Bike parks are the candy store of mountain biking– they’re dangerously tempting! The difference is: they boost your skills, not your wasteline. While chocolate and gummy bears both qualify as sweets, they have little else in common. The same goes for bike parks. Before we dive into which rig is best suited, we need to pin down what kind of bike park you’re riding – and what you expect from it.
Bike parks are more diverse than ever, and they’re springing up faster than your neighbour’s home-grown weed. Trail layouts, terrain and shuttle options vary greatly– and they play a big role in shaping a park’s character. Fortunately, more and more bike parks and riding regions now cater to every type of rider with a wider range of options than ever. On one hand, there are flow lines packed with playful jumps, and on the other, steep, gnarly downhill tracks that mean business – with endless singletracks with breathtaking views in between. Depending on the location, you might be hauled to the top by creaky drag lifts, heated gondolas or battered pick-up trucks.
Just like our home trails, bike parks can be radically different. That’s why our test field is so diverse, and why the demands placed on the bikes we tested vary greatly. After all, what’s perfect for a big jump line might feel completely wrong on steep, technical terrain or a mellow flow trail. One rider might be charging down the DH track at Mach 100, while the next is cruising the jump line in style and hunting big airtime. Let’s be honest: most of us don’t stick to just one bike park a season – we hit up a variety of locations. That’s why we were looking for the ultimate bike park all-rounder – one that can handle all kinds of trails and, most importantly, is insanely fun to ride!
All bikes in our comparison test
In the bike park, (almost) anything goes – which is why the list of “right” bikes is longer than a lift queue on opening day.: from long-travel freeride monster trucks to full-blown downhill racers, beefed-up enduro rigs and eMTBs with turbo mode. Theoretically, our test field could easily feature 30 bikes, but instead of testing everything, we deliberately chose bikes that represent their respective category – bikes that stand out in their segment and are either especially popular right now or hot off the press.
That’s why our test fleet mixes everything from armoured downhill bruisers to electrified shuttle slayers.Different amounts of travel, different characters, different price points – but they all share one common goal: maximum fun in the park.
| Manufacturer | Model | Price | Travel | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | S.200 | € 6,325 | 200/200 mm | 17.4 kg |
| Canyon | Sender CFR Team | € 5,999 | 200/200 mm | 18.38 kg |
| GHOST | POACHA Full Party | € 8,000 | 180/180 mm | 17.6 kg |
| Orbea | Rallon D-LTD 2026 | € 7,999 | 200/200 mm | 16.8 kg |
| Specialized | Status 2 170 DH | € 3,650 | 180/170 mm | 17.2 kg |
| YT | DECOY CORE 4 | € 8,999 | 180/170 mm | 23.9 kg |
The Atherton S.200 blends precision aluminium craftsmanship with engineering excellence, delivering uncompromising performance in the bike park. Like all bikes from the British brand, the S.200 relies on a unique manufacturing method that clearly sets it apart from the rest. Instead of a conventional frame build, the S-Series pairs 7075 aluminium tubes with CNC-machined lugs, bonded together for maximum strength and precision. This enables a highly custom design and an impressive choice of 12 frame sizes. As special as the construction may be, the frame details are refreshingly minimal: no gimmicks, no frills – just a purist alloy frame with a DW-Link style 4-bar rear suspension design. So, is it perfect for the bike park?
World Cup wins, high-pivot rear suspension and 200 mm of travel (f/r) – the freshly updated Canyon Sender CFR Team has already proven itself on the race tracks. But what happens when you yank the German carbon speedster out of the start gate and throw it straight into our comparison test? Is it the ultimate bike park weapon, or does it remain nothing more than a damn fast race bike?
Edgy, modern and ready to party – the new GHOST POACHA Full-Party marks a real paradigm shift for the brand, standing out with its bold new look and tons of suspension. 180 mm front and rear, mullet wheels and a tough component spec are meant to turn the POACHA into a proper park rat for big jumps, steep berms and high-speed shredding. But does the plan work out – and can this completely new bike take the win in our comparison test?
The Orbea Rallon D-LTD is the first thoroughbred downhill bike of the Basque manufacturer – and it already has a World Cup victory under its belt. Based on a 2-in-1 concept, the frame can also be configured as an enduro bike, depending on the build. Of course, we tested it as a full-on downhill rig, with 200 mm of travel front and rear. It’s also the bike with the most features in this test: adjustable weights to fine-tune the centre of gravity, several gravity links, flip chips, an integrated storage compartment and even a hidden multitool. What more could you ask for?
With a price tag of just € 3,650, the Specialized Status 2 170 DH is by far the most affordable bike in this test. But if you’re expecting cheap junk, you’re way off. Specialized deliver the Status with solid, well-thought-out components built to handle hard park laps, while intentionally leaving out pricey gimmicks. With its alloy frame, mullet wheel configuration and 180/170 mm (f/r) of travel,it’s ready for rowdy park sessions and big hits. But how does it hold up against the high-end competition?
An eMTB in the bike park? The new YT DECOY CORE 4 enters the race with a robust spec, a downhill-oriented geometry and 180/170 mm (f/r) of travel– basically everything you need for park laps. The idea: more laps, more airtime, more fun – even without a lift pass. But how does the eMTB stack up against its analogue competition on rough park tracks?
How we tested
For this comparison test, we travelled to La Bresse in France – a bike park that many might not have heard of, even though it hosted a UCI Downhill World Cup back in 2018. But that’s exactly part of its charm. Instead of packed lifts and brake bump-riddled trails, you get peace and quiet and can crank out lap after lap. On top of that, the sandy soil isn’t just a dream to ride, it also ensures consistently good grip in wet conditions – sometimes even better than when it’s dry. It’s the perfect spot for multi-day bike testing or an stress-free riding holiday. The trail offering ranges from easy flow trails for all skill levels to massive doubles, steep and technical DH tracks, and gnarly features that’ll challenge even the best riders. One thing’s for sure: you won’t get bored in La Bresse!
If sleeping in a van isn’t your thing, your best bet is to stay right by the lift. The Résidence Les Grandes Feignes offers small apartments with balconies and a direct view of the bike park – all at a fair price. It’s the perfect place to unwind in the evening, safely lock your bike in the basement, and park your car right outside the door. That way, you can easily pop back for a lunch break or sort out any mechanicals without hassle. There’s also a bike shop with rental bikes and a restaurant on site, and the area around the bike park has everything you need for a proper riding trip. What more could you want?
The ENDURO test crew
We’ve never fought harder over a test trip than for our bike park comparison test. The faces of those left behind said it all.After all, who wants to stay behind while the rest of the crew bangs out lap after lap on fresh test bikes, flying down jump trails and downhill tracks?
What makes a good bike park bike?
If you want to go all in at the bike park, you need to be able to rely on your gear. After all, you’re here to ride, not to wrench. And even the most expensive bike won’t do you any good unless it’s properly set up for you. Nothing affects your bike’s performance more than the setup. Only once your bike is dialled in should you start focusing on the following factors. If you’re struggling to get your suspension settings right, check out our suspension setup guide.
Brakes
Powerful, reliable and well-modulated four-piston brakes are essential for a fun day at the bike park. They’re not just crucial for your safety, they also cut down on arm pump by requiring less finger force, which means more laps and more fun. Quality brakes go hand in hand with sufficiently large brake rotors. We recommend at least 200 mm front and rear to prevent the brakes from overheating. Want to know more? Our brake group test offers deeper insights.
Suspension
The ideal suspension strikes a balance between traction, support and enough reserves for big hits. That doesn’t just apply to the components themselves, but especially to the rear suspension kinematics – something you can’t change after purchase. Manufacturers always have to balance those three factors, and only the best bikes manage to deliver a perfect compromise.
Cockpit
A well-proportioned cockpit inspires confidence. Handlebars that are too wide or too narrow can drastically affect your body position. The flex characteristics should match your weight and riding style to provide precision in compressions without passing vibrations straight to your hands. You can also adapt your cockpit to the park environment. Since bike park trails are usually wider, they allow for wider bars, and a higher cockpit can inspire even more confidence. If you struggle with arm pump, you should rethink your brake lever angle. Hard, thin grips can also contribute to arm fatigue. There’s no right or wrong here – it all depends on your individual needs and body dimensions.
Freedom of movement and balance
A good, central riding position boosts confidence in steep sections and gives you enough room in the air for stylish moves. If you don’t feel comfortable on your bike, you won’t be relaxed smashing down a DH track. That’s why long seat tubes, shallow insertion depths and a high saddle are absolute no-gos. The balance between stack height and bottom bracket drop – combined with the rear suspension kinematics – also plays a major role here.
Tires
Grippy tires with a robust casing are a must for bike park riding. If you want to avoid punctures and protect your rims, at the very least go for a Doubledown, Super Gravity or full-on Downhill casing. If that’s not enough, or if you want extra peace of mind, tire inserts like Huck Norris or CushCore are a smart investment. You can find more information about the right tires for the bike park in our current tire comparison test.
Tire pressure is also crucial and depends heavily on trail features, rider weight and tire construction. On high-G-force trails – with big berms and jumps – we typically run higher pressures to prevent burping. Low pressure can cause tires to pop out of the rim in aggressive turns. Thankfully, all bikes in this test came with sturdy tires, showing that manufacturers have recognised the clear benefits here.
Reliability and durability
If you want to enjoy a full day at the bike park, your bike has to be reliable. Park riding exposes your gear to massive forces and accelerated wear – a single day can be equivalent to ten days on your home trails. All bearings should be well sealed, properly torqued and still run smoothly after a full week of shredding. Routine checks can prevent costly damage. Simple suspension designs are also easier to service and maintain. Regular inspections – even during your trip – help avoid unnecessary damage and keep you safe. During our test, we had to re-tighten bolts, bearings and axles on several bikes. A bit of Loctite can help, but it should be used sparingly and only where appropriate. Threadlocker is no substitute for regular maintenance.
Adjustability and frame features
Many modern bikes offer a wide range of adjustments to customise geometry, kinematics or even wheel size. If you take the time, you can tailor your setup to your needs and terrain. Integrated frame features – like a storage compartment for snacks or spare inner tubes, or a hidden multi-tool – also make park life easier and keep you prepared for breakdowns or sudden hunger attacks.
The right mindset!
Self-awareness is key. What’s between your ears matters more than any muscle when it comes to park riding. Know your limits, check out sketchy features before hitting them, and warm up properly. Good vibes go a long way – but don’t let the hype push you beyond your capabilities. Make use of locals and experienced riders – ask if they can tow you into tricky features if you’re unsure about the required speed. But remember: others might use a different technique or need less speed than you to make the landing.
Just as important as warming up is knowing when to call it a day. Even if your lift ticket was expensive and bike park trips are rare, it’s crucial to recognise when your body and mind have had enough. And always remember: there’s no such thing as a “last run.”
All bike park bikes at a glance
Let’s start with the good news: every bike in this group test operates at a high level, but the perfect park bike — the “Holy Grail” that works flawlessly in every park worldwide — simply doesn’t exist. That’s because parks and personal preferences vary too much, and few bikes can truly bridge the gap. So it’s crucial to define your priorities when choosing a bike and to be clear about your intended use, the terrain you ride, and your personal requirements. And that’s exactly where we want to help! Which bike is best suited for which purpose – and where does it fall short? That said, we still have a clear Best in Test for you, as well as a Best Buy recommendation!
Fast, focused, and demanding – the Canyon Sender CFR Team isn’t a toy, it’s a tool for uncompromising speed. It thrives on rough downhill tracks, delivering immense composure and precision, but also demands an active riding style. With a high-quality, robust spec and excellent suspension kinematics, the Canyon is a true time chaser – not built for cruising, but for performing at the highest level. It’s in a class of its own.
With tons of composure, massive traction and clever tuning options, the Orbea Rallon D-LTD is a true race machine for the gnarliest tracks. If you’re into steep, fast and technical trails, you’ll find a precise downhill weapon that’s loaded with features and plenty of options to customise the look. But if you prefer to cruise over mellow flow trails, you’re better off with a different bike – the Rallon craves elevation and wants to be pushed hard on the descents.
All things considered, the Specialized Status 2 170 DH is a strong park bike with an honest spec and a clear focus – it plays to its strengths on manicured trails, jump lines and flow tracks alike. If you love rowdy DH trails and like riding on the limit, you’ll need to make some compromises or upgrade a few components. Because above all else, the Status is incredibly affordable and offers surprising performance for the price. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense park bike at a fair price, the Status is a loyal lift buddy for endless laps.
The YT DECOY CORE 4 might not be the most agile bike in the park, but it impresses with confident handling and incredible composure. It charges mercilessly through rough trails and shines where things get rowdy. Thanks to the Bosch motor system, you can ditch the shuttle – and as long as your battery’s charged, you don’t need a lift ticket either. Sure, tight corners and flatter sections require some physical effort, but if you’re after a park-capable bike that also performs away from the lift, the DECOY is a powerful, well-equipped park tool.
Best Buy Tip: The Atherton S.200
The Atherton S.200 stands out with intuitive handling and a robust spec, placing the emphasis more on fun than lap times. If you’re looking for a reliable dual-crown bike that just works and requires minimal maintenance, this one’s for you. It might not be the fastest bike in this test, but it’s a confident all-rounder built for long days at the park – unpack, ride, have fun. A well-deserved value recommendation for anyone after a bike park all-rounder with that special something.
Best in Test: The GHOST POACHA Full-Party
With the POACHA, GHOST aren’t just entering a new era in terms of design — they’re also backing it up with performance, taking home the test win. Congratulations! The excellent spec, firm suspension and well-balanced geometry with an agile, playful character make the POACHA the ultimate bike park tool. Whether it’s jumps, flow lines or DH tracks, the POACHA leaves you wanting more and proves that GHOST are serious about freeride.
Bike park bikes are not quite your thing, or are you looking for something more suited to mellow trails? Then be sure to check out some of our recent group tests:
The Best Downhill Bike 2024
The Best Enduro Bike 2024
The Best Trail Bike 2024
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker
