How is success measured? In the case of a professional athlete, it’s clear-cut. Victories and records set the benchmark for the most successful riders on the Mountain Bike World Cup circuit. On the cross-country race course, everything about their bikes has to be just right: weight, stiffness, propulsion, handling and – most importantly – speed. The best cross-country and marathon mountain bikers on the scene rely on particularly exclusive bikes. With a well-lined wallet, even amateur cyclists can afford to buy the same machines as the world’s top stars. Almost all manufacturers have outrageously expensive – and, above all, lightning-fast – hardtails and full-suspension bikes in their range. These twelve top models give every cyclist a speed boost.
1. Full-suspension cross-country bikes for top speeds
These race bikes can only be described in superlatives. Among the scene’s most successful racers, they are regulars on the podium. These are the fastest cross-country full-suspension bikes in the world.
BMC Fourstroke 01 LTD
- Price: 12,999 euros
- Weight: 10.5 kilos
- Frame: 2286 grams (including Autodrop hardware)
- Suspension travel: 100 / 100 millimetres
On the world’s fastest cross-country bikes, even the smallest detail counts. Thanks to the Fourstroke’s Autodrop technology, which allows the seatpost to be lowered without getting off the bike, saves BMC riders – such as Jordan Sarrou – from having to do extra squats. The integrated seatpost lowers itself by 80 millimetres at the touch of a button. Despite the air reservoir in the down tube, the BMC remains a lightweight sports bike. In BIKE 02/23, we gave the innovative XC full-suspension bike our seal of approval Excellent directional stability at high speeds, combined with a high level of playfulness.
Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod Ultimate
- Price: 12,499 euros
- Weight: 9.9 kilos
- Frame: 1842 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 / 100 millimetres
Henrique Avancini is not only one of the most charismatic but also one of the fastest cross-country cyclists in the world. Right up until the end of 2022, the Scalpel played a key part in the Brazilian superstar’s success. Former team-mate Alan Hatherly continues to ensure that Cannondale remains right at the front of the pack in the XC World Cup. We were impressed by the Scalpel, with its responsive Lefty Ocho fork and Flex-Pivot rear suspension, as a race-ready full-suspension bike. Thanks to its efficient propulsion, this lightweight car is right at home on any race track.
Orbea Oiz M LTD
- Price: 9,999 euros
- Weight: 10 kilos
- Frame: 1750 grams
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 millimetres
Ridden by Georg Egger and Lukas Baum, the Orbea Oiz secured victory at the 2022 Cape Epic. It is not just Orbea itself that describes it as the fastest cross-country bike in the company’s history. Our tests also confirm that the Oiz offers impressively nimble handling. With its cross-country full-suspension bike, Orbea manages to combine a sporty, extended riding position with agile handling. On the race track, the increased suspension travel enhances control, whilst the lightweight frame preserves the bike’s racing DNA.
Scott Spark RC SL
- Price: 14,999 euros
- Weight: 10.3 kilos
- Frame: 1870 grams
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 millimetres
The top-of-the-range version of the Scott Spark is the cream of the crop. Not only is it the world’s most expensive production bike, but no other bike has claimed first place more often in the World Cup. The reason for this is its inseparable link with cross-country superstar Nino Schurter. Whether it’s World Championship titles or Olympic gold: the Spark has won it all. With 2.4-inch-wide tyres and 120 millimetres of suspension travel, this downhill-capable cross-country full-suspension bike has already secured several BIKE test victories.
For the increasingly demanding World Cup courses, the Scott Spark’s 120-millimetre travel is just right for me. The responsive suspension has a positive effect on the bike’s handling and helps me combat fatigue over long distances – Nino Schurter, Scott-Sram MTB Racing
Specialized S-Works Epic
- Price: 12,500 euros
- Weight: 9.65 kilograms
- Frame: 1441 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 / 100 millimetres
The name says it all: This year’s theme is The winning bike of the Cape Epic: the Specialized Epic. The Epic is also an integral part of the World Cup. This year, riders including Haley Batten and Christopher Blevins will be chasing seconds on this cross-country full-suspension bike. In the BIKE test, the feather-light Epic demonstrated impressive trail handling and strong downhill performance. A successor to the classic race bike featuring Brain suspension technology appears to be in the starting blocks. We are keen to see whether this one can build on those successes.
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS
- Price: 13,249 euros
- Weight: 9.8 kilos
- Frame: 1764 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 / 60 millimetres
The Trek Supercaliber’s trophy wall doesn’t just feature the Cross-Country World Cup victories of Jolanda Neff and Evie Richards, as well as the much sought-after race tip from BIKE 06/22. In the comparison test, the Trek Cross Country Fully topped the uphill rankings thanks to its excellent forward momentum, even without the lockout. With the minimalist 60-millimetre travel of the IsoStrut rear suspension system, it perfectly bridges the gap between a hardtail and a full-suspension bike. The Supercaliber moves forward with almost no energy loss, yet still offers plenty of traction.
The 60-millimetre suspension travel on my Trek Supercaliber feels like much more. At the same time, the system saves weight and lets me fly up every hill. On challenging routes, such as those in Tokyo, I can’t imagine a better bike. – Jolanda Neff, Trek Factory Racing
2. Cross-country hardtails as pace-setters
These racers convert every pedal stroke into forward momentum without compromise. Lightning-fast yet versatile, they are the professionals’ first choice when it comes to pure speed. These are the fastest cross-country hardtails in the world.
Cannondale Scalpel HT Hi-Mod Ultimate
- Price: 10,499 euros
- Weight: 9.1 kilograms
- Frame: 1045 grams
- Suspension travel: 110 millimetres
With its 110-millimetre Lefty Ocho fork and ultra-flat head angle of 66.9 degrees, the Cannondale Scalpel revolutionised the world of XC hardtails. Mona Mitterwallner, amongst others, relies on this performance in the World Cup. Our readers voted for the Test winner from BIKE 03/22 to the Hardtail of the Year 2022. Thanks to its wide-tread tyres and low-profile front end, the Cannondale stays on track with confidence, even on rough terrain. With its high level of comfort and smooth ride, it’s the ideal marathon racer, as the BIKE endurance test shows.
Canyon Exceed CFR LTD
- Price: 6,999 euros
- Weight: 9 kilos
- Frame: 962 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
For marathon world champion Andreas Seewald, the Canyon Exceed is the bike of choice for long, hilly routes. It climbs even the steepest slopes with ease. In the In the BIKE test, the lightweight Canyon proved to be a clear choice for starting block A. Excellent acceleration figures also save cross-country racers valuable energy. In terms of price, this direct-to-consumer retailer is in a league of its own anyway, costing just half the price of Scott’s top-of-the-range model.
Due to the defensive riding style adopted during marathons, it isn’t always possible to fully exploit the potential of a full-suspension bike. What’s more, every gram counts when climbing steep hills. That’s why a hardtail still has the edge, particularly over long distances. – Andreas Seewald, Canyon Northwave MTB
Cervélo ZHT5
- Price: 9,999 euros
- Weight: 9 kilos
- Frame: 907 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
With the lightweight Cervélo ZHT5, the Canadians are applying their racing expertise from the road and triathlon sectors to cross-country mountain biking for the first time. This move was prompted by the formation of their own XC team, centred around multiple World Cup winner Milan Vader. In the BIKE test, the combination proved impressive with a lightweight yet stiff frame and wide tyres, particularly in race mode. Short chainstays keep the Cervélo nimble and agile on trail descents.
Scott Scale RC SL
- Price: 13,999 euros
- Weight: 8.9 kilos
- Frame: 976 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
When it comes to cross-country hardtails, too, Scott doesn’t miss an opportunity to set new standards. No production bike with a rigid rear end has ever been more expensive, as the high-end version of the Scale. The meticulously crafted carbon frame is fitted with the most exclusive components money can buy. These include the Syncros Silverton SL monocoque wheelset with carbon spokes and the Trickstuff Piccola brake. On the BIKE test track, the Sott Scale sped along effortlessly and made steep ramps a breeze.
Simplon Razorblade IV SL
- Price: 8,599 euros
- Weight: 8.5 kilos
- Frame: 870 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
Simplon driver Markus Kaufmann has already managed to BIKE Transalp win. What’s more, the long-distance specialist is a two-time German marathon champion. His sensationally lightweight Razorblade hardtail offers everything that has been keeping cross-country racers happy for generations. The frame weight is the lowest, which the scales in the BIKE test laboratory have ever recorded. Nevertheless, the Austrians manage to achieve very good stiffness ratings.
Stoll R1 Race Lightweight
- Price: 11,100 euros
- Weight: 7.8 kilos
- Frame: 936 grams
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
Kai Saaler, the world record holder for vertical ascent, needs a lightweight base. The bike ridden by the world champion in the 12- and 24-hour race categories weighs less than a half-full crate of mineral water. This is down to the carbon frame, manufactured in Germany, as well as its uncompromisingly lightweight components. The Pi-Rope wheels with textile spokes accelerate as fast as the wind. In the BIKE test, the sleek Stoll also proved to be a delightfully comfortable cross-country hardtail.
Jan Timmermann
Editor