Bikes

All the latest bikes comprehensively tested. If we don’t think a product is worthy of our hard-earned, we won’t tell you to part with yours for it. That’s the promise we make with our bike and equipment tests. For all our tests we guarantee that:

  • They’re conducted by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable riders in the business.
  • Ratings are awarded only after a thorough testing process on a variety of terrain.
  • Tests are independent, and in no way influenced by our advertisers.

In most cases, we fit control tyres, bars and stems to the test bikes to ensure a level playing field and to highlight differences in handling. Tyre pressures are equalised to keep grip levels identical. We also weigh and measure the bikes ourselves, because this data doesn’t always tally with the manufacturer’s official figures. The numbers you read in the tests are the actual angles and measurements.

Our ratings are awarded out of 10, with 10/10 being the top mark.

  • 1-4  Means something’s wrong. Possibly a design flaw or a major weakness.
  • 5-6  OK – one or two faults but has potential
  • 7  Worth considering
  • 8  Very good – for the money, we’d buy it
  • 9  Excellent – a slight mod or two and it might be perfect
  • 10  Simply the best!
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Showing reviews 301–320 of 921

norco sight vlt

The Norco Sight VLT C2 27.5 is the power-assisted version of Norco's award-winning trail bike. Here's the final verdict on our long term test bike.

£5,900.00
Score 8

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.

£4,099.00
Score 8

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.

£3,799.00
Score 8

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.

£2,399.00
Score 8

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.

£8,999.00
Score 8

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.

£8,600.00
Score 8

Cotic Bfe Gold

For 2020, Cotic Bfe has been revamped. The head angle is now a degree slacker for more control, while a steeper seat tube improves the climbing position.

£3,102.00
Score 8

specialized fuse expert 29

The new Specialized Fuse Expert 29 lends a lightweight alloy frame with 29in wheels and a 130mm fork. Ther most aggro trail hardtail.

£1,649.00
Score 8

orange clockwork

The Orange Clockwork is something of a stalwart in the Orange hardtail range, but the latest EVO version brings this timeless classic bang up-to-date.

£1,700.00
Score 8

yt capra 27

This YT Capra 27 CF Pro version is entirely carbon (there’s no alloy rockers or chainstays as before) to save grams and refine the look.

£3,599.00
Score 8

Vitus Sommet

This £3,500 carbon Vitus Sommet 27 CRX has the brand’s top-level 160mm enduro chassis that weighs over 300g less than the alloy version.

£3,495.00
Score 8

radon jab

The Radon Jab's stealth carbon chassis uses a 4-bar layout to deliver 160mm travel and sports some seriously sculpted profiles, braces and sharp headtube.

£3,356.34
Score 8

Merida One-Twenty 400

By using wheelsize specific frames for the size S and M bikes, Merida gives riders the option of 27.5in or 29in wheels on the two smallest sizes.

£1,500.00
Score 8

sonder transmitter

With slackest head angle, longest reach and shortest stem, the Sonder Transmitter is built for bombing, inspiring confidence to fully attack descents.

£999.00
Score 8

Decathlon Rockrider AM 100 HT

French outdoor pursuits supermarket, Decathlon, has listened to what the British rider wants and delivered this, the Decathlon Rockrider AM 100 HT.

£949.99
Score 8

Kona Mahuna

Kona Mahuna doesn’t feel as bomber as the Shred, it’s just as much fun to ride with great shape, excellent standover and a lively and forgiving ride.

£749.00
Score 8

calibre rake

Though all of the bikes in the sub £500 category L, the Calibre Rake is by far the biggest; and not simply because it has 29in wheels and meaty WTB

£450.00
Score 8

saracen tufftrax

The Saracen Tufftrax is a fun bike to ride, the frame is just big enough to accommodate my frame and there’s something playful and poppy about it.

£374.99
Score 8