What are Trail Bikes in the First Place?
In our previous trail bike comparison test, certain bikes, like the Orbea Occam LT, stood out from the crowd due to their impressive downhill capabilities. However, in this year’s test, that was the case with more than just a handful of bikes, with a whole range of bikes proving capable of keeping up with modern enduro bikes. Interestingly, the decisive factor wasn’t simply the amount of travel, as demonstrated by the Norco Optic and Rocky Mountain Instinct – neither of which had the most suspension travel in this test. Instead, it was ultimately down to the overall concept and the manufacturer’s design approach, which both played a crucial role. On the other hand, bikes like the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 and Canyon Spectral CF have a more playful, fun-oriented character, and are not focused exclusively on downhill performance. This highlights how differently manufacturers interpret the trail bike category, which makes it even more essential for the components to match the bike’s character in order to maximize its full potential.
Massive Brakes, even on Trail Bikes
When SRAM launched the new MAVEN brakes, the focus was clearly on downhill and enduro bikes, as these brutal stoppers deliver immense braking torque. Nevertheless, MAVEN brakes come standard on around a third of our test bikes. However, brakes like the Shimano XTR and SRAM CODE are widely represented too, and paired with large 200 mm rotors in some cases. This highlights a clear trend toward powerful brakes, even on bikes where weight is often scrutinized down to the last ounce. A sensible trend indeed, as it not only provides extra safety but also helps prevent premature arm pump.
Large Price Range, Nearly Identical Components…
There’s a €7,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive bikes in our comparison test, despite no significant differences in their specs. Both bikes feature top-tier suspension, powerful brakes, and other high-end components. And while no trail performance in the world can justify such a massive price difference, a closer look reveals some differences in quality. For example, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 is meticulously designed from top to bottom and continues to perform flawlessly even after a long, wet, and muddy winter season. In contrast, the more affordable competitors developed issues a lot sooner. After just a few runs, both Canyon Spectral models already had worn-out shock bushings – something we’ve seen happen repeatedly in the past. Additionally, many of the “cheaper” bikes on test required extra servicing and maintenance to keep working reliably. Others suffered minor paint damage – not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.
Does the One Bike for Everything Really Exist?
One of the most popular marketing lines in the bike industry is “one bike for all”, which is used by many marketing departments. Usually, such claims don’t spark much excitement in our editorial team. However, one bike in this test, which, ironically, isn’t even advertised that way, has led to heated discussions. The Atherton S.150 stood out with outstanding performance, both uphill and especially downhill. It perfectly bridges the gap between trail bike and enduro rig, excelling in both categories. So, if you’re truly looking for “the one bike for all,” we currently can’t think of a better option on the market. Plus, the unique look, reasonable price tag, and local manufacturing in Wales (at least for European riders) add even more strong arguments in its favor.
Longer Dropper Posts and Shorter Seat Tubes
In terms of geometry, a lot has changed over recent years – and we’re not just talking about slacker head angles and longer reach values, which have shaped bike development in the last decade. Another highly practical trend is the growing popularity of long-travel dropper posts combined with shorter seat tubes. This provides greater freedom of movement on the trail and makes it easier to dismount in tricky situations. Looking at the data from our last three trail bike comparison tests (bikes mostly in size L), a clear trend emerges: back in 2023, the average dropper post length was 175 mm, while seat tube lengths averaged 440 mm. In last year’s comparison, dropper lengths increased slightly to 182 mm, with seat tube lengths remaining largely unchanged. This year’s test, however, shows a significant shift: the average dropper length has increased once again, now reaching 197 mm, while the average seat tube length has decreased by almost 10 mm to 430 mm. In other words, we are seeing more dropper post travel and shorter seat tubes. And we are confident that in the near future, we will see even more and even longer dropper posts that will further support this trend.
Our Conclusions
Trail bikes are no longer defined by suspension travel alone – our test proved that the geometry and overall concept play an even greater role in a bike’s performance. Powerful brakes are now a staple, even on weight-conscious builds, while premium bikes justify their price tags by ensuring superior durability rather than just offering a better spec. The shift toward longer dropper posts and shorter seat tubes is redefining rider mobility and control. And while the “one bike for all” remains a lofty claim, the Atherton S.150 comes impressively close. With manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what a trail bike can be, picking the right one is less about chasing trends and more about finding the perfect match for your riding style. Enjoy your ride.
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker
