BIKE readers' dream bikes - Part 2: More of the most sought-after bikes on test
Max Fuchs
· 08.06.2023
These topics can be found in the first part of the dream bike test:
We have tested these 6 dream bikes for you:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
The test report - part 2:
There are two types of mountain bikers. Some see their bike as a simple everyday object. First and foremost, it must function, fulfil the requirements of its own area of use and be reliable. Many models fit this mould. The fact is that there are plenty of good mountain bikes on the market - even if some of them evoke little more emotion than a Dacia Duster or sneakers from a discounter. After more than four decades of mountain bike development, there are hardly any slip-ups in the geometry, botched suspension or even safety problems with the frame construction. The level of quality is now so high that it is almost impossible to make a completely bad purchase. But for many people, a mountain bike is more than just a utility item on two wheels. It embodies the emotional expression of their passion. If you like, this type of mountain biker is reflected in their bikes with their skin and hair. But anyone who goes that far and identifies completely with their bike wants a bike that makes their emotional buds pop - not a Dacia or a Deichmann.
To find out which bikes get the blood pumping, we asked our community for their dream bikes in a survey and ordered them for testing without further ado. The result was a test group that was more diverse and exclusive than it had been for a long time. We have already presented six of the twelve most popular models at the start of the Tests in BIKE 4/23 presented. Now comes the finale.
Exclusive and expensive: dream bike prices of up to 8,000 euros are permitted
We had feared that many of our readers would spare no expense when it came to their dream bike. Five of the six MTBs are priced between 5595 and 7999 euros. Another, not entirely unexpected realisation: the mass-produced goods of large manufacturers are obviously only of limited suitability for expressing personal passion. After all, anyone who spends that much money on a mountain bike wants exclusivity. So it's hardly surprising that three very young brands - Arc8, Crossworx and Atherton - were chosen to join the ranks of the dream bikes. The small quantities in which the newcomers are produced guarantee rarity value. Crossworx also stands out with the Made in Germany seal of quality. Atherton, on the other hand, tantalises the senses with a lugged hybrid frame made of carbon and titanium. And Arc8? With the Essential, the Basel-based company is building what is probably the lightest all-mountain bike in the world. But that's not all. The Evil Wreckoning has earned the insider tip for gravity bikers thanks to its extraordinary look and outstanding rear triangle. The new 303 from aluminium manufacturer Liteville, on the other hand, has cult status and many well thought-out details.
Only the Cragger trail hardtail from Radon doesn't quite fit in with the otherwise exclusive selection of readers. But as mentioned at the beginning: for some mountain bikers, a simple, functional bike is the dream of their sleepless nights. And it doesn't matter whether the frame comes from the mass production of a discounter or was welded in the basement of a custom forge.
We noticed these details:
The favourites of the BIKE-TESTER
Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
Bikes from regional custom forges are not everyone's cup of tea. But they should be! After all, the world depends on products leaving the smallest possible CO2 footprint. Unlike most of the big players, whose bikes come from production facilities in the Far East Crossworx its frames by hand in Thuringia. This shortens the supply chain and makes production more environmentally friendly. As the Lite 290 also scores with its riding characteristics, it is my favourite in this test.
Thomas Weschta, test driver:
Many mountain bikers have two or even three bikes in the garage. Including mine. One suspension-heavy model for downhill fun and a lightweight race bike for long tours or a quick ride round the house. The fact that with the Arc8 Essential Thanks to its low weight, long suspension travel and extreme geometry, I was thrilled that both are possible. As a trained designer, I also have to admit: The chic carbon fibre look and the simple handlebar/stem unit appealed to me just as much.
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
Nothing is more decisive for the handling of a full-suspension bike than the geometry and the rear triangle. In this respect, the trail bike from Atherton for the biggest surprise in this test - in a positive sense, of course. The AM 130 feels like it has considerably more travel than the 121 millimetres we measured. Not many manufacturers manage that. Thanks to the sleeve construction from the 3D printer, the Atherton also enjoys rarity value in terms of production and thus makes a customised geometry possible.
We tested these 6 dream bikes in part 1:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
Max Fuchs
Editor
