Low overall weight isn't everything," I grin to myself and scribble down my driving impressions from the last test lap in my notepad. My colleague Peter demurs: "For me, yes. Less weight extends the range of use and that's the decisive factor for this category." Rarely have our opinions differed so widely in an all-mountain test. Up to now, we have always been able to quickly make clear judgements about the handling of the bikes on the test tracks on the southern slopes around Latsch. However, the fact that there is a trail bike among the six all-mountain bikes today puts our judgement to the test.
We tested these bikes:
Why trail bikes are perhaps the better all-mountain bikes?
Why are we comparing apples and oranges, some of you will probably be asking yourself, and not without good reason. Quite simply, all-mountain bikes are actually defined by their enormously wide range of uses. They are designed to go over all mountains - even the name says it all. You work your way uphill using your own muscle power. Even technical climbs in the mountains are in the requirement profile. This places rigorous demands on the endurance of the rider and the propulsion of the bikes. Conversely, all-mountain bikes also have to be able to cope with very technical alpine trails downhill. Strong downhill performance but still easy to pedal - that sums up the core competences of this type of mountain bike. However, these all-round qualities are being pushed further and further into the background. In favour of downhill qualities, the stanchions of the forks are getting bigger and bigger. Rims are getting wider and tyres are becoming more puncture-resistant. The result: in the entry-level segment, all-mountain bikes are increasingly cracking the 16-kilo mark. So it's no wonder that you hardly ever get lost on these bikes in mountain bike areas without gondola or shuttle services. Because there is often no trace of all-round qualities.
With prices of around 5000 euros, the candidates in this test field already belong to the upper middle class. The weights here are between 14.1 and 15 kilos without pedals. That may sound quite reasonable, but it doesn't really inspire any great anticipation for day trips full of altitude metres. So the question arises: Would a lighter trail bike perhaps be the better alternative for this area of use? To find out, this comparison includes a trail bike that has been heavily laden with BIKE test wins: the Canyon Neuron. With 140 millimetres of travel, it has slightly less travel than its competitors, which compete with 150 or 160 mm forks. It rolls on 29-inch wheels and weighs just 12.82 kilos without pedals. In terms of price, the 4999 euro Neuron is on a par with the competition. Is this combination perhaps the new secret formula for uncompromising all-mountain fun?
Trail bike vs. all-mountain bike: the practical test
A little sceptical, I clamp the Canyon under my bum for the next test lap. A few turns of the pedals and the uphill to the start of the Propain trail already reveals big differences. Although the high-propulsion competitors from Scott, Cube and Propain were able to fully convince us when pedalling, the Canyon goes one better. No increase in speed seems too much, no climb too long. In addition to its comparatively low overall weight, the Neuron owes this to the Schwalbe tyre combination with its fast Speedgrip rubber compound at the front and rear. But the Canyon also masters tricky climbs off the beaten track with unrivalled ease. Thanks to the steep seat angle, you always stay in control. The ingenious rear suspension system offers traction en masse without bobbing. In short: the trail bike beats the all-mountain bikes uphill. At the top, however, the Neuron's leading position begins to falter after the first rocky section. The suspension does a great job despite the shorter suspension travel. In terms of handling, however, the candidate has to let the All Mountains go. The shortest wheelbase and steepest steering angle limit the smoothness of the trail bike. Key sections, steep sections or full throttle passages on the Canyon require more physical effort and riding skills. The narrow cockpit and narrow tyres also noticeably inhibit the Neuron's descending qualities. The downhill specialists from Vitus, Trek and Scott therefore play in a much higher league downhill.
Back at the test base, my opinion has been confirmed: For me, an all-mountain bike still has to be able to cope with the most demanding descents - even if I have to plan a little more time or burn off energy on the climbs. However, if you want to use your bike in a relaxed manner on tamer home trails, you should make concessions on the downhill. Just like my colleague Peter - after his test lap on the potent Trek, he would still prefer a trail bike to an all-mountain.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
In terms of riding performance, none of the bikes have any significant weaknesses. The differences in terms of equipment are all the greater. The idea of how well equipped a bike should be for around 5000 euros varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Vitus has put together a very attractive equipment package, and the Escarpe also impresses on the trail with its outstanding riding characteristics.
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Conspicuously inconspicuous - that's what makes a successful all-mountain bike. Extremes are out of place in this category. An all-mountain bike must do as much work as possible for the rider on long, demanding tours and offer comfort. The handling should be intuitive and not require advanced riding technique. In this test, Vitus, Scott and Trek fulfil these requirements best.
We noticed that:
Clever details, icing on the cake in terms of equipment or collective failure - these six things caught our eye during the test phase.
Test data and ratings at a glance:
Max Fuchs
Editor
