Who is the best in their discipline? This question seems to move the whole world. That's why the Forbes Institute lists the richest people, the German Sports Federation lists the best athletes, SPIEGEL lists the best-selling books and TV stations outdo each other with top 10 and top 50 programmes about important and insignificant social events. However, neither Forbes nor RTL2 have a list of the best bikes of 2017. But only on BIKE.
We pored over the latest issues of BIKE, studied the test results and called the hottest bikes of the year back to our editorial office for a photo shoot. Before our test system awards a bike the rating "very good" or even "super", the test candidates have to impress in 19 different evaluation criteria. All of the bikes in this summary impressed with excellent results in the BIKE test lab and sweetened the ride for the testers on the trail. In many cases, they were even honoured with a BIKE tip or BIKE test victory. If you like, this list is the distillate of over 250 bikes tested in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, because if the frame of a bike has not changed in the current model year compared to 2016 and the equipment differs only slightly, we have taken the liberty of drawing on last year's wealth of experience.
Our list includes 20 bikes from five different categories, each in four different price ranges.
Beginners will find what they are looking for in a hardtail from € 1499, while those who are prepared to spend more can also look at the top models in the respective genre.
You can find all the details about our laboratory and practical tests at www.bike-magazin.de, webcode: #236
Incidentally, Bill Gates is still undisputedly at the top of the Forbes list.
The best bikes of the year get another BIKE tip from us.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BEST HARDTAILS 2017
Anyone who whizzes down the trails on a hardtail enjoys the most original type of mountain biking. This category was the beginning of the movement and still seduces bikers today, and not just because of its low weight.
Bulls Copperhead 3 RS
The small 27.5-inch wheels are rather atypical, as 29ers are actually the order of the day in the cross-country genre. However, despite the fair price, they help the aluminium bike to achieve an acceptable weight and good acceleration on the trail. Nevertheless, 29ers provide more safety downhill. The Shimano XT drivetrain impresses with precise gear changes and the Rockshox Reba fork skilfully absorbs the bumps at the front. Bulls wins the 2017 test for the third time in a row.
Price 1499 Euro
Weight 11.42 kilos
Tested in BIKE 3/17
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Ghost Lector 6 LC
We only tested the more expensive brother, the Lector World Cup, but were able to draw conclusions about the cheaper model. We liked the striking design with internally routed cables and the sporty riding position of the carbon speedster. The 69.5-degree head angle and long wheelbase ensure a smooth ride, especially in root passages. There is nothing to criticise about Shimano's XT equipment and the Fox 32 fork. Successful carbon hardtail for under
2500 euros.
Price 2499 Euro
Weight 10.25 kilos
Tested in BIKE 1/17 (Lector WC)
BIKE verdict SUPER
Canyon Exceed CF SLX 8.9 Pro
Under 4000 euros, under 9 kilos. In this respect, the Canyon Exceed is a real low-flyer. Sram's 1x12 XO Eagle drivetrain offers a wide range on the cassette despite the single gear ratio and is not normally standard in this price range. The slack head angle is combined with short chainstays and thus combines smoothness and agility. With the Exceed CF from the Koblenz-based mail-order company, it's not just the price that's right, but also the overall package of riding impression and looks.
Price 3899 Euro
Weight 8.98 kilos
Tested in BIKE 1/17
BIKE judgement SUPER
Merida Big.Nine 9000
Lightness in its most beautiful form. With a total weight of just 8.5 kilos, the Big.Nine 9000 accelerates as if it had a hidden electric motor in the bottom bracket. Steep climbs virtually disappear under the lightweight carbon wheels. The finest XTR parts from Shimano increase the glamour factor. A short stem and wide handlebars ensure playful handling on the trail, while the riding position is still very sporty. The Merida represents the pinnacle of what is currently possible.
Price 6499 Euro
Weight 8.51 kilos
Tested in BIKE 1/17
BIKE judgement SUPER
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BEST MARATHON FULLYS 2017
The 100 millimetre suspension travel of the lightweight chassis combines comfort with propulsion. For marathon bikes with a "super" test rating, you have to dig deep into your pockets.
Rose Dr Z 2 29
Ok, we admit it, Roses Dr Z 2 hasn't made it into our magazine yet. But of course we have already ridden the bike from Bocholt extensively - and we were impressed. Despite the aluminium frame, the weight is kept within limits and the equipment is functional. The suspension is trimmed for propulsion, but you still sit very comfortably. Ambitious racers will find the bike a little too heavy - in this case, the Rose configurator helps, allowing you to customise the equipment as you wish. Otherwise, you will only find hardtails in this price range.
Price 2499 Euro
Weight 12.75 kilos
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Si 4
Cannondale's own Lefty fork is and remains an eye-catcher, especially when Manuel Fumic whips it around the race track. But the rest of the bike doesn't have to hide behind the fork either. A stiff frame with two bottle cages and a drive-neutral chassis are music to the ears of every marathon rider. We are sure that the cheaper SI-4 version is almost as much fun as the race model we tested.
Price 3999 Euro
Weight 12.15 kilos
Tested in BIKE 4/17 (Scal. Race)
BIKE verdict SUPER
Trek Top Fuel*
In our race bike tests last year, the Top Fuel impressed us with its lightweight frame, sporty riding position and full-sprint lockout button for the entire suspension. As the tested version costs € 8999, we recommend customising the frame yourself with the help of Trek's Project One configurator. With an XT drivetrain, the Trek changes hands at an acceptable price despite being customised. If your name appears on the Forbes list, you can of course still buy the top-of-the-range 9.9 SL version.
Price approx. 6000 Euro
Weight 11.80 kilos
Tested in BIKE 4/16 (9.9 SL)
BIKE verdict SUPER
Scott Spark RC 900 Ultimate
Don't trust any objective test system? No problem, because this bike has another expertise. It won gold in the Olympic race in Rio. Twice!
At just 1742 grams, the frame provides the ideal basis for the winning bike. The short head tube and long main frame ensure a sporty riding position. The Twinloc lever allows the shock and fork to be locked at the same time. By the way, this bike is also world champion!
Price 7599 Euro
Weight 10.0 kilos
Tested in BIKE 4/17
BIKE judgement SUPER
*The model shown and weighed has a 2x11 XT drivetrain, Bontrager aluminium wheels, Bontrager carbon components, Fox Factory Series suspension and was put together in the Project One configurator.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BEST TRAIL BIKES 2017
Whether uphill or downhill, real trail bikes feel at home everywhere. With suspension travel of up to 130 millimetres, they strike the perfect balance between riding fun on the trail and suitability for touring.
Radon Skeen Trail 8.0
It is a rarity for fullys under 2000 euros to receive a "very good" rating in BIKE tests. Radon has done it. The aluminium frame with 122 millimetres of rear travel together with the 130 millimetre fork provides the perfect basis for a good trail bike. Compared to 29ers, the 27.5-inch wheels save weight and awaken the Skeen's playful instinct, especially on singletrack. The rear end is drive-neutral. The only thing missing on the mail-order bike is a dropper post.
Price 1999 Euro
Weight 12.7 kilos
Tested in BIKE 4/17
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Alutech IBC 2.0 ground floor
The conclusion of our autumn test says it all: "Singletrail machine for anyone who wants to get from A to B with a big grin." 27.5-inch wheels and an extremely short rear end make the ground floor one of the most manoeuvrable bikes we have ever ridden on a test lap. With 150 millimetres of travel, the fork even offers more reserves than the rear with 130 millimetres. The equipment leaves hardly anything to be desired.
Price 2999 Euro
Weight 13.1 kilos
Tested in BIKE 10/16
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Scott Spark 930
29er wheels, sporty riding position and low weight: the Spark 930 can't hide its race genes. Even if the key data is more for a marathon bike, the Scott is by no means a trail despiser. 120 millimetres of suspension travel, a dropper post and tyres with a little more tread make the carbon bike perfect for long single trail tours. The only drawback is the 1x11 GX gearing from Sram, but the suspension can be locked with a lever.
Price 3599 Euro
Weight 12.75 kilos
Tested in BIKE 3/17
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Devinci Django 29
When elegant grace is paired with perfect riding characteristics, the BIKE testers are in for a good day's work. The golden Fox suspension and the sporty geometry of the Canadian carbon fibre bullet easily make up for the slight excess weight. Rarely have we had a bike with just 130 millimetres of travel that performed so confidently downhill. The split-pivot rear suspension remains surprisingly composed on the climbs and hardly needs the platform of the shock.
Price 5495 Euro
Weight 13.00 Kilo
Tested in BIKE 2/17
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BEST ALL MOUNTAINS 2017
No mountain is too steep, no descent too difficult. Those who pedal the 150 millimetres of suspension travel to the summit will be rewarded with plenty of downhill fun. And that on every mountain.
Cube Stereo 140 HPA Pro 27.5
Ok, the low price makes the Cube weigh a little more, but we are convinced of the riding characteristics of the aluminium frame with 140 millimetres of travel. After all, its more expensive brother in the SL version won our all-mountain test last year. The short main frame ensures a comfortable riding position and the 2x11 drivetrain provides the necessary gear range. Beginners in particular are grateful for this. Thanks to the 150-millimetre fork, wide tyres and dropper post, it's also a strong downhill performer.
Price 2299 Euro
Weight 14.10 kilos
Tested in BIKE 5/16 (Stereo SL)
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Canyon Spectral AL 7.0
Oldie but goodie! The Spectral frame has already proven itself over four years and is still one of the lightest aluminium frames on the market. The 7.0 version also has high-quality Conti Protection tyres, wide DT Swiss wheels and an XT 2x11 drivetrain including chain guide. As is usual for mail-order bikes, the equipment is extremely good. Despite 140 millimetres of travel, the Spectral climbs superbly. Once you've reached the summit, it tracks downhill with absolute confidence and ease.
Price 2799 Euro
Weight 13.19 kilos
Tested in BIKE 2/17
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Orbea Occam TR M10*
With its 120 millimetres of travel, the Occam would actually fit more into the trail bike mould. However, the large 29er wheels in combination with the first-class suspension make it so potent downhill that even our all-mountain test in the aluminium version was a real blast. The carbon M10 model is just as impressive on the descents and, above all, is lighter. Instead of the double gear ratio, the 2017 model has a 1x11 XT drivetrain. The rest remains the same.
Price 4999 Euro
Weight 12.19 kilos
Tested in BIKE 2/16
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Focus Jam SL
Focus engineer Fabian Scholz takes his job seriously. With the Jam, he not only developed a new bike for 2017, but also promptly rode it to second place in the German Enduro Championships. We particularly liked the patented FOLD rear triangle with excellent kinematics and 153 millimetres of suspension travel. The steep seat angle makes the riding position comfortable and allows the rider to climb in a relaxed manner. The 12-speed drivetrain always has the right gear at the ready.
Price 6999 Euro
Weight 12.10 kilos
Tested in BIKE 9/16
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BEST ENDUROS 2017
Jumps, berms, bike park descents - no problem at all. These bikes ensure maximum adrenaline rush on the downhill, but dripping sweat on the uphill.
YT Capra AL
14.5 kilos total weight including telescopic support for less than 2200 euros. Even our jaws dropped at that price. We were no less impressed with the riding characteristics of the Capra last October when we chased a more expensive carbon model down the slopes of Bike-Welt Schöneck. A slack steering angle and short chainstays combine smoothness and manoeuvrability in this full-throttle machine. Even the suspension has not been spared. The Rockshox Monarch Plus shock and Lyrik RC fork are fun on the trail.
Price 2199 Euro
Weight 14.50 kilos
Tested in BIKE 11/16 (CF Comp)
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Giant Reign 1.5 LTD
Length runs. The Giant Reign impressed us last autumn, especially on fast sections with its smooth ride. On the other hand, the long wheelbase requires a bit of pressure when changing direction. A chain guide keeps the chain on the XT 1x11 drivetrain even on bumpy descents. The Maestro rear triangle features a large Fox X2 shock with plenty of downhill potential. The previous model was still on a Rockshox chassis and was 200 euros more expensive.
Price 2999 Euro
Weight 14.4 kilos
Tested in BIKE 11/16
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD
Liteville 301 MK13
Despite the aluminium frame, the 301 only weighs 12.5 kilos. A figure that even many carbon bikes fail to reach. In addition to the weight, the 301 impressed us above all with well thought-out details such as an integrated chain guide and hidden tool in the rear axle. At Liteville, the wheel size grows with the frame size. At the customer's request, different wheels can even be fitted to one bike. A well thought-out and reliable bike for fans of fast descents.
Price 6800 Euro
Weight 12.5 kilos
Tested in BIKE 8/16
BIKE judgement SUPER
Specialised S-Works Enduro 29
For the past year, 29er wheels have also become more common on enduro bikes. Specialized, which has always been an advocate of large wheels, already opted for large wheels on the predecessor of the current Enduro. The Americans keep the weight low with lightweight carbon rims. The SWAT box integrated in the down tube offers storage space for a spare tube and air pump. On the trail, the confident handling at high speeds is impressive.
Price 8699 Euro
Weight 13.2 kilos
Tested in BIKE 1/17
BIKE judgement SUPER
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
