The mountain bike of the 2013 season is more individualised than ever before. The reason for this is that there are now three wheel sizes, making it impossible to make a generalised purchase recommendation. In the past, it was possible to clearly state that bike X is the best race fully on the market, but today it is the case that the 29er bike from manufacturer Y may be perfect for tall riders, while medium-sized riders with a desire for lots of suspension travel are better off with a bike from company Z with 650B wheels. And if you only want to spend 1000 euros, it's best to stick with a 26-inch hardtail.
Dear readers, if you are about to buy a new bike, we have good news and bad news for you. The 2013 season offers an unprecedented selection of models, application areas, wheel sizes and price categories. But the good news is also the bad news: in theory, you can find the perfect bike for you. But the orientation and agonising over the choice is more complicated than ever - test riding is essential. Another piece of bad news is that prices are rising. Bikes will be between five and ten per cent more expensive in the coming season.
In this trade fair & test special, we have brought together the twelve most exciting new developments. Hardtails and fullys, 26-inch bikes, 650B bikes and many twentyniners. We have already chased a further eight top models across the Alps (Test Transalp bikes from BIKE 10/2012). We also show you more new products for the coming season on the first pages of the trade fair section.
You can find test results for these bikes in the PDF download:
- Cube Stereo SHPC 140 SLT
- Scott Genius 710
- Orbea Occam 29 S10
- Merida Big Ninety-Nine Pro XO
- Simplon Cirex 29 Pro
- Felt Edict Nine Ltd.
- Cannondale Trigger 1
- Kreidler Stud 29 Carbon Team
- Ghost AMR Lector E:I 2995
- Bulls Black Adder Team 29
- Rocky Mountain Altitude 750
