A sneak peek at the best mountain bikes for 2015

So you have that gift certificate burning in your pocket or perhaps you are keeping your sanity through the winter by planning your summer biking excursions. Whatever the reason for some new wheels, we have what's on your wishlist after checking out all the new rigs at Outerbike, the annual gathering in the Moab desert where bike companies show off their latest and greatest toys.

The theme this year is 27.5-inch bikes, built to satisfy those who aren't big enough to handle 29ers but want something more than the old, standard 26-inch bike.

My personal take is if you are tall enough to handle a 29er and do most of your riding in alpine areas, stick with the 29er. But if you want something nifty or for technical riding, the 27.5 might be the way to go, no matter how tall you are.

Stuck in the middle? Well, get one of each! It's the holidays after all, and a new year of biking will soon be upon us!

Here is our annual lowdown on what we like in 2015:

Best in show...again

2015 S-Works WC • This Specialized bike is aptly named for anyone who wants to do some serious, endurance racing. Or, if you just like long rides and can afford it, this is for you.

If you can plunk down $11,000, then go for it — you won't be sorry as it is our pick for best in show on an almost annual basis.

The all-carbon frame and SRAM 1x11 gearing make for a smooth, light ride while the Brain shock and and 95 mm of travel can handle rough trails easily.

What I like about this bike is that eventhough it's built for cross country racing, you won't mind spending the day transversing some of the rougher trails in places such as Moab either.

Fear buyer's remorse? Not with this ride.

Best of the 27.5s

Durango Moonshine Enduro • Durango Bike Company, which is based out of the same town that bears the company's name, currently only sells direct, but it's definitely going to become a player on the bike scene with its American-made, affordable rides.

We tested the company's Moonshine Enduro race bike. It has 27.5-inch wheels but I felt like I was on more of a 29er, and that's a good thing. It rolled up hills easily and was smooth and quiet on the downs thanks to 160mm of travel.

Even at the end of the day this bike made me seek out some techy stuff and it was a blast.

The 1x11 gearing, Chris King Headset and Thomson carbon riser bars make it an eye-catching ride too.

You can get one outfitted for around $5,500. Definitely a bike to consider if you are in the market for an all-around great trail bike with a little more plushy ride than the cross country racers offer.

Pivot Mach 4 • Described as an evolution rather than a revolution in its fourth generation, the 2015 Pivot Mach 4 has only a few differences from past models. Pivot felt near perfection didn't need much of an overhaul.

The benefits of this bike are its snappy 27.5 inch wheels, which make it a great climber while maintaining the fun suspension on the downs that Pivot is known for producing.

Internal routing, the 1x11 gearing and dropper post make this bike a clean and sweet looking ride.

It weighs around 22-24 pounds and will hit you for about $7,000.

Other 27.5ers

Giant Anthem • Giant is well known for its solid bikes and the Anthem is no different. The carbon frame and 27.5-inch wheel make it a very responsive ride while a price tag of $5,575 makes it a good purchase for someone who plans to do mostly recreational rides, with some weekend races thrown in for good measure.

Ellsworth Absolute Truth

• The only thing that borders on being unwieldy with this bike is the name, everything else is short and fast.

This 27.5-inch bike features 2x10 gearing, weighs in around 26 pounds and has 120mm of rear travel but can accommodate a 130mm fork for those looking for more.

It can be had for as little as $3,400, but it feels more expensive.

GT Helion • With its 27.5 wheel, 110mm of travel and 1x11 gearing, it makes for a nice all-around trail bike. The smaller wheels make for good descending and at 26 pounds it's light enough to accelerate quickly. It's a very responsive bike — and with a price tag of $5,000 — it's a good buy.

Best of the 29ers

Epic Carbon Comp • If the S-Works isn't in the cards for you, but Specialized bikes fit you well (think long torso) then consider an Epic Carbon Comp. It is more affordable at $4,200, but still has all the nice components of the pricier rig such as the FOX/Specialized Brain shock, SRAM gearing and a carbon frame. It also has 100mm of travel, making it a solid bike for alpine trails and some of the techy desert riding you may encounter.

Trek Remedy 29er • Want to buy a bike from a big company but not sure which one is best? Take a look at what the company workers are riding. At Trek, the bike of the year is the Remedy 29er, I was told. A few pedal strokes into my ride and I could see why others stayed in the racks and this one was the play tool of choice.

Weighing around 27 pounds, this bike is fast on the flats, climbs well and is nimble on the downs. This Trek offers 140mm of suspension but is so responsive we hate to put it in the "enduro" category. Just consider it a fast cross country bike with a lot of give. With 1x11 gearing and can be had from $3,000 to $6,700, depending on the build.

Ibis Ripley • Priced around $5,500 for a solid setup, this 29er offers 120mm of travel but is still a fun, light bike. Ibis is known for its suspension platform, so with this bike riders get the best of both worlds, you get a bike that feels a bit more like a cross country racer, but gives a little more cushion. Want even more? The front is capable of handling a 140mm shock. Gearing is 2x10.

For bargain hunters

Orbea Rallon • For those wanting a good all-around bike with a 27.5 inch wheel base, the Orbea Rallon is hard to beat. It has 6-inches of travel with 2x10 gearing and can be had for around $3,300. It's heavier than the higher end models, checking around 30 pounds, but the heaviness there is a nice trade off for a lighter payment.

Fat Bike Fun • Fat bikes continue to gain in popularity for winter and summer play. If you are looking to add one to your collection, you won't go wrong with the Hooey made by Durango Bike Company. Like the others in the company's collection it is American made with top end parts. It has 130mm and 1x11 gearing. It weighs in around 30 pounds but feels more nimble.

At around $5,000, it's a tempting splurge buy.