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The route to the summit can also be conquered with your own muscle power on an all-mountain bike, but those who opt for this category want to enjoy the descent above all else. A versatile, adjustable chassis with up to 150 millimetres of suspension travel, wide tyres (up to 2.6 inches), a powerful braking system (often even with four pistons per brake calliper) and a telescopic seat post are standard features in this category. Bumpy Lake Garda trails or smaller drops and jumps are much easier to master on an all-mountain bike than on a trail bike. However, the downhill-orientated design of the bikes puts pressure on the scales. The high total weight of up to 14 kilos does not rule out touring, but it does sap your strength, especially on long rides. If you are mainly travelling on undulating terrain or in low mountain ranges, you will usually be happier with a trail bike. Bikers with poor riding technique or a fear of downhill riding will find that an all-mountain gives them a lot of confidence on the trail.
PRICE Good models from 2500 euros
WEIGHT 12.5 to 14 kilos (without pedals)
FEDERWEG 130 to 150 millimetres
AREA OF APPLICATION Challenging trails, flow trails, trail centres, easy bike park use, technical tours in the Alps
YT Jeffsy 29 AL
Toughly calculated and yet with the all-rounder gene. The YT Jeffsy costs just € 2300 and yet it completely convinced us in our all-mountain duel in BIKE 12/17. With its large 29er wheels and the good kinematics of the rear triangle, the Jeffsy finds its way even in rough terrain without grumbling. Fast cornering is intuitive despite the large wheels. Only very few manufacturers offer this level of equipment and weight at this price, and even a dropper post is included ex works. On climbs, the rear end can be stabilised by the platform of the shock. However, the bike does have one disadvantage. There are no specialist dealers. If you opt for it, you have to order online and carry out minor repairs yourself.
Price 2299 Euro
Weight 13.94 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 12/17
Judgement very good/ 177 points
Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 Pro
For 2018, Canyon has given its all-mountain classic a completely revised frame. In terms of geometry, the Spectral relies on the tried-and-tested data of its predecessor, but is now more detailed. An integrated seat clamp, double-sealed rear triangle bearings and a clever cable routing are particularly appealing to design enthusiasts. On the trail, the wide 2.6 tyres and the extremely well-functioning suspension exude so much confidence that the bike can even keep up with enduro bikes on descents. We tested a more expensive model in BIKE 2/18, which also showed no deficits on the climbs. However, the 1000 euro cheaper 9.0 Pro version also has a carbon main frame and weighs just 13.1 kilos according to the manufacturer.
Price 3999 Euro
Weight *13.1 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 2/18 - Reorder booklet
Judgement* super / 206.5 points
*The Spectral CF 9.0 SL was tested
Scott Genius 920
The trump card of the Scott Genius: low overall weight and good rolling 29er tyres. With these characteristics, the Genius 900 Tuned (more expensive version) secured the test victory in our system comparison in BIKE 10/17. 2.6 inch wide Nobby Nic tyres and 150 millimetres of travel mean that even the cheaper version can take on many an enduro bike on the descents. The 65 degree steering angle ensures a smooth ride on rough terrain. Sporty riders will particularly appreciate the Twinlock lever on the handlebars, which can be used to lock out the entire suspension. A real all-rounder for technical tours on your doorstep or in the Alps.
Price 4499 Euro >> e.g. available here
Weight 13.24 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 10/17
Judgement* super / 206.5 points
*The Genius 900 Tuned was tested
Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70
The guys from the North Shore coast know how to build good bikes. The Instinct has lightweight 29er wheels and is therefore a sporty but overall balanced all-mountain bike. With good propulsion and excellent climbing characteristics, it is also great fun on extended tours. But the most important thing for a Canadian bike company is riding fun on single trails. And that's exactly where the Instinct, with its 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel, really comes into its own. Successful geometry and excellent suspension guarantee fun off-road. The same bike is available with fat plus tyres under the name Pipeline. However, the Instinct narrowly won the duel in BIKE 3/18.
Price 5800 Euro
Weight 12.36 kilos without pedals
Tested in BIKE 3/18 - Reorder booklet
Judgement very good / 200 points
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 4/2018 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
