Why do the fins of cowfish rotate like propellers? Even such specialised knowledge can be answered on the internet in a fraction of a second. But when it comes to one question, even Google, Wikipedia and co. are at a loss: What the hell are these trail bikes?
You can find these trail bikes and all-mountain bikes in the test:
- Bergamont Contrail 7.0
- Canyon Neuron AL 9.9
- Giant Anthem 2
- Kona Hei Hei 29
- Radon Skeen Trail 10.0 29
- Scott Spark 945 (BIKE TIP: Specialist retailers)
- Transalp Signature II X12 Trail 1.0 (BIKE TIP: Test winner)
- Commencal Meta TR V 4.2 Essential (All Mountain)
- Stevens Whaka 27.5 (All Mountain)
Once again, it's typical: everyone talks about the hype surrounding the "cool new trail bikes", but the industry fails to provide a precise definition. What is described as a trail bike in one catalogue is already an enduro bike for other manufacturers. Even after extensive research, the category can only be vaguely categorised between enduro and marathon fully - between potent downhill bikes with 160 to 170 millimetres of travel and racing bikes with tight 100 millimetre suspension. But isn't that where all-mountain bikes actually belong?
That's true, but due to the ever finer gradations in the manufacturers' product ranges, all-mountain bikes, previously also known as touring bikes, were split into two categories: All Mountain Plus, with suspension travel of up to 150 millimetres, is aimed at bikers who want to have fun on tours, especially downhill. All Mountain Sport, with slightly less suspension travel, catered for bikers who were just looking for a little more comfort on longer tours. What until two years ago was known as All Mountain Sport is now called Trailbike. Why? Firstly, because the name All Mountain Sport sounds more like an SUV in grey metallic. And secondly, because the requirements for this class have changed. Nowadays, trail bikes with 110 to 130 millimetres of suspension travel should be able to do much more than just pamper touring riders with a little comfort.
During the first exchange of blows between our eight test bikes, it immediately becomes clear where the journey is heading. Telescopic seatposts, wide handlebars and fat tyres are designed to provide comfort on long tours as well as fun on the descents. Apart from the fact that all the frames are made of aluminium for around 3000 euros, there are few other similarities in the test field. Five bikes climb even the steepest climbs with a double drivetrain and powerful range, while Scott, Transalp, Kona and Commencal with only one chainring require tighter calves. Sram's new 12-speed technology is not yet available in this price range, so you have to make do with 11 gears.
The manufacturers' opinions on the ideal size for trail bikes also differ when it comes to wheels. In our test field, there are almost as many 27.5-inch wheels as 29ers. However, no manufacturer wanted to send us bikes with 2.6 to 3.0 inch wide plus-size tyres for comparison. The fact that Stevens and Commencal would push the average weight of the test group up to 13.5 kilos (without pedals) was already clear when we placed our order. The two more downhill-orientated bikes were intended to illustrate the comparison between trail and all-mountain bikes. The Commencal with 140 millimetres of suspension travel enters the race as a border crosser between these categories. The Stevens with 150 millimetres of travel challenges the trail bikes as a true all-mountain. The crucial question is: Is the extra weight that comes with the slightly more generous suspension travel worth it? Or will the potent trail bikes make the all-mountain category superfluous?
The difference between the two categories becomes immediately clear on the first climb. With sporty bikes such as Scott or Transalp, your own forward momentum can hardly be slowed down. Drive-neutral suspension and low weight make the ascent to the summit a pleasure. With the two All Mountains, you have a lot more work to do on the way to the trail entrance. At 14.8 kilos, the Stevens is 1.5 kilos heavier than the Canyon, the lightest bike in the test group. The slightly more upright riding position on the Commencal and Stevens makes it more tempting to stroll uphill. At least on the climbs, the bikes do their roles justice. Downhill, one bike surprises all the more...
Our test route winds its way down into the valley between dense spruce trees for around 160 metres. Cross roots, small berms and steep edges demand a lot from the bikes. At least for the trail bikes. The challenge is much less for the two all-mountain bikes. With Stevens and Commencal, you can casually sprint through the loose forest floor and even use some of the off-road edges as jumps. The extra suspension travel gives the rider so much more confidence on the trail that even Scott, Canyon, Kona, Bergamont and Radon can't keep up with their 29-inch wheels. Although the Radon Skeen Trail has a harmonious geometry, the cheap and, above all, too narrow tyres offer little grip on singletrack. In addition, the rear suspension on our test bike hit the seat tube when fully compressed - an isolated case according to the manufacturer (see page 2). Only the Transalp Signature, with its high-quality suspension, grippy 2.4 tyres and successful geometry, can hold its own against the all-mountain bikes. Although the bike doesn't even offer 130 millimetres of suspension travel, it weaves through the single trails as nimbly as a cowfish through the Pacific. In the twisty sections, it even rides much more actively than the somewhat sluggish bikes with more suspension travel. The Transalp breaks with the hierarchies between the categories and takes an undisputed test victory with flawless performance on climbs and singletrails. By the way, you can only buy the test winner online. Just enter it into Google. The Internet is guaranteed to spit out the right address in seconds.
Conclusion from Ludwig Döhl BIKE editor:
Formerly "All Mountain Sport", now "Trailbike". Even though the mountain bikes in this category are now more downhill orientated, they can't quite keep up with the long-travel all-mountain bikes on the descents. Only the Transalp manages to fully convince on single trails with less suspension travel. Scott and Canyon set the benchmark on the climbs. Both bike categories still have their justification.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2017 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Problem with the test:
Aluminium frames have certain tolerances in production. On our Radon Skeen test bike, this led to problems with the rear triangle. Radon rectified this with a new bike.
On our Radon Skeen 29 test bike, the rear triangle hit the seat tube when fully compressed (top). After consultation, the manufacturer provided us with another test bike without this defect (bottom). Radon assured us that this was an isolated case. Extensive research in various online forums and with Radon customers also gave no indication of a series problem. Points were deducted in the quality/workmanship category for the rear triangle hitting the actual test bike. Beyond this shortcoming, the first test bike delivered a very good performance on the trail.
Lars Wiegand, Radon Bikes: "We have sold the Skeen Trail many times and all customers are happy with it. The issue with the rear triangle on the test bike was an absolutely unique case that we have never had before. In such cases, we naturally make improvements."
DETAILS ON THE TEST BIKES
The differences between the individual MTB models are often very small, which is why it is worth taking a look at the details.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2017 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the issue in the DK shop reorder:
