Anyone wanting to buy a mountain bike this summer has two problems: On the one hand, manufacturers are advertising so many mountain bikes in a wide range of categories on their websites and in catalogues that it is difficult to make a purchase decision in this abundance. Secondly, bike shops have been so empty during the coronavirus-related contact restrictions that most models are simply out of stock.
It's a dilemma that our two reader testers Stuart and Alessandro are also facing. Although both have been flirting with biking for some time, neither of them has yet been able to bring themselves to buy a new bike. The constantly growing selection on the market not only overwhelms our beginners, but also bikers with many years of experience.
We therefore ordered eight test bikes from four different categories and met up at the foot of Munich's Müllberg for a test ride. The climb up to the wind turbine and the subsequent singletrail descent serve as the test track for our category comparison.
To demonstrate the material range, we have two classic hardtails as well as two trail bikes, two all-mountain bikes and two enduro bikes. With the exception of the Conway, all bikes cost less than 2500 euros. To show whether it's worth digging a little deeper into your pockets than necessary when buying a bike, we ordered a duel partner 200 to 300 euros more expensive in each case.
Will our two readers find the right bike for them in the test candidates? You'll find the answer in BIKE 8/2020 from page 46. The issue is currently in stores.
For beginners: We have tested these bangers for you
You can find this entire "First Choice" beginner bike test in BIKE 8/2020. 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:
Sebastian Brust
Editor
