The Alpine Trail XR is the cheapest bike in our enduro test by some way, but also the slackest; we measured the head angle to be 62.5 degrees. That’s combined with a lengthy reach and front-centre (the distance between the BB and front-axle centres) – 455mm and 810mm, on our medium bike – and compact 430mm chainstays.

The steep 78.1-degree seat tube angle allows comfy and efficient seated climbing, while the BB sits just 335mm off the floor. A single-pivot suspension system with linkage-actuated shock delivers 150mm of rear-wheel travel.

The XR wins mega value points with its spec. Both the fork (a 160mm Lyrik) and shock (a Super Deluxe Coil RCT) are from RockShox’s Ultimate range – seriously impressive at this price.

The triple-compound Maxxis tyres are spot-on for the intended use, with the midweight EXO+ casing up front and tougher DoubleDown at the rear. We’ve no quibbles with the mixed Shimano drivetrain either, although we’d settle for cheaper Deore gearing if we could trade the long M4100 brake levers for the Cannondale’s M6120s.

While the own-brand bar and stem look great, they’re overly stiff, and swapping them out had a marked effect on comfort. Also, we couldn’t use the frame’s bottle mounts, as the base of our bottle fouled the shock.

After dropping to a 300lb spring to get the 30 per cent sag we were after, the Alpine Trail rode great. The taut alloy frame feels responsive and reactive, giving a direct feel when putting the power down, and making changes of direction quick and easy.

It’s a comfy climber when seated, thanks in part to that steep seat tube, although the rear tyre does drag a bit.

No matter what the trail, there’s a cheekiness and playful streak to the Alpine Trail. Its stretched-out shape means you can push it hard and ride it fast when given the chance, but it’s still agile, supportive and manoeuvrable enough to navigate technical sections without any awkwardness.

The short rear end makes it easy to get the front wheel airborne, but there were times, screaming around rough, loose turns, when we felt a slightly longer back end would improve the rider position and weight distribution.

At these higher speeds, or on steep, brake-dragging descents, the anchors also lack the stopping power of the pricier options here, so hands and arms get tired more quickly.

It’s not the smoothest or most silent when the going gets tough, but dear Lord, this bike will go fast! A couple of spec changes would properly polish this diamond in the rough.

The Marin will take on any trail you dare throw it down, but a few minor changes would make it even better