The 2005 Dakar XLT won our Editor's Choice award for Best Value Full-Suspension for its excellent shock and fork spec (FOX Float R and Vanilla R, respectively), and incredibly stout build. The XLT 2.0, which sells for $2,100 (vs. $1,550 for the XLT) is an even more versatile trail bike thanks to its highly adjustable suspension; the Manitou Swinger Air SPV 4-Way shock has platform vaving to reduce pedal-induced motion. Rebound speed and bottoming resistance can also be adjusted. The Minute 2:00 fork can telescope from 100mm to 130mm of travel, and rebound speed is adjustable here, too. The 2006 version of this bike has an even more robust rear triangle, with reinforced chainstays at the dropouts as well as the seatstay junction.

Sadly, the '06 bike didn't get any lighter, but don't be discouraged: The Dakar 2.0 climbs with surprising efficiency. We credit Manitou's Swinger shock, which, once properly set up, didn't budge a millimeter while we sat and spun out 45-minute climbs.

On descents, the Dakar XLT 2.0 is solid and predictable--the faster you bomb, the more confidence you'll gain. The flip side: The 68.5-degree head angle can make for lazy-seeming steering on slow-speed singletrack. You can counter that effect by switching to narrower rubber and dropping the Minute 2:00 fork's travel down to 100mm. These adjustments won't transform the Dakar into a precision XC-racing tool, but so what? We found the Dakar tough enough to handle stair-step hucks, and nimble enough to parry the roots, rocks and tree limbs of all but the diciest single-track. And the spec is superb, too, with nary a no-name part in sight. To us, that all adds up to a winner.---Michael Frank