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<\/figure><\/div>\n\nAs we dig out our baselayers, strap our mudguards back in place and search high and low for those waterproof socks we swore we bought last year, bike manufacturers are already thinking about next spring and introducing their 2023 model-year ranges. That means it\u2019s time for us to consider what bikes (or even what type of bikes) could be making waves out on the trails next year. We haven\u2019t needed to get out our crystal ball (and in all likelihood, Jimmer\u2019s misplaced it, anyway!), as we\u2019re not so much attempting to predict the future as to identify where things have evolved and what design traits may become popular. <\/p>\n\n
All eight bikes you\u2019ll be reading about shortly are here for a reason. The Trek Fuel EXe illustrates how e-bikes are developing and where, potentially, the future lies. And yes, we know we said similar about the Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL last year, but you only need to look at the numbers to see that Trek have shifted things up a gear. It\u2019s a similar story with the Hope HB.916, the UK brand\u2019s new high-pivot enduro bike. If they, too, are getting behind this newly-popular suspension design, will we see an even bigger influx of high-pivot bikes next year? <\/p>\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\nLike the Hope, the Pole Voima is extremely interesting, and not just because of its geometry or design. The Finnish company\u2019s approach to manufacturing is very different to most brands\u2019, and it\u2019s great to see a fresh take on what\u2019s possible when it comes to making bikes. We\u2019ve also included the new Canyon Strive, because of its stretched-out, rather radical geometry, which can be heavily adjusted on the fly. It seems far more complex than the Santa Cruz Nomad that\u2019s also in here, but this heavy-hitter has switched to a mixed-wheel set-up for 2023, making us think we\u2019re going to see more \u2018mullets\u2019 knocking about next year than in an \u201880s night club. <\/p>\n\n
We\u2019ve not neglected hardtails, either. Decathlon\u2019s RockRider Race 900 Team Edition is a pricey bike for the French sporting goods megastore, but somewhat of a bargain for punters who are serious about XC racing. Finally, Bird\u2019s Forge is a classic UK hardtail with stable geometry, a customisable parts package and a classy stainless steel finish, which helps it stand out from the pack.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Because these bikes are so different in nature, we haven\u2019t tested them directly against one another. Instead, we\u2019ve reviewed and scored each of them individually \u2013 while making sure to ride them back-to-back with their closest competitors. Regardless of what you\u2019re after or what you\u2019re into, there\u2019s something for everyone coming next year, making it a great time to be a mountain biker. <\/p>\n\n ROB WEAVER <\/p>\n\n\n\n TOM MARVIN <\/p>\n\n\n\n LUKE MARSHALL <\/p>\n\n\n\n ALEX EVANS <\/p>\n\n\n\n SARAH BEDFORD <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n \u00a36,995 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n There\u2019s something wonderfully unique about Hope\u2019s new enduro bike. While somewhat of a departure from the previous HB.160, it still uses a carbon fibre mainframe and a mix of carbon and alloy in the rear triangle. Changes include a new high-pivot suspension design and bigger 29in (or mixed-size) wheels. <\/p>\n\n \u00a33,799.99 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n French sports superstore chain Decathlon have an enviable reputation for quality and value and we\u2019ve been impressed by past budget bikes from them, but it was a surprise when we heard they were getting into World Cup XC racing. Can their team rig compete with the big guns? <\/p>\n\n \u00a313,250 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n A \u2018mid-level assist\u2019 e-MTB, the Fuel EXe promises to deliver a helping hand on the way up but a more traditional trail bike feel when bombing back down. Thanks to the dinky motor from German brand TQ, Trek say geometry isn\u2019t compromised and weight is kept relatively low. <\/p>\n\n \u00a38,999 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n The heavily gravity-focused sixth-generation Nomad has been designed to be more versatile than ever. Santa Cruz have ditched the old 650b front wheel in favour of a \u2018mullet\u2019 set-up (29in front, 650b rear), and also updated the suspension kinematics and geometry. <\/p>\n\n \u00a36,305.98 (shipped) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n In its old role as Canyon\u2019s only long-travel 29er, the Strive had to please all kinds of riders. But now the brand have a 150mmtravel Spectral 29 trail bike and a 175mm Torque 29 bike-park rig, they\u2019ve been able to make the latest Strive an unapologetic race bike, with sights set on the top step of any enduro podium. <\/p>\n\n \u20ac9,278.24 (exc. VAT & duties) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n Pole\u2019s first power-assisted offering boasts striking looks and an unusual CNC-machined aluminium construction process debuted on the Finnish brand\u2019s Stamina trail\/enduro bike. It\u2019s a jaw-dropper that goes against the industry grain in terms of geometry, handling, manufacturing and aesthetics. <\/p>\n\n \u00a33,876.60 (inc shipping) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n This hardcore hardtail promises to combine the forgiving \u2018zing\u2019 that draws riders to ferrous tubing with the rust-resistance of stainless steel, in a \u2018slack and long\u2019 shape that may not be as radical as when Swinley-based Bird launched, but still looks good for getting rowdy on the trail.<\/p>\n\n \u00a35,499 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n Mondraker\u2019s mid-travel trail bike stands out with its svelte looks, but also its MIND telemetry system. Magnetic field sensors on the fork and shock send live data to an app, helping you see how much travel is used where, and giving set-up hints. But how useful is this out in the woods? <\/p>\n\n \u00a36,995 <\/strong>| Beautifully-crafted high-pivot enduro machine <\/p>\n\n Frame <\/strong>Carbon fibre front triangle, carbon\/aluminium alloy rear end, 160mm travel Aimed squarely at enduro riding and racing, Hope\u2019s HB.916 is a completely different beast to the HB.160 it replaces, the biggest change being a new high-pivot suspension design. Their goal was to create a well-balanced, efficient bike that\u2019s as comfy on short, sharp UK descents as it is on wide-open, bump-riddled alpine downhills. <\/p>\n\n The HB.916 has a carbon fibre front triangle plus carbon sections in the seat- and chainstays, but that\u2019s where the similarities with the HB.160 end. Hope have raised the main pivot to give its 160mm of travel a more rearward axle path, and ditched the Horst Link chainstay pivot for a concentric rear axle pivot. An idler wheel placed in-line with (but just behind) the main pivot helps mitigate pedal kickback, a trait common on high-pivot designs. With 26 per cent progression, the bike will work with a coil or air shock. <\/p>\n\n It wouldn\u2019t be a Hope frame without CNC-machined parts, so the rocker link, seat- and chainstay bridges (bonded to the carbon stays), and pivot locations are all aluminium. In place of the HB.160\u2019s unusual 130mm rear end, the HB.916 uses 148mm Boost axle spacing, making wheel swaps easier. Also new is the \u2018Butty Box\u2019 storage port in the down tube; not as slick as some, but it works. <\/p>\n\n Four sizes are on offer (H1 to H4). Reach figures are generous (470mm on our H2\/medium frame), and the stubby seat tube makes it easy to jump up a size if you want to go longer. A flipchip lets you switch between \u2018high\u2019 and \u2018low\u2019 settings, or fit a 650b rear wheel\u2013 as we did. In \u2018low\u2019, with the smaller wheel, we measured the head angle to be a slack 63 degrees, while the seat tube angle was a steep 79 degrees with the saddle in our preferred position.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Hope provide a good chunk of the componentry, including the wheels, bar, cranks, headset, stem and their new Tech 4 V4 brakes, along with a few other bits. Suspension is from \u00d6hlins \u2013 a 170mm-travel RXF38 m.2 fork and a TTX2 Air rear shock. Our bike wasn\u2019t quite the same as listed, as it had SRAM GX Eagle gearing instead of the pricier X01. It normally comes with EXO+-casing rear rubber, but our 650b back tyre had a lighter EXO carcass. <\/p>\n\n Getting the \u00d6hlins suspension set up takes a little time and trial-anderror to find the sweet spot. In the end, we ran slightly lower pressures than recommended in the main fork air-spring and used the low-speed compression damping to keep the front end propped up. At the rear, we stuck with the advised 30 per cent sag but opened up all the adjusters to add more dynamism. After a day with the stock 29in rear wheel in place, we swapped it out for the 650b option, and preferred the handling through turns (and added bum clearance). The steep seat tube angle is instantly noticeable when winching uphill. Under power, the shock bobs a little but remains relatively stable. There\u2019s a little more noise in the easiest two gears than on a low-pivot bike with no idler wheel, but this didn\u2019t seem to impact on progress. On steeper pitches, the HB.916 dishes out more than enough traction to keep you climbing comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Pointed downhill, there\u2019s no shortage of composure as speeds pick up. Go too low with the fork and shock pressures, and the HB.916 feels like it\u2019s glued to the trail. Too firm, and it can feel a little numb. But once you find the right operating window for your weight, it comes to life (although the shock is a little overdamped for lighter riders). Clatter over matted roots or through a corner smattered with braking bumps, and it\u2019s impressive how well it scalps and smooths the edges of the hits, remaining nice and calm as you work your way down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n\n It helps that the tyres deliver predictable grip and the brakes make controlling speed easy. The slack head angle, low 335mm bottom bracket and lengthy 835mm front centre (which works well with the 440mm rear centre) only bolster stability and confidence further, letting you really ride the HB.916 hard. Set-up may take some time and the Hope bar feels a little too stiff, but there\u2019s no getting away from how fast, controlled and fun this bike feels on the trail. <\/p>\n\n ROB <\/strong><\/p>\n\n Great geometry \u2013 Suspension works well in the rough \u2013 Solid spec \u2013 Hope\u2019s legendary back-up <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00d6hlins suspension isn\u2019t the easiest to set up, especially for lighter riders \u2013 Hope\u2019s carbon bar is too stiff <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n Hope HB.916 (exc. drivetrain) <\/strong> HopeHB.916 frameset <\/strong> \u00a33,799.99 <\/strong>| Super-light race-focused hardtail <\/p>\n\n Frame <\/strong>Carbon fibre Decathlon made their World Cup debut this year with an all-new Rockrider team riding this bike. They\u2019ve kept both frame and component weight to a minimum, to make it a superlightweight XC race weapon. <\/p>\n\n The full-carbon chassis is constructed from high-modulus fibres, for increased stiffness. A spare internal-routing port is provided for a dropper seatpost, in case you want to add one in future. The geometry is designed to stretch the rider into a low racing position, with our small frame sporting a fairly steep 68-degree head angle, a 74-degree seat tube angle and a reach of 412mm. <\/p>\n\n Standout components include SRAM\u2019s XX1 Eagle AXS wireless electronic drivetrain, which provided faultless shifting throughout the test period, and Reynolds carbon wheels, along with a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork with remote lockout. <\/p>\n\n The Rockrider hurtles along smooth surfaces, its fast-rolling tyres helping to maintain speed and its frame stiffness and fork lockout enhancing acceleration. It also climbs well, the low riding position putting weight over the front wheel to stop it lifting in tight switchbacks. However, through a timed rough section, it wasn\u2019t as fast as the Cannondale Scalpel we were testing it alongside. We put this down to the extra chassis stiffness reducing traction when pedalling hard. Also, the noise created by the rear brake hose rattling inside the down tube is overbearing; the lack of internal cable channels is a big oversight. <\/p>\n\n Heading downhill, on smooth, flowy singletrack this bike is quick and punchy. It puts you in an aggressive, get-low attack position that makes easy tracks amazing fun to ride at speed. Progress to steeper, more technical trails carpeted with big roots and rocks, or fast and rumbly descents, however, and the frame transmits a lot of jarring impacts, making it difficult to ride fast, even though the SID LS fork absorbs bumps well. We could also feel vibrations from the brake pads moving in the callipers when \u2018trailing\u2019 the anchors over stepped sections of trail. While the Rockrider\u2019s geometry is in-keeping with most XC hardtails and its stiffness makes it lightning-quick in certain scenarios, it lacks the smoothness and damped ride quality of more forgiving frames such as the Scalpel and Specialized Epic HT, so we had to back off the pace significantly when descending the same trails in the same conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n SARAH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Quality made-in-France carbon frame \u2013 High-end components \u2013 Grippy, fast-rolling tyres <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stiff and harsh feeling on rough trails \u2013 Noisy cable routing \u2013 Brake pad movement in callipers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n \u00a313,250 <\/strong>| Could this bike set the standard for lightweight e-MTBs? <\/p>\n\n Frame <\/strong>\u2018OCLV Mountain\u2019 carbon fibre, 140mm travel Creating an e-MTB that feels like a regular trail bike is no easy feat \u2013 and could explain why there aren\u2019t all that many around. Motor, battery and spec compromises have to be made, and geometry complications can arise, putting many brands off. However, Trek reckon they\u2019ve nailed it. <\/p>\n\n The heart of the Fuel EXe is the HPR50 drive unit. Trek have taken a gamble partnering with relatively unheard-of motor brand TQ (a German firm with a history in the medical and aerospace industries), but it\u2019s allowed them to build everything from the ground up. The HPR50 weighs just 1,850g and is barely visible on the bike. TQ claim it produces an impressive 50Nm of max torque and 300W of peak power. It\u2019s also almost completely silent, because its design means it can run at an RPM almost three times lower than that of a regular e-bike motor. The three modes are controlled via a small remote and customisable using the Trek Central app. An integrated top tube display lets you keep tabs on the vital stats. <\/p>\n\n Trek have matched the motor with an easy-to-remove 360Wh battery, stowed inside the down tube. There\u2019s also the option of adding a 160Wh range extender, which sits in the bottle cage. Tubed internal routing means you shouldn\u2019t need to remove any drive system parts when switching cables. <\/p>\n\n The frame is based on Trek\u2019s latest Fuel EX trail bike, with 140mm of rearwheel travel courtesy of the brand\u2019s ABP suspension system. Our medium bike sports a reach of 455mm, a head angle of 64.7-degrees and a steep 77.5-degree seat tube angle, both in the \u2018low\u2019 setting (Trek\u2019s \u2018Mino Link\u2019 lets you alter the geometry and\/or run a 650b rear wheel). Chainstay length is relatively compact at 440mm, while there\u2019s a healthy 41mm of BB drop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n The eye-watering price here gets you some seriously nice kit. A 150mmtravel RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork is paired with a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock. Both feature the brand\u2019s AirWiz system, which connects to the SRAM AXS or Trek Central app and monitors suspension pressures. There are also TyreWiz units on the Bontrager Line Pro carbon rims, to keep an eye on the pressure in the SE5 Team Issue tyres. <\/p>\n\n SRAM provide their XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain, paired with carbon e*thirteen cranks. Cleverly, the rear mech can be powered by the main bike battery. The brakes are SRAM\u2019s impressive Code RSCs, while a Rock- Shox Reverb AXS post continues the wireless theme. The one-piece Bonty carbon bar and stem is a talking point.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Trek aren\u2019t kidding when they say the Fuel EXe is almost silent. There\u2019s still a bit of motor noise, but it can easily get drowned out by tyres crunching over gravel. Power is delivered instantly and is easy to control as you wind the bike up to speed. It feels natural and predictable, without the power overrun found on some motors, making technical climbs a straightforward affair. There\u2019s enough grunt to ride with friends on full-fat e-MTBs, although you\u2019ll have to work a little harder on steeper climbs due to the torque deficit. And if you\u2019re wondering about range, we managed 32.6km with 1,347m of climbing in the middle mode. <\/p>\n\n When it comes to handling, Trek have delivered the natural ride feel they were after. The frame feels solid, taut and responsive, but in no way jarring or uncomfortable. Its geometry adds up to a bike that\u2019s comfy when sat down and pointed uphill, yet stable and confidence-inspiring on the downs. The suspension has a well-balanced feel, too \u2013 although our 68kg tester found the shock tune a little on the firm side, so had to run the rebound and low-speed compression damping fully open, with 35 per cent sag.<\/span><\/p>\n\n There\u2019s enough progression at the rear to make the Fuel EXe feel more like an enduro bike than a trail rig, especially when speeds pick up. It\u2019s here that you\u2019ll soon find the limits of the tyres, though, which lack shoulder bite and could do with a tougher casing. The one-piece bar\/stem limits adjustability, too. Those small niggles aside, Trek have hit the ground running with the Fuel EXe. <\/p>\n\n ROB <\/strong><\/p>\n\n Great geometry \u2013 Impressive ride balance \u2013 Natural-feeling motor assistance \u2013 Super-quiet <\/p>\n\n\n\n Expensive \u2013 Tyres lack bite and puncture too easily \u2013 Shock tune is a touch too firm for lighter riders <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT <\/strong> Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 <\/strong> \u00a38,999 <\/strong>| Long-travel rig gets wheel-size, suspension and geometry updates <\/p>\n\n Frame <\/strong>\u2018C\u2019 carbon fibre, 170mm travel The wild Nomad is ready for everything from big bike-park lines to the enduro start line. This latest version is slack, rugged and ready to rip. <\/p>\n\n Available in carbon fibre only \u2013 with the choice of Santa Cruz\u2019s \u2018C\u2019 or lighter \u2018CC\u2019 construction \u2013 each frame size has a specific lay-up that influences its stiffness. A \u2018Glovebox\u2019 storage port is built into the down tube, containing two tool bags. The new \u2018mullet\u2019 wheel set-up (29in front, 650b rear) improves rollover and traction. This is combined with lower anti-squat, to minimise harshness over squareedged hits (at the sacrifice of a little pedalling efficiency), and a lower starting leverage rate, to better support bodyweight movements and maintain geometry stability. <\/p>\n\n All sizes share the same 63.8-degree head angle. In the \u2018low\u2019 setting, our large frame has a 472mm reach, 77.6-degree effective seat tube angle, 343mm bottom bracket height and 444mm (size-specific) chainstays. A flip-chip on the lower link of the VPP suspension lets you steepen the head angle by 0.3 degrees and the seat tube angle by between 0.2 and 0.3 degrees, plus add 3mm to the BB height and reach, and lop 1mm off the rear centre. <\/p>\n\n The GX AXS RSV Coil is one of the pricier builds, coming with SRAM\u2019s GX Eagle AXS wireless shifting and Santa Cruz\u2019s Reserve carbon wheels. You also get a Fox 36 Performance Elite fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil shock. SRAM Code R brakes control your speed, while DoubleDown-casing Maxxis rubber wards off punctures. <\/p>\n\n Getting the Nomad to the top of the hill isn\u2019t a breeze, but that\u2019s not because of poor pedalling performance or geometry; those aspects of the bike are very good for a variety of climbs. It\u2019s the MaxxGrip-compound tyres that slow it down, sticking to the floor like glue. On the flipside, the rubber is brilliant when gravity is on your side, and the gnarlier the terrain gets, the more the Nomad shines. Steep, rough and loose trails are where it\u2019s most happy, and its 170mm of front and rear travel is excellent at smoothing out the bumps and keeping momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n That\u2019s not to say it can\u2019t handle more flowing terrain, though, and the suspension isn\u2019t so plush that you can\u2019t push and pop your way down the trail. It\u2019s versatile for such a long-travel bike. Handling-wise, the Nomad is quick on its wheels and can be dropped quickly into turns and flicked easily from side to side. Its long wheelbase (1,270mm, large size, \u2018low\u2019 setting) provides enough stability that you can hit highspeed corners at full chat.<\/p>\n\n LUKE <\/strong><\/p>\n\n Can tackle any trail confidently \u2013 The Glovebox is well-designed and we found the tool pouches useful <\/p>\n\n\n\n Price is steep \u2013 Flip-chip makes little difference to the geometry <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n \u00a36,305.98 (shipped) <\/strong>| German direct-sale giant prioritises speed while keeping versatility <\/p>\n\nTHE TESTERS <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
THE BIKES<\/h4>\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\nHOPE HB.916 <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/09b7da33-be62-4671-8994-4dcb49759b3d.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nROCKRIDER RACE 900<\/strong> TEAM EDITION<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/2884e901-cbe9-42e5-9597-a5c7b80ecf1b.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nTREK FUEL EXE 9.9<\/strong> XX1 AXS<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/9d363922-9849-4e45-b739-b047d9025770.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nSANTA CRUZ NOMAD C<\/strong> GX AXS RSV COIL<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/7719b6f0-d561-45b0-b903-85c0cda4b87c.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nCANYON STRIVE CFR <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/cdbdca89-490c-40d6-80f8-9b40fe8623a7.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nPOLE VOIMA <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/e8bbe487-bd34-4969-8d68-dcd0158ed755.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nBIRD FORGE STAINLESS<\/strong> SLX CUSTOM BUILD<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/c73451cc-9045-4212-ab12-43dadd8d5e0e.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nMONDRAKER RAZE<\/strong> CARBON R<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
\n\nHOPE HB.916<\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.AL_MBUK_1082237-1024x819.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nSPEC<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fork <\/strong>\u00d6hlins RXF38 m.2, 170mm travel
Shock <\/strong>\u00d6hlins TTX2 Air
Wheels <\/strong>Hope Fortus 30 SC rims on Hope Pro 4 hubs, Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29×2.5in (f) and Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29×2.4in (r) tyres
Drivetrain <\/strong>SRAM GX Eagle with Hope Evo cranks (1×12)
Brakes <\/strong>Hope Tech 4 V4, 200mm\/180mm rotors
Bar\/stem <\/strong>Hope carbon, 800mm\/Hope AM, 35mm
Seatpost\/saddle <\/strong>OneUp V2 dropper\/WTB Volt
Weight <\/strong>15.32kg, H2 size without pedals
www.hopetechhb.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\nTHE FRAME <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.AL_MBUK_10822139-1024x814.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nTHE KIT <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE RIDE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
VERDICT
Set it up well and the reward is a calm, controlled ride even on the wildest of trails <\/h5>\n\n
\n\nFOR A LITTLE LESS <\/h5>\n\n
\u00a35,995 <\/strong><\/strong>
Got a working transmission but want to upgrade just about everything else? You get the same frame, suspension, wheels and parts, minus the gearing, for \u00a31k less. <\/span><\/p>\n\nFOR LESS AGAIN<\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.PRESS_Hope_Neutral_Frame_001-1024x764.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\u00a33,595 <\/strong><\/strong>
The frame comes with a shock, headset and bottom bracket, but that\u2019s about it, giving you the chance to create a custom build that\u2019s sure to turn heads on the trail. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n\nROCKRIDER RACE 900 TEAM EDITION<\/h4>\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\nSPEC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fork <\/strong>RockShox SID SL Ultimate, 100mm travel
Drivetrain <\/strong>SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS (1×12)
Wheelset <\/strong>Reynolds TR 309\/289 XC carbon wheels, Hutchinson Kraken Racing Lab (Hardskin, rear) 29×2.3in tyres
Brakes <\/strong>Hayes Dominion T2, 160mm rotors
Bar\/stem <\/strong>ProTaper Hyperlite carbon, 760mm\/Rockrider alloy, 60mm (small frame)
Seatpost\/saddle <\/strong>Carbon fibre (rigid)\/fi\u2019zi:k Vento Argo
Weight <\/strong>9.4kg, small size without pedals
www.decathlon.co.uk<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\nTHE FRAME<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE KIT <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE RIDE<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
VERDICT
A lightweight speed demon, but noisy and harsh on techy terrain <\/h5>\n\n
\n\nTREK FUEL EXE 9.9 XX1 AXS<\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.SB_20220706hillfest262-1024x825.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nSPEC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fork <\/strong>RockShox Lyrik Ultimate with AirWiz, 150mm travel
Shock <\/strong>RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate with AirWiz
Drive system <\/strong>TQ HPR50 motor with TQ 360Wh battery
Drivetrain <\/strong>SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS with e*thirteen e*spec Race carbon cranks (1×12)
Wheelset <\/strong>Bontrager Line Pro 30 carbon wheels with Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5in tyres
Brakes <\/strong>SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
Bar\/stem <\/strong>Bontrager RSL, 820mm\/45mm
Seatpost\/saddle <\/strong>RockShox Reverb AXS dropper\/ Bontrager Arvada
Weight <\/strong>18.9kg, medium size without pedals
www.trekbikes.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\nTHE FRAME <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE KIT <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.SB_20220706hillfest232-1024x813.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nTHE RIDE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
VERDICT
It\u2019s seriously pricey, but the Fuel EXe has reset the bar when it comes to lighter-weight e-MTBs <\/h5>\n\n
\n\nFOR A LITTLE LESS <\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.PRESS_FuelEXe98XT_23_36375-1024x770.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\u00a38,500 <\/strong><\/strong> <\/span>
The 9.8 comes with the same frame, motor, fork and shock (although from RockShox\u2019s Select+ stable, so not quite as fancy). No wireless gears, but Shimano\u2019sXT groupset is always a safe bet.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\nFOR A LOT LESS <\/h5>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.PRESS_FuelEXe95Deore_23_36374-1024x770.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\u00a35,750 <\/strong><\/strong>
A fraction of the cost gets you the 9.5, which saves money with Shimano Deore gearing and a cheaper RockShox 35 Gold fork and Deluxe Select+ shock. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n\nSANTA CRUZ NOMAD C GX AXS RSV COIL<\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.AL_MBUK_31822045-1024x869.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nSPEC<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fork <\/strong>Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 170mm travel
Shock <\/strong>RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil
Drivetrain <\/strong>SRAM GX Eagle AXS (1\u00d712)
Wheelset <\/strong>Santa Cruz Reserve 30|HD rims on Industry Nine 1\/1 hubs, Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DD 29\u00d72.5in WT (f) & Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DD 27.5\u00d72.4in WT (r) tyres
Brakes <\/strong>SRAM Code RS, 200mm rotors
Bar\/stem <\/strong>Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm\/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
Seatpost\/saddle <\/strong>RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper\/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
Weight <\/strong>16.75kg, large size without pedals
www.santacruzbikes.co.uk<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\nTHE FRAME<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE KIT <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
THE RIDE<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
HIGHS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
LOWS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
VERDICT
The new Nomad is ready for whatever you can throw at it <\/h5>\n\n
\n\nCANYON STRIVE CFR<\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_biketest.AL_MBUK_31822008-1024x825.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n