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In the animal kingdom, we speak of mimicry when it comes to pretending. To protect itself from predators, the hoverfly buzzes around in a wasp outfit, for example, or the anglerfish goes on a raid by casting its worm-like fishing rod. But what does mimicry have to do with mountain bikes? Well, there are some parallels to be discovered, especially in the all-mountain category. With a suspension travel of 150 millimetres, this category is actually clearly defined. But the faster trail bikes push from below, and the long-travel enduro bikes flex their muscles from above. Pressure from all sides. Some all-mountain bikes prefer to pretend to be a snappy trail bike or a beefy enduro bike to avoid getting caught up in the battle of the bike categories.
In order to find out how the current all-mountain vintage is doing and which bike goes where, we tested seven models with suspension travel of 135 to 160 millimetres. The candidates range in price from 4644 euros for the Propain Hugene to 5199 euros for the Bulls Wild Ronin. As the desired Specialized Stumpjumper Comp for 5000 euros was not available, we had to switch to the Pro model without further ado. However, at 9400 euros, this costs around twice as much, which is why it was only used as a reference in this test. In addition to the continuing poor availability of the bikes, the increased prices are a real problem that affects all bikers. Last year, we were still able to sell our All-mountain test field 2021 set a price limit of 4500 euros. A test group with comparable equipment costs up to 700 euros more this year.
You can download the complete comparison test of the 7 all-mountain bikes from BIKE 3/2022 as a PDF below the article. The test report costs 1.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.
You will find these 7 all-mountain bikes in the test
- Bulls Wild Ronin Team
- Focus Jam 8.9
- Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 2
- Koba Trailtool AM FS
- Propain Hugene
- Salsa Blackthorn
- Specialised Stumpjumper Pro
But back to the topic of mimicry and the focus of our seven test bikes. Depending on the manufacturer's intentions and the associated equipment, there are huge differences in the test field. The new Focus Jam, for example, with its impressive weight of 16 kilos and 164 millimetres of travel at the rear, marks the extreme in the enduro direction. The Blackthorn from the American cult brand Salsa is also strongly orientated towards enduro. The only bike in the test with an all-aluminium frame, the scales only stop at 15.7 kilos - although the frame is even lighter than that of the Focus. However, the choice of tyres on the Salsa is the most polarising: Maxxis tyres with a double-down casing were fitted at the front and rear, which weigh a good 1.3 kilos each and also have the stickiest and therefore slowest rubber compound. A setup that is on the solid side even in enduro use. However, as the Salsa is not available as a complete bike in Germany, there are numerous options for equipping the lightweight frame with alternative components and trimming the Blackthorn in a different direction.
In contrast to the Focus and Salsa, the Bulls Wild Ronin and the Koba Trailtool can easily pass as trail bikes with suspension travel reserves. The two models weigh a whole 2.6 and 2.1 kilos less respectively. On the flat pedalling sections and uphills in the Treuchtlingen trail park, they are worlds better on the throttle. The weight, wheel acceleration and faster tyres breathe agility into the bikes and encourage you to pick up the pace. Alongside the expensive reference bike from Specialized, the Bulls secured the Uphill classification.
The Giant Trance and the Propain Hugene hit the all-mountain category like a nail on the head. The Giant scores particularly well in the downhill category thanks to its potent suspension and stiff Fox 36 fork, while the Propain provides plenty of propulsion on the climbs with its firmer rear triangle.
If you want a suspension fork with 150 millimetres, you have to go for the Fox 36
As all-mountain bikes are defined as having around 150 millimetres of travel, a look at the suspension fork gives a clear indication of the orientation of the bike in question. This is because the realignment of the two leading manufacturers, Fox and Rockshox, has created a boundary in the all-mountain category. This is 140 millimetres of travel for the Fox 34 and 150 millimetres for the Rockshox Pike. Product managers who want to specify more travel have to reach for the next thicker casting. In other words, the Fox 36 or the Rockshox Lyrik. Our current test shows that the jump, at least with Fox, is 350 grams if you use a 34 instead of a 36. Focus, Giant and Salsa rely on heavier stanchions, while the rest are content with the lighter alternatives and 140 millimetres of travel.
Last but not least, the topic of usability is also becoming increasingly important for all-mountain bikes. Integrated storage compartments, attachment points for accessories or simply better ease of maintenance make everyday handling easier. Alongside trailblazer Specialized, which even includes a special hydration bladder for the storage compartment in the down tube, Focus is also focusing on the trend of using the down tube as a luggage compartment. Propain and Salsa have threaded mounts on the frame for the spare tube and a Co² cartridge, and Bulls even offers space for a second water bottle in the frame triangle.
Our test clearly shows: Not every all-mountain bike turns out to be one in the end. If you don't want to be fooled by the mimicry of certain bikes, you have to take a closer look. But after reading this guide, you should have all the tools you need to reliably unmask the hoverflies among the all-mountain bikes.
