Alan Muldoon

Bike Test Editor

scott genius

The Scott Genius 920 is definitely a contender If you’re into shredding singletrack, big rides and climbing. It's efficient but it's also a lot of fun.

gt sensor carbon

The GT Sensor Carbon Pro is the top-end bike in 130mm-travel 29er Sensor range. And it bears more than a passing resemblance to the 150mm Force.

cube stereo 150

On the Cube Stereo 150 C:62 SL 29, the C:62 of the mealy-mouthed model name indicates the level of carbon used for the frame construction.

Scott Scale 920

If you’re after a cross country race hardtail with a proven track record, then look no further than the Scott Scale 920.

Mondraker Chrono Carbon R

From the very first pedal stroke, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon R felt purposeful, poised and precise, instantly reacting to the most subtle of rider inputs.

Zipp 3Zero

What’s most interesting about the Zipp 3Zero Moto carbon wheels is weight-saving is a secondary concern; it’s performance that headlines this class act.

whyte s-150c

The Whyte S-150C trail bike continues to impress, even three years after its launch.

If you crave ultimate performance, and personal service from a local shop, the Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite is the bike to get

Trek Procaliber 9.7

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.

specialized enduro

With 29in wheels and 170mm travel the latest Specialized Enduro S-Works 29 is a scaled down version of the new Specialized Demo 29 DH bike.

pivot firebird 29

Designed to excel in the heat of enduro competition, the new Pivot Firebird 29 is a direct descendant of Pivot’s downhill race bike, the Phoenix 29.

giant reign 29

The Giant Reign 29 is the long awaited 29er version of the Giant Reign. Full carbon frame with Maestro rear suspension delivering 146mm travel.

Yeti SB150

Ultimately, we have a lot of great bikes passing through the mbr office, but none this year have impressed us as much as the Yeti SB150.

norco torrent

Slender steel tubing gives the Norco Torrent S2 a distinctly retro look. But make no mistake; this is a thoroughly modern 29er trail hardtail.