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Bestseller in the 2023 testGood or cheap? Settlement price-performance comparison

Jan Timmermann

 · 18.10.2023

Need for discussion: Prices are easy to measure, but what about performance?
Photo: Max Fuchs

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In the BIKE test, 11 different mountain bikes had to show what they can do. From an aluminium hardtail for 1800 euros to a carbon fully for 7900 euros, the test group was colourful. Cross-country race bikes or long-stroke enduro bikes, everything was there. However, we were interested in one thing: Which concept offers the best price/performance ratio? And why? The reckoning in a price-performance comparison.

When buying a mountain bike, there is almost no question that burns hotter than the question of value for money. We all want to get a good product for our money. In most cases, the decision in favour of or against a particular bike is only made after looking into the wallet. Prices are easy to compare.

It is more difficult to determine what an MTB can do. Individual aspects always play a role here: What do I want to do with the bike? Does a bike also pick me up emotionally?

Many points and low purchase costs place the Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 at the top of our price-performance comparison. But other manufacturers also offer a lot for the money.Photo: Max FuchsMany points and low purchase costs place the Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 at the top of our price-performance comparison. But other manufacturers also offer a lot for the money.

The BIKE test shows: How good is an MTB?

Fortunately, we at BIKE have a long-established Test systemwhich analyses all objectifiable factors of a mountain bike's performance in a detailed scoring system.

In addition to the practical impression of various experienced testers in a terrain appropriate to the bike category, the BIKE test also evaluates quality features such as the workmanship or the technical up-to-dateness of a bike.

Added value, such as warranty terms or scope of delivery, is also rated. The evaluation of the measurement data from our in-house test laboratory also plays an important role. There we determine the weights and acceleration values, but also the paint quality and stiffness of a bike.

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In addition, we measure the geometry data and characteristics of the test bikes ourselves in order to be independent of the manufacturer's specifications and to support our practical impressions. The result is a reliable evaluation with a maximum of 250 points, which can be compared with the price of a bike. After the extensive tests in the lab and in the field, we compared the price with the performance of the best-selling bikes.

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>> Click here for the BIKE test with details on the price-performance ratio. <<

Ranking: Points & judgements in the BIKE test (click to go to the individual evaluation of the test bikes)

This chart shows the points rating of the individual test bikes in relation to their price.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThis chart shows the points rating of the individual test bikes in relation to their price.

Final results: 11 bikes in a price-performance comparison

The cheapest bike from Giant scored the least points. At the same time, the most expensive candidate from Rocky Mountain managed to score very well, but not the best. Apart from individual spikes, the chart above shows that the more expensive bikes usually achieve better results.

Both in terms of points and price, the Conway lands in the midfield. Radon, Bulls and Scor cost a lot, but also deliver a strong performance. With Rocky Mountain, you have to pay a little more for a comparable result.

With Focus and Cube, the performance matches the price. Rose and Specialized offer an above-average cost/performance ratio. The best price-performance balancing act is achieved by Canyon.

Bestselling MTBs: Always good & cheap?

Manufacturers choose different tactics to offer their customers the best possible price/performance ratio. Bargain or deceptive package? We have uncovered the levers that manufacturers use to achieve what they consider to be the best overall package.

Chic carbon frame vs. cheap suspension elements

Detailed carbon frames are expensive, but lay the foundation for a light and functional bike. Rose, Specialized and Cube (pictured) rely on carbon, but save on the chassis.Photo: Max FuchsDetailed carbon frames are expensive, but lay the foundation for a light and functional bike. Rose, Specialized and Cube (pictured) rely on carbon, but save on the chassis.
To compensate for the high price of the carbon frames, Specialized, Cube (pictured) and Rose only treat their bikes to forks and shocks of the lowest quality.Photo: Max FuchsTo compensate for the high price of the carbon frames, Specialized, Cube (pictured) and Rose only treat their bikes to forks and shocks of the lowest quality.

Expensive top-of-the-range drivetrain vs. rigid seatpost

Conway treats the RLC FS to a high-quality Sram XX1 drivetrain with mechanical control. Giant (pictured) uses a Shimano SLX shifter, but equips the XTC with an XT rear derailleur.Photo: Max FuchsConway treats the RLC FS to a high-quality Sram XX1 drivetrain with mechanical control. Giant (pictured) uses a Shimano SLX shifter, but equips the XTC with an XT rear derailleur.Hardly anything has advanced the versatility of mountain bikes as much as the telescopic seat post. However, not only the purchase, but also the assembly is expensive. Giant (pictured) and Conway therefore stick to rigid models.Photo: Max FuchsHardly anything has advanced the versatility of mountain bikes as much as the telescopic seat post. However, not only the purchase, but also the assembly is expensive. Giant (pictured) and Conway therefore stick to rigid models.

Expensive suspension elements vs. inexpensive drivetrain

All that glitters is gold when it comes to Scor's suspension. The shock and suspension fork from the Fox Factory range are among the best and most expensive that money can buy.Photo: Max FuchsAll that glitters is gold when it comes to Scor's suspension. The shock and suspension fork from the Fox Factory range are among the best and most expensive that money can buy.Scor saves on the Sram GX Eagle drivetrain. Although this does a good job, it is normally found on much cheaper bikes.Photo: Max FuchsScor saves on the Sram GX Eagle drivetrain. Although this does a good job, it is normally found on much cheaper bikes.

Mid-range equipment package vs. top-of-the-range carbon frame

Focus, Canyon (pictured) and Rocky Mountain all rely on solid mid-range components. In terms of the quality of the equipment, they don't allow themselves any ups or downs.Photo: Max FuchsFocus, Canyon (pictured) and Rocky Mountain all rely on solid mid-range components. In terms of the quality of the equipment, they don't allow themselves any ups or downs.Combined with a high-quality carbon frame, the mid-priced equipment makes for a good overall package. However, only Canyon (pictured) can offer this at a favourable price. | Photo; Max FuchsCombined with a high-quality carbon frame, the mid-priced equipment makes for a good overall package. However, only Canyon (pictured) can offer this at a favourable price. | Photo; Max Fuchs

Good or cheap? What the testers say

I don't want to limit myself to just one discipline. If a bike is particularly versatile, I might only need to keep one in the garage and save money. Both the expensive Rocky Mountain and the affordable Canyon are particularly versatile. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor.Photo: Max FuchsStefan Frey, BIKE test editor.
There are parts of a bike that you simply shouldn't skimp on. Nothing influences downhill performance as positively as good suspension elements and tyres. Scor and Rocky Mountain have understood this and have put together high-performance combinations. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager.Photo: Georg GrieshaberPeter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager.
For me, the combination of a carbon frame and 120 mm fork on a hardtail has a very special appeal. With wide tyres and dropper posts, Rose and Focus are also great fun downhill. On flowing trails, I can save myself the extra cost of a race bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor.Photo: Georg GrieshaberJan Timmermann, BIKE test editor.

Other topics in our price-performance comparison

>> Discounts & falling prices: Mountain bikes and e-MTBs are now cheaper <<

>> Big discount campaign: road bike & gravel bike offers for autumn <<

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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