PRICE Good models from €2000
WEIGHT 11 to 13.5 kilos (without pedals)
FEDERWEG 120 to 130 mm
AREA OF APPLICATION Trail-heavy tours, Alpine crossings, tours in low mountain ranges, flow trails
However, when it comes to downhill trails, the higher suspension travel pays off and the telescopic seatpost reduces the fear of steep sections. Trail bikes demonstrate their balanced character just as confidently on an after-work ride as on an Alpine crossing. The category offers a broad spectrum: even the tyres play a decisive role in determining the range of use. Narrow, fast-rolling 2.2 tyres are ideal for marathons, while grippy 2.4 tyres allow you to master tricky trails. The wheel size is also a decisive characteristic. Trail bikes are available with lighter, somewhat livelier 27.5-inch wheels or with somewhat slower, but smoother-running 29-inch wheels. What they all have in common, however, is their versatility and balance.
Cannondale Scalpel-SI SE1
Cannondale has given this version of the Scalpel race bike a trail tune ex works. Traditionally, the Scalpel rolls off the production line as a marathon rocket with narrow tyres, 100 millimetres of suspension travel and ruthless race geometry. The transformation into a trail bike with significantly more confidence on tricky trails is initiated by 25 millimetres more travel at the front and rear, a telescopic seatpost and wide Maxxis Ardent tyres. The 60 mm stem and the 770 mm wide, ergonomically shaped handlebars complete the metamorphosis. The rear end bobs slightly on the climbs, but always remains active. Conclusion: Cannondale's tuning intention works, the Scalpel-Si is a trail predator with still good propulsion on long tours.
Price 5499 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 12.5 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 124 mm / rear: 124 mm
Tested in BIKE 7/18
BIKE judgement very good
Canyon Neuron AL 7.0
The highest-quality equipment, the lowest overall weight and the Schwalbe tyres with Speed Grip compound catapulted the Neuron to the top of the test group, consisting of trail bikes up to 2000 euros. However, the good climbing characteristics indicate that Canyon has not developed this bike as a playful trail bike, but rather as a sporty touring fully. When the trail winds downhill through the trees, the bike lacks a little composure with its steep head angle (69.8 degrees) and short wheelbase. Rough trails require more pressure on the rear suspension and an increase in compression on the 120 mm Fox fork. Nevertheless, the overall package of the Neuron is convincing. If you are looking for a comfortable touring bike rather than a hip trail racer, the test winner is the right choice.
Price 1999 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 13.61 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 122 mm / rear: 124 mm
Tested in BIKE 7/18 (not available online)
BIKE judgement very good
Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SI
The newly developed trail bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company offers a complete package for long singletrack tours. The Canyon is very well equipped for the price. It has no weaknesses on the climbs or descents and with this all-round suitability it won the test in the field of trail bikes from 3700 euros. Double-sealed rear bearings, an integrated steering stop and a maintenance-friendly shaft for all cables are evidence of a well thought-out concept. The acceleration is light-footed, the rear triangle has hardly any drivetrain influence and the Canyon climbs solidly. With ample rear suspension travel, direct handling and 30 mm wide rims, the Neuron is bursting with confidence on the downhills. It even invites you to play casually with root carpets and small jumps.
Price 3699 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 12.99 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 134 mm / rear: 140 mm
Tested in BIKE 3/19
BIKE judgement very good
Conway MT 827 Plus
The MT 827 Plus belongs to the up-and-coming genre of trail-oriented hardtails with 2.8-inch wide plus tyres, downhill-oriented geometry and 140 mm fork. The genes of a powerful hardtail are nevertheless retained. The riding position remains sporty, with a low front end, the Conway climbs purposefully uphill. However, the comparatively heavy wheels somewhat inhibit the forward momentum, but the Plus tyres from Schwalbe roll surprisingly well, according to the testers. On descents, the bike's confident handling leaves nothing to be desired. When the trail gets rough, the good fork is on hand and the Guide-R stoppers with 200 mm discs at the front decelerate with confidence. As a hardtail, it needs to be ridden more actively than a fully. But you'll never get bored on this reliable fun bike.
Price 1999,95 Euro
Wheel size 27,5"+
Weight 13.8 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 141 mm
Tested in BIKE 7/18
BIKE judgement very good
Cube AMS 100 C:68 TM
If you want to be light-footed and powerful on the trails and the current trail bikes are too heavy for you, you can pimp your marathon fully with a longer fork in the direction of a trail bike. Cube takes this approach with the AMS version tested, specifying a Fox fork with 120 mm travel. The steering angle is one degree slacker than that of the Race AMS, making for a smoother ride. Even if 109 millimetres at the rear don't quite match the fork travel on paper, Cube manages to bring harmony to the suspension with an active and sensitive rear end. The Cube is easy on the throttle, rolls easily and steers directly. The good Fox Transfer dropper post provides confidence on steep descents. With good equipment, the Cube also offers good value for money.
Price 3999 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 11.76 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 121 mm / rear: 109 mm
Tested in BIKE 11/18
BIKE judgement very good
Rocky Mountain Element C 70
Normally, the Element shoots down marathon trails with 100 millimetres of travel, narrow tyres and race geometry. Like Cannondale's Scalpel Si, Rocky Mountain has also sent its Element C70 to the trail tuner. More travel, namely 124 millimetres at the front and a choice of 109 or 124 millimetres at the rear, make the main difference. At the rear, we recommend the more harmonious Ride 9 setting with more travel, which also gives the bottom bracket more ground clearance. The steering angle is steeper, but the rear harmonises better with the characteristics of the Fox fork. The telescopic seatpost fits in well with the trail orientation. At just twelve kilos, it is a very light trail bike that also performed well in race mode at the BIKE Marathon in Riva.
Price 6000 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 12.02 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 124 mm / rear: 109-124 mm
Tested in BIKE 7/18
BIKE judgement very good
Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt A 50
The Thunderbolt was the only bike in the test of trail bikes around 4000 euros with 27.5 mm wheels and confidently held its own against the 29er competition. It presented itself as the best all-rounder, didn't make any big mistakes either uphill or downhill and took the test victory - as the cheapest bike in the test! The smaller wheels give the bike a playful character and light-footed acceleration. Maxxis tyres with a strong profile, a playful geometry and 130 millimetres of travel make demanding trails a pleasure. When climbing, you have to stabilise the shock with the help of the platform, as the rear end bobs when open. The weight of 13.5 kilos is acceptable in this category, the riding position is pleasantly comfortable and the uphill performance is just right.
Price 3300 Euro
Wheel size 27,5"
Weight 13.51 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 132 mm / rear: 135 mm
Tested in BIKE 10/18
BIKE judgement very good
Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 Reserve
If you want to stand out with this high-end bike from the cult brand Santa Cruz, you have to dig deep into your wallet first. After all, he or she can then ride a classy bike that is really fun on the trail. 130 millimetres of travel at the front and rear fit the definition of a trail bike perfectly. That doesn't make the 5010 a bike like many others. With 27.5 mm wheels and extremely short chainstays, it is designed for maximum playfulness. The rear end follows playfully through tight bends, and manuals are also possible with little effort. With its potent Fox suspension and wide cockpit, the bike leaves nothing to be desired downhill. It climbs well. The rear end of the stiff full carbon frame remains stable even without a shock platform, only pumping slightly when pedalling. The 5010 CC is a sharp weapon for trail raiders.
Price 8299 Euro
Wheel size 27,5"
Weight 12.53 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 130 mm / rear: 130 mm
Tested in BIKE 11/18
BIKE judgement very good
Scott Spark 920
The Spark is the kind of trail bike we want. The sporty riding position and low weight give it a bit of a race aura and even make the occasional marathon start possible. The pumping of the rear suspension in open mode can be safely ignored. The Twinloc lever makes it super easy to lock out the entire suspension from the handlebars. This made the 300 metre climb on the test lap child's play. The Spark doesn't miss a beat downhill either. The Maxxis tyres offer good grip. The suspension elements work absolutely harmoniously and allow you to glide comfortably even through bumpy sections. The Spark likes fast straights slightly better than tight berms. This performance earned it the tip for the best specialised bike in the test.
Price 3999 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 12.71 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 120 mm / rear: 126 mm
Tested in BIKE 3/19
BIKE judgement very good
Specialised Stumpjumper ST Comp Carbon 29
With the Stumpjumper, Specialized presents a racy trail bike. Still a little sluggish on the climbs, it really comes into its own on the descents. The short-travel version of this classic has 134 millimetres of travel at the front and 126 millimetres at the rear, which is less than other models in the series, but the high front with offset handlebars ensures a safe ride on steep terrain. The basic suspension setting is comfortable. If you like it sportier, leave the damper platform switched on downhill and increase the compression damping on the fork using the blue button on the fork leg. Of course, the telescopic seat post is also included. Elegant: The SWAT box in the down tube offers space for a spare tube or bar and makes for a lighter rucksack on tour.
Price 3999 Euro
Wheel size 29"
Weight 13.73 kilos without pedals
Spring travel front: 134 mm / rear: 126 mm
Tested in BIKE 10/18
BIKE judgement very good
You can find this article in BIKE 4/2019 in the special "The 37 best bikes 2019". You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
