Our annual BIKE reader survey is the biggest market study in the mountain bike industry, and it's worth taking part. BIKE reader Christian Gareiß now knows this too. The man from the Allgäu region won this year's main prize, a Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS worth 5200 euros. The enthusiastic racer was of course delighted to receive the race bike in person from Scott marketing man Tobias Engelmann and deputy BIKE editor-in-chief Stefan Frey.
The BIKE reader survey has a major influence on the development of our magazine, but also on the mountain bike industry as a whole. For many bike manufacturers, the results are an indispensable basis for getting to know the needs and wishes of mountain bikers. Where are new trends emerging? What is a niche, what is the next big hit? The key players in the bike world are aware of the informative value of the survey and take readers' opinions to heart. By taking part, you not only have the chance to win great prizes, but also to help shape the future of mountain biking. Which bikes have inspired you recently? Which novelty has fascinated you? The answers will help us get to know our readers better and find out what really moves them.
The BIKE reader survey takes place online. The survey is already closed!
If you would like to take part in the competition, please enter your address. Your details are voluntary. The answers will be analysed anonymously.
Once again this year, we are putting the BIKE of the Year up for election. The BIKE editorial team has nominated five bikes in each of five MTB categories, which have impressed with their top function, innovative approaches or excellent value for money. The vote for BIKE of the Year 2022 is integrated into our reader survey.
The winners of the BIKE of the Year Awards have already been announced. >> Here you can find all the winning bikes from the readers' poll.
The new Scott Spark is the spearhead of the cross-country and marathon squad. Successful in the World Cup and fun to ride after work. State-of-the-art geometry meets a new level of integration. This makes the way up just as much fun as the trail downhill. With 120 millimetres of travel at the front and rear and a lightweight full carbon frame, the Spark RC is hungry for speed - whether on the fast trail lap or between the flutter tape. Thanks to the Sram GX AXS wireless drivetrain and efficient Rockshox suspension, the team equipment leaves nothing to be desired. Thanks to the integrated shock, electronic shifting and the new Syncros cross-country cockpit, the Scott Spark RC looks extremely fast even when stationary. (size M or L)
With the Scalpel Carbon Cannondale is ushering in a new era of cross-country and marathon fullys. The progressive geometry of the carbon frame and the sensitive Lefty Ocho fork generate a level of downhill expertise never before seen on a lightweight fully - unique selling point included! This package makes the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon a razor-sharp twentyniner for racing and a sporty companion on the home trails. It fulfils the virtues of modern cross-country bikes with flying colours and combines speed with riding fun. The Flex-Pivot suspension system provides the necessary traction at the decisive moment. Envious looks from fellow riders guaranteed! The Carbon 2 model is so new that the colour shown may still vary. (size M)
The damping of the new Fox Float X Factory shock absorber ensures consistent performance in trail and all-mountain use. To achieve this, Fox has given the air shock improved end progression and optimised the reservoir length, among other things. The revised design with a larger air chamber not only reduces the average pressure required, but also the weight of the shock. The effective adjustment options can be operated without tools. The Factory version of the Float X comes with the particularly low-friction Kashima coating.
The Candy pedals from Crankbrothers are real classics when it comes to lightweight and colourful clipless pedals. The new aluminium pedal body offers additional grip and optimises the important contact between shoe and pedal. The good self-cleaning properties and double seals keep water and dirt out. This means that the replaceable bearings remain well protected even in adverse conditions on the trail and should provide long-lasting pleasure.
Days on the trail can be long. With the Fizik Terra Alpaca X5, trail bikers are well prepared. When seated, the saddle offers good support and when the Vario support is lowered, it does not get in the way thanks to its compact design and rounded edges. The Fizik Terra Alpaca X5 therefore not only offers plenty of comfort, but also optimum freedom of movement. Just in case, the Terra Alpaca 5 also conceals an inconspicuous and practical multi-tool.
The TRP DH-R Evo is a real throwback and was developed for the wildest descents on a mountain bike. The forged, CNC-machined and polished hardware also makes this more than clear visually. High modulation and long durability make the brakes reliable companions for tough use. With plenty of power and thick discs, they are also recommended for heavy riders and whenever the going gets tough downhill. (including adapter for brake calliper mounting and discs)
Enduro wheels have to be able to take a beating. The ethirteen LG1 Race wheelset comes with a lifetime guarantee on the carbon rims. This gives you confidence when you hit the next rock face. Thanks to the wide hub flange and stable aluminium hubs, the wheel construction of the Ethirteen LG1 Race Carbon is particularly stable and durable. The bearings are triple-sealed to withstand the harshest environmental conditions. Nevertheless, the weight remains pleasantly low thanks to tubeless-compatible carbon rims. (27.5 or 29 inch)
With the One, Litelok proves that good bike locks don't have to be heavy and bulky. The sturdy lock weighs in at just 1.1 kilograms. The Boaflexicore strap is made of a flexible composite material and the lock body is particularly secure thanks to hardened steel. The Litelock One can withstand bolt cutters, crowbars and hacksaws and can be easily carried on the bike at all times thanks to the frame mounts.
Telescopic seatposts have become an integral part of modern mountain bikes. With the Highline 7, Crankbrothers has a suitable dropper post for every bike in its portfolio. Its short installation length and infinitely variable adjustment range make the hydraulic dropper post with mechanical cable routing a reliable and smooth companion on the trails. Thanks to the Quick-Connect system, the post and saddle are installed particularly stress-free.
At just over 320 grams, the Bell 4Forty is a pleasantly lightweight head protection. Nevertheless, the helmet makes no compromises when it comes to safety in order to protect trail bikers from head injuries. The fact that it can keep up with the heavyweights in terms of safety is due to the many built-in technologies. The MIPS system keeps the forces away from the head in the event of a fall. The 15 generous openings help to keep a cool head.
The new Spank Spike 35 handlebar is mighty wide at 820 millimetres for maximum control on the trail, but can also be easily shortened. The Vibrocore technology allows arms and hands to tire more slowly. Less fatigue means longer fun on the trails and better performance in races. Together with the Spank Split Stem and the matching grips, the result is a weight-optimised and durable cockpit for after-work laps to World Cup starts.
The all-mountain flat pedal shoe from Ride Concepts goes by the name of Helion and is particularly light and comfortable for long days on the trail. The soft DST 4.0 Max Grip sole maintains contact with the pedals at all times and the D30 technology of the insole provides good cushioning. The upper material is water-repellent and specially reinforced to protect the toes and heels. With its stylish look and classic lacing, the Helion makes bikers look good on and off the bike.
The Lezyne Steel Digital Drive is a tool as it should be: highly accurate and robust. The cylinder and piston are made of particularly durable steel, while the pump stands on a stable aluminium base. The lacquered wooden handle sits comfortably in the hand. Thanks to the easy-to-read digital display of the high-quality floor pump, you will never have to estimate the air pressure again.
The brand new Lupra jacket is completely windproof and breathable thanks to the latest Gore-Tex technologies. The woven surface in particularly exposed areas promises a high level of robustness for this water-repellent jacket. The built-in stretch ensures a high degree of freedom of movement on the bike. The adjustable hood fits over the helmet and keeps the biker dry and warm.
The Kids Ride Shotgun child seat offers young bikers a comfortable and ergonomic saddle without frame contact. The seat is also suitable for use on carbon frames. A quick-release mechanism simplifies assembly and height-adjustable footrests provide the necessary support for kids aged between two and five. Kids have everything under control on the extra handlebars. This makes touring together really fun!
The Bollé Shifter helps you keep a clear view on the trail with a particularly ventilating lens. The sports glasses are packed with simple but advanced features. 100% UV protection and optical clarity in all situations ensure good eye comfort. The lens of the Shifter is both oil and water repellent and sits in a nylon frame that is as light as it is strong.
If you go biking in the dark, you need a light and powerful light like the Knog Plus light. Thanks to the magnetic holder, the light, which is visible up to 500 metres away, can be attached quickly. The integrated battery lasts up to 3.5 hours and can be recharged via USB. You don't even need an extra cable for this. The Plus is also minimalist in terms of weight: Knog claims it weighs just between 12 and 18 grams.
If you love your bike, you clean it! Ideally with the Muc-Off Essential Kit. It contains all the utensils you need to wash your bike. In addition to cleaning and protective agents, the practical set includes a soft sponge and a gentle brush, and thanks to the practical storage bag, the Muc-Off Essential Kit is quickly to hand after every tour. No more dirty bikes!
>> click here for the Participation in the BIKE reader survey

Editor