10 race fullys under 4600 euros: This is the entry into the 120 mm marathon class

Good material often costs a fortune in racing. This is just as true for mountain bikes as it is for Formula 1 cars. In the top classes of the racing rankings, it's all about the last gram of weight, optimum stiffness and innovative technology. The good thing about this high-end show is that the frame platforms, which are developed at world-class level, usually also find their way into significantly more affordable price categories.

Nevertheless, bikers looking for a sporty 120-millimetre fully will have to invest at least € 3300 to 4600 for a new bike. Even if the equipment packages at this price tag don't seem particularly glamorous, current marathon bikes offer an amazingly versatile platform.

The bikes come exclusively with carbon frames, mostly fast tyres and progressive suspension. This means that touring bikers are often well advised. Here are ten affordable race bikes in a quick check.

Cannondale Scalpel 4

In terms of racing heritage, the Scalpel is at least on a par with the speedsters from Giant and Specialized. The entry-level model does without the legendary Lefty fork, but not without 120 millimetre suspension and dropper post.

• Price: 4299 Euro
• Weight: n.a.

>> Here we have tested the latest generation of the Cannondale Scalpel.

Canyon Lux Trail CF 6

The 120cc version of the Lux race full-suspension bike scrapes the boundary between XC and trail bikes. The price-performance ratio is unrivalled in this suspension travel class. The carbon frame comes with a down tube storage compartment, but is comparatively heavy.

• Price: 3299 Euro
• Weight: from 13.3 kg

>> Here we tested the affordable Canyon Lux Trail.

Cervélo ZFS-5 120 GX Eagle

With the ZFS-5, the Canadians prove that they can build more than just beautiful racing bikes. In the version with 120 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear, four-piston brakes, extra-wide handlebars and progressive tyres are designed to ensure riding fun even off the racetrack. The cheapest version of the carbon full-suspension bike has to make do without a Vario support and with a mechanical Sram drivetrain.

• Price: 5499 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Weight: n.a.

>> This link leads to our test of the Cervélo ZFS-5.

Cube AMS One11 C:68X Pro 29

As the traditional Marathon AMS continues to rely on 100 millimetre suspension, Cube has geared the 111 millimetre rear suspension travel version towards trail fun, among other things by using chunky tyres. A 120 mm suspension fork works at the front. Typical Cube: A simple dropper post and a Shimano XT drivetrain are available at an attractive price. However, the wear parts come from the SLX family.

• Price: 3799 Euro >> available here
• Weight: from 12.9 kg

>> Here we have tested the Cube AMS One11 in detail.

Giant Anthem Advanced SL 3

The cult model Anthem is the latest addition from the world's largest bike manufacturer and is based on a particularly light and stiff frame. The most affordable model also comes with a contemporary 30 millimetre rim width and dropper post. However, only Shimano Deore parts and affordable MT500 brakes fit into the price concept.

• Price: 4499 Euro >> available here
• Weight: from 12.0 kg

>> All information and a first ride impression of the new Giant Anthem can be found here.

Lapierre XRM 6.9

With 120 millimetres of travel at the front, 110 millimetres at the rear, dropper post and grippy front tyre, Lapierre wants to equip its marathon bike for demanding routes. The weight is correspondingly heavy. The French company has given the entry-level version of the XRM a simple Fox chassis and full Shimano XT equipment.

• Price: 4399 Euro
• Weight: from 13.2 kg

>> We have compiled even more details about the Laierre XRM here.

Merida Ninety-Six 6000

Merida combines 100 millimetres on the rear triangle with 120 millimetres on the suspension fork on its marathon fully. Dropper post and tool mount make the Ninety-Six 6000 ready for the daily training lap. The gears are changed by a mechanical Sram Transmission gear system. Deceleration is provided by Shimano SLX disc brakes. The aluminium rims only have a narrow inner width of 25 millimetres.

• Price: 4499 Euro
• Weight: n.a.

>> You can find our test report on the Merida Ninety-Six here.

Scott Spark RC Comp

Cross-country legend Nino Schurter's 120-millimetre fully with a shock hidden in the carbon frame wrote itself into the history books. The most affordable model remains under 4000 euros, but does not have a dropper post.

• Price: 3999 Euro
• Weight: from 12.6 kg

>> We can offer a test of the Scott Spark RC here.

Specialised Epic 8 Comp

Thanks to inexpensive parts and a big discount, even Specialized manages to offer its highly acclaimed Epic 8 frame at a competitive complete bike price. As a reminder: in the S-Works version with an even lighter carbon frame, the concept costs € 14,499. With simple Sram wireless shifting and many in-house parts, the Specialized is an attractive tuning base and comes with a down tube storage compartment.

• Price: 5499 Euro >> currently reduced here
• Weight: from 11.9 kg

>> Here we reveal how the new Specialized Epic 8 fared in the endurance test.

Wilier Urta Max SL Shimano XT

The Italians have also upgraded to 120 millimetres and offer the SL version as a cost-effective alternative to the optimised SLR. The build mixes proven Shimano and Ritchey parts with underdog tyres from Vittoria.

• Price: 3900 Euro
• Weight: n.a.

>> More information about the Wilier Urta Max can be found in this article.