Cube, Last, Pivot, Scor, Trek & Specialized: Trail bikes up to 9500 euros in the XXL comparison test
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What would be the perfect trail bike for me? This question plagued me throughout the entire test production. Instead of deciding directly in favour of one of the six high-end models from the test, I feel more and more like a teenager after finishing school with every new thought: overwhelmed by too many options.
But it's actually quite simple, you might think. Because at first glance, our test group looks surprisingly homogeneous: The rear suspension travel is between 120 and 140 millimetres. At the fork, the gap is even smaller: here the manufacturers specify 130 or 140 millimetres. Wheel size? Standardised 29 inch.
All six candidates therefore have almost the same basic requirements. It should be easy for an experienced tester to filter out the best bike, some of you might think, and not without good reason. However, it's not so much the nuances that cause headaches, but rather fundamental questions such as: "Do I do an apprenticeship or go to university?" Want an example?
6 Trail bikes - different development approaches
It wasn't long ago that the Trek Top Fuel was sprinting for world ranking points in the cross-country circuit. Thanks to the ongoing evolution of race fullys, however, the bike now has so much suspension travel that it can pass as a trail bike by definition. However, its DNA has remained the same: thanks to its pronounced forward thrust and lively handling, the Top Fuel shines above all in sporty use - just as the race courses once demanded of it. It's the same story with the Specialized: the Epic Evo still shares its frame with the classic American race bikes.
Cube, Pivot and Scor, on the other hand, send three independent models to the test. The key data says: Fits in with the rest. In reality, however, the bare figures conceal three fundamentally different interpretations of the trail bike category. The interpretations range from flyweight for long touring fun to hill-climbing genius with a lack of uphill performance.
As if that wasn't enough of an agonising choice, the Last also maintains close contacts with the enduro sector. To be more precise, the Clay is based on the same frame as its all-mountain and enduro brothers Glen and Coal. This development approach enriches our test group with a chassis that is unrivalled downhill and geometry data that - who would have thought - is otherwise only known from enduro bikes.
The crucial question of the best trail bike
How do you find the perfect trail bike with all this variety? Quite simply: via our test system. As the basic idea of the category is to cover the widest possible range of use, the winner is the all-rounder, the bike that delivers the best compromise in all scenarios: in sporty use, on long tours, when jumping and on demanding downhills.
But before rushing to buy the test winner, you should ask yourself a fundamental question, as if you were about to be released into life with your diploma in hand: What do I actually want? If you then know what your own area of use is and what a bike needs to be able to do, you might find your perfect trail bike with the help of our categorisation, even if it's not the test winner.
The bikes in the test: 6 x luxury from 5999 to 9500 euros
We invited six candidates between 5999 and 9500 euros to take part in a comparison test of the latest high-end trail bikes. From a beefed-up race fully with a carbon frame to a lightweight aluminium enduro offshoot, everything is included. We tested these six trail bikes:
Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT
- Price: 5999 Euro >> available here
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 130 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 11.8 kg
Last Clay
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 140 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 126 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Weight: 12.3 kg
- Price: 9500 Euro
Pivot Trail 429 Pro Enduro
- Price: 9299 Euro
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 140 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 13.4 kg
Scor 2030 X01
- Price: 7999 Euro
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 140 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 130 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 13.1 kg
Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX
- Price: 6999 Euro
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 130 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 13.2 kg
Specialised Epic 8 Evo Pro
- Price: 9000 Euro
- Area of application: Trail
- Front suspension travel: 130 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 130 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 12.3 kg
The test results at a glance
The range of applications that a trail bike should cover varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. While Trek, Cube and Specialized still have some cross-country airs and graces, Last and Scor turn out to be mini enduro bikes downhill. We liked the off-road performance of the Pivot best: Thanks to strong equipment marks and convincing climbing characteristics, the test victory still goes to the Scor. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
This is how we tested
We have been testing and evaluating complete bikes for over 30 years. Our test procedure is based on the riding impressions of at least three experienced BIKE testers. To substantiate our impressions, we base our findings on measurement data from our own test laboratory. At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to objectively assess mountain bikes. These criteria are decisive for the evaluation:
Driving behaviour
The most important point in the evaluation system accounts for 65 per cent of the final score for fullys. We differentiate between how well a bike can be ridden uphill and downhill and how the suspension works accordingly. Uphill, we assess the geometry: Is the comfort right? Is the power transfer right and can you survive long days in the saddle? On technical climbs, we award penalty points for the front wheel climbing early and a lack of control in key sections. We also judge the efficiency of the suspension. There are deductions for strong bobbing when pedalling. Features such as an effective platform, a lockout or a handlebar remote are rewarded by our points system. Also important: Does the rear suspension generate good traction even under chain tension without bottoming out?
The playfulness category is dedicated to riding fun. Handy bikes with lively handling score points here. Models with high (wheel) weight, sluggish chassis and bulky geometries are at a disadvantage here. In the downhill classification, we differentiate between riding characteristics, geometry and suspension qualities. In the first category, we place particular emphasis on the riding position: are you well integrated in the bike, can it be controlled intuitively and how much confidence does the geometry convey on steep terrain or at high speeds? In terms of the suspension, the absorption capacity and response behaviour of the suspension elements are important: Do the front and rear harmonise, do the fork and shock absorb fast impacts and does the rear end generate good traction even under braking?
Laboratory values
The total weight and wheel inertia account for a total of 10 per cent of the overall score. Our lab crew determines frame stiffness and exact geometry data so that we don't have to rely on the manufacturer's values or an individual's gut feeling when it comes to stiffness.
Equipment
The 25 per cent is based on a total of five assessment criteria. In addition to the quality of the components and add-on parts, we evaluate things that create added value for the rider. This could be an integrated tool or a steering stop limiter, for example. We also honour the size of the water bottle that can be transported on the frame, the retractability of the saddle and finally the quality and workmanship of the frame.
Service friendliness
A traffic light in the points table provides information on how easy it is to carry out service and maintenance work on the bike. Green stands for good service friendliness, orange for medium, and red warns of stress when tightening screws. We rate the cable routing, how easy it is to replace the bottom bracket and headset, whether the frame is sufficiently protected in problem areas (chainstay, down tube, etc.) and whether a universal derailleur hanger has been specified.
This makes tinkering and tuning fun again. With Scor, Specialized and Trek, half of the test bikes get a green light for service friendliness. - Hans-Peter Ettenberger, BIKE test laboratory
The new spider
We show the strengths and weaknesses, and therefore the character, of a bike at a glance with the new spider diagram. Basically, the larger the coloured area, the better the bike. But the rating in the individual criteria is also visible here. We adjust the weighting depending on the bike category. In this way, we fulfil the different requirements for freeride or trail bikes, for example.
What we noticed in the test
It's often the little things that make the difference between pleasure and frustration when biking. This also applies to this test group. These are our seven tops and flops:
- Flop: Weight-optimised details are welcome in the trail bike category. Cube and Trek are even going on a diet with the Brake systems through. With a sobering result: the poor braking power overshadows the downhill fun - a no-go for bikes that are supposed to shine with a wide range of use.
- Top: Thanks to the Storage compartments with the bikes from Scor, Specialized and Trek you can confidently do without a rucksack for your after-work ride.
- Flop: Half of the test bikes are equipped with Electronic components. Too bad, we think. Because whether it's defective contacts, empty batteries or button cells - electronic components are more susceptible to total failure and more difficult to repair on tour than mechanical ones. Trail bikes in particular - the bikes for all occasions - rely on carefree technology.
- Top: With the exception of Pivot and Trek, all test candidates rely on Mixed tyres. That's a good thing, because a combination of a grippy front tyre and a good rolling rear tyre is the best way to harmonise grip and propulsion.
- Flop: Trail bikes are associated with long days in the saddle. This makes it all the more important to be able to adjust the angle of the handlebars as desired. This option is offered by the Handlebar-stem units from Trek and Cube unfortunately not.
- Top: Designers often sacrifice space for large water bottles in favour of unusual frame constructions. Fortunately, in our test, all the designers opted for Sufficient drinking volume in the frame triangle.
- Top: On average, our test bikes cost over 8,000 euros. Anyone who spends that much money on a bike is hoping for long-term riding pleasure. All the better that almost all candidates have generous Guarantee promise give.
BIKE measurements at a glance
For comprehensible test judgements, we compare the practical impressions of all candidates with the objective and reproducible results from our test laboratory. We do not rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but hang all test bikes on our precise laboratory scales ourselves. The total weight measured refers to the bike without pedals. We state the wheel weight including tyres, cassette and brake disc per set. There is a weight difference of just under two kilos between the lightest bike (Cube) and the heaviest (Pivot).
When it comes to overall weight, the Cube is unrivalled anyway. There are 420 grams between it and the second lightest bike from Last. At the same time, Cube releases its trail bike for the lowest system weight of bike and rider. According to the manufacturer, heavier bikers should have the least concerns with Trek and Pivot. Exciting: Thanks to the high-quality wheels, the Last achieves a top value on the scales despite the aluminium frame. The wheels on the Cube are nevertheless easier to get going - the super-light cross-country tyres make it possible. The Pivot's downhill-orientated equipment ensures the highest total weight. The aluminium wheels on the Trek bring up the rear in terms of acceleration. When it comes to wheel acceleration, the lower the better.
The frame stiffness of mountain bikes is always the subject of much discussion. The rear triangle construction of the Scor is by far the stiffest. The other bikes offer significantly more flex, which forgives riding errors and reduces fatigue on long descents. All values are within a range that is unproblematic even for heavy riders. The stiffness of the front frame triangle is moderately average for all test candidates. However, the wheels were much more noticeable in the test than the actual frame stiffness: We are already familiar with the textile spokes from Pi-Rope from the past. Both the practical test and our laboratory values attested to the system's conspicuously low stiffness. Light riders benefit from the flex thanks to the increased traction and comfort. The heavier testers among us, on the other hand, found the ride to be indirect and spongy when riding hard.
Savings programme: it can also be cheaper - the alternatives
Are the high-end bikes we tested beyond your budget? These alternatives save on equipment, but not on riding fun:
Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM - 2999 euros
What Cube offers for just 2999 euros (>> available here) with its One22 entry-level model is amazing. A full carbon frame, Fox suspension from the Rhythm series and an XT drivetrain leave nothing to be desired.
Last Clay - 4499 Euro
The cheapest configuration of the aluminium trail bike starts at 4499 euros. If you want to pay less, you can equip the bare frame (2578 euros) with even cheaper components yourself.
Pivot Trail 429 Brunch Ride SLX/XT - 5799 Euro
The cult brand is as well-known for its value-for-money bangers as Rolex is for its affordable watches. With this in mind, the €5799 Brunch Ride version of our test bike with Fox Factory suspension and solid XT parts is well worth a look.
Scor 2030 NX - 4999 Euro
Unfortunately, the cheapest model variant of the Scor 2030 is not a money saver. For 5000 euros, you get a carbon frame from the Swiss, but the NX drivetrain and the second-rate Select+ suspension from Rockshox leave a lot to be desired.
Specialised Epic 8 EVO Comp - 5200 Euro
At Specialized, the epic trail fun starts at 5200 euros (>> available here). In addition to lots of carbon fibre, you get high-quality performance suspension from Fox, a mechanical Sram GX drivetrain and, typically for Specialized, a bunch of clever features.
Trek Top Fuel 8 Gen 4 - 3999 Euro
Trek equips the most affordable carbon model of the fourth Top Fuel generation with a Fox Rhythm fork, a Performance shock and Shimano components from the XT and SLX range. The stylish aluminium frame is available with shock for 2499 euros.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
