Mountain bike

Cross Country Bikes

- Bjorn Riley, 24, a cross-country World Cup rider from Boulder, has lived in Austria since he was young and speaks fluent German.  
- Art and painting are an outlet and a source of total freedom for him; many of his dreams revolve around cycling.  
- He places great importance on style as a form of self-expression, admires riders such as Martin Vidaurre and Charlie Aldridge, and loves the Teocalli Trail.

An interview with Bjorn Riley: “I haven’t given up on a single dream yet”

- 32-inch wheels are gaining ground in the MTB and gravel sectors, with several manufacturers showcasing prototypes and models that are almost ready for production.
- KTM, Megamo and Dirtysixer are developing 32-inch full-suspension bikes for marathon, cross-country and taller riders, some with adapted suspension and hub standards.
- Avona, Megamo, Berria and Forestal are presenting 32-inch gravel bikes with aero features; Scott’s successful RC Gravel 32 remains officially a prototype.

32-inch hype: the giant bikes from the festival

- 32-inch wheels are set to go into mass production; the first bikes from Avona and Megamo, along with matching tyres and wheels, are in the pipeline.  
- At trade fairs and in races, the hype surrounding 32-inch wheels is overshadowing other innovations; critics see it primarily as a marketing ploy, whilst supporters point to clear riding advantages.  
- Race victories in major gravel and MTB marathon events are fuelling the trend; by 2027, 32-inch bikes are expected to have moved well beyond being a niche product.

Sea Otter Europe: Is 32 inches on the verge of a breakthrough?

- Various XC full-suspension bikes costing under 4,000 euros offer beginners a more affordable alternative to professional bikes costing over 10,000 euros.
- Entry-level models often feature carbon frames, but make savings on the suspension, components, tyre width and, in some cases, modern geometry.
- Affordable XC bikes provide a solid foundation for training and first races, but are less likely to secure a podium finish compared to high-end models.

10 Affordable Cross-Country Bikes: World Cup-level performance, entry-level prices from 2,499 euros

- Pinarello is revamping its XC range with the Dogma XCR, Dogma XCT and more affordable XC models starting at 6,500 euros.  
- The XCR remains race-oriented with RockShox suspension and a partially electronic Flight Attendant system, whilst the XCT features a more versatile Fox setup and higher-profile tyres.  
- Frames made from Toray T900 carbon, 100/120 mm travel, modern geometry with a 68/67.5° head angle and short 427.5 mm chainstays.

The new Pinarello Dogma XCR, XCT and XC: the world champion’s bike for 15,000 euros

- The end of the season, full warehouses and model changes mean big discounts; the Scott Lumen 920 (model year 2025) is currently reduced by around 42 per cent.  
- This lightweight e-MTB features a TQ HPR50 motor (50 Nm, 300 W, 360 Wh), integrated suspension (140/130 mm), a carbon frame and weighs approximately 18.1 kg.  
- Suitable for sporty trail riders who need uphill assistance, but less so for touring riders prioritising range and high levels of motor assistance.

Clearance sale: The Scott Lumen 920 with a 42 per cent discount

- 32-inch wheels are becoming increasingly popular on gravel and mountain bikes, particularly amongst smaller manufacturers and frame builders.
- At least twelve brands already offer specialised 32-inch frames, ranging from hardtails and full-suspension bikes to e-MTBs and bikepacking bikes.
- Frames are available, but suitable suspension forks, wheelsets and tyres are scarce, expensive and sometimes require DIY solutions.

32 inches for early adopters: You can already buy these twelve 32-inch bikes

- S-Works Epic 9 Built for Legends LTD: 119 numbered XC bikes, 15,500 euros, 120 mm travel, S-Works FACT carbon, strictly limited edition.  
- Frame weight approx. 1,589 g (including shock), complete bike from 8.39 kg, approx. 206 g lighter than the Epic 8 with the same travel class.  
- Unique, hand-finished red and black paintwork; every bike is one of a kind; part of the “Built for Legends” collection following a successful racing season.

The Specialized Epic 9, priced at 15,500 euros: what’s the story behind this limited-edition race full-suspension bike?

- The Lux World Cup CFR and Lux Trail CF share lightweight carbon frames, a Flex-Pivot rear triangle, a tool mount and excellent value for money.  
- The Lux World Cup CFR is a modern, progressive race bike with a well-defined suspension setup, an anti-squat flip chip and plenty of reserves both uphill and downhill.  
- The Lux Trail CF is a lightweight, versatile downcountry trail bike with a storage compartment, extra frame protection and forgiving handling for less experienced riders.

Canyon Lux Trail or Lux World Cup?: Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the new Lux range

- In 2026, the market will be dominated by new 29-inch cross-country race bikes featuring 120 mm of suspension travel, modern geometry and a focus on low weight and performance.
- Technical trends include lightweight flex-pivot rear triangles, wireless technology for drivetrains and suspension, and, in some cases, frame storage compartments and tool mounts.
- Despite the emerging debate over 32-inch wheels, the author believes that current 29er race bikes are lighter, more versatile and perform better than ever before.

7 new cross-country bikes: XC in full swing

- Canyon is launching the Lux World Cup CFR Ltd, fitted with a RockShox Flight Attendant, for 6,999 euros as a comparatively affordable XC race bike with electric suspension.
- The carbon bike offers 120/110 mm of travel, modern geometry, a Flex-Pivot rear triangle with an anti-squat flip-chip and a comprehensive range of high-end components.
- The Flight Attendant system automatically controls the suspension via radio signal, optimises efficiency based on the rider’s performance, and is designed as a professional replica with a special paint finish.

New Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Ltd: Flight Attendant Pro Kit at a fair price

- New Wilier Urta Ultimate: XC full-suspension bike with 120/120 mm travel, updated geometry, central riding position and variable head angle configuration  
- Revised kinematics with a linear rear triangle, optimised anti-squat and compatibility with electronic suspension systems such as Fox Live Valve and Flight Attendant  
- Models ranging from 7,500 to 13,900 euros, various suspension and drivetrain combinations, and initial racing successes including championship titles and European Championship medals in XC and short-track events

Wilier Urta Ultimate: The new cross-country racer from Italy

Marathon mountain bikes at a glance: Who is a marathon bike suitable for? All information and current test reports

Marathon mountain bike - The most important information

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Marathon mountain bike - The most important information

An interview with Bjorn Riley
“I haven’t given up on a single dream yet”

32-inch hype
The giant bikes from the festival

Sea Otter Europe
Is 32 inches on the verge of a breakthrough?

10 Affordable Cross-Country Bikes
World Cup-level performance, entry-level prices from 2,499 euros

The new Pinarello Dogma XCR, XCT and XC
The world champion’s bike for 15,000 euros

Clearance sale
The Scott Lumen 920 with a 42 per cent discount

32 inches for early adopters
You can already buy these twelve 32-inch bikes

The Specialized Epic 9, priced at 15,500 euros
What’s the story behind this limited-edition race full-suspension bike?

Canyon Lux Trail or Lux World Cup?
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the new Lux range

7 new cross-country bikes
XC in full swing

New Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Ltd
Flight Attendant Pro Kit at a fair price

Wilier Urta Ultimate
The new cross-country racer from Italy

Marathon mountain bike - The most important information

An interview with Bjorn Riley“I haven’t given up on a single dream yet”

32-inch hypeThe giant bikes from the festival

Sea Otter EuropeIs 32 inches on the verge of a breakthrough?

10 Affordable Cross-Country BikesWorld Cup-level performance, entry-level prices from 2,499 euros

The new Pinarello Dogma XCR, XCT and XCThe world champion’s bike for 15,000 euros

Clearance saleThe Scott Lumen 920 with a 42 per cent discount

32 inches for early adoptersYou can already buy these twelve 32-inch bikes

The Specialized Epic 9, priced at 15,500 eurosWhat’s the story behind this limited-edition race full-suspension bike?

Canyon Lux Trail or Lux World Cup?Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the new Lux range

7 new cross-country bikesXC in full swing

New Canyon Lux World Cup CFR LtdFlight Attendant Pro Kit at a fair price

Wilier Urta UltimateThe new cross-country racer from Italy

An interview with Bjorn Riley
“I haven’t given up on a single dream yet”

32-inch hype
The giant bikes from the festival

Sea Otter Europe
Is 32 inches on the verge of a breakthrough?

10 Affordable Cross-Country Bikes
World Cup-level performance, entry-level prices from 2,499 euros

The new Pinarello Dogma XCR, XCT and XC
The world champion’s bike for 15,000 euros

Clearance sale
The Scott Lumen 920 with a 42 per cent discount

32 inches for early adopters
You can already buy these twelve 32-inch bikes

The Specialized Epic 9, priced at 15,500 euros
What’s the story behind this limited-edition race full-suspension bike?

Canyon Lux Trail or Lux World Cup?
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the new Lux range

7 new cross-country bikes
XC in full swing

New Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Ltd
Flight Attendant Pro Kit at a fair price

Wilier Urta Ultimate
The new cross-country racer from Italy