FINAL VERDICT

This test has proven that you don’t always have to spend the most money to get the best performance. While a bike’s components make a big difference to how well it rides, just as much, if not more, is down to its geometry and frame construction. At this price point, it’s also important to consider how well the bike will fare once your confidence and skills improve – can it be upgraded to keep up with your ability and a growing appetite for more challenging trails?

Although reasonably priced and well-specced, with a refined-looking frame and internal cable routing, Specialized’s Rockhopper Comp missed out on scoring higher due to its lack of upgrade potential. This is limited mostly by its geometry – in particular, its short reach and steep head angle. Vitus’s Nucleus VRS also looks great on paper, with an impressive parts list and good-looking frame. However, just like the Rockhopper, its geometry – with a high BB and shorter reach than the Carrera – compromises its handling. It also has a harsh feel over rough terrain. In constrast, Cannondale’s Trail SE 4 has an impressively smooth ride offering plenty of traction and comfort, even on worn trail-centre surfaces. While its geometry is bestsuited to XC-style riding, that doesn’t mean it can’t be ridden elsewhere, and the frame has plenty of potential. However, although price rises have made it considerably more expensive than the others on test, it still couldn’t pip the Carrera Fury to the post.

At just £600 and equipped with a dropper post, 1x drivetrain and more progressive geometry – notably a longer reach – the Carrera impressed us enough to take this test’s top spot. While elements of its build are a little clunky, such as the fork, for the money we don’t think you’ll have as much fun on anything else, and it’s ready for upgrades, too.