Canyon Neuron LTD
Wide range of use, toughly calculated and functional down to the last detail. Even in the LTD version for an attractive 2999 euros, Canyon's bestseller shows its best side and collects top marks. Uphill and during long hours in the saddle, the Neuron impresses across the board and does the trail bike category proud. The tyres roll excellently and save energy on the trails. What really stands out, however, is the function of the rear suspension, which strikes the perfect balance between drive neutrality and sensitivity and traction. Canyon has not skimped on the equipment either: a highlight of the LTD version is the Sram GX AXS transmission. The official retail price of the wireless drivetrain is € 1300 and delivers the finest shifting performance even under load. Also worth mentioning is Canyon's own telescopic seatpost, which offers up to 200 millimetres of travel and can be adjusted in length without tools. However, at 460 millimetres, the seat tube is longer than on the Cube and GT and leaves less room for lowering.
Our verdict on the Canyon Neuron LTD: The Canyon Neuron can do everything at a high level, making it the ideal trail bike for touring riders. The LTD version also impresses with great and functional equipment.
Last Clay Raw
2024 Last is blowing fresh wind into the sails of its Clay aluminium trail bike. To be fair, it has to be said that the Clay is not really new - it shares the frame with the more powerful Glen and Coal models. Super-light carbon wheels with textile spokes, first-class Fox suspension from the Factory series, XTR components and wickedly expensive Trickstuff stoppers - with this firework of equipment, the bike costs a hefty 9500 euros despite its aluminium chassis. When pedalling, the steep seat angle places the rider in a super-compact position on the bike - not for long rides on flat terrain, as this puts a lot of pressure on the hands. Tricky climbs can be mastered all the better as a result. The low weight does the rest. In tight bends, the slack steering angle tends to tip over and the long wheelbase feels bulky. The rear suspension is of the lively variety and pumps along eagerly when pedalling. Only when you close the platform lever completely does calm return. Now to the downhill handling: When things get fast on the downhill, the long and extremely flat geometry of the Clay holds the trump cards: 63.8 degrees head angle, 498 millimetres reach - values of this magnitude also look good on full-grown enduro bikes. In combination with the high stack value, they make our test candidate extremely stable. This makes the Clay one of the most capable downhill trail bikes of 2024.
Our verdict on the Last Clay RAW: The Last Clay has the most potent suspension, the best geometry for downhills and also scores highly in terms of equipment. In the end, the most expensive bike only just missed out on the test victory. Why? From a perfect trail bike, we would have liked a little more playfulness and more efficient suspension. The super-compact riding position is also not ideal on long tours.
Stereo One22 C:62 SLT 29
Just in time for our comparison test in BIKE 11/24, Cube lets the cat out of the bag and launches the new Stereo One22. The newcomer says goodbye to the angular and straightforward design of its predecessor and now speaks the subtly curved design language of the current Stereo family. However, the sporty character of the trail bike has not changed. From the very first turn of the pedals, the Cube Stereo One22 pushes forwards. If you take a look at our measurements, it quickly becomes clear why. Although the One22 is the cheapest bike in this high-end test at € 5999, it outweighs the next heaviest candidate by 420 grams in terms of total weight (11.8 kilos). At 4078 grams, the Newmen carbon wheels are also among the lightest in this test. Paired with the fast Schwalbe tyres, the Cube pulls away like Usain Bolt in a 100-metre sprint, sprints willingly over climbs and is easy to steer over the trail. Just like on the climbs, the Cube also stands out positively on the descents thanks to its harmonious geometry. The generous stack places the rider safely behind the control centre. This allows you to master steep trails with confidence. Thanks to the short rear end, the Stereo scurries nimbly round tight bends and can be pulled onto the rear wheel with a left-hander. This makes the Cube Stereo One22 one of the front runners in the playfulness ranking.
Our verdict on the Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT 29: Measured against the price, the equipment package of the specialist brand is unbeatable. Even the most expensive competitors cannot keep up with this array of high-end components. The riding fun on easy terrain and the propulsion also stand out. However, due to the lack of suspension reserves, the strengths of the Cube Stereo Onee22 are more evident in sporty use. There are more competent trail bikes in this category for rough terrain.
Scor 2030 X01
Downhill expertise meets propulsion: the Swiss label Scor developed the 2030 according to this motto. The key data sounds ordinary: 140 millimetres of suspension travel on the fork, 130 millimetres at the rear and 29er wheels. Just as it should be for a trail bike. However, the first test lap makes it unmistakably clear that the Scor is anything but ordinary. On the climbs, the 2030 is one of the most powerful bikes on test. Even when pedalling out of the saddle and with the shock open, the Scor converts every pedal rotation into propulsion without loss. No annoying bobbing. Even on steep ramps, the bike always stays high in its travel and doesn't bottom out on edges. This allows you to fully utilise the advantages of the steep seat angle and climb technical steep sections with plenty of pressure on the front wheel. On the downhill, the Scor 2030 is at its best: The 64.4 degree head angle, together with the generous reach and the 140 mm fork, creates a very smooth ride. This tempts you to go full throttle. In keeping with the mini enduro feeling, Scor has also released the carbon frame for bike park use.
Our verdict on the Scor 2030 X01: Although the Scor doesn't master any discipline perfectly, overall it fulfils the requirements of a trail bike the best and thus secures the test victory in our comparison in BIKE 11/22. On tour, the propulsion is pleasing and the climbing characteristics leave hardly anything to be desired. Downhill, the 2030 keeps the fun factor high despite its special geometry and provides sufficient safety on demanding trails.
Specialised Epic Evo 8 Pro
The evolution of cross-country full-suspension bikes continues. Specialised has given its Epic racing file It also has 120 millimetres of suspension travel and a long, flat geometry. It thus occupies the former territory of the more downhill-orientated Epic Evo. But the Americans are not giving up on the Evo model. On the contrary, with even more travel at the front, powerful brakes and grippy tyres, the Specialized Epic Evo 8 Pro 2024 has moved up into the trail bike category and can therefore prove itself directly in our comparison test. The fact that our test bike can Frame shared with the Epic race bikebecomes clear as soon as you sit on the bike. You sit on the Epic Evo stretched out and with a lot of pressure on the front wheel. To coax a little more comfort out of the speedster, we fitted all possible spacers under the stem. But even then, the bike still exudes an extremely sporty character. The Specialized is correspondingly fast on the climbs. Due to the front-heavy riding position, less experienced riders will soon reach the limits of what is possible on steep terrain. The suspension elements respond well, but tend to be high in their travel. Although the firm ride feel suits the sporty riding position well, it does not provide much comfort and safety in comparison. If the suspension qualities fade into the background on tamer trails, the length of the bike allows it to track safely and handle a lot of speed. Good for the playfulness rating: the suspension offers firm support when pushing through berms and pushing off jumps.
Our verdict on the Specialized Epic Evo 8 Pro: With its consistently sporty character, the Specialized Epic Evo is suitable for trail bikers who like to cover a lot of distance and for whom downhill fun is not the main focus. Bottle cage, swat tool and luggage compartment - in addition to the geometry and suspension, the useful equipment details also seem to be made for extended tours.
