These are the lightest trail bikes from the BIKE test: 20 trail bikes on the scales
Jan Timmermann
· 13.02.2026
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When it comes to trail bikes, light is cool! In order to achieve the ideal blend of uphill and downhill performance and also deliver a big pack of riding fun, trail bikes have to offer a lot. Of course, low weight should not take precedence over the most important key points in geometry and equipment, but in our test experience, only lightweight trail bikes can fully utilise the potential of this bike category. Especially since many fullys have been equipped with more and more suspension travel over the years, and in some cases also with e-bike motors. That's why we wanted to know: What were the lightest trail bikes from the BIKE tests?
The BIKE weight ranking
In order to give our ranking the necessary comparability, we only list trail bikes that we have had on the scales ourselves in the last two years. At BIKE, we go to unrivalled lengths and measure all test bikes ourselves in our in-house test lab. "Real data instead of guessing values": BIKE's test procedure is unrivalled worldwide. We weigh all bikes without pedals and other accessories. We also only included bikes in frame size L in our ranking in order to be able to compare the weights with each other. By trail bikes, we mean fullys with at least 130 millimetres and a maximum of 140 millimetres of suspension travel on the fork. This category is played with very differently by the manufacturers. Some blow out their race bikes, others shrink their enduro bikes. Either way: trail bikers should know this weight ranking!
1st place: Salsa Spearfish - 11.16 kg
Admittedly: With its tame tyres and brakes, the Salsa can only be considered a real trail bike on moderate terrain. However, the geometry is "on point" and provides plenty of riding fun on flowing terrain. Although the Spearfish frame is primarily aimed at long distances, the rear triangle does without a weight-saving flex pivot and instead comes with a split pivot design. In the test, we were impressed by the defined suspension as well as the unrivalled lightness of the trail speedster. On top, there are plenty of mounting points for bottles and luggage. In Germany, this feather-light trail bike is unfortunately only available as a sinfully expensive frame kit.
- Suspension travel: 130/120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price: 12,299 euros (custom build) / 3499 euros (frame)
2nd place: Stoll T3 SL - 11.73 kg
When it comes to lightweight bikes, mountain bike enthusiasts often think of Stoll first. The Swiss company has made a name for itself with super-light carbon constructions. The weight-optimised chassis are manufactured by hand in Germany. Despite the dream value on the scales, the T3 SL rolls onto the trail with a fully-fledged trail bike chassis and a long, flat geometry. Individualists will find a number of adjustment screws in Stoll's configurator. Unfortunately, light weight and local production come at a price.
- Suspension travel: 140/135 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price: 11,000 CHF
3rd place: Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT - 11.81 kg
One of the selling points of Cube bikes is usually their light weight. With the Stereo One22 C:62 SLT, however, the Upper Palatinate company goes all out. The filigree carbon chassis is fitted with a selection of parts whose combination of weight, quality and value for money is unrivalled. Propulsion and riding fun in moderate terrain are the top priorities for Cube's short-travel trail bike. As the icing on the cake, the bike ends up on the podium of the trail bikes we tested.
- Suspension travel: 130/120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price: 5999 Euro >> available here
4th place: Last Clay - 12.29 kg
Where can you find something like that? A fully with an aluminium frame among the lightest trail bikes tested by BIKE? Despite the metal frame, the chassis of the Last Clay weighs surprisingly little. In addition, this absolute high-end build features extremely light carbon wheels with textile spokes and the rest of the equipment is not too bulky either. The potent and comfortable suspension stood out in the BIKE test, as did the downhill-strong geometry.
- Suspension travel: 140/126 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Price: 9500 Euro
5th place: Specialized Epic 8 Evo Pro 12.31 kg
The new Specialized Epic Evo completes the top five of our ranking of lightweight trail bikes. It is the upgraded trail version of the Epic race bike and is based on the same frame as the cross-country ace. Additional suspension travel and customised equipment give the lightweight bike the necessary qualities. Trail touring fans will be delighted with the two bottle cage mounts and a storage compartment in the down tube. In the BIKE test, the suspension of the expensive Specialized proved to be firm and powerful - great for fast sprints and long distances.
- Suspension travel: 130/130mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price: 9500 Euro
Place 6 to 10
The Rocky Mountain Element and the Forestal Cygnus, bikes that have switched from the race to the trail bike camp, are also ranked 6th to 10th. There is also another lightweight bike from Cube and the Last Asco with a carbon frame made in Germany. Bringing up the rear of the top ten but still decently light: the Scor 20230 trail bike.
Place 11 to 15
The 13-kilo mark is broken in places 11 to 15 in our weight ranking of trail bikes. The bikes from Trek, Scott and Kona are further concepts with roots in cross-country sport. This midfield also includes a particularly light interpretation of the Cannondale Habit and the perennial favourite Canyon Neuron.
Place 16 to 20
The heaviest trail bikes from the BIKE tests of the past two years all weigh over 14, some even over 15 kilos. Pivot and GT sent two heavy-duty American bikes into the race, while YT and NS Bikes mainly owe their prophetic weight to a favourable price. The new Propain Hugene already has many of the attributes of an enduro bike and therefore puts a lot of pressure on the scales.
Out of classification
We don't want to withhold three other exciting bikes from this list. Unfortunately, they do not fit into the ranking due to the frame size M and therefore lack of comparability.
Conclusion
If it was all about versatility and riding fun, I think we should all be riding lightweight trail bikes. I love tackling long tours with a high proportion of trails under my own steam. The combination of a good but rather short chassis and a low weight is simply the best! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
