Review

Group Test: 8 Trail Bikes 2015 in Comparison

02.04.2015
by

Efficient, versatile and fun; they’re the culmination of these terms. Even once you think they’re at their limit in terms of capabilities; they’ve got more in reserve. So why are they still overshadowed by enduro bikes? We’re talking trail bikes, the true workhorses of the mountain bike world. Whether it’s for a quick blast after work or back-to-back hard days crossing the Alps, the spectrum for these bikes is huge and that’s exactly why they’re often to go-to bike for people looking for the perfect all-rounder. We took eight of the most exciting trail bikes for 2015 to France and put them through their paces under the beating hot sun. While you’ve got to wait until issue #016 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine for the results, here’s a sneak preview of our trip, the tests and the first impressions.

Nein für diesen Test sind wir nicht erneut in die USA gereist. Wir haben den Bikes auf den vielfältigen Trails der Provence auf den Zahn gefühlt – Sonne und gute Laune war dabei garantiert!
For this round of testing, we gave the USA a break, choosing to scrutinize the bikes on the many trails around Provence, France. Sunshine and sweetness guaranteed.

There are very few cyclists who’d have to put their car in front of—rather than inside the garage. There’s usually more than enough room. Even though we all love riding, few of us will own more than one mountain bike and even if we do have multiple ones, we’ll always pick the same one for any ride, regardless of whether it’s a quick blast after work, a trip to the local jumps or a big weekend ride.

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The requirements

These are exactly the sorts of bikes we’ve tested in this group test. And just like the previous group test, we chose not to order specific bikes from the manufacturers. Instead, we gave them the test criteria and left the decision up to them.


“In this group test we want get to grips with the real workhorses of the riding world. The bike should be as versatile as possible, guaranteeing a fun ride on virtually any type of trail, whether it’s the post-work blast or a multi-day Alpine ride,” was the message given in the briefing.

Die Testbikes hängen aufgereiht und sind bereit für den Test.
The test bikes: poised and ready for testing.

For the travel, we settled on between 120 and 150mm, and we opted for a price range of €3,500–4,500. To improve their bike’s performance, companies had the freedom to alter the spec –this was restricted to small(ish) details that any dealer could adjust for the customer before they buy the bike. This included, but wasn’t limited to: the cockpit, the wheels and the option of a dropper seatpost.

The test ground

We took the following bikes to France to put them through their paces on various, lengthy rides.

Cannondale Trigger 2 Carbon / Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX
Cannondale Trigger 2 Carbon | Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX
Cube Stereo 140 Super HPC Race / Giant Trance Advanced 1
Cube Stereo 140 Super HPC Race | Giant Trance Advanced 1
Rose Root Miller 3 | Rotwild R.Q1 FS 27.5
Rose Root Miller 3 | Rotwild R.Q1 FS 27.5
Scott Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29
Scott Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29

The test

As we mentioned earlier, we’d chosen bikes that were all-rounders, ones that would be regularly confronted with diverse terrain on which it would have to continuously prove its worth. These eight candidates accompanied us to Provence, France. It wasn’t just long rides on the agenda either – we’d also scouted out a secret spot with some pretty demanding jumps. This is where their limits would be pushed. But, it should be mentioned that not every bike is primed for such tasks – if in doubt, check the manufacturer’s authorisation.

Noch schnell einen Kaffee hinuntergestürzt und dann nichts wie ab auf die Trails!
Down the coffee before hitting the trails!
Unsere kleine Finca in der Nähe des französischen Orts Abt war das perfekte Basecamp für diesen Test.
Our little cottage, located not far from Apt, proved the perfect basecamp for this group test.
Direkt hinterhalb des Hauses startet einer der Test-Tracks.
One of the test tracks started directly behind the house.
Rollentausch: Katrin geht Daniel beim Setup zur Hand.
Role reversal: Katrin gives Daniel a hand with his setup.
Der frühe Vogel bla bla bla, fest steht: das aufstehen um 5.30 war hart, das Morgenlicht dafür super weich, der Fotograf ist zufrieden – es hat sich gelohnt!
The early bird blah blah blah. You know the drill: getting up at 5.30am isn’t easy, but more than worth it to capture golden hour = one satisfied photographer.
Es sind diese unvergesslichen Momente die im Gedächtnis bleiben. Robin saugt die warme Sonne am noch kalten Morgen auf.
Moments like these are the ones you’re unlikely to forget. Robin soaks up the warm rays of the sun on the still somewhat chilly morning.
Bang boom Bang! Mit Vollgas durchs Gelände!
Bang boom Bang! Flying low over the trails!
Typisch für die Region: Lavendel ...
Typical for the region: Lavender …
... und Nougat. Am Stand des netten Franzosen gab es davon einiges zu probieren.
… and nougat. This lovely Frenchman was more than willing to give us some tasters.
Nach der süßen Stärkung ging es zurück auf die Trails ...
Energy levels boosted, it was back to the trails.
Und als ob die rote Erde nicht schon Highlight genug ist, erwarteten uns dort auch perfekt geshapte Sprünge.
As if the fiery red ground isn’t a cool enough highlight, there were some of the most perfectly formed jumps too.
Trail-Talk vom Feinsten: Bereits vor Ort wurden erste Eindrücke ausgetauscht ...
Trail chat at its best: First impressions swapped …
... und im Anschluss auf Papier gebracht.
… before being noted on paper.
Nach getaner Arbeit folgt die Belohnung – Cheers!
The reward comes after the hard work – Cheers!

Over the coming weeks we’ll introduce you in more detail to the individual bikes on our website. However, the results will only be revealed in issue #016 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine. Until then, have fun reading the current issue. As always, it’s available digitally at no cost for tablets, iPhones and on our online viewer.

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

All bikes from the test: CUBE Stereo 140 Super HPC RACE 27.5 | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | ROSE ROOT MILLER 3 | ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5 | SCOTT Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29 | Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2

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