Why do we ask you? This is the only way we can make FREERIDE the way you like it. For example, we want to know Which bikes in which price category should we test? Which bike categories are you interested in? Where do you like to go on a biking holiday? We also choose the BIKE OF THE YEAR 2022. You decide the winners of the Enduro/Freerider and Downhiller categories. As a thank you for your time (the survey takes about twelve minutes) we are giving away the Enduro bike Coal from Dortmund-based manufacturer Last worth 4399 euros. Anyone who participates in the FREERIDE reader survey takes part secures a chance to win.
Last Coal: In the comparison test in FREERIDE 4/21, the Last Coal against five competitors and won the test. The FREERIDE testers particularly liked the full suspension, which still develops plenty of pop for airtime, and the good all-round capabilities. You can choose your favourite components using the online configurator. Available in 29-inch and MX versions.
Click here to participate >> FREERIDE reader survey 2022
These are the nominated bikes in the category: Enduros/Freerider
Rocky Mountain Altitude
The Altitude can no longer be described as new, but we still had to nominate it. Because hardly any other enduro bike is as versatile. The Altitude can be playful and fast at the same time. In our eyes, this is exactly how an enduro bike should be. Even celebrity tester Christian Textor went into raptures. The bike was awarded the test winner button for the second time in our 1/22 test.
Scor 4060 LT
The new enduro brand Scor is from the makers of the BMC cross-country label. The stylish frame construction, a storage compartment and the chic colour are real eye-catchers. But the Scor doesn't just look good, it is one of the most playful enduro bikes on the market and also surprises on the descents. Although we also found weaknesses in the newcomer to the enduro bike, such as the dirt-prone shock mount, the Scor is still one of the highlight enduro bikes of 2022.
YT Capra 29
In 2021, the enduro bike from the Franconian mail-order company has been given a makeover. In addition to modern geometry and an asymmetric frame design, the new Capra has slightly less travel at the rear and therefore has a more direct ride feel. The 2022 Capra rolls on either 29-inch wheels or a mullet mix. In the test, the bike won the hearts of the testers with its predictable riding style and pleasing geometry.
Canyon Torque
Until now, the Torque was a pure freerider, but the new model is now more broadly positioned. You can choose between 27.5-inch, mullet or 29-inch wheels. The new Torque has also been slimmed down. The top version for 5799 euros comes in at an acceptable 15.3 kilos. In the test, the test crew was delighted with the feel-good geo and the potent suspension. Incidentally, the new Torque still has freeride genes.
Simplon Rapcon
Enduro premiere for Simplon: Instead of a cross-county or marathon bike, this time the Austrians designed an enduro bike. The result is a harmonious all-rounder with a wide range of uses and clever details such as a storage compartment in the down tube and a special stem for cable routing. Perhaps the biggest surprise of 2022. And the look... well, it's rather plain.
These are the nominated bikes in the Bigbikes category
Mondraker Summum
The Spanish label has revised its World Cup weapon Summum for 2022, with Brook MacDonald's service vehicle now rolling on either 29-inch or mullet tyres. Highlights of the new Summum include: Stealth look, fast-forward geometry and a frame weight (without shock) of less than 3 kilos. By the way: The Mondraker Summum is the only bike in the world to take all three podium places at a world championship (2016).
Cube Two 15
While the big bike predecessors from Cube didn't knock our socks off, the new edition convinced us all the more. Danny Hart and Max Hartenstern's workhorse is available in a number of equipment variants. We tested the affordable model (3049 euros) and were delighted with its racy geometry, lively handling and potent suspension. In short: The Two15 should pop up on the radar of big bikers again. Great: The price/performance ratio.
Commencal Furious
The bike tinkerers from Andorra have a knack for big bikes. The DH Supreme race machine is one of our favourites, as is the fun big bike for the park: Furious. It is easy to ride, has plenty of bounce and sufficient playfulness. The Furious can do it all: DH bolts, stunts, speed and airtime. The cheapest model is available from € 3299.
Propain Rage CF
For 2022, the bike designers from Lake Constance have trimmed their Rage big bike even more for speed and have now positioned the floating shock in front of the seat tube. This optimises the bike's centre of gravity. The new carbon Rage rolls on 29-inch or mixed tyres, offers 215 millimetres of rear suspension travel for maximum comfort, an adjustable geo for a customised setup and can be put together as desired thanks to the online configurator.
Trek Session
Among other things, the 2022 Session has been given a high-pivot construction. There is also the option of small and large 29-inch wheels. We were impressed by the Session's versatility: whether park use or racing - the Session can do both. The suspension provides a surprising amount of comfort and traction. In short: mission accomplished.
Click here for the reader survey and vote for the BIKE OF THE YEAR >> FREERIDE reader survey 2022
Laurin Lehner
Editor
