FINAL VERDICT
We haven’t compared these bikes directly, instead basing our ratings on how dialled we think each one is for its intended purpose. They’ve all snaffled decent scores, including the all-new Specialized Enduro. It’s a big bike with properly progressive geometry that’s best suited to belting down roughed-up hillsides, but it’s ridiculously fun too and can handle the climbs impressively, given its travel.
Ribble’s HT Ti is a raked-out titanium hardtail that shows you can still tackle steep, technical trails without a rear shock. You may want to swap the tyres for something grippier though.
The cheapest bike here is one of the best budget options we’ve ever thrown a leg over. Calibre’s Bossnut is incredibly well-mannered on the trail and its spec has been painstakingly thought through.
With the rise of 29in-wheeled downhill bikes, we were keen to try out the new Scott Gambler. This thing is designed for speed, with big wheels and bags of composure – something that’s clearly been working for Brendan Fairclough. The quirky bar and stem won’t suit all though.
It’s always a plus to jump on a bike like the Santa Cruz Hightower that straight away lets you ride as fast as you can. Great geometry and balance remove a lot of the thinking from the equation, leaving you to have as much fun as possible.
Martin Maes has proven that the GT Force 29 is a seriously capable enduro race machine and we enjoyed it too, but the model we tested was let down a little by its brakes and short dropper post.
Trek’s Top Fuel revamp gives this previously XC-focused full-sus more of a trail twist, and it’s paid off. It’s a true all-rounder in almost every sense, though we’d recommend fitting burlier tyres.
Finally, there’s the Mondraker Superfoxy, which is agile yet stable when the pace lifts and the terrain gets terrifying. A steeper seat angle would boost its climbing credentials, but just like the others here, it’s tons of fun to ride. Thanks to In order to see what these bikes were capable of in the big mountains, we headed up to Snowdonia for two days of testing and photography. Many thanks to Old Skool MTB Accommodation who put us up and fed us during our stay. https://www.oldskool-mtb.co.uk