FINAL VERDICT

Testing a wholly different group of bikes from the trail/enduro machines we tend to focus on, aimed at a wholly different group of riders, is always a refreshing change and a chance to press zero on our preconceptions. Looking at the short-travel forks, steep head angles, sketchy tyres, long stems and limited reach of these bikes would be enough to cause a panic attack in most enduro riders. Actually riding them would likely do the same, especially in their stock ‘arse up, head down’ format. Show them flat, twisty singletrack and long, gruelling climbs though, and they’re in their element. Here, these design/spec choices make a lot more sense, even on a limited budget – although it’s the cost compromises that helped decide our final rankings.

Bianchi’s Grizzly is a smooth and fast frame that we really enjoyed riding, but head-to-head comparison makes its weight, fork and tyre compromises obvious. A lower-grade fork and tyres are also concerns on the Cube Reaction C:62, but its lightweight, stiff and future-proof carbon frame is well worth the investment if you’re thinking long-term.

Trek’s Procaliber 6 definitely has the fork side of things sorted and if you want a powerful, accurate-tracking frame with unique shock-shrugging ability, then it’s a compelling choice. The distinctive IsoSpeed ride has both pros and cons though, and not all of our testers liked the swept-bar handling.

The one bike that everyone – even initial doubters – grew to love during our test rides was Specialized’s Chisel Comp X1. While the obvious frame twang and flex will worry wattage warriors at first, the speed-sustaining flow-through and bonus traction it provides in real trail situations makes it irrefutably fast in head-to-head testing. The steeper angles may be intimidating, but the way the geometry, bar, wheels, tyres and frame work holistically together just makes it a joy to fly flat out on, whether that’s with a race number on the bar or a big XC day in distant hills stretching out in front of you.