trek top fuel downcountry

Best down-country mountain bike: short travel shredders

• Danny Milner
• January 10, 2024

Short on travel but big on geometry, we review the best down-country mountain bike rigs – fleet-footed steeds that blend the speed of an XC bike with the capability of trail bike.

Trek Top Fuel 8 Credit: Roo Fowler

Short on travel, light on weight, but big on geometry, the best down-country mountain bike rippers give you everything you want and nothing you don’t. Fast and fun, in a lightweight, efficient package, these bikes can cover ground with minimal fuss and still be thrashed to within an inch of their lives on proper trails.

• Best mountain bikes: hardtail, XC, trail and enduro to suit all budgets
• Best cross-country XC mountain bikes

The Yeti SB120 is a down-country bike you can buy with your head as well as your heart

1. Yeti SB120

The best down-country bike if money is no object.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Turq carbon, 120mm | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.3kg (29.3lb) | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• All round overachiever with superlative suspension
• Wide size range

Reasons to avoid:

• Agile rather than ultra aggressive
• Not actually that light
• No internal storage

From one of the most aspirational brands in the business comes the impeccable SB120. Yeti shrinks and shoehorns its unique Switch Infinity suspension design into the SB120 chassis. Where the swingarm moves up and down on dual Fox shafts just above the bottom bracket. And the new design has improved seals, bearings, hardware, and pivots, so it should stay in tip-top condition for longer.

And this clever suspension design really works. As we explained in our review, “the supple suspension is stable under power gives a really positive pedalling feel”. Then, when you really hit a something hard and the rear wheel sticks to the ground, giving superb traction and control. It needs a lighter set of wheels to do the flickable geometry and sublime suspension justice, but even out of the box the Yeti SB120 had us smitten.

Read our full review of the Yeti SB120

Santa Cruz’s Tallboy is a terrier that thinks it’s a rottweiler

2. Santa Cruz Tallboy

Best down-country bike for sending it.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon CC, 120mm | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 13.08kg (28.84lb) | Rating: 9/10

• Outstandingly fast and focused full-send aggression
• Does things normally reserved for burlier bikes
• Superb size range
• Internal storage compartment
• Needs a pretty skilled rider to avoid pratfalls
• Uncomfortably uncooperative on technical off-piste trails
• Can be tiring to ride

Although often overlooked in the comprehensive, verging on confusing, Santa Cruz range, we think the Tallboy is an undiscovered gem. You’ve heard of small man syndrome, or small dog syndrome, well the Tallboy has small bike syndrome, where it steadfastly believes it’s actually an enduro bike, and deserves to be ridden as such. The stiff frame and aggressive angles beg to be wrung out on every descent, yet the efficient suspension and lightweight mean it’s always the first bike back up to the top of the hill.

For some riders, all that straining at the leash might be too much. But if you love wringing the neck of a short travel whip, and seeing your buddies slack-jawed in amazement as you undermine and overtake their big-travel enduro bikes, the Tallboy is the ultimate sleeper bike.

Read our full review of the Santa Cruz Tallboy

Transition’s Spur is still one of the finest down-country bikes we’ve ever tested

3. Transition Spur

Best lightweight down-country bike.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon, 120mm travel | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.25kg (24.8lb) | Rating: 10/10

• Perfect blend of speed and control
• Lightweight
• Not the most robust build if you’re carrying some timber
• Narrow size range

The Transition Spur is arguably the bike that spawned the down-country category, and also the bike that perhaps best defines it. At under 11.5kg, the Spur flies out of the gate, haring up climbs and tearing along high-speed singletrack. That lack of inertia encouraged us to sprint every rise, pop every jump, and schralp every turn, helped by the stable geometry and supple suspension.

With lightweight RockShox Sid forks up front, the temptation is to add travel and girth, but to do so is to dilute the Spur’s potency and add unnecessary grams. So while there’s a bit of flex when pushed hard, we’d treat that as part of the charm, and lap up the whirlwind of action that accompanies every descent. As we said in our review, the Transition Spur is “the best-realised ‘down-country’ bike we’ve ever tested and the one we all covet if we were spending our own cash”.

Read our full test review of the Transition Spur

Trek’s Top Fuel 8 offers a high-octane ride

6. Trek Top Fuel

Explosive trail weapon.

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon or alloy, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 14.89kg | Suspension travel: 130mm f/120mm r | Rating: 9/10

• Poppy, playful and efficient
• Available in six frame sizes
• Internal down tube storage
• Mino Link flip chip allows geometry tweaks
• Needs a 180mm rear rotor
• Accurate rear shock set up is crucial
• A solid build, so not the lightest in its class

While the Trek Top Fuel used to be a lean, mean, cross-country fighting machine, the middle-aged spread has left it sagging a little on the scales. But don’t let that fact put you off, because the ride quality is worth its weight in gold, even if it won’t be competing for gold medals on the race track.

In our test we praised the Top Fuel as offering a “fast, fun and engaging ride”. Where “Its poppy playful nature, combined with generous sizing, means you never feel limited by the travel for regular trail riding”. Combined, this means the Trek Top Fuel provides a high-octane ride that keeps the pace high without compromising on fun. If you can stretch to one of the carbon options, that will help shed some weight, and really light the blue touch paper.

Read our full test review of the Trek Top Fuel 8

The Canyon Neuron 6 is fast and frugal

7. Canyon Neuron 5

Speed freak that also enjoys a party.

Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Travel: 130mm | Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Frame: Aluminium or carbon | Weight: 14.63kg (32.25lb) | Rating: N/A

• Friendly yet rewarding geometry
• Excellent value
• Seat tube could be a bit shorter
• Saddle is a bit too racy
• Not that light for a down-country bike

The Neuron is Canyon’s back-to-basics trail bike, newly updated for 2023, There are four carbon and four alloy models to choose from, with prices starting from £1,849 for the Neuron 5 and going up to £5,749 for the Neuron CF LTD. There’s also a kids’ Young Hero model with an XS frame and 27.5in wheels for £1,499, and women’s versions of the Neuron 6, Neuron 7 and Neuron CF8 available at no extra cost.

As with the previous bike, all XS and S frames come with 27.5in wheels, while the Medium upwards come with 29in wheels. As with most Canyons, you’ll need to factor in a bike box at £18.99 and delivery at £37.99 to all of the headline prices. Whichever you choose, the latest Neuron is versatile, affordable and a total blast to ride, as happy hitting enduro tracks and sending jumps as racking up the miles on a multi-day ride. The alloy frame has a comfortable, compliant ride that’s never jarring, and the choice of fast-rolling Schwalbe tyres means it rolls along almost effortlessly.

Read our full test review of the Canyon Neuron 6

Looks so sharp you could cut yourself just looking at it: The YT Izzo Uncaged 7

Rapier-sharp speed and agility

Wheel size: 29in | Frame: Carbon, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Weight: 11.4kg | Rating: N/A

• Acutely responsive and ruthlessly efficient
• Agile and accurate
• Good spec for the price
• Nowhere to hide in the rough
• Traction/grip is not the best
• Doesn’t really need the remote lockout
• Front tyre could be more aggressive

YT’s razor-sharp Izzo feels a million miles away from the brand’s signature Capra and popular Jeffsy trail bike. It’s blisteringly fast but ruthlessly unforgiving, so you need to be on top of your game and fighting fit to keep it under control and take the punches. It’s much stiffer than the Transition Spur, and not as capable as the Santa Cruz Tallboy or Yeti SB120, so in some ways it’s a bit of an anomaly. But it’s also a great-looking bike, feels amazing in certain situations, and the fact that it’s a challenge to get the most out of will definitely appeal to a certain type of rider.

Read our full test review of the YT Izzo Uncaged 7

Orange knows how to build a great handling bike, and the Stage Evo is no exception

9. Orange Stage Evo

Packs big bike geometry into a nimble 120mm package.

Wheel size:  29in | Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminium, 120mm travel | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL  | Weight: 13.83kg (30.49lb) | Rating: N/A

• Incredibly well-poised handling belies its modest weight
• It’s arguably a trail bike

Orange may have ploughed its own furrow over the years, towed by a horse rather than a GPS-guided John Deere, but despite the UK-brand’s traditional frame materials and construction methods, it continues to bang out bikes that ride every bit as well as more cutting-edge rivals. Often even better. The Stage Evo is one such bike, and effectively a shrunken Stage trail bike. And from the very first corner we were reminded why Orange still commands a loyal customer base – the Stage Evo simply shreds. When we tested it, we noted “yes, it’s easy to ride beyond the physical limits of the travel, but that’s what makes the Stage Evo such an engaging bike on regular terrain”.

Read our first ride review of Orange Stage Evo

As soon as you release the reins, the Spur starts to gallop

What is a down-country mountain bike?

A few rules to help categorise a down-country bike. The first rule is that these rules are made to be broken!

Nothing over 120mm

No more than 120mm of suspension travel at either end. The archetypal down-country bike should have closer to 100mm of rear travel. And if there’s a 130mm travel fork up front, it’s ruled out. Usually. There are some outliers than we allow into the down-country fold. Otherwise the whole thing just gets far too close to a regular trail bike. So, no Norco Optic or Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST. Too trail-bikey.

Having said that, neither rear travel nor fork travel should have less than 100mm. Save that for XC race bikes.

With less mass to manhandle, down-country bikes like the YT Izzo goad you into throwing shapes at every opportunity. 

Nothing steeper than 67°

We’re talking head angles here. Non-XC geometry is the key thing that must be included if a bike is to be classed as down-country. And though we say ‘geometry’ we really mean head angle. There’s currently not much consensus about the other angles and measurements on down-country mountain bikes; they don’t all have longer reach numbers, nor steeper seat angles, nor super low BBs.

But the head angle on all down-country bikes cannot be steeper than 67°. 66° is arguably the most commonly seen number.

Big wheels only

You’ll not find any 27.5in wheels here. Nope, not even just on the rear as a modern mullet setup. 29in wheels rule the down-country roost.

Although it doesn’t have the poppiest suspension feel, the Tallboy is great fun on jump trails

What’s the difference between an XC bike and a down-country bike?

That’s a contentious one, and mostly a matter of opinion. But in our view, a down-country bike is a trail bike with the weight and travel of an XC bike, whereas an XC bike generally has steeper geometry, a lower front end and a stronger bias towards efficiency. Using, for instance, remote lockouts to maximise power transfer on smooth surfaces. The lines are blurred, however, and some XC bikes are closer to down-country bikes than others. And the components used also make defining bikes more difficult. Some down-country forks have all-out XC race forks. Some have middling 34-35mm stanchions. Some have four-pot brakes and huge rotors. Others just have 180/160 twin-pot combos. Some have dinky stems. Some still sport stems over 50mm long.

True XC bikes, like the Specialized S-Works Epic WC, are lighter, pricier, and more focussed machines. 

It’s the finishing kit that is perhaps key to the down-country experience. And expectation. Some down-country bikes appear to be aimed at ex-XC lycra-heads looking for more fun and less sketch in their rides. Other down-country bikes are aimed at the all-out aggro brigade who have tired of their super-capable enduro bikes and wish to inject a level of limit to their Sunday shredding.

In our opinion, it’s the latter type of down-country bike that is most interesting and exciting. But more capable XC bikes also provide unique thrills, and that injection of effortless pace never gets boring.

Slacker, longer, lower… shorter. Bring it on.

Trek Top Fuel Review

by Kyle Scott | Nov 12, 2021 | Bike , Mountain Bikes , Short Travel Mountain Bikes

Table Of Contents

Build options.

• The Bottom Line
• Price Comparison
• Climbing Ability 100% 100%
• Downhill Ability 70% 70%
• Overall Fun 70% 70%

Travel: 115mm rear/ 120mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 68

Seat Tube Angle: 75

Reach: 470mm (large frame)

Weight: 26.08 lbs

Price: $8,999.99

What We Like: Super lightweight

What We Don’t: Knock Block in headset

Compare to Similar Products

See Our  Best Short Travel Mountain Bike Review 2021 Article HERE!

Ibis Ripley

Buy Now at  Ibiscycles.com

Compare Best Prices

• Climbing Ability 90% 90%
• Downhill Ability 90% 90%
• Overall Fun 90% 90%

Upgraded Rear Suspension

Bottom bracket has had some issues.

Head Tube Angle: 66.5

Seat Tube Angle: 76

Reach: 475mm (large frame)

Santa Cruz Tallboy

Buy Now at Backcountry.com

• Climbing Ability 80% 80%
• Downhill Ability 100% 100%

Downhill Ability

A bit heavy.

Seat Tube Angle: 76.2

Marin Rift Zone

Buy Now at Marinbikes.com

• Downhill Ability 80% 80%

Budget All Day Rider

It is heavy.

Head Tube Angle: 66.6

Reach: 480mm (large frame)

Revel Ranger

Buy Now at Worldwidecyclery.com

• Climbing Ability 70% 70%
• Overall Fun 80% 80%

Downhill Prowess

Seat angle could be steeper.

Head Tube Angle: 67.5

Seat Tube Angle: 75.3

Reach: 473mm (large frame)

Norco Optic

Buy Now at  Norco.com

App To Dial In Custom Suspension Settings

Slow on climbs.

Head Tube Angle: 65

Evil the Following

Buy Now at Evil-bikes.com

DELTA Link Rear Suspension

Expensive build options.

Head Tube Angle: 67.9

Seat Tube Angle: 77

Yeti SB 115

New rear linkage, not different enough from the yeti sb100.

Head Tube Angle: 67.6

Seat Tube Angle: 74

Reach: 450mm (large frame)

Trek Fuel EX

Buy Now at Trekbikes.com

Down Tube Storage

Suspension sag while climbing.

Head Tube Angle: 66

Orbea Occam

Buy Now at Jensonusa.com

Upgraded Rear Suspension, Customized Colour Options

Left hand only water bottle access.

Reach: 474mm (large frame)

Trek Top Fuel

Super lightweight, knock block in headset.

Banshee Phantom

Buy Now at Bansheebikes.com

High Quality Components

Seat Tube Angle: 76.6

Reach: 470mm

Specialized Stumpjumper ST

Buy Now at Specialized.com

New Rear Suspension Linkage, SWAT Bottom Bracket Storage

Seat Tube Angle: 74.5

Alchemy Arktos ST

Buy Now at Alchemybicycles.com

High Quality Build Components

Low bottom bracket, under bottom bracket water bottle attachment..

Head Tube Angle: 66.1

Seat Tube Angle: 75.5

Reach: 454 (large frame)

The Top Fuel is a spirited machine that comes in a price bracket for all riders. It has 115mm of rear travel paired with a 120mm fork to keep trails comfortable while demolishing miles. With an effective seat tube angle of 75 degrees, it is more slack than some of the other bikes on the list, and with a head tube angle of 68, it is also slack enough to help on the downhills without sacrificing climbing ability.

The Trek Top Fuel is the only bike on the list that comes with a dual suspension lockout lever stock on the build. You are able to hit a lever on the handlebars that will firm up both suspensions, helping in the climbing and sprinting department. The same lever also works the dropper post, which is a bit slow in our opinion—but at least you won’t be needing a jockstrap while riding.

Trek also uses their patented Active Braking Pivot, which will keep your wheels on the ground when braking through choppy sections, keeping traction where it needs to be. The 115mm of travel keeps this bike super fast, but that can get you in trouble if you land in chunder. The Top Fuel does come with some larger tires, albeit with limited knob, but the 2.4s will keep traction and control as you get moving. The Fox 34 front fork is burly enough to handle a lot of what is thrown at it.

Where do we start? Trek is a large company, and they can produce a lot of options. It also helps that they have their in-house component company Bontrager. At the top of the component list are the wireless drivetrain options, especially the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, and just about every component is either made of or brushed with carbon fiber for between $13,049.99 – $13,699.99. The Top Fuel 9.9 X01 is between $11,699.99-$12,349.99, and again it comes complete with high-end components and a lot of carbon fiber. From there, the Top Fuel comes in models ranging from $8,000 to the Top Fuel 7 SX with its aluminum frame that still comes with dual lockout and a dropper post for $3,499.99.

Trek also offers all three frame types for the Top Fuel for those looking to build their own set up. Carbon, $3.799.99 (on sale at time of writing for $2,879.99), Aluminum, $2,499.99, and Alloy for $2,349.99 are three options. This big company equals big options.

The Bottom L ine

With a 7 year warranty, you’ll be able to trust this bike until “modern geo” standards change again, and we’re all riding on bikes with 5-meter chainstays and 42-degree head tubes looking like Fred Flintstone on his way to work.

Compare Prices From Retailers Below

You help support Gear Hacker by purchasing from our retail partners.

You Might Also Like

Best Short Travel Mountain Bike Review 2021

Norco Optic Review

Ibis Ripley Review

Evil the Following Review

Trek Fuel EX Review

Orbea Occam Review

^ Back to Top ^

Trek tweaks the Top Fuel to make it downcountry worthy

Trek's new Top Fuel features improved geometry and 120mm of downcountry-worthy suspension

Trek has turned the Top Fuel into a downcountry bike for 2022. The brand has been revamping many of its off-road bikes lately such as the new Roscoe trail hardtail , and the United States-based brand is certainly going in a progressive direction.  

For the new Top Fuel, Trek has improved the geometry of the previously cross-country marathon-oriented model. Now, the bike features a 66-degree headtube angle and a 10mm increase in reach. Both of these changes lead to more stability and confidence on descents. The frames also have a Mino Link flip-chip style geometry adjustment that can change the head tube angle by 0.5-degrees and the bottom bracket height by 10mm. 

The frame is designed around 120mm of suspension both front and rear, and the bikes will come with either a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate or FOX DSP shock, depending on the model. Trek says that it also improved the rear suspension kinematic to prioritize efficient pedaling with less squat. 

Other features across the model range include wide 2.4in tires, a storage compartment in the downtube, and Trek's Knock Block system that protects the frame from bar strikes.

Pricing for complete bikes starts at $2,599.99 for the Top Fuel 5 model, which includes an aluminum frame, RockShox suspension, a Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain, Shimano brakes, Bontrager wheels and tires, and an X-Fusion dropper post.

Carbon-framed models start at $4,199.99 for the Top Fuel 9.7. That build features a Fox Rhythm 34 fork, a mix of Shimano XT/SLX components, a TranzX dropper post, and Bontrager components.

The top-end build is the Top Fuel 9.9, featuring premium RockShox suspension, a full SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS build including the Reverb dropper post, and SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes for $10,999.99

There are also framesets available in aluminum and carbon costing $2,299.99 and $3,699.99, respectively.

Ryan Simonovich has been riding and racing for nearly a decade. He got his start as a cross-country mountain bike racer in California, where he cultivated his love for riding all types of bikes. Ryan eventually gravitated toward enduro and downhill racing but has also been found in the occasional road and cyclo-cross events. Today, he regularly rides the trails of Durango, Colorado, and is aiming to make a career out of chronicling the sport of cycling. 

Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Specialized Tarmac SL4

Argon 18 Dark Matter review – one gravel bike for everything?

Rigid vs suspension gravel fork – which is faster? Well, the answer is not quite that straightforward

Three new e-MTBs, a ton of new suspension including Fox's ultra-bling forks, fresh gravel and MTB bikes, plus much more – the week's top stories from the world of off-road cycling

Most Popular

• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

Top Fuel 9.8 XT

In Stock: SM, MD, MD/LG, LG, & XL

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Top Fuel model range

5'1" – 5'6"

5'8" – 5'11"

6'1" – 6'6"

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Jul 2023 · Alan Muldoon

Think Top Fuel, and the image of a XC race bike instantly springs to mind. But like a faded polaroid tucked into the corner for a dusty picture frame, it’s not an accurate representation of the current design. With the Fuel EX increasing in travel, the Top Fuel has been swept along in its backdraft and seen in high definition, it’s now a capable 29er trail bike with modern sizing and 120mm travel.  Trek offers the new Top Fuel in carbon and alloy options, where the Top Fuel 8 tested here is the high-end alloy build. Regardless of frame material all Top Fuels come with integrated downtube storage. And while the quick release hatch under the bottle cage isn’t big enough to cram a three course lunch into the frame, there’s enough space for a tube, multi-tool, a few snacks and a lightweight jacket.  Frame Trek always offers a comprehensive size range; and with frame options from S to XXL, with a tweener M/L option too, the Top Fuel 8 is no exception. It also has geometry adjustment, but rather than having Trek’s signature Mino Link on the seat stay pivot, the Top Fuel has a flip chip at the lower shock mount. In the low setting this gives a relatively tall 340mm BB height for a 120mm bike, which is probably the only carryover from its race-bike roots – designed to let you keep the cranks spinning, and the speed high at all times. Best down-country mountain-bike: short travel full-suspension The rest of the Top Fuel’s vital stats are on the money though, where a slack 65.6º head angle and steep 77.2º effective seat tube angle make it easy to hammer up the climbs and shred the descents.  It’s built solid too, the complete bike tipping the scales at 14.89kg. It also comes with a combined rider and bike weight limit of 136kg (300lb) so it’s clearly no wet noodle. Yes, it’s not the lightest for a 120mm bike, and not far off what you’d expect for a 150mm bike, but that’s the price you pay for integrated storage, as the alloy down tube needs reinforcing when you cut a hole in it. Thankfully, the Top Fuel 8 rides light, as there’s less travel to pull through to get the bike off the ground, so it offers a different ride experience to modern long-travel trail bikes which tend to have one eye on enduro racing.  Suspension There are no sag gradients on the 130mm travel RockShox Pike fork, which we assume is down to cost saving, but set-up is still really straightforward with a tape measure to hand. And while the Pike has a reputation for having a sporty, firmer tune, the basic RC version on the Trek felt smooth and composed in all situations. Yes, the RC damper has a very wide range of rebound adjustment, but there’s only a small range that’s actually usable, but it is enough to get the rebound just so; and that’s all …Continue reading »

Poppy, playful and efficient. Available in six frame sizes. Internal down tube storage. Mino Link flip chip allows geometry tweaks.

Needs a 180mm rear rotor. Accurate rear shock set up is crucial. A solid build so not the lightest in its class.

Read Review

Mar 2022 · Peter Walker

In our big 2022 downcountry group test, we pitted the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS against 5 of the hottest bikes of the year. Read the full review to find out what it’s capable of and how it stacks up against the competition. Hit the link for the full review and a list with all other bikes in test.

Freedom of movement downhill

Firm and efficient rear suspension generates plenty of traction

Intuitive handling

Practical detail solutions and clean look

Very wide handlebars

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Top Fuel delivers superlative short-travel suspension performance but it’s definitely a trail bike not an XC bike

Infectiously agile and playful vibe

Superlative suspension feel

Seriously tight tracking frame

Trail tough kit

Internal storage

Too heavy for XC racing

Simple fork damper

Tight internal storage access

Yawning gap between this and the Supercaliber

Shore Country? Dad Country? No no, this one is "fast trail"

Dec 2021 · Henry Quinney

For a bike that is so capable on the descents, though, the Top Fuel still packs a mighty punch when it comes to gaining elevation..

Great suspension performance

Frame storage

Strong climbing performance

Knockblock isn't as well executed as other brand's versions

Works well when pushing hard, but might not be the most comfortable for all

Oct 2021 · Ryan "Squirrel" LaBar

Adding fire to the Fuel

The Trek Top Fuel has been overhauled for 2022, receiving an all-new frame with integrated storage, plus key updates to the suspension design and geometry. So how does it ride on the trail? And will everyone be pleased with all the changes? Read on for our Trek Top Fuel review.

Brilliant trail-ripping geometry

Active and supportive suspension

Masses of cornering grip & stability

Refined and practical frame design

Downtube storage is a welcome addition

Dropper post is sluggish

Wheels are solid but quite heavy

Carbon bars are harsh

Heavier than many of its competitors

My history of mountain biking started with a little wooden trike, with no pedals and wheels bigger than my head. I moved forward as any child does onto a bigger bike with bigger wheels and pedals. My parents always encouraged me to get outside and ride a bike, although I didn’t like the idea of mountain biking. I knew how to ride a bike; why go any further?

Last updated April 13

The best downcountry bike of 2022 – 6 of the hottest bikes head to head

Hype, trend or matured technology and the best thing since sliced bread? These are the questions currently being asked about downcountry bikes. But what does a downcountry bike have to be capable of and who should buy one? We put six of the hottest examples to the test and tell you what is hype, what is real, what matters and which model is the best.

Table of content: What is in this test?

What is a downcountry bike and what does it have to be capable of.

• The downcountry test field

Where did we test the bikes?

The enduro test crew, our downcountry group test in numbers.

• Our evaluation criteria

The tops and flops of our downcountry group test

• What is the best downcountry bike of 2022?

Wait a minute, what’s that doing there? Tires with small knobs, locked out suspension and climbing for fun instead of just a means to an end? Even if we mostly ride enduro bikes with race numbers, or trail and bike park bikes wearing flannel shirts, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a ton of fun aboard less hard-hitting rigs. On the contrary: “less” is often more fun. We already saw that in 2015 as we conducted our first downcountry group test, which we rocked in California with our US team from back then! Most riders don’t live next to a bike park, in Finale Ligure or Whistler, but rather in regions with moderate terrain. And it’s here that less capable bikes are more fun. Who wants to shoot clay pigeons with a tank?

Those who know us know that we’re up for anything that promises to be fun – gravel rides, enduro races, camping adventures, eMTB rides, motocross tours, classic car races and even downcountry bikes! Because, often, less turns out to be more fun!

New bike categories, new model names and redefined use cases – the bike industry has never been short of creativity and neologisms. There’s no counting the number of bike hypes we’ve lived through. Some earn their place, but many vanish after a short time or only prevail in certain regions or countries. Currently, the term downcountry is en vogue, but what’s the point and what’s new about it?

Many major bike manufacturers, such as Canyon, Trek, Specialized or SCOTT, have a so-called downcountry bike in their lineup. However, these bikes have been around for a long time, it’s just the name and the marketing that’s changed. Back in 2015, we tested downcountry bikes in California, using the working title “New-school XC bikes”. Was it the same thing? Absolutely! Nevertheless, that was over seven years ago and bike technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since. Still, basic criteria such as wheel size, travel and even weight are very similar. See for yourself and take a look back at ENDURO issue #015. Now, let’s get back to the topic at hand: categories.

What’s the difference between cross-country, downcountry, all-mountain and trail bikes?

Cross-country bikes are usually designed to win races. They’re all about lightweight construction and maximum performance! Those who aren’t racing against the clock will usually have certain disadvantages. After all, nobody goes shopping in a Formula 1 race car. Racing performance usually comes at the cost of comfort, durability and handling. Downcountry bikes, on the other hand, aren’t developed and modified to win races, but rather for maximum fun, though you can occasionally find them on starting lines of events like the Canadian BC Bike Race.

Where do we draw the line between downcountry bikes, trail bikes, all-mountain bikes, tourers and whatever else you can think of? What’s important to note is that modern bikes can’t be defined on the basis of certain features or specs. Instead, it’s many factors combined and the intended use above all that determines their category or name. We don’t just prove this in our latest mountain bike group test, but in most of the previous group tests we’ve done.

Downcountry bikes are forever trying to strike the right balance between physical exertion and fun. They try to combine the climbing prowess of a cross-country bike with the downhill capabilities of a trail bike. This results in a very wide and diverse variety of bikes. Therefore, everyone should ask themselves what it is they’re looking for.

Most of the downcountry bikes on test have crossed over from XC racing. However, this category of bikes hasn’t been immune to the technical revolutions and evolutions of the past few years, showing a strong tendency towards longer travel and more aggressive geometries. For fun-focused downcountry use, the travel grows even longer, the builds rely on more robust components and the geometry gets adapted. That’s not to say bikes can’t go the other way, as proven by the YT IZZO UNCAGED 7. It is the only bike on test that offers less travel than its namesake and has been specced with lighter, less robust components.

What are the points speaking for and against a downcountry bike?

You can take a Formula 1 car to go shopping, monster truck over curbs or ride your enduro bike along river banks and gravel paths, but it just isn’t that much fun!

Let’s be honest. Most of us would be fine aboard less hard-hitting bikes when we ride our local trails, which are the ones we typically spend most of our time on. We drag unnecessary travel and weight along gravel paths and up climbs to get to the trailhead. Long story short: you want only as much as is necessary and as little as possible. When you ride a less capable bike, it can add new dimensions to the trails you’re so used to, making them challenging and fun once more. You’ll be able to reach your limits sooner if you want to, and it feels less subdued and therefore faster. It’s like driving a classic 911 Porsche along a mountain pass. Of course, you’d be faster in a newer, modern vehicle, but the experience is so much better, rawer! Back in the woods, the paths and climbs to the trailhead that used to bore you can become a lot of fun and not just a means to an end. So, it’s just more fun overall and that should be the goal. However, you’ll run into problems sooner on rough trails and rugged alpine terrain. If the trail gets too demanding, you’ll quickly reach your limits, and the additional reserves of a trail bike would be more forgiving while being less likely to suffer damage. So, if you only own one bike, the unique character of downcountry bikes offers limited versatility.

It’s like driving a classic 911 Porsche along a mountain pass. Of course, you’d be faster in a newer, modern vehicle, but the experience is so much better, rawer!

The test field: 6 of 2022’s most exciting downcountry bikes at a glance

There are many mountain bikes on the market with the same technical specs as the bikes in this test. However, we were a lot more interested in the brands’ intended uses. Based on that, we chose the most exciting bikes to make up our test field. Some manufacturers declined from the outset because they knew that, while their bike is labelled as downcountry, it offers little in the way of trail performance!

All 6 bikes on test roll on 29″ wheels and feature a carbon frame. However, the weight difference is more than 2 kg. The lightest bike on test – the € 9,389 Simplon Cirex SL 120 – even manages to come in below 10 kg! We’ll get into how this influences it on the trail and why it still lags behind on the climbs a little later. ;)

Likewise, the bikes’ travel isn’t a decisive factor in their performance on the climbs or descents. The forks offered a maximum of 130 mm travel up front, paired with at least 110 mm at the rear. The price differences were huge too. For example, the Specialized Epic EVO Expert and YT IZZO UNCAGED 7 share the podium as the most affordable bikes on test, priced at € 7,000. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS, which is available for eye-watering € 12,099 and also happens to be the heaviest bike on test, weighing in at 12.24 kg. The SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS came on board with its revolutionary frame design and specially developed TwinLoc system, going for € 9,499. SCOTT’s Swiss compatriots BMC took on the competition with their € 8,499 Fourstroke 01 LT. Unfortunately, Canyon, Rocky Mountain and CUBE didn’t have bikes available for testing due to the current supply bottlenecks.

Food-o-rama, Lycra and us – Oh, and bon dia Girona

Downcountry bikes don’t just provide a different riding experience, they also allow you to explore new locations. The Spanish city of Girona is a sought-after destination, especially amongst our drop-bar colleagues. On top of that, it’s one of the most prestigious spots on earth when it comes to fine dining. So, besides providing the perfect test conditions, we were entertained by the territorial disputes between the food bloggers and the roadies. ;)

We also rode the bikes on our home turf around Stuttgart, discovering plenty of new trails and challenges while doing so.

Our evaluation criteria for the best downcountry bike of 2022

What makes a downcountry bike the best climber and does it need a lockout.

Whether it’s an all-day ride or just a quick outing, you’ll always benefit from a comfortable riding position. For downcountry use, where the climbs play a decisive role, it will tend to be slightly more aggressive, i.e. stretched. That helps weight the front wheel, keeping it planted and in control. The most stretched riding positions proved to be particularly advantageous on very steep climbs. However, the Trek Top Fuel and SCOTT Spark show that touring comfort and good climbing capabilities can be combined, though they do so in completely different ways. The Trek doesn’t need a lockout function, able to dispense with it thanks to the right choice of components as well as consistent geometry and kinematics. On the other hand, the SCOTT relies on a remote lockout with 3 settings, which works well on this bike. You can choose from open, pedal and lock. Other bikes in the test field – such as the YT – come with a simple open or closed lockout function. Whatever the system, it’s got to suit the bike’s suspension. Some of the bikes on test have an unnecessary lockout setting while other bikes would benefit from additional adjustability. For example, the BMC has a 3-stage lockout, but the rear suspension is so firm that the difference between the open and pedal modes is insignificant. The Simplon, on the other hand, only has the open and lock options, though it would benefit greatly from something in between. The rear suspension bobs heavily when pedalling with the shock open, but it can’t generate enough traction on loose ground when it’s locked. It’s due to this that it cannot keep up with the competition on the climbs despite its low weight.

What does the perfect downcountry suspension have to do?

A bike’s suspension has a big influence on its overall performance. Of course, downcountry bikes have considerably less travel than enduro bikes. Therefore, it’s even more important how the travel is used. The perfect suspension offers traction, support and reserves. Only then will you have sufficient braking and cornering grip while being able to pump the bike through rollers and berms, generate speed on the trail and have sufficient reserves to mitigate rider errors and overshot landings. The rear suspension of the SCOTT is very plush, providing tons of grip on the trail but lacks support. As such, bunny hopping requires more input from the rider and pumping the bike doesn’t generate as much speed. Aboard the YT, you can pop off lips, rail berms and generate lots of speed through dips and rollers thanks to its progressive rear suspension. However, it lacks braking traction and grip through open corners since the rear end isn’t sensitive enough to keep the rear wheel tracking the ground. There’s just one bike on test that’s capable of combining all three characteristics. The Trek Top Fuel provides a lot of traction, support and sufficient reserves, showing the competition how it’s done!

What does the perfect build look like on a downcountry bike?

Along with the suspension’s capabilities, the components also play a significant role. One of the negative outliers on test is the Step-Cast fork. By recessing the bottom of the casting, FOX were able to reduce the fork’s weight. However, this also makes it less stiff and therefore less precise. As such, we’d advise you to forget about the weight saving of approx. 200 g in favour of better performance on the trail. The tire choice also has a big influence on trail performance, and not just on the descents. Traction can save you a ton of energy on the climbs. Improved grip can be achieved through aggressive tread, a soft rubber compound and by lowering the tire pressures. However, dropping the pressure requires a suitably thick casing. The above also applies when riding downhill. On the flip-side, you’ve got rolling resistance and tire weight, which, added to the weight of the wheels, can significantly influence acceleration, i.e. rotating mass. The trick is to find a good balance, suitable for the terrain. A fast-rolling tire on the rear combined with a grippy front tire usually makes the most sense on a downcountry bike. Besides offering improved puncture protection, a robust casing – such as the MAXXIS EXO – allows you to reduce the tire pressure to increase grip and cushioning.

More traction also helps take advantage of the brakes’ stopping power. Good brakes don’t just reduce arm pump and provide better modulation, but they also make riding safer, letting you stop quicker in an emergency. Therefore, saving weight on the brakes is an absolute no-go! SCOTT lead the way here by equipping the Spark with powerful four-piston Shimano XTR brakes and combining them with 180 mm rotors front and rear. Two-piston brakes, such as those found on the BMC and Simplon, don’t meet our expectations of a downcountry bike and aren’t reliable enough to safely descend long and steep trails – the heavier the rider, the more critical this is! Freedom of movement on the bike can also boost rider confidence. Therefore, in addition to short seat tubes and long-travel dropper posts, you should be able to insert the seat post all the way into the frame. Most brands on test rely on 150 mm dropper posts, though some would have gotten away with longer models, for example the BMC’s short dropper only allows you to drop the saddle by 80 mm, soyou’ll find it constantly getting in the way on the descents, ultimately eroding your confidence.

Can the performance of a downcountry bike be reduced to the spec sheet?

For this downcountry group test, the price played a subordinate role. It’s not that we don’t care about money, but we think the price should always be considered in relation to performance. We don’t like measuring a bike’s value based on its spec or the amount of bling you get for the money. We’re more concerned with how a bike performs on the trail and how it benefits the rider. What’s the point of the best components if the bike doesn’t deliver on the trail? As such, expensive bikes with a lower-end spec can still offer excellent value for money, provided they perform when it counts. Simultaneously, affordable bikes with good components can get a bad rating if they don’t live up to expectations when we ride them. It ultimately comes down to the interaction of many different aspects, from the suspension through to the geometry and all the way to the smallest component. Therefore, expensive components alone don’t say much about a bike’s real-world performance!

What influence does weight have on the performance of a downcountry bike?

Generally speaking, when you start to focus more on the climbs, the advantages of weight savings also increase. After all, all that mass must be accelerated and then transported uphill, against the force of gravity. However, it’s where you save the weight that matters most. Doing so should never come at the cost of trail fun and safety. Saving weight by speccing smaller, less powerful brakes or inappropriately thin-walled tires offers no benefits, just disadvantages! Our tests also proved once again that efficient suspension is much more valuable than low weight. The Trek Top Fuel is the heaviest bike on test and has relatively aggressive tires, but it still manages to pull away from the lightest bike in the field on technical climbs.

What is the best downcountry bike of 2022? The winner and other recommendations

All bikes at a glance.

The key specs of a test field have rarely been as similar, yet the bikes’ characters couldn’t be more different, addressing very different types of riders. The SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS is a real head turner with its revolutionary frame design, though it isn’t consistent with its clean look. While the cables for the in-house TwinLoc remote add a lot of clutter, it’s plenty of fun on the trails once you’ve gotten used to it. As such, the Spark will make you smile both up and downhill and is a great choice for riders who want a confidence instilling bike that can generate a lot of traction. However, it isn’t the most poppy if you’re looking for something playful. The YT IZZO UNCAGED 7 stands out from the crowd with its striking yellow paint job. It’s also the only bike on test that has less travel than its namesake. The handy RockShox TwistLoc remote is great to use and minimises confusion. However, you’ll rarely need it because the suspension of the IZZO is extremely firm, offering an efficient climbing platform even when the shock is open. On the descents, you can play with the trail, weave through trees and pop off lips without fear of bottoming out. However, the firm rear suspension and the shallow tire tread result in a lack of braking and cornering traction.

The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS makes a statement the moment you arrive at the trail centre. Priced at € 12,099 and weighing in at 12.2 kg, it’s the most expensive, yet also the heaviest bike on test. However, it looks extremely clean from front to back and dispenses with a remote lockout function. The Top Fuel will let you beat your PR’s both up and downhill and the suspension offers traction, support and reserves combined. The Trek will instil you with confidence and should therefore appeal to every type of rider. No matter if you want to play with the trail, hit roots at full speed or just want to reach your destination in one piece. Thanks to the integrated storage compartment in the down tube, you can also enjoy an energy bar while you wait for your buddies. The Specialized Epic EVO Expert features a plain red colour scheme and nifty details such as an integrated mini-tool. Unless you activate the remote lockout, it bobs heavily as you pedal, making for a slow yet comfortable climber. Once at the top, it will let you blast down the descents, hit jumps, rail berms and drift casually through the corners. No other bike on test is as much fun riding downhill, which is why playful and stylish riders will love this bike.

If you like the feel of lactic acid burn, the Simplon Cirex 120 SL will let you sprint until your legs are on fire. At just under 10 kg, it is the lightest bike on test and very fast on smooth surfaces. That said, you’ll have to slow down on technical climbs and descents since the components don’t help this bike to go fast, requiring a skilled rider to keep up with the competition. If you tend to ride in technical terrain, the bike isn’t for you. The same applies to the BMC Fourstroke 01 LT , which will let you shoot up forest road climbs like a thoroughbred XC bike and fly along trails in a stretched riding position. Its handling is easier on the descents than the Simplon and provides more precise handling. However, the 80 mm dropper post robs you of confidence on steep descents and the underpowered brakes will have you slowing down long before your buddies.

The best downcountry bike of 2022: Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 didn’t just impress us with its clean look, practical details and harmonious spec. It also delivers on the trail. The efficient rear suspension generates tons of traction and allows you to power to the trailhead no matter how steep and technical the climbs, even with the shock completely open. Moreover, the intuitive handling and progressive rear suspension will put a massive grin on your face and make you wish the day won’t end. Whether it’s to feel the burn of lactic acid, a quick post-work spin or an epic singletrack adventure, the Top Fuel delivers. It’s the deserved Best in Test of our downcountry group test.

For even more anaerobic exercise and a revolutionary comparison between drop bar and flat bar bikes , we recommend checking out the visionary concept group test headed up by our sister magazine GRAN FONDO .

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Benjamin Topf

You may also like

New 2024 Yeti SB165 on test – Fun > Fast

New RAAW Jibb V2 on test – Old terrier, new tricks?

Unstoppable – the new ENDURO issue #059 is here!

New 2025 FOX dampers on test – GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL

Light eMTB or just a lighter eMTB? The new Mondraker Dune Carbon in...

Testing the $ 630 Trail Boss tool set – The multitool for trail...

About the author.

Peter Walker

As editor-in-chief, Peter is as much a man of action as he is of words. This expert, screw-driver-flexing two wheeled-whizz has many envy-inducing characteristics, including a background in motocross, several EWS race plates to his name, and more than 150 recorded days at Whistler Bike Park. However complex the bike and however steep the trail, he’s probably already nailed it, twice. Oh, and he can do it all on skinny tyres too. When it comes to guiding consumers, Peter cut his teeth at Vancouver’s oldest bike shop and now puts pen to paper on the daily translating this know-how into our editorial plan. When not tearing up Stuttgart’s local trails while testing bikes, he loves nothing more than loading up his self-renovated VW T5 and hitting the road. The fact that he’s a trained paramedic gives his colleagues reassurance out on the trails. So far we haven’t had to call him by his alias ‘Sani Peter’, so here’s hoping he keeps it right side up for the rest of his time here!

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

Share this post:

Where to Stay in Moscow

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Russia

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Russia

10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

14 Most Scenic Small Towns In Russia

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Russia

15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

15 Best Attractions & Things to do in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Discover the Hvalsey Church in Greenland

10 Best Seychelles Luxury Resorts

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Novodevichy Convent and cemetery in Moscow: tickets, cemetery map

Hermitage museum in saint petersburg: tickets, best time to visit, you may also like.

Moscow in winter | What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress?

• October 1, 2023

Free Moscow map in English: Moscow metro map and city centre map

• December 12, 2023

• August 26, 2023

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

• August 15, 2023

Weekend in Moscow | What to do in Moscow for a long weekend?

• June 22, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

• September 18, 2023

• Pinkbike.com
• Register New User
• First Looks
• Friday Fails
• Community Blogs
• Fantasy League DH
• Places Directory

Video: Top Fuel vs Element vs Jet9 vs Trance 29 vs Blur TR vs Lux Trail - Field Test Roundtable

Which downcountry bike would you like to ride the most?

• Trek Top Fuel
• Rocky Mountain Element
• Niner Jet 9 RDO
• Giant Trance Advanced 29 Pro
• Santa Cruz Blur TR
• Canyon Lux Trail

Cool Features

Bike Finder

Not sure? Let's get you on the right bike.

• filter controls Items 24 24 48 72 filter controls Sort by Featured Featured A-Z Z-A Price Low-High Price High-Low

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Use the Bike Finder to narrow your choices, compare models, and find the Trek that’s right for you.

Get started

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.