Four all-mountain bikes put to the test: Who builds the best all-rounder?

All-mountain bikes have to excel in many scenarios. They need to master tricky climbs as well as challenging descents. They should be just as convincing on long tours as they are on short after-work rides. In other words, we are not looking for specialists, but for bikes that combine as many talents as possible. At first glance, there is a consensus in the test field as to which means can be used to fulfil such a wide range of applications: All four candidates rely on a full carbon frame with 140 to 160 millimetres of travel at the rear. At the front, the differences are even smaller: here you will only find forks with 150 or 160 millimetres of travel. Wheel size? Uniformly 29 inches.

The test field

Also in the test of all-mountains up to 7500 euros:

• Mondraker Foxy Carbon R: The best all-mountain bike for around 6000 euros?
• Merida One-Forty 6000: The all-rounder for 5199 euros on test
• Arc8 Extra Air test: This is how powerful the lightweight all-mountain bike really is!
• Rocky Mountain Instinct C50: Disappointment or revelation in the all-mountain test?

For every budget

But that's it for the similarities. Our price limit of 7500 euros is only utilised by the Arc8. At € 6000 and € 6299 respectively, Rocky Mountain and Mondraker clearly undercut our benchmark, but still belong to the high-end segment - in complete contrast to the Merida: the € 5199 One-Forty 6000 is more in the upper middle class than among the premium all-mountain bikes and is therefore out of contention. With such a wide price range, there are bound to be massive differences in terms of weight as well as equipment quality. At 13.75 kilos, the Arc8 clearly has the edge. Rocky Mountain and Mondraker are again in the middle of the field - just like the price. Bringing up the rear: Merida.

Hidden talents

However, the Merida One-Forty also proves that weight alone is not a measure of an all-mountain's climbing ability. At 15.2 kilos, the candidate has a whopping 1.45 kilos more on its ribs than the flyweight from Switzerland. However, thanks to its sporty riding position, the drive-neutral rear end and the tyres, which don't roll too slowly, the Merida beats the competition on the climbs.

The lightweight Arc8 Extra only managed fourth place here. The downhill-heavy geometry is too unwieldy on steep climbs. The rear suspension also bobs a lot under the influence of the drivetrain, and the high-traction rear suspension on the Mondraker and the fast tyre combination on the Rocky Mountain are also exciting. Otherwise, the Instinct C50 and the Foxy Carbon R behave inconspicuously on the climbs.

The unexpected winner

The longest wheelbase, the most generous suspension travel and the slackest steering angle - judging by the hard facts, the Arc8 should literally outperform the competition downhill. But you'd be wrong: despite the extremely smooth geometry and the potent suspension, the Extra also misses out on the points in this category - albeit only just. In contrast to the uphill classification, however, this is less due to the weaknesses of the Arc8 than to the Mondraker's flagship performance.

Thanks to the well thought-out choice of tyres, the first-class suspension and the successful riding position, the bike from Spain has the upper hand on the descents. And that's despite the fact that you would only expect an ordinary all-mountain behind the key data. But as is so often the case in this test, it is the inconspicuous candidate that harbours hidden talents and unexpectedly turns into a superstar in the end.

The BIKE measurements at a glance

When it comes to overall weight, the Arc8 clearly sets itself apart. 450 grams lie between it and the second lightest bike, the Rocky Mountain. However, the Rocky takes the lead in terms of wheel inertia - the low rotating mass of the light tyres makes this possible. The Mondraker brings up the rear due to its potent but heavy enduro tyres.

Frame rigidity

The solid main frame of the Rocky Mountain is by far the stiffest and ensures high steering precision. In comparison, the main frame of the Arc8 flexes twice as much, which can feel a bit spongy for heavy riders. In terms of the stiffness of the rear triangle, all candidates are in the moderate middle range. The differences are much smaller.

Rating: All Mountains around 7000 Euro

A big advantage in terms of handling and many equipment points - Mondraker confidently secures the test victory. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

Opinions from the BIKE test crew

It's frightening how poorly equipped mountain bikes for around 6000 euros are these days. If you spend that kind of money, you should expect more than just a carbon frame. Unfortunately, you won't find any real high-end parts in this test group either. The only exception: the significantly more expensive Arc8. - Jan Timmermann

The fact that you have to be able to get over all mountains with an all-mountain bike is clear from the name. Unfortunately, even in this category, the riding qualities are increasingly focussed on the downhill and the climbing characteristics are neglected. In this test, only the Merida proved to be a very good climber." - Peter Nilges

Arc8 and Merida both rely on rather unconventional rear suspension systems with flexing seat stays instead of Horstlink bearings. However, the classic four-bar linkage of the Rocky Mountain and the VPP rear triangle of the Mondraker work more reliably, especially under braking. So: more pivot points, less flex, please! - Max Fuchs