Best of test: The best trail bikes of 2022

Weight 11 to 14 kilos I Suspension travel 120 - 140 mm I Price range from 2200 euros

With 120 to 140 millimetres of suspension travel, trail bikes offer a lot of fun potential on technical trails and long tours. With lightweight tyres, some candidates even cut a fine figure in marathons. Telescopic seatposts are a must in this category. Thanks to their versatility, trail bikes are also regarded as the all-rounders among mountain bikes. However, the focus of development is increasingly shifting towards downhill riding, which is why the majority of current models with plenty of suspension travel and thick tyres can even cope with spontaneous enduro missions. The disadvantage: the weights often exceed 14 kilos, which slows down the bikes' suitability for climbing.

However, a counter-movement is forming in the slipstream of this development: Many companies are tuning their marathon fullys with more suspension travel, wider tyres and dropper posts for touring use. Thanks to their low weight, these so-called down-country bikes should make you want to go on long tours again. The prices of these bikes are just as varied as their range of use. Decent trail bikes are available from as little as 2200 euros. The sporty 120 millimetre models in particular, on the other hand, quickly break the 10,000 euro mark.

The best trail bikes 2022:

Scott Spark 900 Tuned

• Price 9499 Euro >> available here
• Weight 11.45 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 9/21
• Judgement super / 217.5 points

Just like the race model, the Scott Spark is also one of our testers' favourites in the trail version. Despite the 130 mm fork, wide rims and rough tyres, the all-round talent from the Swiss weighs just 11.5 kilos. The bike's strengths: effortless acceleration and extremely sensitive suspension. The progressive geometry with a slack steering angle and moderately long chainstays strikes the right balance between smoothness and agility. Thanks to the consistent system integration, the Spark is also in a league of its own visually.

Cannondale Scalpel SE 1

• Price 5799 Euro >> available here
• Weight 11.46 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 7/21
• Judgement super / 206.25 points

The Scalpel SE represents the down-country faction among trail bikes. Cannondale won the test twice with its race bike in trail trim. Our testers particularly liked the successful compromise between downhill and uphill qualities. The comfortable riding position and good climbing characteristics play into the rider's hands, especially on long tours with many metres of climbing. On descents, the geometry and harmonious suspension provide a lot of confidence. Clever details round off the successful package.

Pivot Trail 429

• Price 9949 Euro
• Weight 12.4 kilos
• Tested in BIKE 6/21
• Judgement super / 205 points

In typical Pivot fashion, the price tag on the Trail 429 is also close to five figures. But if you're not put off by the exorbitant price, the carbon full suspension bike is an extremely versatile and lightweight trail bike. Whether you're on a quick lap around the house, crossing the Alps or in the trail park - the Pivot Trail 429 will impress in every scenario. Even if the suspension travel is rather short on paper, the shock can also keep up well with fast sequences of hits and feels much fluffier than the 120 millimetres would suggest.

Canyon Neuron CF8

Price 2999 Euro

Weight 13.5 kilos

Tested in BIKE 1/22

Judgement very good / 196 points

The Neuron is an old favourite in the Canyon model range. In terms of geometry, the bike manufacturer has bucked the trend and opted for classic, moderate values. But the concept works and hits the bull's eye when it comes to the range of use. With its intuitive handling, it casts a spell over every biker on the trail. The bike has no weaknesses on the climbs either. Lightweight wheels and the carbon frame keep the weight below the 14-kilo mark. With the Neuron, the Koblenz-based mail order company has put together the best overall package in the lower price segment.

Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:

In no other category is the range of use as broad as that of trail bikes. As more and more manufacturers are trimming their models with progressive geometries, powerful tyres and stable components for downhill riding, many models are even on a par with all-mountain bikes. However, attributes such as liveliness, propulsion and climbing ability are essential for a trail bike. The perfect bike should combine downhill fun and light-footedness. However, this is often only possible if you spend a lot of money or opt for down-country models with less suspension travel.