At the end of the season, manufacturers traditionally offer huge discounts on discontinued models. Due to the low purchasing power caused by inflation, the industry also tries to sell even brand new models at rock-bottom prices. Never before has it been so easy to get even prestigious and well-equipped models at fair prices. We took a look around and found a few offers
7799 € instead of 8999 €: Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 X0 Gen. 2
When Trek lifted the neoprene cover on Jolanda Neff's 2019 World Cup bike and presented the first Supercaliber to the public, there was a lot of confusion: Is it a hardtail? Is it a fully? The world had never seen damping technology with a suspension strut partially integrated into the frame on a race bike before.
Trek is sticking with the "Iso Strut" rear suspension system for the second Supercalibre generation. With an additional five millimetres in length and 7.5 millimetres more travel, the rear suspension travel on the current model has increased from 60 to 80 millimetres. Also new: the floating rear brake mount, 110 millimetres of travel on the fork and a longer and flatter geometry.
Fact check:
- Weight: 11 kilos without pedals
- Suspension travel: 110 mm front / 85 mm rear.
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame material: Carbon
- Fork/shock: Rockshox Sid SL Ultimate/Rockshox Sid Luxe Iso Strut
- Shifting/range: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission/520 %
- Brakes: Sram Level ULT/ 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Bontrager Kovee Pro 30
- Tyres: Bontrager Sainte-Anne RSL 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost/stroke: Rockshox Reverb AXS/150 mm
- Max. system weight: 136 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Handlebar-stem unit; Iso-Strut damper
- Strengths: extremely strong acceleration, stable directional stability, agile handling
- Weaknesses: little rear suspension reserves in rough terrain
With these updates, the extraordinary race bike has already scored top marks in the BIKE test. The Supercaliber shoots off like a rocket. The firm Iso-Strut rear triangle remains virtually motionless even under hard acceleration. While some other racefully bikes require you to flip the lockout lever before sprinting, the Supercaliber instantly converts powerful acceleration into propulsion.
Despite being drive-neutral, the independent suspension filters small bumps from the ground with astonishing sensitivity. When seated over rough gravel, forest and meadow paths, this provides a noticeable comfort advantage over any hardtail. When riding fast straight ahead, the Supercaliber feels like a board on the track. The increased length pays off with a high sense of safety.
Nevertheless, the Trek remains agile even at low speeds. It's easy to lob over obstacles and manoeuvres skilfully through tight bends. The only criticism: although the rear suspension is more forgiving than a hardtail, it doesn't come close to the reserves of other current race bikes. The Trek Supercaliper is currently on offer at Sportokay, for example.
3599 € instead of 5899 €: Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 1
Fact check:
- Weight: 9.6 kilos
- Suspension travel: 110 mm fwd.
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame material
- Fork: Lefty Ocho 120 Carbon
- Shifting/range: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission/520 %
- Brakes: Shimano Deore XT/ 160/160 mm
- Wheels: HollowGram 25
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph; Evo Speedgrip 29 x 2.25
- Seatpost/stroke: C1 Carbon/-
- max. system weight: 138 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Lefty suspension fork; integrated hub sensor
- Strengths: extremely smooth running very sensitive suspension fork comfortable
- Weaknesses: comparatively bulky
The slackest race hardtail of all time (66.5 degree head angle) is not only remembered favourably by us testers. Our readers also liked the bike so much that it was voted Hardtail of the Year in 2022. With its extremely smooth geometry and 110 millimetres of travel, three years later it is still one of the most exciting race hardtails on the market. The downhill qualities are unrivalled. The flexing chainstays increase comfort. The bike not only shines on the long haul, but also cuts a fine figure on tour. The Cannondale Scalpel is currently on offer at Biker-Border, for example.
2299 € instead of 3699 €: Cube Stereo One22 HPC EX 29 MY23
Fact check:
- Weight: 13.3 kilos
- Suspension travel: 130 mm front / 120 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame material: Carbon
- Fork/shock: Fox 34 Float Factory/ Fox Float X Factory
- Gearing/range: Shimano XT 1x12/510 %
- Brakes: Shimano XT/ 203/180 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR; DC Exo 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost/stroke: Fox Transfer Factory/150 mm
- max. system weight: 115 kg
- Warranty: 3 years
- Strengths: playful handling, all-terrain equipment, comfortable seating position
- Weaknesses: Rear bobbing, slow rolling tyres
The Cube One22 is a classic for touring. It is light, manoeuvrable and loves single trails and winding trails. In addition, the bike always stood out in our tests due to its unbeatable price-performance ratio - regardless of the equipment variant. So even with the currently heavily discounted Cube Stereo One22 HPC EX from the 2023 model year leaves nothing to be desired. Particularly pleasing: This model in particular comes ex works with grippy Maxxis Minion tyres and a powerful braking system. This gives the otherwise very sporty bike a downhill boost.
6250 € instead of 12.500 €: Specialised S-Works Stumpjumper Transmission
The current Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper costs 14,500 euros on the manufacturer's website in the top configuration! This makes the classic not only one of the most influential models in mountain bike history, but also one of the most expensive. But anyone who thinks that only top earners can enjoy high-end bikes from Specialized is mistaken.
Why? The industry giant is currently still sitting on the remaining stock of the previous model. In order to clear out the warehouses, Specialized is currently offering yesterday's high-end sleds - such as the S-Works Stumpjumper with transmission drive in the picture above - at absolute dream prices. For less than half the current RRP, you can get excellent riding qualities and an unrivalled equipment package.
Fact check:
- Weight: 12.8 kilos
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front. 130 mm rear.
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame material: Carbon
- Fork/shock: Fox Foat 34 Factory / Fox Float DPS Factory
- Gearing/range: Sram XX SL Eagle Transmission/520 %
- Brakes: Sram Code Ultimate Stealth/ 200/180 mm
- Wheels: Roval Control 240
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher/Purgatory; Grid T9/T7 29 x 2.3
- Seatpost/stroke: Rockshox Reverb AXS/170 mm
- Max. system weight: 136 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Storage compartment in the down tube
- Strengths: well-balanced chassis, strong acceleration, intuitive handling
- Weaknesses: none
Last year's Stumpi has a brutally light frame. In size M (S3), it weighs just 2096 grams including the integrated storage compartment without shock. The all-rounder literally climbs all mountains. In all versions, our testers attested to the Stumpjumper's very drive-neutral rear suspension, which generates first-class propulsion and traction at the same time.
Also good for long days in the saddle: thanks to the storage compartment in the down tube, a small rucksack is sufficient for touring. Even though other models in the all-mountain category now offer more suspension travel, the Specialized doesn't let anything burn downhill. The suspension works first-class, responds sensitively and still offers sufficient support.
The riding position also received high praise from all the testers. You are positioned low behind the cockpit and nicely centred on the bike. This gives you confidence and perfect control in every situation. The short chainstays create direct handling, which makes the Stumpi ride playfully and effortlessly on the rear wheel. An absolute blast!
2999 € instead of 4399 €: Radon Jab MX 9.0
Fact check:
- Weight: 14.5 kilos
- Suspension travel: 160 mm front / 160 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch front / 27.5-inch rear.
- Frame material: Carbon
- Fork/shock: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate/Fox Float X2 Performance
- Gearing/range: Sram NX/GX, 1x12/520%
- Brakes: Magura MT5/ 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss E1900
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II Exo+ Maxxgrip/-terra 29/27.5 x 2.5/2.4
- Seatpost/stroke: SDG Tellis/150 mm
- max. system weight: 115 kg
- Warranty: 2 years
- Special features: Storage compartment with Boa fastener; integrated cable routing
- Strengths: light-footed handling, wide range of use
- Weaknesses: noticeable flex in the frame, riding position not ideal for uphills
Less than six months on the market and already reduced by 1400 euros. But the Radon Jab MX is more than just cheap. In the BIKE test, the 14.5-kilo (!) light enduro bike shone with its super-squishy handling. Playing around on the trail? Easy! Long tours? No problem either. Nevertheless, the geometry of the bike also scores points for its smooth ride. In addition, the front is high enough to stand nicely behind the cockpit on steep downhills. In short: there is hardly an enduro bike that better harmonises weight and propulsion with decent downhill performance.
4799 Euro instead of 5999 Euro: Canyon Torque Mullet CF 9
Fact check:
- Weight: 16.1 kilos
- Suspension travel: 170 mm front / 170 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch front / 27.5-inch rear.
- Frame material: Carbon
- Fork/shock: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate/Super Deluxe Ultimate
- Shifting/range: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission/520 %
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC/ 220/200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss FR1700
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II Maxxgrip/-terra 29/27.5 x 2.4/2.5
- Seatpost/stroke: Canyon G5/ 200 mm
- max. system weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Flipchip; comes either as a 29er or as a mullet bike
- Strengths: full suspension, smooth geometry, top equipment
- Weaknesses: there are more playful models
Freeriders are guaranteed to score a hit in the current discount battles with the Canyon Torque. When it comes to high speed, the candidate is one of the most confident of its kind. The generous reach and long wheelbase make it possible. Where other bikes mutate into a pinball, the Torque remains stable. The rear suspension is also completely convincing. In the mullet configuration, however, the Canyon doesn't score points for smoothness. Thanks to the short rear end, it also loves tricks and manuals. Our price tip: the carbon CF-9 model with high-end Rockshox suspension.
Max Fuchs
Editor
