes tested. Exceedingly smooth and solid on rocky descents. Little, if any, bobbing. Great uphill traction. Plush shock absorption. Weight: 25 pounds

Dislikes: None

Price: $2,300 to $4,500, depending on component group. (831) 459-7560; www.santacruzbicycles.com.

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Helps you operate like a pro

Cannondale Scalpel: Features “soft-tail” rear suspension that resembles a conventional “hard-tail” (nonsuspension) frame but has flexible carbon seat stays to absorb shock.

Likes: Great for racing and climbing. One-legged “Lefty” fork absorbs big hits well and is more stable than dual-leg forks. Handlebar lockout switches instantly cancel front and rear suspension. Simple rear design minimizes bobbing and has fewer pivot points to wear out than standard dual suspensions. Weight: 24 pounds.

Dislikes: Harsher downhill ride than the other bikes tested.

Price: $1,999 to $4,499. (800) 245-3872; www.cannondale.com.

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Innovative transmission

Jeep Rubicon: Features “two-wheel drive” -- the first bike transmission in which pedaling turns both wheels, not just the rear.

Likes: Added traction on climbs. Faster speeds on flat-to-shallow-angled roads and trails. Handlebar switches let you instantly disengage the front-wheel-drive mechanism and lock out the rear shock for efficient climbing.

Dislikes: At 35 pounds, this bike is heavy, and that may hamper its performance on steep climbs. Noisy front wheel.

Price: $3,000; (877) 533-7245; www.jeep bikes.com.

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-- Roy M. Wallack