FINAL VERDICT

The top three bikes here are all ‘mullet’ set-ups, running a wider rear rim and 2.8in tyre combo. All suffered from reduced braking traction in wet conditions. This is because the wider tyre aquaplanes and floats over grease and slop, rather than cutting into it. When the back end won’t slow down as expected, things quickly get hairy. Thankfully, this is easily sorted by fitting a 2.5in rear tyre for winter, and saving the plus-size rubber for dry-weather climbing traction gains.

YT’s low-slung Decoy handled this flaw the best and totally delivers, with handling and geometry that ensure it corners with prowess. We simply felt cockiest on the Decoy, and that translates to pushing harder, taking more chances and ultimately having more fun. The carbon frame looks great, and is stiff and solid. Nothing on the bike interferes with climbing or pedalling performance on regular trails either.

Canyon’s Spectral: ON and Vitus’s E-Escarpe aren’t far behind though, and, while both are slightly more trail-orientated, we were happy smashing down proper downhill tracks on either. The Canyon has better, more balanced handling and is easier to manual and chuck about. It’s basically only a few better parts off from matching the YT.

As the cheapest bike here, you’d expect some downgrades on the Specialized Turbo Levo, but its basic brakes, drivetrain and tyres have a big impact on the ride experience. It’s a shame, because it has a great frame and motor, and is really zippy.