Leaderboard: Trail bikes up to €4.000 tested

Leaderboard trail bikes: key data and basic requirements

We thought long and hard about the possible test field and the comparability of the respective bikes. A bit of tact is always required here, because on the one hand the bikes should of course be comparable, on the other hand a comparison test is only of limited interest if the bikes ridden differ only in small details. In the end we decided on a more 'liberal' approach: we set the upper price limit at €4.000, 150mm for the spring travel. In addition, all bikes should already be equipped with a retractable seat post as standard.

There were no restrictions on the wheel size used: whether with the small, light and tend to be a little more responsive 27,5″ wheels, with modern plus tires or easily rolling 29″ tires – each size has its own advantages and disadvantages and its right to exist.

Leaderboard trail bikes: test routes and riders

The next difficult point on our test to-do list was choosing the test routes, especially with an all-rounder like a trail bike. In the end, we decided on (almost) the entire spectrum that one can encounter on an extensive trail tour: Steep ramps, tough climbs, flowing trails, nasty root carpets and a little bit of airtime were on the program. We avoided both long forest path passages as well as heavy, blocked terrain, where bikes of the corresponding category are more in demand.

Our six test drivers embodied an equally broad spectrum; From propulsion-loving bikers with an XC background to gravity fans, the impressions of the most diverse testers were important to us.

Leaderboard trail bikes: We noticed that

At this point we don't want to anticipate too much, but here too it was once again confirmed how high the level in the MTB sector has become. All 14 wheels are far from bad or even average. Sure, one or the other will now object that you can expect a very good bike at €4.000 - that's true, but it wasn't the norm until a few years ago. Sure, there are differences: one wheel is a little more harmonious than the other, there are almost always the famous hairs in the soup. However, it is much more important for the rider that the selected bike suits their own requirements, needs and body.

There are still considerable differences in geometry and there is only one thing that helps to find your way around here and to get to know your own preferences better: testing. Especially with such an expensive purchase, we would recommend extensive test drives at the manufacturer, at the dealer or at the numerous testivals.

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