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Trek’s Fourth Generation Top Fuel Is the Pinnacle of Fast Trail Balance.

A mountain bike that does it all; yet may leave some riders asking for a bit more.

The Takeaway: The fourth-generation Top Fuel completes this model’s evolution from an XC race bike to a true light trail mountain bike . It is a well-mannered and high-performance bike that, more than many in the category, offers a balanced mix of climbing speed and descending capability. It has no weaknesses, but its greatest strength is its balance, which makes it feel somewhat staid and, perhaps, as though it is still searching for its personality. Even so, the Top Fuel never puts a tire wrong and is up for tackling almost any climb or descent.

Features and Details

Builds, prices, claimed weights, ride impressions, notes from the field.

DETAILS click arrow to expand

Price as tested: $8,500 (X0 AXS) Weight as tested: 29.0 lb. (size ML) Sizes offered:  S, M, ML, L, XL Model price range:  $2,700 to $10,500 Frame only:  Aluminum - $2,450, Carbon - $3,900 Fork travel:  130mm Frame travel:  120mm Recommended shock sag: 20-30% Frame tire clearance :  2.5” for 29” & 27.5 ” Bottom Bracket:  BSA threaded Seatpost:  34.9mm Shock Dimensions:  185x50mm (stock), 185x55mm (optional), trunnion Piggyback shock compatible:  Yes Coil shock compatible:  Yes Derailleur Hanger:  SRAM UDH Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, two-year warranty on paint and bearings.  Crash replacement: Trek’s Carbon Care policy offers a “significant discount to replace a damaged carbon fiber frame, fork, or part.”

The Top Fuel was Trek’s premier full-suspension XC race bike several years ago. But starting in 2019, Trek began to transform the Top Fuel into a lightweight trail bike, bumping up the travel and relaxing the geometry but keeping some XC-like features like a remote lockout.

The third generation Top Fuel was launched in 2021 with more travel—120mm rear travel and a 120mm fork—even more relaxed geometry, in-frame storage, and Trek eliminated the remote lockouts. But 2021 was also when some brands began to debut XC race bikes with 120mm travel and slacker geometry in response to rowdier courses. ( Scott’s Spark is a good example of this trend, as is the recently launched Specialized Epic 8 ).

Trek, however, went a different direction and positioned its 120mm bike as a light trail bike and debuted a new, shorter-travel full suspension Supercaliber for XC racing . And the third-generation Top Fuel quickly found itself in a sort of no-bike land. It was intended, designed, and equipped as not an XC race bike while XC race bikes from competitors arrived with travel and geometry similar to the Top Fuel.

In our 2021 review of the Top Fuel , my colleague Dan Chabanov, in addition to dinging the bike for being a bit heavy (compared to XC race bikes like the Spark), said, “Trek does say that the Top Fuel is compatible with a 130mm fork, and I can’t help but think the new Top Fuel would have made a lot more sense with the increased travel straight from the factory.”

Trek agreed, apparently, and after one model year, Trek began shipping the Top Fuel with a 130mm fork. This pushed it more into the trail bike category and helped place daylight between it and the new-school XC race bikes.

For the fourth-generation Top Fuel, Trek maintains the fast trail target. Trek retains the Top Fuel’s 120mm rear/130mm front travel while building in refinements to make the bike more dialed and broadly versatile.

The list of updates to the Top Fuel includes a significant frame-weight reduction. The aluminum and carbon frames are about 220 grams (almost a half-pound) lighter.

A weight reduction is always appreciated, and, built like for like, the new Gen 4 Top Fuel would be lighter than a Gen 3.

However, compared to the Gen 3 initially launched in 2021, Trek pushed the Top Fuel more into the trail category and added heavier components like longer travel, stiffer forks, and more aggressive tires. There’s also the added weight of SRAM’s Transmission compared to SRAM’s standard-mount-derailleur drivetrains.

As a result, even with the lighter frame, the Gen 4 Top Fuel’s overall bike weights are up compared to the Gen 3 Top Fuel that launched in 2021. According to Trek’s claimed weights, the lightest Gen 4 Top Fuel, the top-of-the-line 9.9 XX AXS model, weighs 28.3 pounds in a size medium: The Top Fuel we reviewed in 2021 in an extra-large weighed 26.8 pounds on our scale.

While it has gained weight due to its added capability, it is noteworthy that a Gen. 4 Top Fuel is three-plus pounds lighter than Trek’s longer-travel (140mm rear, 150mm front) Fuel EX . That alone should make it a more compelling trail bike option for many riders.

A striking detail buried in the tech information shared with the press was that the Trek product team made the new Top Fuel’s frame less stiff. Reducing stiffness from one generation to the next is not a typical move. However, it is possible to make a bike too stiff. And that has many drawbacks. In this case, Trek says that reducing stiffness makes the new frame “more balanced and forgiving” than the previous generation and helps reduce frame weight.

For many years, Trek’s mountain bikes have featured a geometry-adjusting flip chip called Mino Link, and some of its more recent mountain bikes have featured a flip chip that makes the suspension more or less progressive.

In the new Top Fuel, Trek combined the two flip chips into one four-position chip that alters geometry and progression (14 or 19 percent progression in this bike’s case). It is a feature likely to make its way into more Trek mountain bikes in the future.

On the theme of adjustments, Trek pitches several approved variations of the stock setup.

If 120mm rear travel isn’t enough for your needs, this Top Fuel will accept a 185x55mm shock (stock is 185x50mm), bumping wheel travel up 10mm to 130mm rear. To round out what would be a more gravity-oriented Top Fuel build, Trek officially sanctions the use of a 140mm travel fork and a 27.5-inch rear wheel for all sizes except the small. Small bikes run 27.5” wheels front and rear to give their riders “a more proportional fit and easier handling” and are not compatible with a 29-inch rear wheel.

But if you're more XC-oriented, the new Top Fuel is also officially approved for use with a 120mm travel fork. The brand says its top XC racers may use the Top Fuel with a 120mm fork and lightweight build instead of the shorter travel Supercaliber as courses and conditions merit.

Trek does not sell the Top Fuel as a complete bike in the 130/140mm gravity(ish) build or the 120/120mm XC build. Unfortunately, altering a stock 120mm rear, 130mm Top Fuel into either variant is not simple.

While the stock forks can be bumped up or down in travel with an air shaft, the swap requires tearing down and rebuilding the forks. In addition, the gravity build requires a new shock (the stock shock stroke cannot be increased), a new 27.5-inch rear wheel, and a new 27.5 tire. Based on my testing, a gravity-built Fuel EX will also need more powerful brakes. Riders who want the more XC-oriented Top Fuel will likely wish for lighter parts, particularly wheels and tires.

Because of these hurdles, I suspect that riders who definitively know they want either the XC or gravity-flavored Top Fuel are likely to buy a frame and build the bike from the ground up exactly how they want it. And here is a good place to mention that the Top Fuel is compatible with a wide range of shocks, including RockShox’s Flight Attendant, Fox’s Live Valve Neo automatic electronically controlled shocks, and even coil-over shocks.

But for all the riders who buy a complete Top Fuel, the option to morph it into a more XC or gravity-oriented bike is there, though it will be costly.

Rounding out the suspension updates, the new Top Fuel features a touch more anti-squat, which should make it feel slightly crisper when the rider pedals.

The in-frame storage gets a polish, with improved sealing, a larger opening in the down tube, and some refinements to the routing tubes so the storage bags slide in and out more easily.

Trek is also debuting improved bags for its in-frame storage. Previously, they had one neoprene bag for tube and tools. That one bag is replaced with two: One unpadded bag for a tube and one padded bag for tools (the padding reduces the chance of tools rattling against the frame). These new bags come with all 2025 Trek bikes with in-frame storage (carbon frames ship with both bags, aluminum frames only get the tool bag) and are also available for purchase.

And finally, Trek relegated the Gen 3 Top Fuel’s Knock Block steering stop system to the dustbin of history.

You’ll find frame geometry pasted here for your enjoyment. Trek sent me five different geometry tables, but I’m only pasting the one that details the complete bikes—120mm rear, 130mm front, flip chip in the low position, 29” x 29” wheels (size small has 27.5” x 27.5” wheels)— as they come out of the box.

Trek’s site will have all the variations, but essentially, changing the flip chip to the high position steepens the angles and raises the BB; swapping in a 140mm travel fork slackens the angles and raises the BB; and with a 27.5 rear wheel and 140mm fork, the bike has a 64.6-degree head angle, 342mm BB height, and effective seat tube angles that are about a degree slacker than the out-of-the-box geometry.

Adding a fifth frame size is the most significant geometry change from Gen 3 to Gen 4. Like some other Trek mountain bikes, the Top Fuel now has an ML frame size that fits between the medium and large.

Another notable change is the adoption of size-specific seat stay lengths. Sizes S and M have 435mm stays, ML and L run 440mm stays, and the XL gets 445mm stays (all sizes of the previous generation Top Fuel ran 435mm stays).

Many sizes get a seat tube angle adjustment: the small is half a degree steeper, the medium is 1.4 steeper, the large is 0.3 steeper, and the XL is 0.4 slacker.

Finally, the seat tubes are shorter—the XLs by a whopping 30mm—and there is more dropper post-insertion depth.

While Specialized tends to introduce its new bikes in high-end carbon versions, with lower-priced aluminum versions coming later , Trek, in its usual practice, is introducing its full line of Top Fuel models all at once.

The full range of seven models starts at $2,700 for the aluminum-framed Top Fuel 5 and ends at the $10k-plus 9.9 XX AXS with a carbon frame.

Regardless of price or frame material, all models have internal frame storage, fully guided hose-and-housing routing, a 12-speed drivetrain, tubeless-ready wheels and tires, lock-on grips, and a dropper post. All except the least expensive model have four-piston brakes (the Top Fuel 5 has two-piston hydraulic calipers).

Due to the late arrival of my test bike, I don’t yet have as much time on the new Top Fuel as I like before writing a review. But I’ve gotten in some good rides on some of my most familiar trails, so I feel I have a good sense of its performance and character. Even so, I will continue to ride it and update this review if my impressions change.

In the Notes From The Field section below, I’ve outlined my journey to a good fork setup, plus my feelings on the stock brakes. My impressions here are based on how the bike rides with the fork dialed in and a larger front rotor.

The 120 rear/130 front (ish) light trail category this Top Fuel resides in is lousy with amazing bikes. A quick list off the top of my head and in no particular order: Evil Following , Ibis Ripley, Pivot 429 Trail , Specialized Epic 8 Evo, Spot Ryve, Yeti SB120 , Giant Trance Advanced, and the Santa Cruz Tallboy.

That is some stiff competition, but I think Trek made a bike that competes well against this strong field.

The expectation for this style of bike is that it as fast on the climbs and flats as an XC bike and allows the rider to go full send on the descents like a trail bike. That is impossible. So, while everyone is seeking this holy grail of speed and capability in one, many bikes lean one way or the other. For example, the Epic Evo is more XC, while the Tallboy is more Trail.

The Top Fuel, however, feels more equalized. No, it doesn’t climb like an XC bike and descend like a trail bike—again, impossible—but it doesn’t seem to be lean one way or the other, like many of its competitors. It feels balanced: equal parts quick and capable.

That results in a handy bike, no matter the terrain or direction of the slope.

On smoother climbs, the suspension is quiet and efficient. There’s little unwanted motion, and upping the cadence is rewarded with eager thrusts. It is not as quick-feeling or firm at the pedals as some four-bar systems— dw-Link , most notably—but the Top Fuel is far from sluggish.

I will note that I ran the shock with 30 percent sag, the maximum Trek recommends. Traction is a challenge on many of my trails, so I usually prefer my suspension softer off the top. But the low end of the advisable sag range for this bike is 20 percent, and with less sag, the bike will feel more zippy.

But even with 30 percent sag, the rear end is supportive and holds the rider in a good position when the climb gets steeper. And when the climb gets chunky and technical, the rear end is sensitive and offers great traction.

On descents, the Top Fuel is composed and surprisingly confidence-inspiring, and I experienced little bucking or jarring deflections off my chosen line. Chunder, drops, jumps, gaps, and sketchy loose chutes: The Top Fuel telegraphed it was game for all of it. The rear suspension has a lovely tune that provides access to its full travel. It has plenty of bottom-out control and good sensitivity, too.

Nothing particularly stood out about the Top Fuel’s handling as I climbed and descended. It felt…normal, I guess? I wasn’t fighting the bike and didn’t feel I needed to adjust to work around any quirks.

It worked its way through my tightest, steepest climbing trails well. The Top Fuel handled downhill corners of all varieties intuitively. It flew true as an arrow on the fastest straightaways. I could change its direction at will and with little resistance. The bike felt like I could always position it exactly where I wanted and hit my lines accurately.

But for all of its impressively well-rounded performance, I didn’t sense an extra-strong “fun” vibe from the Top Fuel like I get from the Evil Following. In that way, Top Fuel perhaps lacks a little. It is so balanced that it is—while very far from boring—a rather staid bike.

I wonder if some of this is due to the bike’s weight. My ML size, XO AXS model weighs 29 pounds on my scale, which is only 1.2 pounds lighter than Specialized’s Stumpjumper 15 I recently reviewed. The SJ15 has more travel, more adjustments, a unique and fabulous rear shock, sticker tires, more powerful brakes, and is much better on descents and rough trails.

The Top Fuel does feel more lively, rolls faster, and is a bit quicker on climbs than the SJ. But some fast trail bikes like the Trek and the 29.4 lb. Yeti SB120 presents a conundrum because they’re not much lighter than bikes with the next jump up in travel.

To me, the deciding factor is feeling. Do you want a bike that feels snappier and climbs with a bit more pep, or do you emphasize descending speed and confidence? Personally, I prefer shorter-travel bikes. I like the snap and pep of less travel and to feel the trail under my tires. However, another large part of that preference is due to the shape of my trails. I can easily understand how a rider in a different locale would go for more travel.

Choices are good, but they can also be confusing. My best advice: if you're not sure what you want, borrow and demo as many different bikes and different travels as possible.

My time on the Top Fuel so far has left me with the impression that this Top Fuel is a superb bike that isn’t extraordinary. A bike I know will perform brilliantly on most trails, and I am happy to ride it, but it also leaves me wishing for something more from it, even though I can’t pinpoint what more I want.

Non-specific whinging aside, the fourth-generation Top Fuel is an excellent light trail bike that can compete with the best on the market.

Random observations and reports from my time testing the bike.

• I appreciate that Trek gave the Top Fuel internal storage AND a cargo mount under the top tube. Having both offers the rider more options for their preferred tube/tool/cargo setup. In my case, I put a (butyl) tube and flat repair kit with CO2 and Dynaplug Racer Pro inside the frame and used the cargo mount for an i nline OneUp EDC pump mount , which I fitted with the 70cc pump with an EDC tool inside.

• This Top Fuel offered my first chance to ride the Trek’s updated tire offerings. And they’re pretty good. The Gunnison front and Montrose rear tires offered predictable traction and seemed less flat-prone than the brand’s previous attempts. My trails are littered with tire-eating square-edged rocks, and I heard the familiar sound of a rim out several times while testing the Top Fuel. And though that sound made me mentally scramble to remember where I stashed Dynaplug, the flats, so far, haven’t happened. However, the compound does seem a bit biased towards fast rolling and does feel slightly slippery and bouncy on rock slabs and the hardest hardpack. But they seemed like a solid choice for this style of bike, and I didn’t want to tear them off after the first ride and throw on some of my favored Maxxis or Vittoria treads.

• When I pulled this bike out of the box to build it, I discovered one of the SRAM AXS pods had a dead coin cell battery. I’ve had a run of bikes with AXS pods that required a new coin cell after one or two rides. I don’t know if SRAM has a bunch of old batteries or a run of bad ones, but it’s annoying to discover your brand-new and nearly five-figure bike immediately needs a new battery.

• The SRAM Level Silver four-piston brakes, with 180mm HS2 rotors front and rear, are barely powerful enough for this bike. I realize that weight is a big deal in this bike category and that I am biased toward powerful brakes. But on the steeper trails, this bike is otherwise capable of riding my hands were aching from pulling on the levers so hard. I bumped up to a 200mm front rotor, which helped a lot (and I may yet go up to a 200mm rear). But if you’re considering this bike’s compatibility with longer stroke shock, 140mm fork, and 27.5 in. rear wheel, the stock brakes won’t cut it. You’ll want stoppers like Codes, TRP’s DHR Evo, or the Hayes Dominion.

• I usually don’t detail my suspension settings because I believe suspension settings result from terrain, trail surface conditions, riding style, and personal preference, so unless you are me and riding my trails, how I tune my suspension is irrelevant to you. In this case, however, I will detail a few of my fork settings because it took me a while to dial in this fork properly. The RockShox Pike on this bike has the brand’s recently revised air spring—increased negative spring volume, which softens the initial travel—and the revised Charger 3.1 damper, which has a greater damping adjustment range. Trek also ships this fork with no bottomless air tokens in the air chamber. With recommended pressure and zero tokens, the fork was an overly soft and unsupportive mess. I eventually wound up with two tokens in the fork and 95 psi in the spring, 15 over RockShox’s recommended pressure for my weight. Once the spring felt right, I found I liked the low-speed compression at -2 and the high-speed compression set at +1. This allowed me to add or subtract compression damping as trail conditions demanded.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Results have arrived, trek mountain bike buyer’s guide - best trek mountain bikes (supercaliber, procaliber & more).

Whether you have World Cup XC aspirations or dream of epic downhills, Trek has a mountain bike for you. Here's the skinny on Supercaliber, Fuel, Fuel EX, Slash, and many other models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 25, 2022

Posted in: Guides

Trek’s wide range of mountain bikes covers everything from ultra-lightweight XC hardtails to downhill and enduro trail slashers. But how do you know which Trek mountain bike is right for you?

This overview is your guide to all things Trek MTB. In addition to covering every model in the current Trek mountain bike catalog, we’ll decode Trek naming conventions and delve into Trek’s innovations in rear-shock technology.

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Trek XC bikes

Trek procaliber.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front

The Procaliber is Trek’s carbon XC hardtail and its lightest mountain bike. It’s a pure cross-country race bike optimized for fast courses where maximum pedaling efficiency is essential for climbing and acceleration. It features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler that provides extra compliance over rough roots and rocks.

Who it’s for: XC riders who want the lightest, most efficient bike, or who ride less-technical terrain.

Trek X-Caliber

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” for S) Suspension travel: 100mm front

The X-Caliber is Trek’s entry-level, aluminum XC hardtail. The lightweight aluminum frame provides lots of performance on fast courses without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for newer riders looking to get into XC racing.

Who it’s for: XC riders and racers looking for a budget hardtail.

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Trek Supercaliber

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front / 60mm rear

The Supercaliber is Trek’s lightest, most efficient, full-suspension XC bike. During development, Trek kept the Supercaliber under wraps (they literally hid the rear suspension during races) while Trek’s factory race team tested it at World Cups. The Supercaliber uses a unique IsoStrut suspension system with a frame-integrated shock. This provides 60mm of suspension travel, just enough to take the edge off bumps and harsh impacts while keeping the weight, stiffness, and efficiency close to the Procaliber hardtail. The Supercaliber is designed to be the perfect compromise between a hardtail and a 100mm full-suspension bike.

Who it’s for: XC riders looking for the lightest, most efficient full-suspension race bike available.

Trek Top Fuel

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 120mm front / 115mm rear

The Top Fuel is Trek’s full-suspension marathon XC bike. The previous generation Top Fuel was a pure XC race bike with 100mm of travel front and rear. In 2020, the travel was been increased to make it more capable on descents. The Top Fuel could be considered Trek’s “downcountry” bike, a cross-country bike that balances downhill performance and pedaling efficiency. It will hold its own in fast XC races, but it’s versatile enough for trail riders who enjoy big rides on technical terrain.

Who it’s for: Marathon XC racers and riders looking for a “downcountry” bike.

Trek trail bikes

Trek Fuel EX

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” available for XS and S) Suspension travel: 140mm front / 130mm rear

The Fuel EX is Trek’s most popular mountain bike model, and for good reason. The latest generation of this all-rounder has been refined with more suspension travel and modern geometry to make it equally capable uphill and downhill. It’s designed to suit the majority of riders and the widest range of terrain. If you’re looking for a quiver killer bike that will feel comfortable, capable, and efficient enough for all types of riding, the Fuel EX is a top choice.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for one bike to handle everything from XC to technical downhill trails.

Trek Roscoe

Wheel Size: 27.5” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front (100mm on XS)

The Roscoe is Trek’s basic aluminum trail hardtail with 27.5” plus tires for traction and comfort. The robust aluminum frame and affordable component builds make it a great choice for newer riders building their confidence and skills on the trail.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a fun, inexpensive, easy to maintain hardtail trail bike.

Trek Stache and Full Stache

Wheel Size: 29” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front / 130mm front and rear

Discontinued in 2021, the Stache and Full Stache were Trek’s 29-plus hardtail and full-suspension models, respectively. These extra-large wheels and tires enhance rollover, traction, and comfort. These models are loved by bikepackers who need to carry large amounts of gear and desire extra comfort for backcountry riding and multi-day journeys.

Who it’s for: Trail riders and bikepackers looking for a mountain bike that maximizes traction and comfort.

Trek Farley

Wheel Size: 27.5” Fat Suspension travel: 100mm front or Rigid

The Farley is Trek’s fat bike specializing in terrain like snow and sand which require the additional “float” and traction of 4-5” wide fat tires. The newest generation of Farley uses 27.5” diameter fat tires instead of traditional 26” fat tires. Trek is a believer that using a larger diameter tire offers better performance in all conditions.

Who it’s for: Riders riding snow and sand.

Trek enduro bikes

Trek Remedy

Wheel Size: 27.5” Suspension travel: 160mm front / 150mm rear

The Remedy is Trek’s playful 27.5” trail bike. Older Remedy models were available with 29” wheels, but with the latest generation, Trek has committed to making the Remedy its sole 27.5” full-suspension bike. An ample amount of suspension travel allows the Remedy to tackle tough and steep downhill terrain while smaller 27.5” wheels make it feel easier to maneuver and throw around. It will suit riders who jump and jib their way down trails and who prioritize style and fun over all-out speed.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a capable and playful bike.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 170mm front / 160mm rear

The Slash is Trek’s 29er enduro race bike. It provides the most suspension travel and slackest geometry short of Trek’s Session downhill bike. Available only with 29” wheels, it smooths out the gnarliest terrain and maximizes downhill speed. The Slash is used by Trek’s factory Enduro World Series race team and will suit riders looking for a competitive enduro race bike, or a bike that will enhance their confidence on steep and technical downhill trails.

Who it’s for: Enduro racers and riders looking for the most downhill capable bike that can still be pedaled uphill.

Trek MTB range

Trek has a huge selection of mountain bike models, and within every model, there is a wide range of builds to choose from. The hierarchy within models is described using letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Below is a guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

[newsletter]

Trek mountain bike range

Trek mountain bike models use a number (e.g. Trek Fuel EX 9.9) to indicate the frame material and component build. Models with a 5 through 8 use aluminum frames, with 5 indicating entry-level builds and 8 indicating top-of-the-line aluminum builds.

Models with a 9 use carbon frames. To differentiate build levels within carbon models, Trek uses a decimal system that ranges from 9.5 to 9.9, with 9.5 indicating entry-level builds and 9.9 indicating top-of-the-line builds.

Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, a Fuel EX 9.9 ($9,499) has a top-of-the-line OCLV carbon frame, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. A Fuel EX 5 ($2,399) has a more budget-friendly aluminum frame, Shimano Deore drivetrain, entry-level RockShox and X-Fusion suspension, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Fuel EX models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

Trek suspension technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek mountain bikes.

Trek RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shocks

In 2014, Trek worked with Penske Racing to develop RE:aktiv valve technology for its rear shocks. In RE:aktiv shocks, a spring-loaded valve inside the shock body provides increased low-speed compression for more pedaling support. When the shock's shaft speed increases on rough terrain, the valve opens up to quickly absorb impacts before closing again. RE:aktiv shocks are designed to reduce the need for lockouts and compression adjustment on full-suspension mountain bikes when pedaling on smooth terrain or climbing.

In 2018, Trek added Thru Shaft to its RE:aktiv shocks. Most mountain bike shocks are designed around an internal floating piston, or IFP. When a shock absorbs a bump, a damper shaft moves through the shock and displaces oil. This displaced oil needs to go somewhere, so it pushes against the IFP, compressing a gas charge behind the IFP.

The Thru Shaft design eliminates the need for an IFP by allowing the damper shaft to exit out the bottom of the shock. The damper no longer needs to compress an IFP to create space for displaced oil. This makes the shock more responsive and reduces friction. RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shocks are currently found on the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Trek IsoStrut

IsoStrut is a minimal, frame-integrated shock designed to provide the comfort and control of rear suspension while maintaining weight, stiffness, and efficiency that rivals a hardtail. To save weight, instead of an ABP suspension pivot, there is flex built into the seat stays to provide a virtual pivot. In its current form, it is only found on the Supercaliber cross-country bike where it provides 60mm of suspension travel.

Trek Knock Block and Straight Shot down tubes

Most mountain bike frames have a curve in the down tube where it joins the head tube to prevent interference with the fork crown. Trek’s Straight Shot down tubes, however, are straight from the head tube to the bottom bracket to increase frame stiffness and strength. This means the fork crown might hit the down tube if it spins around during a crash.

The Knock Block system prevents this with a chip in the top tube that interacts with a keyed stem, spacers, and headset top cover. The Knock Block stops the handlebars and fork from spinning, preventing the fork crown from striking the down tube. There's also a molded guard on the down tube as a redundant measure. As an added bonus, Knock Block also prevents brake and shift levers from scratching or damaging the top tube.

Knock Block can be found on all of Trek’s carbon mountain bike models and the aluminum versions of the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Hopefully this guide to Trek mountain bikes puts you in a better place to select the best Trek MTB to suit you riding needs (and also the best build for your price range). If you’re still having trouble deciding, reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek MTB.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

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Best trail mountain bikes 2024 | 27 of the best trail MTBs and buyer's guide

The top trail bikes as rated by our expert reviewers, plus our buyer's guide for everything you need to know

Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our Media

Stan Portus

The best trail bikes hit the sweet spot between rowdy enduro bikes and svelte cross-country bikes, delivering performance that's equal parts fun and super-capable.

This has made trail bikes an incredibly popular category among the best mountain bikes in recent years. They give you a bit of everything, and open up the widest range of trails and riding when compared to other types of mountain bike.

The flipside is that choosing the best trail bike for you can be quite a bewildering prospect – there are simply so many options on the market.

Fortunately, you've come to the right place because our expert mountain bike testers have spent years riding and reviewing dozens of trail bikes. This list of the best trail bikes in 2024 will help you find the perfect machine for you.

We've also put together a buyer's guide to trail bikes at the end of this list that explains everything you need to know about this type of mountain bike, from what sort of terrain they are good for to the size of disc brake rotors – we've covered it all!

Best trail mountain bikes in 2024

Whyte t-160 rs.

• £2,999 as tested
• Pros: Fast and reassuring on the descents; well-specced for the money; good climbing ability
• Cons: Seat angle could be steeper

We were so impressed with Whyte's T-160 RS that it won the title of Trail Bike of the Year 2024 .

The British brand has given the bike an almost unbelievable spec list for the money, with a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and a Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T shock used for suspension.

We found the T-160 RS performed well on rough trails, remaining calm over rocks and roots thanks to the sophisticated suspension.

It's a bit hefty at 16kg, but it tackles climbs with comfort and efficiency – although we'd have liked a slightly steeper seat angle.

• Read our full Whyte T-160 RS review

Atherton AM.130.1

• £7,800 / $7,735 / €7,345 as tested
• Pros: Impressive suspension; agile and composed ride feel; head-turner
• Cons: Pricey; not the latest spec for the price

Atherton's AM.130.1 is made using an additive construction technique that sees carbon tubes connected with 3D-printed titanium lugs, enabling the brand to offer the bike in 22 frame sizes.

A DW6 linkage gives the bike a good balance of sensitivity and support, with its small-bump compliance making trail imperfections disappear without losing response to direct inputs.

The bike comes with SRAM's X01 mechanical groupset, which is far away from the electronic groupsets usually found at this price point.

• Read our full Atherton AM.130.1 review

Boardman MTR 8.9

• £1,750 as tested
• Pros: Fantastic all-rounder
• Cons: Limits become clear on extreme terrain

The Boardman MTR 8.9 has the same geometry and suspension as the pricier MTR 9.0.

It has a well-chosen spec that balances cost, performance and strength, with a RockShox front fork, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and Maxxis tyres.

The triple-butted alloy frame looks purposeful and has externally routed cables, making for easy maintenance. There is a bottle mount too, but we found there to be minimal clearance.

The geometry is modern but not extreme with a generous reach, leading to a comfortable ride.

You do have to shift your weight forward to keep front-wheel traction over tricky ascents, and downhill the bike is fairly noisy. So really this is a bike for speedy trail centre rides, rather than super-challenging terrain.

The bike is also ripe for upgrades and, with a few parts swapped out, we think it would be great as a lightweight, mile-munching machine.

• Read our full Boardman MTR 8.9 review
• Buy now from Halfords

Cannondale Habit 4

• £2,300 / $2,300 / €2,699 / AU$4,399 as tested
• Pros: Well-balanced; confidence-inspiring ride; fun and flicky
• Cons: Shimano Deore drivetrain can be a little clunky

The Habit 4 impressed us with its playful and balanced ride feel.

Its aluminium frame features size-specific geometry, with Cannondale increasing the chainstay length with the frame size. The bike feels surefooted and quick to turn.

We found the RockShox Recon fork to bind on hard compressions, though this didn't take too much away from the performance of the bike.

A steep seat tube angle of 77.5 degrees makes winching up climbs comfortable, although the bike lacks some of the punchiness of other MTBs on this list.

Canyon Spectral CF7

• £3,299 / $3,699 / €3,449 / AU$5.249 as tested
• Pros: Playful character that's stable at high speed; smooth, comfortable suspension; well thought-out geometry
• Cons: Fork isn't the most supportive when riding aggressively; down-tube storage doesn't feel the sturdiest

The Spectral offers impressive ground-covering ability for all-day cruises and a geometry that leaves nothing to be desired on the descents.

It's playful on all gradients and remains settled when ploughing through rough sections of the trail. This is helped by Canyon's KIS (Keep It Stable) system, which uses a pair of springs to connect the top tube and fork steerer.

The bike represents exceptional value, with a carbon frame and fantastic spec list sealing the deal.

While the Fox Rhythm 36 fork proved easy to set up, we felt it could be more supportive for aggressive riding.

• Read our full Canyon Spectral CF7 review

Canyon Neuron 5

• £1,849 / $2,099 / €1,899 / AU$2,949 as tested
• Pros: Fast-rolling on mellow trails; composed ride feel; grippy in most conditions
• Cons: Suspension feels overworked on steeper trails

Canyon's Neuron covers ground fast, with supple suspension that provides good comfort while descending, although, it can feel a tad active on steeper, technical descents.

The bike has a nimble ride feel that helps it eat up trail centre singletrack with ease, with the Schwalbe tyre combo offering fast rolling speeds.

We found the RockShox Recon fork to be a little out of tune with the rear of the bike, and not providing the desired amount of support on steeper terrain.

• Read our full Canyon Neuron 5 review

Merida One-Forty 700

• £3,100 / €3,869 / AU$4,599 as tested
• Pros: Boundary-pushing geometry options; one of the best climbers out there
• Cons: Stem could be shorter; not the smoothest ride

The Merida One-Forty 700 impressed us in testing, winning our Trail Bike of the Year 2023 award.

The carbon fibre frame, which is shared with the longer-travel One-Sixty , uses flex stays in the rear linkage and provides 140mm of rear travel.

Merida has packed serious value for money into the bike, with a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock and a 150mm Marzocchi Z1 fork.

On climbs, the bike has zero wallow and a perky attitude, making the uphills easier than on its contemporaries.

Downhill, the geometry is spot on with composed and accurate handling adding to the ride.

• Read our full Merida One-Forty 700 review

Norco Fluid FS C2

• £4,999 / $4,999 / €5,299 as tested
• Pros: Confidence-inspiring geometry; makes good use of suspension travel
• Cons: Brakes could be more powerful; tyres won't suit everyone

Norco's Fluid FS C2 has a playful agility on the trail that remains composed at high speeds.

With a 140mm RockShox Pike Select+ fork up front and a Super Deluxe Select+ controlling 130mm of rear-wheel travel, the Norco feels planted through rough terrain, balancing a poppy yet bump-gobbling ability.

We found the Fluid capable of all aspects of trail riding, but it was on the hills where it really impressed, with the bike eager to attack short, sharp climbs with grace.

Because it's able to carry a lot of speed down the trail, the SRAM G2 RS brakes feel a little under-gunned in some situations, with the bike deserving of more powerful brakes.

• Read our full Norco Fluid FS C2 review

YT Jeffsy Core 1

• £2,499 / $2,799 / €2,499 as tested
• Pros: Confidence-inspiring geometry; good spec for the money; fork performs well
• Cons: It's not the the lightest

YT's entry level to the Jeffsy range offers the value for money often associated with the German direct-to-customer brand.

The bike offers impressive capability, tackling enduro trails with ease while remaining playful on mellower trails.

A centred riding position gives you plenty of confidence to push the bike to the limit on the descents. A steep 77.9-degree seat angle puts your weight over the BB, helping on technical climbs.

It's not the lightest trail bike we've tested, but we feel this is less important with it sitting towards the more aggressive side of the segment.

• Read our full YT Jeffsy Core 1 review

Boardman MTR 9.0

• £2,000 as tested
• Pros: Rides with confidence and has excellent brakes; RockShox fork and rear shock
• Cons: Contact points detract from overall package

The MTR 9.0 is Boardman's flagship mountain bike, with an upgraded alloy frame, 150mm RockShox fork, a Deluxe Select+ rear shock and a groupset that is, by and large, comprised of Shimano SLX-level parts.

The bike is happiest heading downhill, where it feels planted, and the Shimano SLX four-piston brakes provide a whole load of stopping power.

The MTR climbs reasonably well. The relatively steep seat-tube angle helps you get your weight over the bottom bracket, and the wide-ranging 10-51 tooth cassettes help winch you up the toughest climbs.

The bike has a dropper post, which is great for such a gravity-focused bike, but the dropper lever is a bit small and not the easiest to use.

The bike rides with more confidence than you might expect and, apart from the dropper lever, there really isn't much to fault.

• Read our full Boardman MTR 9.0 review
• Buy now from Tredz

Boardman MTR 8.8

• £1,350 as tested
• Pros: Impressive spec for the price; good suspension feel
• Cons: underpowered brakes; dropper post length

Boardman's MTR 8.8 is built to be the ideal all-round UK trail bike. It's very capable when pointed down a trail, thanks in part to the 145mm of rear suspension controlled by a RockShox Deluxe Select+, and 150mm RockShox Recon Silver RL fork.

Considering its suspension travel, it climbs very well, but it's the descents where the Boardman shines.

In its price range, there aren't many bikes that can provide the same levels of performance. However, a couple of spec changes, such as a longer dropper post and more powerful brakes, would make the riding experience even better.

• Read our full Boardman MTR 8.8 review

Cannondale Habit LT 2 

• £3,500 / $3,625 / €3,699 / AU$5,899 as tested
• Pros: Spritely and playful character; good climber; absorbs big hits well
• Cons: Basic suspension dampers aren't the smoothest

The Habit LT 2 is Cannondale's long-travel trail bike with 140mm of rear suspension travel matched to a 150mm fork upfront.

We found the bike enjoyed being pumped and pushed over tough terrain while being able to absorb big impacts when asked to.

The suspension isn't as smooth as forks that use posher dampers, but the confidence-inspiring brakes and geometry will allow you to push the bike on more challenging trails.

• Read our full Cannondale Habit LT 2 review

Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7

• £3,349 / $4,199 / €3,499 / AU$5,349 as tested
• Pros: Aggressive geometry and stiff, low-slung frame; great handling on really steep terrain
• Cons: Sluggish at slow speed on mellow terrain; thin tyres

A shorter-travel trail bike, the Spectral 125 mixes that with a 140mm-travel fork and a long reach geometry that's built for more aggressive riding. It's a different, all-carbon frame from the longer-travel Spectral bikes and saves 100g in weight.

The stiff, aggressive, low-slung frame is great for bikepark laps and climbs, but you need to increase the sag from the recommended values for the bike to handle rock gardens comfortably.

The bike navigates super-steep terrain admirably though, with the long frame helping to maintain stability. It pays to tinker with the Spectral 125's suspension settings and to ride hard to get the best out of the bike.

Want a spec upgrade? We've also tested the Canyon Spectral 125 CF8 .

• Read our full Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7 review

Carrera Titan X

• £850 as tested
• Pros: Excellent spec for the price; a real advantage over hardtails at this price
• Cons: limited size range

Full-suspension bikes for under £1,000 are a rarity, and ones that are as well-specced as the Carrera Titan X are rarer still.

The kit on this bike is really impressive. It has SRAM SX 12-speed gearing with a 1x setup, a Trans-X dropper post and Shimano hydraulic brakes. In short, what you'd expect from a pricier bike.

When it comes to ride performance, the Titan X's suspension works surprisingly well, making this bike a good shout over a hardtail – which is normally the go-to option at this price point.

When climbing, the Titan X's frame is a little cramped due to its relatively old-school geometry, but it winches up hills better than you might expect.

The only real drawback to the Titan X is the limited sizing, and taller riders should stay clear. This is a real try-before-you-buy bike, but if it fits and you're on a budget, it's a compelling option.

• Read our full Carrera Titan X review

Cotic Jeht Silver Mullet

• £3,989 as tested
• Pros: Composed and confident; smooth feeling suspension
• Cons: Stiff suspension under braking; feels large

The Cotic Jeht is made from Reynolds 853 steel with a steel-alloy rear triangle that has 140mm of suspension travel.

Its long, low and slack geometry is on point and allows you to let the bike run through the techiest of sections while still feeling in control.

The Jeht is a fairly tall bike, and when braking the rear suspension isn't as good as some of the competition, especially those bikes using a four-bar design.

The spec can be matched to your pockets, with our test bike featuring an upgraded RockShox Revelation fork with a Charger 2.1 damper.

• Read our full Cotic Jeht Silver Mullet review

Focus JAM 8.9

• £4,799 / €4,699 / AU$6,999 as tested
• Pros: Impressive suspension maintains ground contact well; clever internal frame storage
• Cons: Hefty weight; complicated stem design

With 150mm of travel, the JAM 8 series bikes get a carbon front triangle with neat internal storage and share geometry with the alloy JAM 6 series. There's also tidy internal routing through the stem for the cables.

The new suspension design, with its flip chip, leads to a better-supported mid-stroke than Focus's older system, leading to a more playful ride and less chance of bottoming out. It also helps keep contact with the ground well at the rear on descents.

The mix of agile handling and stable suspension leads to an exciting ride, and it's easy to pick and change your line, although the Fox 36 Performance fork feels more limiting than the rear travel.

• Read our full Focus JAM 8.9 review

GT Sensor Carbon Pro

• £4,199 / $4,750 as tested
• Pros: Incredibly supple suspension; well-balanced geometry; comfortable and confident handling
• Cons: Not the most perky climber; drivetrain spec is lacklustre

The Sensor Carbon Pro has 140mm of rear-suspension travel married to a 150mm fork up front.

We found the bike made good use of the travel, with the quality RockShox suspension providing smooth and supple bump absorption.

On steeper more technical tracks, the Sensor Carbon Pro performs excellently but it's climbing performance isn't as spritely as other trail bikes.

• Read our full GT Sensor Carbon Pro review

GT Sensor Carbon Pro LE

• £5,000 / $5,750 as tested
• Pros: Great for rowdy trail riding; RockShox suspension works very well; ideal for those looking for simplicity
• Cons: Freehub engagement is clunky; SRAM G2 RSC brakes struggle with power down steep trails

GT's Sensor Carbon Pro LE feels very capable on rougher trails considering its suspension travel, with the 150mm fork and 140mm rear-suspension travel combination providing a composed ride on gnarly trails.

The Sensor certainly prioritises downhill prowess, with the bike remaining poppy and responsive whatever the gradient.

The RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate shock provide composed damping, but SRAM's G2 RSC brakes are a little lacklustre when shedding speed.

• Read our full GT Sensor Carbon Pro LE review

Kona Honzo ESD

• £2,899 / $3,099 / €3,299 / AU$4,399 as tested
• Pros: Very smooth ride over the rough stuff; descends better than a hardtail should
• Cons: Not great value for money

It may be a hardtail, but the Kona Honzo is long and slack enough to handle the steepest descents, with a braced steel frame, 150mm-travel fork and plenty of room for aggressive rubber. Adjustable rear dropouts enable you to fine-tune your ride or go singlespeed.

There's bags of stability on steep descents and the bike is great at carving wide corners, but shorten the rear end and direction changes come really easily. You've got a 203mm rotor at the front and 180mm out back to help control your speed.

The Honzo's steep 77.5-degree seat tube helps with climbing and it's got plenty of room for the long-travel TransX dropper post.

We were impressed by the climbing performance, aided by a 30t chainring and a wide-range 10-51t cassette, while the bike's length means you can shift your weight around both up and downhill. It's a hardcore hardtail that shows you don't need suspension out back to have fun.

• Read our full Kona Honzo review

Marin Rift Zone XR 27.5

• £3,095 / $3,500 / €3,499 as tested
• Pros: Well-designed frame; excellent rear suspension
• Cons: Brakes lack bite; not the best climber

The Marin Rift Zone XR is built on the alloy Rift Zone frameset which provides top-notch rear suspension while prioritising front-end control.

The Fox Float X rear shock works well to support the rear end, giving the bike playfulness without sacrificing grip.

The bike's poppy character makes for an engaging ride, though the bike requires rider attention on gnarlier sections of trail.

A 'sit up and spin' attitude to climbing is provided by the upright and relaxed position, with the bike featuring more pedal bob than its competitors.

• Read our full Marin Rift Zone XR 27.5 review

Marin Rift Zone 29 XR

• £3,775 / $3,899 / €4,289 / AU$5,499 as tested
• Pros: Fast and stable at speed; clever spec choice; impressive on technical terrain
• Cons: Not the best climber; freehub engagement could be better

Marin's Rift Zone 29 XR is built for the descents, with the frame and suspension offering a great platform for tearing up your local forest.

With only 130mm of rear-suspension travel, the Rift Zone 29 XR proves numbers aren't everything by absorbing big bumps and providing a composed ride feel.

We found the Rift Zone 29 XR wasn't the fastest on the climbs, but it made up for this when pointed downhill.

• Read our full Marin Rift Zone 29 XR review

Merida One-Forty 500

• £2,600 / €3,160 / AU$3,799 as tested
• Pros: Efficient pedalling; playful handling; good spec for the money
• Cons: Rear-end grip isn't the best in the wet; brake bite point can wander

The One-Forty 500 uses the same frame as the One-Forty 700 that we awarded Trail Bike of the Year in 2023.

At this lower price point, the bike remains an impressive performer with eager climbing characteristics and supportive suspension on the descents.

The bike offers an impressive spec for the money, though we did find the Shimano Deore four-piston disc brakes a little unpredictable, with a wandering bite point affecting the accuracy of our braking.

• Read our full Merida One Forty 500 review

Merida One-Twenty 700

• £3,100 as tested
• Pros: Progressive suspension; confident handling; efficient pedalling
• Cons: Front end is quite harsh; brakes are average

Despite its name, the One-Twenty 700 has 130mm of suspension travel front and rear, which does a stellar job of climbing thanks to Merida's P-Flex flex-stay suspension linkage.

While the bike isn't the most composed on the downhills, the long and low geometry still eggs you on to push the brakes and tyres to their limits.

The RockShox Pike Select fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select shock work well to iron out the bumps, but the SRAM DB8 brakes feel a little underpowered when hitting the trail at full speed.

• Read our full Merida One-Twenty 700 review

Polygon Siskiu T7 29

• £1,800 as tested
• Pros: Great trail geometry; impressive value for money
• Cons: Brakes are a weak point

The Polygon features modern trail geometry and decent components that make it very capable on the descents, with the 65.5-degree head angle giving confidence on even the steepest terrain.

A RockShox Deluxe Select+ controls 135mm of rear-suspension travel, while a 140mm RockShox Recon Silver RL fork supports the front. The bike comes with Shimano's Deore 1x12 drivetrain with Tektro's HD-M735 brakes.

Polygon's Siskiu will take all you can throw it, but is maybe not as responsive as bikes twice its price. If you are a GoOutdoors member, however, you can get the bike at the reduced price of £1,600.

• Read our full Polygon Siskiu T7 review

Trek Fuel EX 9.7

• £4,175 / $4,000 / €4,499 / AU$7,500 as tested
• Pros: Excellent frame; well-considered geometry; very capable with great suspension
• Cons: Poor brakes; tyres aren't the best

The Fuel EX frame provides a solid, adaptable and high-performing bedrock to the bike with the geometry and suspension design offering good confidence on the descents.

Our tester found the SRAM DB8 brakes to be a little underpowered when riding aggressively, compromising the bike on fast, technical downhill sections.

The tyres were also behind the competition, making for a less-than-precise ride feel.

• Read our full Trek Fuel EX 9.7 review

Whyte T-140 RS 29er

• £4,099 as tested
• Pros: Super-composed suspension; excellent pedalling characteristics
• Cons: Harder riders may push suspension to its limit; size range

Whyte's T-140 RS is a true do-it-all trail bike featuring 135mm of rear travel controlled by a Fox DPS Performance Elite shock and a 140mm Fox 34 Performance Elite fork.

The T-140 RS smoothes the way without fuss, with the rear suspension soaking up small and big hits.

The 34mm stanchion diameter of the fork becomes noticeable on seriously technical sections and can feel squirrelly under heavy braking.

The lightweight chassis helps the bike when pointing uphill.

• Read our full Whyte T-140 RS 29er review

YT Jeffsy Core 3

• £3,999 / $4,299 / €3,999 / AU$6,999 as tested
• Pros: Capable climber; fun handling; easy to ride on a variety of trails
• Cons: Less poppy than previous iteration

The Jeffsy performs well on the climbs, with a slight suppleness adding good traction on technical ascents, while keeping an efficient-feeling pedal platform.

Playful handling makes mellow trails entertaining, but the bike feels more mature than the previous version and remains more composed on rough terrain.

This leads to the bike being more capable downhill but at the cost of poppiness on level ground.

• Read our full YT Jeffsy Core 3 review

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Trail bike buyer’s guide | Everything you need to know when choosing a trail bike

What is a trail bike.

The trail mountain bike category occupies the space between lightweight, speed-focused cross-country bikes and enduro and all-mountain mountain bikes designed to fly downhill and slowly winch back to the top.

Balancing pedalling efficiency and gravity potential, trail bikes are intended to hit a sweet spot; they aren’t quite as rowdy as enduro bikes but are tougher than cross-country bikes.

They make light work of riding down flow trails with big sweeping berms and can cut it on more demanding terrain too – and you might be surprised at just how capable they truly are.

Really, trail bikes are best for mountain biking in the most general sense and are designed to give you just about enough of everything.

Trail bikes also tend to be relatively affordable when compared to other types of mountain bike. The components don’t have to be super-lightweight as on XC bikes, or heavy-duty enough to survive the rigours of downhill, which helps to keep costs down.

Although enduro and downhill bikes are considered to be the Formula 1 of mountain biking, we think trail bikes are the most important and widest-spanning category, and benefit from economies of scale where bigger production runs also play a factor in keeping prices down.

The affordability of trail bikes combined with their versatility, helps to make them an ideal choice if you’re new to the world of mountain biking or are looking for a one-bike solution to all your mountain biking needs.

What to look for in a trail bike

There are no set rules when it comes to defining what a trail bike is and, like all mountain biking sub-disciplines, they exist on a sliding scale in terms of capability, geometry, suspension travel and price.

However, there are various factors that when put together constitute a trail bike and are worth bearing in mind when looking for one of these versatile machines.

Frame material

Many brands stick to aluminium alloy or carbon fibre for trail bike frames, while some more boutique builders opt for alternative frame materials, such as steel or titanium.

Carbon has the advantage of being lighter and stronger, and can be made to be stiffer than an equivalent aluminium frame, so it's a good choice if zipping uphill and weight are priorities. It does, however, cost more than aluminium.

While it might not have the exotic feel of carbon, or be as lightweight, an aluminium frame is a good call if you’re new to the sport or on a budget, but it’s hard to argue with the desirability and performance of carbon.

Frame geometry probably has the biggest impact on how a mountain bike handles, with even slight adjustments to the wheelbase, head tube angle and reach determining how a bike feels.

In keeping with their Goldilocks position between XC and enduro bikes, trail bikes have a relatively slack geometry that makes them capable enough to handle most rough descents, while being suitable for all-day epics and plenty of comfortable and efficient climbing.

As a general rule, trail bikes have a head tube angle of between 64 and 66.5 degrees and seat tube angle of between 73 and 78 degrees.

Look for slacker head tube angles if you want a bike that will descend better, because a slacker angle helps give the bike a calmer ride by slowing down the steering. It also makes its wheelbase longer, which helps improve stability at high riding speeds.

Most commonly, trail bikes have front and rear suspension with between 120mm and 150mm of travel.

As travel increases, a bike will be better suited to riding downhill and less suitable for climbing, so when considering how much travel to go for on a trail bike think about the type of terrain you'll spend most of your time riding and your riding style.

If you ride on rougher, more technical trails, or like to barrel down descents, choosing a trail bike with 140mm or 150mm is advisable.

Shorter-travel bikes won’t descend quite as well, but they are light and efficient so are a good choice if endurance riding and climbing is more your thing.

Wheel size and tyres

There used to be a time when mountain bikes simply had 26in wheels. But those days are long gone, and now mountain bikes come with either 27.5in or 29in wheels.

Both wheel sizes have their advantages and disadvantages . 29in wheels roll over obstacles and hold their momentum more, making them the preference for cross-country and the best downcountry mountain bikes . Compared to 29in wheels, 27.5in wheels are faster accelerating, stronger and more agile, with handling and placement feeling more natural too.

Trail bikes come with either of the two sizes and there isn’t really a right or wrong answer to which size wheels you should go for – you might prefer the snappier feel of 27.5in wheels or value the efficiency of 29in wheels.

One thing to bear in mind when selecting what wheel size to go for is your height. A taller rider will probably benefit from a larger wheel, whereas a shorter rider will benefit from a smaller wheel. Some manufacturers do consider this and provide models with different-size wheels depending on frame size.

Trail bike tyres tend to be chunkier with a decent amount of tread and are around 2.3 to 2.5in wide. These provide a decent amount of grip and help make trail bikes the versatile machines they are.

The best mountain bike tyres can really change how your bike feels, so it’s worth paying attention to what tyres a trail bike is specced with, but also remember that it’s not too hard to swap tyres out for something more suitable for your riding.

Trail bikes tend to have drivetrains with one front chainring. Thanks to wide-ranging 12-speed cassettes (normally between 10 to 52t), only having one front chainring doesn’t limit climbing potential.

Groupsets such as Shimano Deore XT M8100 are a popular choice on trail bikes. Trail bikes also tend to have easier gearing than speed-focused XC bikes. Front rings are usually between 30- and 34-tooth, while rear cassettes can go up to 52-tooth.

This gives trail bikes a wide range of gears for enough speed on the flat and to help you get up tough climbs.

Like most aspects of trail bikes, the brakes strike a balance between stopping power and weight saving.

Trail bikes will generally come with disc brakes that have two- or four-piston calipers. Four-piston brakes are more powerful and are aimed at downhill riding, where more braking power is needed, but this will of course add weight.

Rotors on trail bikes are often a mix, with up to 200mm both front and back. The larger the disc rotor, the more powerful the brakes will be, but this also comes with a weight penalty.

Hydraulic brakes are standard on all full-suspension trail bikes costing £1,000 or above, and often the best mountain bikes under £1,000 come with these brakes too.

Wide mountain bike handlebars are becoming the norm, and provide extra stability, comfort and control.

Trail bikes follow this trend, many coming with a 760mm or 780mm bar, while some go up to 800mm. Just as smaller-sized trail bikes tend to have smaller 27.5in wheels, they also come with a narrower bar, going down 740mm, to help make the bike a better fit for smaller riders

Dropper posts

Dropper posts are almost standard on trail bikes.

They allow you to lower and raise your saddle with the flick of a handlebar-mounted button, giving you extra room to move your weight around on descents and the correct saddle height for efficient pedalling.

A dropper post is one of the first upgrades you should consider if your trail bike doesn't have one, because it will open the bike up to a wider range of riding.

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Top 13 Best Trail Bikes | The best trail bikes ridden & reviewed

T rail bikes are one of the most popular and crowded segments in mountain biking and cover a broad range of travel and geometry numbers. Bikes that fall in this niche range from short travel shredders offering as little as 120mm at the back, all the way up to 150mm of rear squish.

All of this makes the task of crowning the best trail bike or even just creating a short list of the top performers quite a challenge. With such a broad-ranging category; terrain, riding style, and personal preferences come into play. Some prefer bikes at the longer travel mini-enduro end of the spectrum, while others want a steed that pedals like a cross-country rig but can handle steeper, rougher and more adventurous trails. 

With these variations in mind, we have created a short list of our favourite 120mm to 150mm rear travel bikes. At the shorter travel end, we have bikes like the Pivot 429 with only 120mm of rear travel. On the burlier and more aggressive side of things, we have bikes like the new Specialized Stumpjumper 15, Canyon Spectral and Scott’s new Genius, all sporting between 140mm and 150mm of rear travel.

There are some notable omissions from this list, like the Transition Smuggler and Commencal Tempo. And the reason for that is we haven’t tested them yet, and we can’t rate something among the best of the bunch based on second-hand information.

So, without further ado, here is our picks of the best trail bikes we’ve reviewed here at Flow.

• Top 11 Best Enduro Bikes | The best enduro mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
• Top 12 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
• Top 12 Best e-MTB Bikes | The best electric mountain bikes ridden & reviewed

Merida One-Forty

Highs: The One-Forty is great value for money with well spec’d suspension and drivetrain packages 

Lows: The Merida branded dropper post has some reliability issues, and the headset cable routing is not service-friendly and prone to creaking. 

The new Merida One-Forty is a radical change from the previous design. Now with 143mm of rear travel and equipped with a 150mm fork, the One-Forty is close to what many would consider the definition of a modern trail bike.  It’s a comfortable and efficient climber while still providing loads of grip and control on the descents. 

Out of the box, the new One-Forty comes set up as a full 29er, however, it can be converted to a mullet with the flip of a chip and, of course a 27.5in rear wheel. While slotting in the smaller rear increases the agility of the bike, it also increases rear travel to 151mm to help keep the angles intact. Those geometry numbers are very modern to boot, with a 65º head angle, super steep 80º seat angle and generous reach lengths. We tested the Mid (medium) size version with 480mm of reach. 

There are six models available to choose from, ranging from the $3,299 alloy 400 model up to the $11,499 carbon 10K model. Merida also provides riders with a handy online suspension set-up guide to help them get dialled in. 

What stood out to us with the Merida One-Forty was its versatility and responsiveness. The suspension offered great support, and the modern geometry instilled confidence on tight, steep and technical trails. It is the type of bike you can comfortably ride all day and is playful enough to jib around on shorter rides.

But it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, the infinitely adjustable would only run at full length and the headset — which the cables run through — creaked from day one. Minor issues aside we had an absolute ball ripping around on the One-Forty.

To find out more read our full review of the Merida One-Forty.

Norco Fluid FS

Highs: Great component selection across the range to fit a variety of budgets. Sturdy frame and confidence-inspiring geometry. 

Lows: Heavy alloy frame and quick-wearing stock tyres. Otherwise, there is not much to complain about. 

The Norco Fluid FS is a poster child for a trail bike that punches above its weight class. With dialled geometry and great component selection, it can still confidently tackle technical terrain that others with the same amount of suspension travel would baulk at. The Fluid FS we tested was the alloy version, though Norco has since announced a carbon version of this bike too. The Fluid has 140mm travel up front and 130mm in the back, with a 65º head angle and 77º seat tube angle, the riding position is relaxed and comfortable. 

What stood out was how burly the frame is and the way the suspension complimented the geometry, making it feel like the Fluid has a lot more travel than it does. Setting up that suspension is a breeze thanks to Norco’s extremely detailed Ride Aligned setup guides. 

Even with the burly frame, the Fluid FS still climbed well. While it is no rabbit up the hills, it is a comfortable and smooth climber. The active rear suspension and custom shock tune provide oodles of traction and comfort for a confidence-inspiring ride over rough terrain. And with less travel than other bikes in the segment, the Fluid still felt playful and sprightly while still being manageable at high speeds.

The Fluid is a mighty capable bike, but it only has 130mm of get-out-of-trouble squish, so there is a limit to what this bike can handle, but it’s a damn-capable trail bike. With that, weight weenies and those who are into longer-distance cross-country riding will want to look elsewhere.

We also love that Norco is offering the Fluid FS in high-level build kits, making quite a case not to go carbon.

Click here to read our full review of the Norco Fluid FS.

Juliana Furtado

Highs: Light, fun and playful with great maneuverability

Lows: Small cockpit space decreased stability and comfort of the bike

The Juliana Furtado is a short-travel trail bike built on the same platform as the Santa Cruz 5010. The latest model comes with a 140mm travel fork and 130mm of rear travel, utilizing the VPP dual-link suspension design.

The Furtado frame is exclusively made from carbon fibre and targets the premium market. There are two versions available: the more affordable option features the C carbon frame, while the higher-end models use the lighter CC carbon frame. Now with a slacker head angle for the descents, and a 29in wheel up front and 27.5in wheel in the rear, the updates make the descents all the more fun on this light and nimble rig.

Descending on the Furtado lived up to its reputation: it’s incredibly playful—though that’s an understatement. A trail that felt flat and dull on a heavier bike turns into a thrilling ride on this one. Every root and small bump along the trail transforms into a jump, and the bike’s agility and responsiveness are truly exceptional.

The Furtado embodies Juliana’s description perfectly: it’s fun, agile, and playful, catering to a style of riding that modern, long-travel bikes are too robust to deliver. It excels when pumping and flowing smoothly, particularly shining on undulating trails with bumps and obstacles to zip around. On more technical sections of trail the Furtado sometimes felt less secure and stable, likely attributed to its shorter overall length.

If you’re drawn to the Furtado but would prefer the Santa Cruz flavour, the Santa Cruz 5010 mirrors the Furtado in most aspects. Featuring the same components with the exception of Juliana-specific saddle and grips, the 5010 has a slightly firmer shock tune out of the box, is slightly heavier overall, and is available sizes range from X-Small to XX-Large.

To read about Lia’s complete ride impressions, head over to the full review of the Juliana Furtado

Scott Genius

Highs: Impressive engineering feats to deliver such a great suspension platform that is completely hidden and should require less maintenance. It is such a versatile bike that will suit a wide range of riders.

Lows: Headset cable routing, the handlebar-mounted suspension remote won’t gel well with some riders. The lack of downtube protection on the high-end carbon frames is a bit of a concern for a bike designed to tackle technical terrain.

Completely redesigned for 2023, the all-new Scott Genius created quite a stir when it was launched. Following the design cues of the shorter travel Spark , Scott has hidden the rear shock away inside the frame, bumped up fork travel to 160mm and made the bike a dedicated 29er. It still has 150mm of rear travel via the covert custom Fox Nude shock. As with the old Genius and many of Scott’s other bikes, there is a TwinLoc handlebar remote to control the different suspension modes.

Geometry is adjustable via modular headset cups, which allow for independent adjustment of the head angle. Alloy models can swap between the steeper 65.1º head angle and slacker 63.9º, while the carbon models get an additional neutral set for a 64.5º option. The seat angle is 77º, and the reach on our medium test rig has grown to 460mm — that’s 20mm longer than the previous version.

There are a total of seven different models available in Australia, ranging from $5,199 AUD for the Alloy Genius 940 all the way up to the Genius ST 900 Tuned, which retails for $14,199 AUD. The ST stands for “Super Trail” which means beefier tyres, a piggyback Nude Float X rear shock and Grip 2 Fox 36 forks instead of the Fit 4 damper in the standard Genius. The handlebar remote only changes the modes of the shock, whereas in the standard Genius, it’s connected to both ends.

Both of our testers were impressed with how versatile the Genius is, ascending as well as descending — making it the ideal companion for those riders who have long climbs to get to their favourite rip-roaring downhills. The integration on this bike, however, is a double-edged sword. All of the cables run through the headset, and the climbing and descending prowess on offer are due in large part to the TwinLoc remote — and your willingness to take advantage of it. 

There is a lot more to cover with this bike, click here to read our full review of the Scott Genius.

Trek Fuel EX

Highs: Robust chassis, no proprietary suspension, spot-on geometry and predictable ride characteristics. 

Lows: Heavy frame, frame stiffness can feel harsh at times with a bit more feedback felt by the rider compared to other bikes.

The 6 th generation of Trek’s Fuel EX trail bike is its most radical transformation yet, and this new bike is a hit. With increased travel at both ends, now 150mm up front and 140mm in the back, it has a 64.5º head angle, seat tube angle of around 78º depending on the frame size and flip-chip settings, and a low BB with 38mm of drop.

With a robust chassis, in-frame storage and Trek’s famous active braking pivot (ABP), the new Fuel EX also brings across the Mino Link flip-chip that enables you to up the fork travel to 160mm or run the bike as a mullet. There is another flip chip at the lower shock mount that offers linear and progressive settings making the Fuel EX coil shock compatible. But wait, there’s more, Trek has also provided generous frame protection, size-specific chainstays, and aftermarket headset cups are available to further tailor the geometry. 

So, with such an impressive feature list, how does it ride? We were dazzled by  Trek’s supportive suspension platform, spot-on geometry and improved pedalling efficiency.

The solid chassis helps make the Fuel EX highly responsive in corners and pushing into berms, encouraging riders to be playful and helping them feel connected to the trail. That same stiff chassis also tends to transmit more feedback, making it less comfortable to ride over rocky terrain.

The new Fuel EX feels more like an enduro bike than its predecessor, but it’s not as plush as others in the segment.

Click here to go more in-depth with the Trek Fuel EX.

2025 S pecialized Stumpjumper 15

Highs: Supremely supple suspension, impressive bottom-out composure, highly adjustable frame

Lows: High entry price, no alloy models (yet)

For 2025 Specialized has amalgamated the previous Stumpjumper and Stumpjumper EVO into a new bike called the Stumpjumper 15. The number refers to it being the 15th generation of the platform, which first arrived all the way back in 1981.

Splitting the difference between the old Stumpjumper and Stumpjumper EVO, the new version features a 150mm travel fork and 145mm of rear travel. Most models roll on dual 29in wheels, though each frame is capable of fitting a 27.5in rear wheel by way of an aftermarket mullet link. It’s also compatible with 160mm travel forks and coil shocks.

At the heart of the Stumpjumper 15 is a proprietary shock that has been developed by Specialized’s in-house Ride Dynamics team and manufactured in partnership with Fox Racing Shox. Called the GENIE, it’s essentially a Fox Float with a secondary air sleeve around the main shock body. This additional chamber creates a huge volume of air for the first 70% of the travel, providing a much flatter spring curve that aims to deliver a super plush, coil-like feel.

Climbing aboard the Specialized Stumpjumper for the first time, the way the rear suspension sinks into its travel immediately reminded me of the Enduro. It is  seriously  plush back there, giving you the impression that you’re sitting on a much longer travel bike.

Plonk the Stumpjumper into a nasty rock garden and its supple suspension sees it float through with a remarkable level of isolation between your feet and the ground. The shock’s hyper-sensitivity sees it absorbing trail rubble of all shapes and sizes, keeping the tyres driving into the dirt to maximise grip.

In many regards, it isn’t a dramatic departure from the old Stumpy EVO, and that is indeed a very good thing. We’re glad to see the geometry carried over along with the flip chips and adjustable headset. Combined with the mullet link and coil shock compatibility, there’s a plethora of setup options to suit different riders and trail conditions. Really it’s the custom GENIE shock that threw the biggest curveball with its high volume, dual-stage air spring introducing a unique ride quality that’s surprised us in more ways than one. We’ve been impressed by its outstanding suppleness that makes for a luxuriously smooth ride across rocky and rooty trails. Traction is brilliant, and so too is its ability to swallow big hits and harsh landings. Bottom-out control is outrageously good, and combined with the excellent geometry and sorted build kit, the Stumpjumper offers bucketloads of confidence for ripping down technical descents.

Click here for our review of the 2025 Specialized Stumpjumper 15. 

Giant Trance 29

Highs: The new Trance now comes with in-frame storage, longer stroke dropper post and adjustable geometry.

Lows: Praxis crankset is prone to dropping chains, and the Live Valve version looks like a bird’s nest with all the cables. 

Another platform that has been around for years is the Giant Trance. Originally released when 26in wheels were your only option, the Trance jumped on the 29er bandwagon early before becoming a 27.5in only option. Now the Trance is back as a 29er only, that is unless you opt for the burly Trance X which is available in both 27.5in and 29in wheels and tacks on 20mm of travel at both ends.  

The all-new Trance, features Giant’s first-ever in-frame storage but only on the carbon models. Slotting in as a short travel trail bike with a 130mm fork and 120mm rear travel, it uses Giant’s well-known and reliable Maestro suspension system. It has a burly frame with well-placed rubber armouring and adjustable geometry via a flip chip. 

Speaking of geometry, the bike boasts a 65.5º head angle, longer reach, and steeper seat angle, which varies depending on the size. On the trail, these changes provide the rider with masses of cornering grip and confidence-inspiring handling, that really boosts the capability of this popular trail bike. 

The new Trance rides with the attitude of a much longer travel bike. It feels planted but is still responsive and playful on the trail. With all these improvements to its descending prowess, it has surprisingly still been able to increase its climbing performance over the previous model. The steeper seat tube and longer chainstays help keep the rider centred and over the pedals more than before. 

The biggest downside to all these changes is that you can sometimes run out of suspension travel, there is only so much work 120mm of squish can do before it’s out of its depth. 

The big news for this Trance on top of the new frame is the Fox Live Valve version, Fox’s electronically controlled suspension lockout system is available on the top-spec Trance Advanced Pro 29 1. While the Live Valve system hasn’t really taken off since its launch, it works very well on the Trance. I t helps to improve on the already fantastic climbing ability of the Trance and allows riders to leave the geometry settings in the low position to drop the BB and really stick to the trail on the descents. Then with the suspension stiffening up on the climbs, there is less chance of pedal strikes with the lower BB.

Click here to check out our full review of the Giant Trance 29.  

Pivot Trail 429

Highs: Beautiful carbon chassis, fantastic pedalling performance and spot on suspension characteristics. 

Lows: Rattly cable ports are disappointing at this price point; super boost, makes sourcing some replacements more difficult. 

For such a small company, Pivot makes some of the most impressive and innovative bikes around. The Trail 429 is no exception. With 120mm of rear travel and either a 130mm or 140mm fork up front, the Trail 429 should be close to the top of the list anyone looking for a short travel ripper. That is, only if you can afford one. 

Rolling on 29in wheels, the Trail 429 comes in either a race build which gives you a 130mm fork, or the enduro build with a 140mm fork. Our size medium test rig has a 455mm reach and head tube angle of 66ºor 66.5ºdepending on the flip chip, which adjusts BB height by 6mm and seat tube angle by 0.5 degrees. Oh, and it’s mullet-friendly.

The bike is light, our test build came in at 12.4kg without pedals. This low weight, combined with the impressive performance of the dw-link suspension, makes the Trail 429 an absolute rocket on the trails. For such a great pedalling bike, it still descends better than most, with the small amount of rear travel soaking up hits so well, you would be forgiven for thinking you were on a much longer travel bike. 

The good news doesn’t stop there, it corners like the tyres are glued to the track. It’s hard to tell how much of this is due to the wider Super Boost rear end or just the stiffness of the chassis. Either way, the bike absolutely rips turns.

The flip side of that is if you destroy a wheel, or are looking for an upgrade, Super Boost does limit your options.

There are a multitude of builds available, up to 20 different configurations to be precise.

Click here for our full review of the Pivot Trail 429.

2024 Pivot Switchblade

Highs: Highly effective rock-swallowing suspension, and impressive technical climbing abilities

Lows: High-end models do not come cheap and no stock mullet option

For 2024, Pivot is ready to unleash the 3rd generation of the platform. It may initially appear quite similar to its predecessor, but a raft of updates to the frame, geometry and suspension platform have merged together to elevate its descending capabilities and overall appeal.

Slotting in between the  Trail 429  and the  Firebird , the Pivot Switchblade is the brand’s do-it-all mountain bike. It’s equipped with a 160mm travel fork, 142mm of rear travel and 29in wheels. Along with its new front end, the Pivot Switchblade has been treated to a revised suspension design. Rear travel remains the same and you’ll still find a dw-link platform, but the linkages are all-new including a notably longer lower link that produces a more rearward axle path. The goal here was to elevate the Switchblade’s descending performance by improving its ability to gobble up square edge hits. Pivot says the updated kinematic also delivers more grip for technical climbing.

As is often the case for Pivot, the suspension performance on this bike is superb. The dw-link platform is consistent and predictable, with a stable quality that sees it riding high in its travel. Since the rear shock doesn’t wallow in its travel, you’re treated to a useful amount of ground clearance that can often mean the difference between clearing and stalling over a crux point.

The new Switchblade is also a noticeably sturdier bike on the descents. There’s more front centre for you to push into, with the slacker head angle and longer reach encouraging a centre-forward attack position. Combined with the longer wheelbase, the improved suspension performance really does elevate the Switchblade’s composure at speed. There’s more grip and stability to tap into, and that sees it effectively closing the gap on the bigger Firebird.

The new Switchblade is still a light, responsive and efficient trail bike that can scale some pretty gnarly technical ascents. However, refinements to its geometry and dw-link suspension platform have boosted its descending chops to make for a smoother, calmer and more stable ride at speed. That’s likely to win over some of those who had previously been looking at the bigger Firebird, with the new Switchblade offering a potentially more versatile package for those who don’t necessarily need a 170mm travel bike.

Check out Wil’s review of the 2024 Pivot Switchblade for all of the details and impressions.

2024 Canyon Spectral 

Highs: Fantastically dynamic handling and sublime rear suspension

Lows: New geometry creates sizing confusion

Totally redesigned for 2024, the Canyon Spectral features a brand new carbon frame and a reduction in travel. Compared to the old bike’s 160/150mm travel configuration, the new Spectral comes is now equipped with a 150mm travel fork and 140mm of rear wheel travel.

A nifty feature of the new Spectral frame is its chainstay flip chip, which allows the rear end to accommodate a 27.5in or a 29in wheel. Most models will be available to purchase as a full 29er or as a mullet, though riders will have the ability to switch between wheel setups down the line as they wish. The exception is the Extra Small frame, which is only available as a mullet.

Another big story is that each Canyon Spectral model will now be coming with the  K.I.S steering stabiliser fitted as standard. Standing for ‘Keep It Stable’, K.I.S was first introduced in 2022 on a limited edition Spectral model. The system comprises of two springs that sit inside the top tube and connect to a cam bolted onto the fork steerer. The springs add a self-centring force to the steering, and it works well to reduce wheel flop on steep climbs and minimise deflection when riding through chunky rock gardens. Additionally, K.I.S helps to ‘connect’ the rear wheel to your inputs at the handlebar, and that brings some interesting benefits to hard cornering on sketchy surfaces.

Thanks to the slimmed-down rear end and 10mm reduction in travel, the new Spectral has a considerably more zesty feel than its chunky figure would have you assume. It is terrifically agile, with the short chainstays and mullet setup doing a lot of the legwork when darting around tight and twisty trails.

There’s great support from the suspension too, with the bolstered mid-stroke giving your feet a notably stronger platform to push against. There’s greater reward when pumping the bike through rolling terrain, and it springs into the air whenever commanded. Manuals and nose bonks feel equally effortless, making for an action-packed ride for those willing to exploit its inherent playfulness.

Indeed if you’re looking for a capable and fun-filled all-rounder that errs on the more aggressive side, the Spectral gets the thumbs up from us. Just make sure you take a good look at the geometry chart to make sure you choose the right frame size.

Click here to read our full review of the Canyon Spectral. 

Canyon Neuron

Highs: Sleek lightweight frame that boasts balanced handling and efficient pedalling performance.

Lows: Fit 4 fork lacks sensitivity and tyres can struggle on rocky terrain. 

Canyon is stacking the trail bike segment with several capable and well-built machines. On top of the three versions of the Spectral, they have now added the all-new Neuron to the list. 

With a bit of overlap with both the Spectral 125, and Lux Trail, you may question the need for three platforms in such close proximity. But despite the similarities on paper, the Neuron is an entirely different species.

The Neuron is lightweight, kilometre-eating machine. Compared to its predecessor, it’s calmer and more stable at speed, and we love that it comes with a properly long travel dropper post. But it’s still a well-rounded trail bike with intuitive handling on tight trails and great pedal efficiency on big mountain climbs. The low weight is certainly appealing, and it helps to set the Neuron apart from some of its peers who seem to be getting heavier each year.

It likes to go uphill and emits very little pedal bob when seated on your way up. It’s an excellent choice for riders wanting a capable trail bike but one that isn’t modelled off an enduro bike. It can handle flowy, undulating trails with ease and only comes unstuck on rockier, fast and flat-out trails.

If this sounds like your ideal bike, you can check out the full review of the Canyon Neuron here . 

Marin Rift Zone

Highs: Fantastic geometry and supportive suspension at a great price. 

Lows: Heavy for a trail bike and only two-piston brakes. 

Marin is known for making well spec’d budget-friendly bikes, and the Rift Zone is no exception.

On paper, this bike ticks a lot of boxes. It has a 140mm fork and 130mm of rear travel, you can choose from a 27.5in or 29in version and several different builds. Geometry is very much on trend with a 65.5 º head angle, 77º seat tube angle and 460mm of reach on a size medium. 

But all those ticks on paper mean nothing if they don’t translate onto the trail. Luckily for the Rift Zone the package works well in the real world too. It has an aggressive character that like many other bikes on our list, makes you feel like you are on a mini enduro rig. Thankfully, the build kit is up to the task and can take the abuse you will want to throw at it. 

Sold in Australia through Bicycles Online, the Marin will arrive at your doorstep in a box and require some building before it is ready to tackle the trails. 

Where it comes unstuck is its weight, you really notice how sluggish it feels when climbing or on long flat sections of trail. Thankfully, with its low cost you might still have funds available to upgrade the heavy, slow-rolling tyres to something a bit lighter and faster. The next step could be lighter wheels, resulting in a burly trail bike for a fraction of the cost of most of the competition. 

 If you are on a budget or just starting out and you are looking for something capable that won’t break the bank, then you should be considering the Marin Rift Zone . It surprised us, with how capable a budget-friendly trail bike can be.  

Click here to read our full review of the Marin Rift Zone

Polygon Siskiu

Highs: Exceptional package for the price. Sporty handling for a tough trail bike.

Lows: Heavy frame and underpowered brakes. 

Keeping the budget-friendly theme going is the Polygon Siskiu. Its numbers resemble the Marin Rift Zone, with a 140mm fork and 135mm rear wheel travel. There is a 27.5-inch version in sizes small to medium and a 29er available in a medium to extra-large size The travel does increase on the 27.5-inch bikes to 150mm front and 140mm of travel out back. 

Geometry is up-to-date with a 65.5º head angle and 76.5º seat tube angle. The reach on our medium test bike came in at 460mm. Polygon is another direct-to-consumer brand sold through Bicycles Online in Australia, thankfully set up out of the box is easy and straightforward. 

The Siskiu is not a light bike, with our tester coming in at 14.8kg after setting up the tyres tubeless. But despite the weight and chunky tyres, it climbed without too much convincing. Its low BB did mean there were a few pedal strikes when things got techy, and the rear shock wants to sink low into its travel very easily. 

Point it downhill, and the Siskiu is a smooth and floaty descender. The meaty tyres and predictable suspension soak up stand-alone impacts without a fuss. It only really came unstuck when there were repeated bigger hits, it’s here that the suspension couldn’t recover fast enough to take the next one.

Successive big hits aside, the Siskiu is an impressive trail bike, the handling is sporty, and it feels very playful on the trail. While it is a very capable bike, it is most at home on flowy trails where its lively nature really gets to shine. Overall, there is a lot to like about the Polygon Siskiu especially considering the sub $4k price tag.

Click here for our full review of the Polygon Siskiu T8.

Trail bikes are continually evolving, and arguably in two distinct directions — the mini-enduro sled and the lightweight, capable allrounder. With that, trail bikes are a huge segment, and we’re constantly seeing new clever technology being applied in this category, like the Canyon Spectral KIS with a spring-loaded steering damper. We’re constantly testing new bikes and will be updating this list up to date as the leaders in the pack come to the surface.

All of the bikes listed above are brilliant, and it’s difficult to find a bad bike these days, however there are a few that stand out as leading the charge. Trek’s Fuel EX and Specialized’s Stumpjumper 15 have to be some of the most versatile and adjustable bikes available on the market, which puts them in a position where the rider can tailor the bike to their preferences. Because of this, the Flow team regard these as setting the benchmark in capable trail bikes.

On the other end of the spectrum, bikes like the Canyon Neuron and Pivot 429 are quick, responsive and lively bikes that can party on some rough terrain if need be. These are ultra-versatile and an absolute blast to ride, but you can find the limits quickly when comparing them to their mini-enduro bigger brothers like the Canyon Spectral or Pivot Switchblade .

If there are any that you think we’ve missed or you would like us to take a look at, let us know in the comments below.

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Best down-country mountain bike: short travel shredders

• Danny Milner
• January 10, 2024

Short on travel but big on geometry, we review the best down-country mountain bike rigs – fleet-footed steeds that blend the speed of an XC bike with the capability of trail bike.

Trek Top Fuel 8 Credit: Roo Fowler

Short on travel, light on weight, but big on geometry, the best down-country mountain bike rippers give you everything you want and nothing you don’t. Fast and fun, in a lightweight, efficient package, these bikes can cover ground with minimal fuss and still be thrashed to within an inch of their lives on proper trails.

• Best mountain bikes: hardtail, XC, trail and enduro to suit all budgets
• Best cross-country XC mountain bikes

The Yeti SB120 is a down-country bike you can buy with your head as well as your heart

1. Yeti SB120

The best down-country bike if money is no object.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Turq carbon, 120mm | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.3kg (29.3lb) | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• All round overachiever with superlative suspension
• Wide size range

Reasons to avoid:

• Agile rather than ultra aggressive
• Not actually that light
• No internal storage

From one of the most aspirational brands in the business comes the impeccable SB120. Yeti shrinks and shoehorns its unique Switch Infinity suspension design into the SB120 chassis. Where the swingarm moves up and down on dual Fox shafts just above the bottom bracket. And the new design has improved seals, bearings, hardware, and pivots, so it should stay in tip-top condition for longer.

And this clever suspension design really works. As we explained in our review, “the supple suspension is stable under power gives a really positive pedalling feel”. Then, when you really hit a something hard and the rear wheel sticks to the ground, giving superb traction and control. It needs a lighter set of wheels to do the flickable geometry and sublime suspension justice, but even out of the box the Yeti SB120 had us smitten.

Read our full review of the Yeti SB120

Santa Cruz’s Tallboy is a terrier that thinks it’s a rottweiler

2. Santa Cruz Tallboy

Best down-country bike for sending it.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon CC, 120mm | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 13.08kg (28.84lb) | Rating: 9/10

• Outstandingly fast and focused full-send aggression
• Does things normally reserved for burlier bikes
• Superb size range
• Internal storage compartment
• Needs a pretty skilled rider to avoid pratfalls
• Uncomfortably uncooperative on technical off-piste trails
• Can be tiring to ride

Although often overlooked in the comprehensive, verging on confusing, Santa Cruz range, we think the Tallboy is an undiscovered gem. You’ve heard of small man syndrome, or small dog syndrome, well the Tallboy has small bike syndrome, where it steadfastly believes it’s actually an enduro bike, and deserves to be ridden as such. The stiff frame and aggressive angles beg to be wrung out on every descent, yet the efficient suspension and lightweight mean it’s always the first bike back up to the top of the hill.

For some riders, all that straining at the leash might be too much. But if you love wringing the neck of a short travel whip, and seeing your buddies slack-jawed in amazement as you undermine and overtake their big-travel enduro bikes, the Tallboy is the ultimate sleeper bike.

Read our full review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy

Transition’s Spur is still one of the finest down-country bikes we’ve ever tested

3. Transition Spur

Best lightweight down-country bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon, 120mm travel | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.25kg (24.8lb) | Rating: 10/10

• Perfect blend of speed and control
• Lightweight
• Not the most robust build if you’re carrying some timber
• Narrow size range

The Transition Spur is arguably the bike that spawned the down-country category, and also the bike that perhaps best defines it. At under 11.5kg, the Spur flies out of the gate, haring up climbs and tearing along high-speed singletrack. That lack of inertia encouraged us to sprint every rise, pop every jump, and schralp every turn, helped by the stable geometry and supple suspension.

With lightweight RockShox Sid forks up front, the temptation is to add travel and girth, but to do so is to dilute the Spur’s potency and add unnecessary grams. So while there’s a bit of flex when pushed hard, we’d treat that as part of the charm, and lap up the whirlwind of action that accompanies every descent. As we said in our review, the Transition Spur is “the best-realised ‘down-country’ bike we’ve ever tested and the one we all covet if we were spending our own cash”.

Read our full test review of the Transition Spur

Trek’s Top Fuel 8 offers a high-octane ride

6. Trek Top Fuel

Explosive trail weapon.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon or alloy, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 14.89kg | Suspension travel: 130mm f/120mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Poppy, playful and efficient
• Available in six frame sizes
• Internal down tube storage
• Mino Link flip chip allows geometry tweaks
• Needs a 180mm rear rotor
• Accurate rear shock set up is crucial
• A solid build, so not the lightest in its class

While the Trek Top Fuel used to be a lean, mean, cross-country fighting machine, the middle-aged spread has left it sagging a little on the scales. But don’t let that fact put you off, because the ride quality is worth its weight in gold, even if it won’t be competing for gold medals on the race track.

In our test we praised the Top Fuel as offering a “fast, fun and engaging ride”. Where “Its poppy playful nature, combined with generous sizing, means you never feel limited by the travel for regular trail riding”. Combined, this means the Trek Top Fuel provides a high-octane ride that keeps the pace high without compromising on fun. If you can stretch to one of the carbon options, that will help shed some weight, and really light the blue touch paper.

Read our full test review of the Trek Top Fuel 8

The Canyon Neuron 6 is fast and frugal

7. Canyon Neuron 5

Speed freak that also enjoys a party.

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Travel: 130mm | Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Frame: Aluminium or carbon | Weight: 14.63kg (32.25lb) | Rating: N/A

• Friendly yet rewarding geometry
• Excellent value
• Seat tube could be a bit shorter
• Saddle is a bit too racy
• Not that light for a down-country bike

The Neuron is Canyon’s back-to-basics trail bike, newly updated for 2023, There are four carbon and four alloy models to choose from, with prices starting from £1,849 for the Neuron 5 and going up to £5,749 for the Neuron CF LTD. There’s also a kids’ Young Hero model with an XS frame and 27.5in wheels for £1,499, and women’s versions of the Neuron 6, Neuron 7 and Neuron CF8 available at no extra cost.

As with the previous bike, all XS and S frames come with 27.5in wheels, while the Medium upwards come with 29in wheels. As with most Canyons, you’ll need to factor in a bike box at £18.99 and delivery at £37.99 to all of the headline prices. Whichever you choose, the latest Neuron is versatile, affordable and a total blast to ride, as happy hitting enduro tracks and sending jumps as racking up the miles on a multi-day ride. The alloy frame has a comfortable, compliant ride that’s never jarring, and the choice of fast-rolling Schwalbe tyres means it rolls along almost effortlessly.

Read our full test review of the Canyon Neuron 6

Looks so sharp you could cut yourself just looking at it: The YT Izzo Uncaged 7

Rapier-sharp speed and agility

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 11.4kg | Rating: N/A

• Acutely responsive and ruthlessly efficient
• Agile and accurate
• Good spec for the price
• Nowhere to hide in the rough
• Traction/grip is not the best
• Doesn’t really need the remote lockout
• Front tyre could be more aggressive

YT’s razor-sharp Izzo feels a million miles away from the brand’s signature Capra and popular Jeffsy trail bike. It’s blisteringly fast but ruthlessly unforgiving, so you need to be on top of your game and fighting fit to keep it under control and take the punches. It’s much stiffer than the Transition Spur, and not as capable as the Santa Cruz Tallboy or Yeti SB120, so in some ways it’s a bit of an anomaly. But it’s also a great-looking bike, feels amazing in certain situations, and the fact that it’s a challenge to get the most out of will definitely appeal to a certain type of rider.

Read our full test review of the YT Izzo Uncaged 7

Orange knows how to build a great handling bike, and the Stage Evo is no exception

9. Orange Stage Evo

Packs big bike geometry into a nimble 120mm package.

Wheel size:  29in | Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminium, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL  | Weight: 13.83kg (30.49lb) | Rating: N/A

• Incredibly well-poised handling belies its modest weight
• It’s arguably a trail bike

Orange may have ploughed its own furrow over the years, towed by a horse rather than a GPS-guided John Deere, but despite the UK-brand’s traditional frame materials and construction methods, it continues to bang out bikes that ride every bit as well as more cutting-edge rivals. Often even better. The Stage Evo is one such bike, and effectively a shrunken Stage trail bike. And from the very first corner we were reminded why Orange still commands a loyal customer base – the Stage Evo simply shreds. When we tested it, we noted “yes, it’s easy to ride beyond the physical limits of the travel, but that’s what makes the Stage Evo such an engaging bike on regular terrain”.

Read our first ride review of Orange Stage Evo

As soon as you release the reins, the Spur starts to gallop

What is a down-country mountain bike?

A few rules to help categorise a down-country bike. The first rule is that these rules are made to be broken!

Nothing over 120mm

No more than 120mm of suspension travel at either end. The archetypal down-country bike should have closer to 100mm of rear travel. And if there’s a 130mm travel fork up front, it’s ruled out. Usually. There are some outliers than we allow into the down-country fold. Otherwise the whole thing just gets far too close to a regular trail bike. So, no Norco Optic or Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST. Too trail-bikey.

Having said that, neither rear travel nor fork travel should have less than 100mm. Save that for XC race bikes.

With less mass to manhandle, down-country bikes like the YT Izzo goad you into throwing shapes at every opportunity. 

Nothing steeper than 67°

We’re talking head angles here. Non-XC geometry is the key thing that must be included if a bike is to be classed as down-country. And though we say ‘geometry’ we really mean head angle. There’s currently not much consensus about the other angles and measurements on down-country mountain bikes; they don’t all have longer reach numbers, nor steeper seat angles, nor super low BBs.

But the head angle on all down-country bikes cannot be steeper than 67°. 66° is arguably the most commonly seen number.

Big wheels only

You’ll not find any 27.5in wheels here. Nope, not even just on the rear as a modern mullet setup. 29in wheels rule the down-country roost.

Although it doesn’t have the poppiest suspension feel, the Tallboy is great fun on jump trails

What’s the difference between an XC bike and a down-country bike?

That’s a contentious one, and mostly a matter of opinion. But in our view, a down-country bike is a trail bike with the weight and travel of an XC bike, whereas an XC bike generally has steeper geometry, a lower front end and a stronger bias towards efficiency. Using, for instance, remote lockouts to maximise power transfer on smooth surfaces. The lines are blurred, however, and some XC bikes are closer to down-country bikes than others. And the components used also make defining bikes more difficult. Some down-country forks have all-out XC race forks. Some have middling 34-35mm stanchions. Some have four-pot brakes and huge rotors. Others just have 180/160 twin-pot combos. Some have dinky stems. Some still sport stems over 50mm long.

True XC bikes, like the Specialized S-Works Epic WC, are lighter, pricier, and more focussed machines. 

It’s the finishing kit that is perhaps key to the down-country experience. And expectation. Some down-country bikes appear to be aimed at ex-XC lycra-heads looking for more fun and less sketch in their rides. Other down-country bikes are aimed at the all-out aggro brigade who have tired of their super-capable enduro bikes and wish to inject a level of limit to their Sunday shredding.

In our opinion, it’s the latter type of down-country bike that is most interesting and exciting. But more capable XC bikes also provide unique thrills, and that injection of effortless pace never gets boring.

Slacker, longer, lower… shorter. Bring it on.

7 Best Trail Mountain Bikes of 2024

For versatile bikes that can tackle long climbs and moderately technical descents, we break down the year’s top trail models.

Switchback Travel ( Jason Hummel )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. And with rapidly changing technology and an ever-growing number of options, it can be hard to nail down the best ride for your needs. We’ve been testing designs from beginner-oriented hardtails to fast and fun full-suspension rigs since 2021, and below we outline our top seven picks for 2024 broken down by type and best use. Finally, we firmly believe your mountain bike should cost less than a down payment on a house, so we’ve capped the price at $6,000 on sale. For more background information, see our buying advice and comparison table below the picks.

Editor’s note:  This guide was updated on June 26, 2024, with an overhauled list of picks to reflect 2024 offerings. We also included information about our testing practices and swept the guide to ensure all information was up-to-date at the time of publishing.  

Our Team's Trail Mountain Bike Picks

• Best All-Around Trail Mountain Bike: Santa Cruz Hightower S
• A Close Second (That's More Playful & Customizable): Specialized Stumpjumper Evo
• Best Downcountry Trail Bike: Specialized Epic 8 Evo Comp
• Best Hardtail for Trail Riding and Bikepacking: Salsa Timberjack XT 29
• Best E-Mountain Trail Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy
• Best Value in a Full-Suspension Trail Bike: Ari Cascade Peak Pro
• Best Entry-Level Trail Bike for Beginners: Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29

Best All-Around Trail Mountain Bike

1. santa cruz hightower s ($5,899).

With high-end bikes growing increasingly expensive each year—four on this list alone are $5,000 or more—it’s no wonder that lots of folks are looking for one bike to do it all. Santa Cruz’s Hightower is exactly that: a well-rounded and highly capable rig that can handle almost any terrain you throw its way. Highlights include a reasonably light carbon build, a fantastic SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, 29-inch tires that smoothly roll over rocks and roots, and a just-right amount of suspension (150mm up front and 145mm in the back) to balance long stints of uphill pedaling and steep, technical descents. In short, the Hightower is a point-and-shoot downhill machine that doesn’t skimp on climbing performance, striking a hard-to-beat balance for many riders.

Santa Cruz does have a reputation for high prices, and the Hightower is no exception. That said, the brand’s lifetime warranty on its frames is one of the best in the business, and the bike is built to last with high-quality components throughout. It’s not the strongest climber out there—for that, we turn to lighter and more flickable designs like Yeti’s SB135 —but the Hightower puts it all together better than most at a much cheaper price point than the Yeti, earning it our top spot this year. It’s also worth noting that you can upgrade to a smoother, more consistent, and easier-to-maintain wireless drivetrain (with the GX AXS build kit) for $5,599 at the time of publishing. See the Santa Cruz Hightower S

A Close Second (That’s More Playful and Customizable)

2. specialized stumpjumper evo expert t-type ($6,300).

The Stumpjumper has a storied history in the world of cycling: It was the first mountain bike made for the masses and helped popularize the sport, and Specialized has had decades to dial in overall performance and refinement. The mid-range Evo Expert T-Type model is a real winner, particularly for those who put a premium on downhill prowess. Compared to the Hightower above, the Stumpjumper offers a bit more squish, along with a mullet setup—a 29-inch tire up front and 27.5-inch tire in the back—for added playfulness on the descent. And we’d be remiss not to mention the adjustable geometry, which offers the ability to fine-tune the head tube angle (by 2 degrees) and bottom bracket height (by 10mm) to suit your needs and riding preferences. 

What’s not to like with the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Expert T-Type? In addition to the steep $6,300 price tag, the bike is no featherweight at nearly 33 pounds and not a particularly strong climber—if gnarly downhills aren’t at the top of your priority list, there are plenty of more well-rounded options to consider, many of which are cheaper (including the Hightower above). The mullet setup is also a little polarizing and does take some getting used to, although we’ve come to love the best-of-both-worlds compromise. For a similarly burly option at a slightly cheaper price point, we also love Santa Cruz’s Bronson ($5,899), although the Stumpjumper Evo gets the slight edge in overall refinement with a higher-quality fork and shock. Again, it’s not the best all-rounder out there but is an excellent tool for soaking up bumps on technical terrain and hitting features at your local bike park. See the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Expert T-Type

Best Downcountry Trail Bike

3. specialized epic 8 evo comp ($5,000).

One of the latest buzzwords in mountain biking, “downcountry” bikes are purpose-built for efficiency, with lightweight carbon frames, trail-friendly geometry, and shorter travel than all-rounders like the top-ranked Santa Cruz Hightower (they're essentially more downhill-friendly XC rigs, hence their name). In other words, whereas the options above emphasize downhill performance, these bikes are all about the up. The Epic 8 Evo Comp from Specialized is our current favorite in this growing category. Listed at around 28 pounds (for a medium frame), it’s a competitively light and fast build that nicely blends the agility and speed of a cross-country rig with the capability of a trail bike. In sum, it’s an ideal companion for big days in the alpine, snagging local singletrack KOMs on Strava, or if your local terrain involves a lot of long, pedal-intensive climbs.

Other than sacrificing some downhill performance for climbability, the biggest downside here is cost: Specialized bikes don’t come cheap, and the Epic Evo 8 Comp is a relatively steep investment at $5,000. If you’re on a tighter budget, consumer-direct pioneers Canyon and YT Industries also make compelling—and more wallet-friendly—alternatives in their Lux Trail and Izzo , respectively. Regardless of which option you choose, we think of downcountry bikes as the MTB equivalent to skimo skis: You can put some serious uphill miles on them, and they’re decently capable descenders, too. But for those looking for best-of-both worlds performance, we’d opt for a heavier and beefier option like the Hightower or Specialized’s own Stumpjumper above. See the Specialized Epic 8 Evo Comp

Best Hardtail for Trail Riding and Bikepacking

4. salsa timberjack xt 29 ($2,499).

Minnesota-based Salsa Cycles is best known for their bikepacking, touring, and gravel-oriented designs, but they’ve made some serious headway in mountain biking of late. Their Timberjack XT 29 hardtail is a case in point with its well-thought-out spec package and adaptable design. The bike’s burly 2.6-inch tires and highly adjustable 130-millimeter RockShox 35 Gold RL fork provide more than enough cushion for rocky and rooty descents (by hardtail standards). And the relatively slack geometry and fast-rolling tires encourage shenanigans like popping off trailside lips and manualing down the trail. What we really like about the Salsa, however, is its nod to bikepacking: You simply won’t find too many other hardtails that offer as many mounting locations for gear as the Timberjack.

What’s not to like with the Salsa Timberjack XT 29? For starters, the burly construction and wide tires mean the bike isn’t as nimble or fast as a more cross country-focused design. Even a comparable option like  Santa Cruz’s Chameleon , which has the same amount of travel but checks in a few pounds lighter and features a mullet setup, is noticeably more playful. And it almost goes without saying that a full-suspension rig will be the more comfortable ride when the going gets rough. But again, the Timberjack is a very solid performer that’s built to last, and it will save you a good chunk of cash over an equivalent full-suspension design (rear suspension is spendy). Bonus: It's available through REI, which means there's a good chance you'll be able to try it out before you buy—not to mention, co-op members get a year of free adjustments, the option for free in-store assembly, and 20% off shop services, among myriad other benefits. See the Salsa Timberjack XT 29

Best E-Mountain Trail Bike

5. specialized turbo levo comp alloy ($7,000).

Specialized has been at the forefront of electric mountain bikes in North America, and their Turbo Levo is a leading all-mountain design. The latest bike is a real grin-maker—trust us on this one—and received a host of improvements that set it apart. Its mullet setup (a 29-in. wheel at the front and 27.5-in. wheel at the back) gives it a balanced and easy-to-control feel but still can smash through technical terrain, and its electronics have seen nice upgrades in durability and refinement over the years. Plus, like Specialized’s Stumpjumper Evo above, the Turbo Levo Comp offers the ability to tweak the head tube angle and bottom bracket height to dial in the geometry to your preferences. Overall, among a fast-growing and competitive field of e-mountain bikes, we think the latest Turbo Levo is at the top of the list.

Currently, the biggest barrier to an e-mountain bike of any kind is price. Despite packing an aluminum frame, the Turbo Levo Comp here costs a steep $7,000, and carbon models start at a whopping $9,000. Additionally, the extra drive system adds a significant amount of weight—it’s not uncommon for e-bikes to weigh upwards of 50 pounds or more (for reference, the Turbo Levo Comp is around 52.5 lb.). This added heft also has performance drawbacks, and we’ve found the Turbo Levo is quite a bit less flickable and more reluctant to get off the ground than the brand’s analog Stumpjumper Evo (or the lighter but less powerful Levo SL e-bike ). Finally, land managers and lawmakers are still trying to figure out where e-bikes fit into outdoor recreation. Regulations vary by state and riding area, but oftentimes they technically are not legal to ride on singletrack trails (although we’re seeing increased access each year). See the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy

Best Value in a Full-Suspension Trail Bike

6. ari cascade peak pro ($2,999).

There’s no way around it: Full-suspension bikes are an expensive breed. Fortunately, we’ve started to see high-end tech trickle down into the cheaper end of the market, and there are currently several competitive options for under $3,000. The Ari Cascade Peak Pro is a case in point. At $2,999 full MSRP and $2,799 on sale at the time of publishing, the Cascade is by no means cheap but offers a stellar build for the price: The rugged aluminum alloy frame, combined with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and nice balance of suspension for both the up and down, make for a fun and sturdy ride even on rough and rowdy singletrack. In short, unless you’re looking for a lightweight racing rig, the Cascade Peak Pro will save you serious cash without sacrificing too much in terms of geometry, build quality, and components for most recreational riders.

While we consider the Ari Cascade Peak Pro to be a stellar all-around value, you can certainly go cheaper. For example, Polygon’s Siskiu T8 costs a more wallet-friendly $2,399—earning it a spot atop our list of the best trail bikes under $2,500 —although we’ve heard a few negative stories related to customer service and warranty claims (always a risk with buying from a consumer-direct brand). But with the Cascade, you get a lifetime frame warranty (Polygon covers full-suspension frames for 5 years), and you can return the bike no questions asked within 30 days of purchase. These benefits—along with Ari’s detailed fit guide —help offset the biggest pitfall of buying consumer-direct: the wholly subjective battle of dialing in the right fit sight unseen. For value-focused riders looking for a capable aluminum build, YT’s Jeffsy Core lineup is also worth considering.  See the Ari Cascade Peak Pro

Best Entry-Level Trail Bike for Beginners

7. salsa rangefinder deore 11 29 ($1,199).

Entering the world of mountain biking can be daunting: Dropping thousands of dollars on a new bike isn’t feasible for many, especially when you’re still dialing in your riding style and preferences. Not to mention, the world of budget bikes is full of true clunkers that lack the durability and rideability of more premium (read: pricier) designs. Enter the Salsa Rangefinder, a solid all-rounder that will allow you to progress without breaking the bank. The 120 millimeters of front travel offers ample squish for mellow singletrack, long gravel rides, and even easy bikepacking missions, and the 11-speed drivetrain is realistically all most beginning riders need. It even includes a dropper post, which isn’t always the case at this price point. And like Salsa’s own Timberjack above, the Rangefinder is available through REI, which comes with a host of benefits that are particularly enticing for new riders. 

What do you sacrifice by saving with the Salsa Rangefinder? As expected at this price, you’re not getting the most modern geometry or highest-quality components. Combined with the short travel on the front fork, this limits the terrain on which you can ride—those looking to push their limits and tackle steep, aggressive lines will almost certainly want to upgrade to a more capable rig (ideally one with rear suspension, but even Salsa’s Timberjack above is a better choice). And while we consider the Rangefinder to be a great value for a capable starter bike, there are plenty of cheaper options available— Co-op Cycles’ DRT lineup is a great place to start, with options from around $600. We consider these bikes a little too limited and dated to recommend for extensive trail riding, but they’re nevertheless compelling for easy-going riders on a tight budget. See the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11-Speed 29

Trail Mountain Bike Comparison Table

About our testing process.

Finding the right mountain bike can be a tough affair. The market is loaded options, prices are sky-high, and riders need to pin down key priorities and preferences before buying—including but not limited to riding style and terrain, fit, purchasing convenience, and cost. Fortunately, the Switchback team is well versed in two-wheeled adventures. Former editor-in-chief  John Ellings put together our initial list of seven top trail mountain bikes back in 2021, drawing from his decades of experience charging down the rocky and rooty trails of the Pacific Northwest. Contributing editor Nick Mott took over in 2024. Based in southwest Montana, Nick can never pass up exploring his local trails on bikes old and new.

It wasn’t easy dialing in the streamlined list of seven top trail mountain bikes that you see above. In order to earn a spot, each bike had to stand out in some way, and many of the options above excel in several areas. Strong on-trail performance is an obvious way to win us over, and we try to get our hands on as many designs as we can to put them through their paces on techy singletrack, long slogs on forest service roads, and everything in between. Overall build quality is another important factor and includes everything from the frame to the drivetrain, fork, brakes, tires, and other key components. Finally, we’re acutely aware that mountain bikes can cost an arm and a leg, so we make sure to balance each bike’s performance with its price. (Note: If you’re on a tighter budget, we’ve also put together lists of the best trail mountain bikes under $1,500 and best trail mountain bikes under $2,500 ). As the market continues to grow and evolve, we’ll be sure to update the list above to reflect our current favorites.   

Trail Mountain Bike Buying Advice

Frame material: carbon fiber vs. aluminum, full-suspension vs. hardtail, wheel size: 27.5 vs. 29er, drivetrain and gearing, electric mountain bikes (e-mtbs).

• Unisex vs. Women's-Specific Models

Trail Bike Price Guide

Buying a mountain bike online, consumer-direct bikes.

• Should I Buy a Used Bike?  

As a whole, aluminum-framed bikes still dominate the trail category, but carbon fiber is becoming increasingly common. What’s driving its growing popularity? The main advantages are less weight—approximately 1 pound depending on the frame—and increased stiffness. The additional rigidity of the material compared with aluminum leads to better power transfer and higher efficiency. For committed cyclists, those are pretty convincing performance advantages.  

Carbon does come with its fair share of downsides, however. Right off the bat, you can expect to pay about a $1,000 premium for upgrading from an aluminum to carbon frame. Additionally, aluminum does a better job absorbing impacts from trail debris and surviving a high-speed crash (carbon can crack from hard hits). Finally, aluminum is easier to be recycled once a bike has reached the end of its life, although that’s still a hotly debated topic. In the end, it often comes down to budget: Carbon has plenty of advantages, but it’s a hard sell if you’re only dabbling in the sport. And we can’t help but think that the extra cash may be better spent on a visit to Whistler instead.  

When buying a new trail bike, one of the most commonly asked questions is: Should I buy a hardtail (suspension fork only at the front) or full-suspension (includes both a front suspension fork and rear shock) model? There are a number of factors to consider when making this choice. Are you on a tight budget? Are you just starting out? Are your local trails smooth and with few obstacles? If so, a hardtail is probably the best choice for you. However, should your local terrain be rooty and rocky, or maybe you just like going downhill fast, then a full-suspension rig probably is the better option. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, and we break down the additional considerations below.  

Performance In terms of overall riding performance, hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes each come with their fair share of pros and cons. Starting with hardtails, their lower weight and lack of suspension travel makes them fast and easy to pedal quickly. As a result, they excel on long rides and climbs. But should the going get rough—especially on the downhill—a full-suspension bike quickly takes the lead. The added rear suspension helps soak up bumps and offers a much more comfortable ride in general. FS bikes are the weapon of choice for most intermediate to advanced riders. Having said that, full-suspension designs like our top-rated Santa Cruz Hightower typically weigh more, are significantly more expensive, and will not be as efficient at climbing or on non-technical trails.  

Maintenance If you’re looking for a simple and low-maintenance bike, then hardtails take the cake. Their lack of rear suspension means they forgo any bushing, bearing, or pivots that generally require extra care and attention. This becomes especially true should you live in a wet and muddy climate, which can wreak havoc on full-suspension bikes if they go unmaintained. Because of these characteristics, it’s not uncommon for dedicated mountain bikers to own a full-suspension bike for summer use and a hardtail for when the trails turn to slop. Bikes like the Salsa Timberjack are able to hold their own against short-travel full-suspension rigs yet are much simpler to keep fresh should you often ride in the rain.  

Price Once again, if a low price is your top priority, then hardtails are the clear choice. Quality full-suspension trail bikes, with their added rear shock and linkage, are simply too complex to design and build on the cheap. From the list above, the $2,999 Ari Cascade Peak Pro is about as low as we’d advise going with a full-suspension design (there are a few just below $2,000 that are suitable as well). Sure, you could certainly spend less than that on a bike from a big-box store, but in reality, it’s going to ride terribly. The parts won’t last, the suspension will be overwhelmed, and you’ll be quickly wishing you bought a lighter and more comfortable hardtail instead.  

For 2024, most quality hardtails and full-suspension rigs—including all of those on our list above—utilize a 1X setup. What you get by only having the gearing at the back is improved ergonomics and efficiency—there’s only one shifter to manage—and less weight. In addition, with budget-friendly designs like the 1 x 12 Shimano Deore, you can still get a very wide gear range without breaking the bank. For riders committing to the sport and planning to tackle steeper terrain, we consider a 1X setup to be a worthy upgrade. And a final note here: SRAM and Shimano dominate the 1X market, and in general, as price goes up, weight goes down and shifting smoothness and reliability improve.  

Unisex vs. Women’s-Specific Models

Many trail bikes are made in a unisex style and a range of sizes (typically from “S” to “XL”). This can work well for both men and women, although riders on the shorter end of the spectrum can run into some challenges getting an ideal fit. Some brands like Specialized address this by offering a wider range of sizes within the unisex line. Taking their Stumpjumper Evo as an example, the bike is made in six frame sizes with varying geometry to accommodate different heights. For many women, simply having an array of size options is all they need to get a great fit.

In addition, a number of brands make dedicated women’s mountain bikes. In the past, these mostly have been shrunken-down versions of the unisex models in different colorways. And while that’s still true in some cases—especially on the budget end of the spectrum—many quality brands make women’s-specific trail designs with retuned suspensions, handlebars that are narrower with smaller-diameter grips, and reshaped frames. There also are women’s-only bike brands, including Juliana (Santa Cruz’s sister brand) and Liv (Giant). Liv Cycling in particular really stands out as a leader with a growing collection of XC, trail, and e-mountain bikes for women. In the end, a unisex design like the aforementioned Stumpjumper can be a great pairing for many lady riders, but there are a number of potential benefits in opting for a women’s-specific model.  

The majority of us do a significant amount of shopping online, so why not do the same when purchasing a mountain bike? They’re certainly more complicated to figure out than a set of dish towels, but there’s a lot of recent movement towards online sales from consumer-direct brands (more on this below), major retailers like REI Co-op and Competitive Cyclist , and even manufacturers themselves like Diamondback. If you’re considering going this route, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before clicking that buy button. Are you comfortable doing basic assembly and mechanical projects? Will someone be at home to take delivery and sign for your new ride? And, perhaps most importantly, are you comfortable choosing the right size and style of bike without taking a test spin?

One of the most important pieces of the new bike puzzle is getting the correct size, which can be the difference between riding your bike down the hill or wanting to throw it down the hill. Luckily for us, most reputable online retailers and brands provide a significant amount of fit-related information. Size charts are often tailored to specific models, and you’ll then get size recommendation based on your height or inseam length. Taking this a step further, Competitive Cyclist offers one of the most comprehensive fit guides we’ve seen, compiling measurements for your inseam, forearm, lower leg, and more. Taking this detailed approach is one way of ensuring you wind up on a bike that fits you properly.  

Should I Buy a Used Bike?

The trail bikes listed above are the latest and greatest in their respective categories, but purchasing a used model is a great way to save and cut down on waste. To start, keep in mind that mountain bike technology has been rapidly evolving even in the past few years, so we recommend picking up a pretty new design. Further, it’s a good idea to closely inspect the bike in person to make sure you’re not buying an unmaintained money pit. With the drivetrain, verify that the chainring teeth are shaped like triangles and less like shark fins. If they look like the latter, it’ll likely need to be replaced. The frame, brake pads, and chain should also be inspected for undue or heavy wear. Finally, see if the rubber seals around the suspension components are cracking or if oil is running on the outside of the fork—both are signs that service is required.

If you’re not comfortable with checking a bike’s mechanical soundness, it’s often worth having a local shop take a look (or you could purchase a former demo bike from a shop, so you can ensure it was properly maintained). Even a modest hardtail can set you back a few hundred dollars, and higher-end models hold their value well enough to justify getting a professional opinion. We recommend calling ahead to make sure they offer the service and that they can fit you in. In the end, used bikes have their place—especially for those just getting into the sport—but it’s a good idea to make an informed, smart decision. Back to Our Top Mountain Bike Picks   Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table

Read More From Switchback Travel

Mountain Biking Gear Reviews

27.5 vs. 29er Mountain Bikes

Best Mountain Bike Brands of 2024

Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2024

Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2024

Thule Helium Platform 2 Review

How Much Should You Spend on a Mountain Bike?

Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2024

Best Gravel Bikes

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Trek Marlin 6 Review: Is This Bike Worth Buying?

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What do you want from your MTB? Is it a bike that you can take to work every day? Something light that you can easily transport if needed, something with multiple speeds that will allow you to commute with ease?

Or are you after an adventure, a bike that you can have fun with? If you live near mountain trails, for example, you might want a bike that can handle a few bumps in the road. In that case, you’ll want something tough with great suspension that can easily deal with tougher terrain.

Bottom Line Up Front: So, we would recommend it overall ( you can pick it up online directly via Trek here ) – particularly if you’re on a tighter budget and you want to upgrade it later on down the line. It’s one of the best out of the box budget buys.  

The Marlin 6 is a GREAT budget pick to get started. An excellent all-around mountain bike, with room for plenty of cusomizations and upgrades later. Only if you need it.

Table of Contents

How does Trek stack up against other companies?

Trek is known as a brand to be trusted. Thanks to years of quality craftsmanship and its long alliance with Lance Armstrong, Trek is considered to be a solid brand in the mountain bike space.

In terms of price, Trek offer a range of different options – from around $450 for the FX (a basic hybrid bike) right up to $12,500 for the Madone SLR 9 Disc brakes eTap suspension lockout (a state-of-the-art racing bike). The Marlin 6 is on the lower end of the price scale.

Trek are quite similar to Diamondback in their price range. Although Trek do offer a lot of expensive bikes (which is to be expected given their expertise), they have more budget options than Fuji and Cannondale.

What kind of bike is the Marlin 6 ?

Trek Marlin 6 is designed to be a multi-purpose real mountain bike: it’s built with mountain biking trails in mind, but it’s also great for commuters, with extra features like rack and fender mounts.

It could be the perfect choice for you if you want to hit the trails at the weekend, but also need a bike to commute to work in the week. It’s not built to go downhill or for heavy trails, however.

It’s also an entry-level bike (for mountain biking) – this means it’s a lot more affordable than some other bikes on the market.

The Main Features of the Marlin 6

Let’s take a look at some of the features of the Marlin 6.

What is the Trek Marlin 6 made from?

The Marlin 6 is made from aluminum, making it a pretty lightweight bike. There are seven sizes to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits you. It comes in orange or silver.

What are the wheels like?

Depending on which size you buy, the wheels are either 27in or 29in – this is to help the larger bikes to have a smoother ride (with minimal impact to standover height). This is great because the larger wheels allow you to have a better riding experience on slightly rougher terrain. The wheels are heavy, however, which caused some users problems as they tried to pick up speed.

The wheels are Bontrager Connection 32-hole double-walled, and the tires are Bontrager XR2.

What other features does it have?

The Marlin 6 is designed to be able to handle lighter trails and cross country moderate terrain – so you won’t be able to hit the hardcore trails with this one. It does offer multiple gears (24 speeds / shift levers) with a rack and fender mount, however, which makes it ideal for commuting or mixed use riders.

How does the Trek Marlin 6 perform?

Some people found the Marlin 6 to be a little stiff and unresponsive, with the wheels reducing the responsiveness quite drastically at times. This makes it less comfortable to ride on trails, as it doesn’t seem to perform well on drops, with limited softening. However, in terms of riding on smoother, flatter terrain, it seems to perform nicely. A great entry level bike for mountain biking.

Check out how Marlin 6 Compares to Marlin 7.

What are the specs of the Marlin 6?

In terms of specifications, here are the main things you need to know:

• Fork – SR Suntour XCT fork, 100-mm travel fork
• Crankset – Shimano
• Derailleurs – Shimano Altus
• Brakes – Tektro M290 disc brakes (hydraulic disc brakes and brake levers)
• Saddle – Bontrager Evoke 1

What warranty will I receive if I buy it?

Like all Trek bikes, once you register it, you get a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Trek Marlin 6 is suited for…

• Riders on a tight budget but want a versatile crossover bike
• Those who want to try a bit of trail riding but also need a bike to commute to work/ride on flatter terrains (cross country mountain bike)
• A solid floor of great performance (from great brakes, excellent drivetrain, dropper post, silver aluminum alloy…)

Trek Marlin 6 is not suited for…

• Anyone wanting to tackle tougher trails
• Those that don’t want to upgrade/change parts on their bike to improve the riding experience

What do users think of Trek Marlin 6?

There are a range of views here. Many people find that it works very well on flatter ground, and they enjoy the large wheels and multiple speeds. Quite a few users decided to change the grips and pedals  (for different types of pedaling), which made riding the Marlin 6 a bit more enjoyable.

Generally, it’s considered a good bike for the price, and people say it is a good bike for customization – so if you want a bit of a ‘blank slate’, you can tinker with it to your heart’s content.

On the other hand, people found that braking and sudden turns put stress on the suspension fork legs, making them stick – and that it generally feels like a stiff, not very responsive ride on trails. Small jumps and dips in the trail were quite unforgiving for some people, which is a shame. A few people mentioned that the undampened suspension also made for a less comfortable riding experience on trails.

So, mixed opinions – it could work for you if you want to give trails a go, or if you’re willing to customize it, but it’s mostly suited for commuting (with kickstand and all).

The Pros and Cons of the Trek Marlin 6

Here are the best and worst bits about this particular model:

• Great price point ( see here for latest )
• Very customizable
• Handy for commuting
• Doesn’t ride as well on trails
• Can be a bit stiff and unforgiving

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about the Marlin 6.

It weighs around 31.77lbs.

The maximum weight for riders is 300lbs.

People suggest you can ride the Marlin 6 on blue and green level trails with no problems. However, there may be more suitable bikes out there for you if you plan to hit the trails a lot.

Most users don’t recommend it – it can deal with small drops okay, but it isn’t designed for jumps.

Yes – it comes in a variety of sizes, too, so you should be able to find one that suits you.

Yes, there are two choices – orange and silver.

Where can I find Trek bikes?

What are the Best Trek Marlin 6 alternatives?

There are a few alternatives we can recommend if you don’t want the Marlin 6:

Diamondback Overdrive – This is a great bike at a similar price point to the Marlin 6. The wheels have great traction (making it great for trail riding), and it has a comfortable seat. It’s also very easy to assemble out of the box, making it a good choice for beginners.

The classic returns this year with 27.5” wheels, 24 speeds, a plush four-inch Suntour suspension fork, and powerful disc brakes. Big knobby tires grip every root and rock, keeping you confident and in control as you explore the trail. Whether you're a diehard hardtail aficionado or looking for a solid starter mountain bike, the Overdrive doesn't disappoint.

Trek Marlin 5   – This is great for beginner riders and offers similar features to the Marlin 6, including the alpha silver aluminum frame. You can get it for as little as around $500 , which is great if you’re on a tight budget. Again, it’s great if you want a bike that can handle the commute (commuter road riding) as well as some mild-to-moderate mountain bike trails (road and trail).

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. A front suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 21 speeds, and mounts for a rack and kickstand make it an ideal choice for new trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike.

Kona Blast – this is a tough bike that comes in at under $1,000 but can handle some tougher trails than the others on this list, thanks to the robust frame sizes (also aluminum frame) and excellent suspension. It can also handle some good jumps, too, so if you want to go on more adventures with your bike, it could be worth the extra money.

Conclusion – is the Trek Marlin 6 worth buying?

The Marlin 6 is going to appeal to a specific type of person. If you’re on a tight budget, you want a bike that can handle mild trails and you want to use it to commute to work, then the Marlin 6 is a great bike for you.

Also, if you’re willing to tinker around with it, you can slowly upgrade it to improve your riding experience over time. This is a great bike if you’re new to the MTB world and you fancy customizing a bike for the first time (as a more novice rider).

However, you do get what you pay for, and in this case, this budget bike doesn’t stack up very well against its more expensive counterparts. It’s not as fun to ride as other bikes we’ve reviewed, especially on rocky, bumpy trails. If you want a hard-wearing bike that you can have an adventure with, the Marlin 6 isn’t going to be for you.

Bottom Line: So, we would recommend it overall ( you can pick it up online directly via Trek here ) – particularly if you’re on a tighter budget and you want to upgrade it later on down the line. It’s one of the best out of the box budget buys.  

If you can afford to spend a few hundred more dollars and you don’t want to bother with customization, we’d recommend investing in a different model that is a bit more comfortable to ride such as the Diamondback Overdrive .

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The New Order: Last Days of Europe Wiki

Attention everyone, The New Order: Last Days of Europe Wiki on Fandom is no longer used, except for TNO Styled GFX Icons . The new wiki is located at https://tno.wiki.gg/ and please claim your old username (with contributions) at https://tno.wiki.gg/wiki/Special:ClaimExternalAccount/ .

Omsk , officially the Siberian Black League , is a warlord state in Western Siberia. Occupying the territory of the former Omsk Oblast, it borders Tomsk to the north, the Kazakh SSR to the south, Tyumen to the east, and Novosibirsk to the west.

• 2.1 National spirits
• 2.2 Cabinet
• 3.1 Generals

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union , the city of Omsk, initially held by the West Siberian People's Republic , was seized by a league of ultranationalists sharing views of anti-German sentiment and revanchism. Led by Dmitry Karbyshev 's All-Russian Black League, upon the seizing of Omsk, the ultranationalist regime had to industrialize and fortify it. In a way, some could say it's nothing but a fortified city in which the Black League militarizes and prepares for its future conflicts.

The political system of Omsk is governed as a militarist one-party state since its founding, ruled by Karbyshev and his like-minded comrades of the All-Russian Black League, an organization fanatically devoted to revanchism against the Greater Germanic Reich . However, at heart, Karbyshev is a Russian and while he sought to create an ultranationalist military state to take revenge against Germany, he did not account for the despots that wished to claim as much power as possible from him. Karbyshev is represented in-game as a dying man soon to fall, due to him leading a brutal military dictatorship, while being opposed to the radical rhetoric of his officer clique. The Black League has since become an ultranationalist state, even more radical in their hatred of Germany. Due to Karbyshev's declining health, many of the other officers have gained massive influence in the leadership of Omsk. The reality is that Karbyshev started a movement that assumed it was able to change the hearts of the despots with nationalism rather than terror; but it has since been corrupted beyond his visions, and there is little he can do to stop the train of degeneracy. Indeed, once Karbyshev dies and Omsk is still around, actual ultranationalist and General Dmitry Yazov will assume leadership of the Black League and prevent the despotic cliques from growing.

Under the sheer doctrine of anti-German sentiment, the theory of the “Great Trial” in Omsk comes in. This is where the warlord state will prepare for its final assault on the Reich, as revenge for the “First Trial” which brought the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the “Second Trial” being the West Russian War . Their hatred doesn't stop with just Germany, but it includes many who collaborated with them. Some officers of the Black League even go as far as to want to destroy the United States for not helping enough during the Great Patriotic War. In preparation for their war with Germany, they are expectant of nuclear strikes and so have started to construct massive metro tunnels to double as shelter from the warheads and radioactive fallout. The resolve of the Black League cannot be stopped, even with the threat of nuclear war.

Omsk is one of the hardest paths in TNO, due to it being weaker than a lot of the surrounding warlords and being unable to conduct diplomacy at all. To reunite Russia, Omsk will have to fight every single state in its way. Their end goal is the complete extermination of the Reich and the German people, and they will stop at nothing to reach this. They are hard-coded for hostility and are always at war with someone, but an AI Omsk will almost always never be successful. Despite being founded on nothing but hatred, when they unify Western Siberia and start to emerge on the international stage, they actually try to conceal their ideology and ambitions from foreign influences. They stick with a nondescript name of the “West Siberian Provisional Authority” under the guise of a protective military authority and switch their ideology to “Despotism”.

National spirits

After Dmitry Yazov comes to power and purges the Black League's old guard, the cabinet changes to:

Omsk has at least eleven generals.

• Ironically, according to a former developer of West Siberia, Omsk at one point had a National Socialist path as a "sane" option, due to now-former head developer Pink Panzer wanting every region in Western Siberia to have multiple paths. This was changed after the other developers convinced him to have Omsk only have one path.
• Omsk was partially inspired by the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia , a militant group that aspired to carve out an ethnic Armenian homeland in eastern Turkey.
• 1 Joseph Stalin
• 2 SS State of Burgundy
• 3 Sergey Taboritsky