Bikes

Mountain bike

- Timo Waldschik tuned his Specialized S-Works Epic Worldcup to a total weight of 7.4 kilograms with the help of many special carbon parts.  
- The basis is a stripped S-Works frame size S, extremely light wheels without spoke holes and numerous tuning parts from Hopp, Gemini and Giocarbonio.  
- Despite the new parts, the price remains below the RRP of the 8.3-kilo Epic 9 LTD according to Timo; further weight reduction would only be possible with off-road restrictions.

Specialized-Fully in lightweight trim: BIKE reader bike with 7.4 kilos

- Specialized Vado 3 X: full-suspension SUV e-bike with 130/120 mm travel, 27.5" wheels and a highly integrated, smart system
- New 3.1 motor delivers up to 810 W, 105 Nm, 840 Wh battery, quick-charging option and should offer a harmonious riding experience for touring
- Prices from 5599 to 8399 euros, lots of features including radar, tracking and handlebar display, but high weight (top model 32 kg) and complex maintenance

Vado 3 X SUV e-bike: Specialized presents test winner successor

- New four-link rear suspension with adapted kinematics provides more traction, comfort and reduces the frame weight by 300 g.
- 130 mm rear and 140 mm front suspension travel, total weight from 13.2 kg, clearly positioned as a trail bike instead of an XC bike.
- Frame now made entirely of high-quality CC carbon, six sizes XS-XXL, revised glovebox and flip chip for geometry customisation.

Santa Cruz Tallboy 2026: Nimble trail bike - slimmed down, bored out, rethought

- In May, various MTB products are reduced, sometimes significantly compared to RRP, but often only available in limited sizes and quantities.  
- Offers include Reverse Escape Pro pedals, RockShox ZEB suspension fork, Rocky Mountain Instinct C70, lock, goggles and helmet.  
- The editorial team predominantly rates the parts as solid or well equipped; helmet and bike purchases remain dependent on size and fit.

May bargains for mountain bikers: bargains for trail raiders and those who want to become one!

- Specialized has grown from Mike Sinyard's hippie one-man business to a globally significant bike manufacturer with cult status and a pioneering role in MTB.
- At the Morgan Hill site, prototypes are created using CNC, 3D printing and the Ride Dynamics department, which are developed for professional riders such as Loic Bruni.
- An in-house, solar-powered wind tunnel laboratory optimises the aerodynamics and ventilation of athletes' positions and all Specialized helmets.

At home with Specialized: A home visit to the Californian headquarters

- The Canyon Spectral CF 9 proves to be a versatile all-rounder in the endurance test, climbing efficiently uphill and offering a smooth ride downhill.  
- Points of criticism are too long brake lines, tubing instead of tubeless, problems with Sram Code brakes, squeaky rear triangle and loose spokes.  
- Its strengths lie in long days in the saddle, moderate trails and tours; the poppy suspension reaches its limits on very hard, fast enduro sections.

Endurance test damage balance: How much of a beating can the Canyon Spectral CF 9 take in the test?

ALL MOUNTAIN Bikes

- Lightweight, 12.4 kg Last Asco impresses in the endurance test with efficient climbing ability and agile, yet confident handling on trails.
- Suspension with 140/130 mm travel offers plenty of traction and reserves, masters alpine tours, road trips and demanding downhills up to World Cup tracks.
- The frame and bearings remain low-wear despite heavy loads; points of criticism include defective Formula brakes, outdated GX drivetrain and rapid XTR wear.

Dauertest-Report Last Asco: The joys of a lightweight trail bike

- True BC launches the pre-sale of the carbon trail frame Knuth, hand-laminated in Germany, with 130/135 mm rear suspension travel and high-pivot rear triangle.  
- The frame costs from 3499 euros including shock and Eightpins seatpost in the presale; with carbon Ultimate wheels, savings of up to 2000 euros are possible.  
- Delivery time is approx. 6-10 weeks (size M) or 10-14 weeks (L); production of size L depends on at least 15 paid pre-orders.

Highpivot trail bike made in Germany: The True BC Knuth frame is now available for pre-order

- Bosch is strengthening its CX/CX-R motors (up to 120 Nm, 600% support) with Performance Upgrade 2.0 and is introducing a 12A fast charger plus an open interface.
- The focus is on lightweight, technically orientated e-MTBs with Maxon and Avinox motors, plenty of suspension travel, carbon frames and some limited high-end models.
- Several brands are launching price-conscious E-MTBs with Bosch or Mahle (Radon, Raymon, HoheAcht) with permanently integrated batteries, range extender options and trail orientation.

E-bike highlights from Riva: New e-MTBs and motors from the bike festival

TRAIL BIKES

- Altitude Powerplay 3: new E-Enduro with Dyname S4 Pro (108 Nm, up to 1000 W), 720 Wh battery, optional 314 Wh range extender, 170/160 mm travel.  
- New LC2R suspension with one-piece swingarm is designed to offer traction, comfort, pedalling efficiency, a low centre of gravity and high rigidity off-road.  
- Three models (A30, A50, C70) with aluminium or carbon frame, 29-inch or mullet, from 5499 to 9499 euros, expected to be available from 12 May.

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3: Power enduro meets riding fun

- On show are 15 exotic mountain bikes from small labels, from downcountry hardtails to freeride full-suspension bikes with up to 200 mm of travel.
- Many of the frames are handmade, offer custom geometry, paintwork or customisation and use materials such as steel, titanium, carbon or CNC aluminium.
- The models rely on special solutions such as high pivot, rising pivot or Kolarp rear triangles, Pinion gears, belt drive and adjustable geometry.

From Aper to Zoceli: Which of these 15 exotic bike brands do you know?

- Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Icon: limited edition E-MTB with stealth air carbon frame, forward geometry and zero suspension system for balanced handling.  
- Bosch Performance Line CX-R Gen5 with Performance Upgrade 2.0 delivers up to 120 Nm torque, 600 % support and is powered by an 800 Wh battery.  
- High-end equipment with Öhlins suspension, DT Swiss Hybrid HXC 1200 carbon wheels, Trickstuff Maxima brakes, SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type; price €12,999.

Exclusive E-MTB for the anniversary: Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Icon

ENDURO Bikes

- Lightweight, robust aluminium frame with modern but easily controllable geometry; versatile for everyday use, touring, trail and bikepacking.  
- High-quality equipment with Fox 32 Rhythm, Shimano 12-speed drivetrain, SLX disc brakes, dropper post and mounting points for luggage, mudguards and bags.  
- Balanced handling: efficient uphill, safe and predictable downhill; weaknesses on loose ground due to tyres and less playful handling.

Canyon Grand Canyon AL 8: Versatile hardtail with sporty aspirations

- All three dirt bikes tested offer 100 mm suspension travel, 26" wheels, single speed and are very similar in terms of weight and riding characteristics.  
- Canyon scores with light, agile handling and very good value for money, but requires a steady hand at high speeds.  
- Merida is the most convincing overall with its balanced handling and rider integration, but is significantly more expensive than Canyon and Rose.

Dirt bikes from Canyon, Merida and Rose: Three fun machines in the pump track test

- New Canyon Stitched 360 CLLCTV: revised aluminium frame, adapted geometry, high stability, suitable for dirt, street, pump track, skate park.  
- High-quality equipment with DT Swiss wheels and RockShox Pike DJ, but weak, squeaky brake combo with moderate power.  
- Very agile, light-footed handling ideal for experienced riders and tricks; less forgiving for beginners, but good value for money.

Canyon Stiched 360 CLCCTV on test: professional dirt bike for the pump track

HARDTAIL Bikes

- New BMC Twostroke 01: modern hardtail with Fourstroke-inspired geometry, for XC racing, bikepacking and demanding gravel use.
- Extended reach, 66.5° head angle, steeper 76° seat angle and 425 mm chainstays are designed to combine stability, climbing efficiency and agility.
- Carbon frame approx. 920 g (M, incl. hardware), TCC-Flex, 2.4" tyre clearance, UDH, BSA bottom bracket, internal cables and bikepacking approval increase speed and comfort.

The new BMC Twostroke 01: Swiss precision hardtail for racing and gravel

- Three niche brands - Päsillä, Radical and Sklar - offer exotic hardtail MTBs with steel and titanium frames in small series.
- Päsillä Juntu: Downcountry/trail hardtail made of titanium with modern geometry, 120-130 mm suspension fork and variable wheel sizes.
- Radical Chilli Dog and Sklar Tall Tale: Titanium enduro and steel trail hardtail with flat steering angles and designed for agile riding characteristics.

3 exotic hardtails: ever heard of Päsillä, Radical or Sklar?

- New Salsa Spearfish C DLX carbon frameset 2026 with Split Pivot suspension, 100-120 mm rear suspension travel, flip chip and 2.55 kg weight (size M).
- Endurance XC geometry with 66.3/66.0° head angle, 77.3/77.0° seat angle, 430-431.2 mm chainstays and adjustable bottom bracket height by 5 mm.
- Equipment: Fox Float SL Factory shock, FSA Orbit headset, BB92, SRAM UDH, 29" wheels up to 2.4", internal dropper cables, price 3499 US dollars.

With Split Pivot suspension: Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

- Lux World Cup CFR offers an extremely light carbon frame and top equipment for a comparatively favourable 7499 euros, including power meter and GPS mount.
- Suspension with anti-squat flip chip is drive-neutral, powerful on climbs and sporty and firm, with a more linear characteristic curve and better usable suspension travel.
- The geometry is flat and smooth downhill, but requires experienced riders; points of criticism are the low cockpit, limited Vario stroke and narrow tyre limits.

Brand new and already on the test bench: the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR in a speed test

- New Canyon Lux World Cup CFR: more travel, slacker geometry, anti-squat flip chip and weight reduction for more confidence and efficiency.
- Carbon frames from 1480 g, complete bikes from 9.82 kg, all models with identical frames, prices between 3999 and 7999 euros.
- Geometry update with 66° steering angle, steeper seat angle, optimised kinematics and more accessible screws for easy servicing during racing.

Back to the top of the XC world: the new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR

Cross Country Bikes

- Rose Bruce 2 remains a versatile dirt bike with safe, agile handling and a good compromise between smoothness and manoeuvrability.  
- Compared to its predecessor: simpler suspension fork, average wheels and therefore weaker price-performance ratio.  
- Single-speed drivetrain with adapter kit causes potential durability problems and banging noises, which can disrupt the flow of the ride.

Rose Bruce 2 pump track test: test-winning dirt bike in a new guise

- 6061 aluminium frame, EFBE Cat. 5 approved, two sizes, strong equipment with Pike DJ and DT Swiss wheels, price 1999 Euro
- On the pump track, balanced mix of smoothness and agility, central riding position, wide range of use from dirtline to skate park
- Criticism of high price, some dirtbike-untypical parts such as flat handlebars, seat post and bottle cage mount, coolness factor debatable

Merida Dirt 700 pump track test: high-end dirt bike with bottle cage

- Hand-built steel enduro bike from Great Britain with 165 mm rear and up to 200 mm front suspension travel, designed for demanding descents.  
- Customisable geometry and kinematics via flip chips and interchangeable dropouts, 29" or mullet configuration, approx. 18 kg system weight.  
- Use of durable steel and stainless steel tubes, large IS41 main bearing, lifetime warranty, frame price from 4000 GBP, custom paint finish possible.

Steel Enduro Ra Bikes Bergsra: Born in the British Highlands

Downhill bikes | Freeride bikes

Fully, hardtail or E-MTB? Find your perfect mountain bike! The best models from CUBE to KTM in the test. Incl. buying advice for women, children.

Mountain bike test & buying advice | Hardtail, Fully, E-MTB in comparison

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Mountain bike test & buying advice | Hardtail, Fully, E-MTB in comparison

Specialized-Fully in lightweight trim
BIKE reader bike with 7.4 kilos

Vado 3 X SUV e-bike
Specialized presents test winner successor

Santa Cruz Tallboy 2026
Nimble trail bike - slimmed down, bored out, rethought

ALL MOUNTAIN Bikes

May bargains for mountain bikers
Bargains for trail raiders and those who want to become one!

At home with Specialized
A home visit to the Californian headquarters

Endurance test damage balance
How much of a beating can the Canyon Spectral CF 9 take in the test?

TRAIL BIKES

Dauertest-Report Last Asco
The joys of a lightweight trail bike

Highpivot trail bike made in Germany
The True BC Knuth frame is now available for pre-order

E-bike highlights from Riva
New e-MTBs and motors from the bike festival

ENDURO Bikes

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3
Power enduro meets riding fun

From Aper to Zoceli
Which of these 15 exotic bike brands do you know?

Exclusive E-MTB for the anniversary
Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Icon

HARDTAIL Bikes

Canyon Grand Canyon AL 8
Versatile hardtail with sporty aspirations

Dirt bikes from Canyon, Merida and Rose
Three fun machines in the pump track test

Canyon Stiched 360 CLCCTV on test
Professional dirt bike for the pump track

The new BMC Twostroke 01
Swiss precision hardtail for racing and gravel

3 exotic hardtails
Ever heard of Päsillä, Radical or Sklar?

Cross Country Bikes

With Split Pivot suspension
Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

Brand new and already on the test bench
The Canyon Lux World Cup CFR in a speed test

Back to the top of the XC world
The new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR

Downhill bikes | Freeride bikes

Rose Bruce 2 pump track test
Test-winning dirt bike in a new guise

Merida Dirt 700 pump track test
High-end dirt bike with bottle cage

Steel Enduro Ra Bikes Bergsra
Born in the British Highlands

Mountain bike test & buying advice | Hardtail, Fully, E-MTB in comparison

Specialized-Fully in lightweight trimBIKE reader bike with 7.4 kilos

Vado 3 X SUV e-bikeSpecialized presents test winner successor

Santa Cruz Tallboy 2026Nimble trail bike - slimmed down, bored out, rethought

ALL MOUNTAIN Bikes

May bargains for mountain bikersBargains for trail raiders and those who want to become one!

At home with SpecializedA home visit to the Californian headquarters

Endurance test damage balanceHow much of a beating can the Canyon Spectral CF 9 take in the test?

TRAIL BIKES

Dauertest-Report Last AscoThe joys of a lightweight trail bike

Highpivot trail bike made in GermanyThe True BC Knuth frame is now available for pre-order

E-bike highlights from RivaNew e-MTBs and motors from the bike festival

ENDURO Bikes

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3Power enduro meets riding fun

From Aper to ZoceliWhich of these 15 exotic bike brands do you know?

Exclusive E-MTB for the anniversaryMondraker Crafty Unlimited Icon

HARDTAIL Bikes

Canyon Grand Canyon AL 8Versatile hardtail with sporty aspirations

Dirt bikes from Canyon, Merida and RoseThree fun machines in the pump track test

Canyon Stiched 360 CLCCTV on testProfessional dirt bike for the pump track

The new BMC Twostroke 01Swiss precision hardtail for racing and gravel

3 exotic hardtailsEver heard of Päsillä, Radical or Sklar?

Cross Country Bikes

With Split Pivot suspensionSalsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

Brand new and already on the test benchThe Canyon Lux World Cup CFR in a speed test

Back to the top of the XC worldThe new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR

Downhill bikes | Freeride bikes

Rose Bruce 2 pump track testTest-winning dirt bike in a new guise

Merida Dirt 700 pump track testHigh-end dirt bike with bottle cage

Steel Enduro Ra Bikes BergsraBorn in the British Highlands

Specialized-Fully in lightweight trim
BIKE reader bike with 7.4 kilos

Vado 3 X SUV e-bike
Specialized presents test winner successor

Santa Cruz Tallboy 2026
Nimble trail bike - slimmed down, bored out, rethought

May bargains for mountain bikers
Bargains for trail raiders and those who want to become one!

At home with Specialized
A home visit to the Californian headquarters

Endurance test damage balance
How much of a beating can the Canyon Spectral CF 9 take in the test?

Dauertest-Report Last Asco
The joys of a lightweight trail bike

Highpivot trail bike made in Germany
The True BC Knuth frame is now available for pre-order

E-bike highlights from Riva
New e-MTBs and motors from the bike festival

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3
Power enduro meets riding fun

From Aper to Zoceli
Which of these 15 exotic bike brands do you know?

Exclusive E-MTB for the anniversary
Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Icon

Canyon Grand Canyon AL 8
Versatile hardtail with sporty aspirations

Dirt bikes from Canyon, Merida and Rose
Three fun machines in the pump track test

Canyon Stiched 360 CLCCTV on test
Professional dirt bike for the pump track

The new BMC Twostroke 01
Swiss precision hardtail for racing and gravel

3 exotic hardtails
Ever heard of Päsillä, Radical or Sklar?

With Split Pivot suspension
Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

Brand new and already on the test bench
The Canyon Lux World Cup CFR in a speed test

Back to the top of the XC world
The new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR

Rose Bruce 2 pump track test
Test-winning dirt bike in a new guise

Merida Dirt 700 pump track test
High-end dirt bike with bottle cage

Steel Enduro Ra Bikes Bergsra
Born in the British Highlands