Best of Test: The best marathon fullys 2022

Weight 10 to 12 kilos I Suspension travel 100 - 120 mm I Price range from 3500 euros

Marathon fullys are primarily aimed at performance-orientated bikers. Weighing between 10 and 12 kilos, the majority of marathon and cross-country professionals prefer the full-suspension speedsters to hardtails. The gain in comfort and safety off-road makes up for the weight disadvantage on most routes. With 100 to 120 millimetres of suspension travel, 29-inch wheels and in combination with a dropper post, the bikes can also cope with extended tours. The damped rear end absorbs light impacts and thus ensures comfort and grip. The big disadvantage of the marathon fullys: the price! Because sprinting fun and enjoyment on long climbs unfortunately only arise below the 12-kilo mark, manufacturers use high-quality components and a lot of carbon. Starting prices of 4000 euros are therefore not uncommon. The top models from some manufacturers even cost over 10,000 euros.

Recently, many manufacturers have been tuning their models with 120 millimetres of travel, thicker tyres and telescopic seat posts. These so-called down-country bikes can also cope with tougher terrain and therefore play in the trail bike category.

The best marathon fullys 2022:

Cannondale Scalpel HM 1

• Price 8899 Euro
• Weight 9.91 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 8/20
• Judgement super / 219 points

The Scalpel is an uncompromising racing machine with cult status. It thrills uphill with its lively handling, efficient chassis and plenty of traction. But the weight is also great considering the price. Downhill, the Scalpel offers an extra portion of comfort thanks to its flexing chainstays and wins the hearts of our testers with its balanced geometry and convincing suspension. The American race bike scores particularly well in tough racing conditions, but is also a lot of fun to ride on tours. Super added value: integrated tool for repairs on tour.

Scott Spark RC Worldcup AXS

• Price 8299 Euro >> available here
• Weight 10.97 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 8/21
• Judgement super / 216 points

Scott is setting new standards with the new Spark: it is the world's first race bike with a shock integrated into the seat tube. The geometry is similar to that of a trail bike, and there is only 120 millimetres of suspension travel to choose from. The progressive concept works. Even if the new alignment pushes the overall weight up a little, the increased downhill potential and wider range of use make up for the weight disadvantage. This leaves us with the Scott as the most fun and extraordinary race bike of the season.

Trek Supercalibre

• Price 9999 Euro
• Weight 9.84 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 2/20
• Judgement super / 213 points

When Trek presented the Supercaliber, it was clear that this race bike could herald a new era. With only 60 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear and a conventional 100 millimetre fork, it closes the gap between hardtail and fully. Thanks to the increased traction and comfort, it is superior to classic hardtails on downhill and technical trails. However, the rear triangle with its short suspension travel remains just as efficient as a rigid rear. This makes the Supercaliber an insider tip for fast cross-country courses or easy marathons.

Orbea Oiz M Team

• Price 7098 Euro
• Weight 10.37 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 3/21
• Judgement super / 214.75 points

With its unique price-performance ratio, plenty of comfort and, above all, its extremely low weight, the former race bike of World Cup star Victor Koretzky is one of our test crew's favourites. Small details such as the unergonomic dropper post lever or the slightly bobbing rear triangle spoil the picture a little, but the harmonious geometry and balanced handling deliver an absolutely convincing overall package. Although the Oiz dominates neither uphill nor downhill in the group test, it offers the best overall package.

Conclusion from Stefan Loibl, head of BIKE Online:

Racing is the industry's innovation driver. Why? If you look at the tracks in cross-country racing in recent years, rocky fields, jumps and extremely steep sections place ever greater demands on the material and rider. Manufacturers are adapting their race bikes to the demanding conditions so that the pros can cope with these new requirements. Since then, lightweight construction has become increasingly less important than more suspension travel, wide tyres and dropper seat posts - a development from which end consumers can also benefit. Because with this downhill upgrade, racefullys now also cut a fine figure in touring use.