trek vs whyte

Trek Bicycle vs Whyte Bikes

Whyte bikes vs trek bicycle: side-by-side brand comparison.

Compare Trek Bicycle vs. Whyte Bikes side-by-side. Choose the best bike brands for your needs based on 1,440 criteria such as newsletter coupons, Apple Pay Later financing, Shop Pay Installments, PayPal Pay Later and clearance page . Also, check out our full guide to the top 10 bike brands .

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Trek bicycle vs. whyte bikes: side-by-side comparison, trek bicycle vs. whyte bikes: compare store policies & checkout features.

The Best Short-Travel Trail Bike – 6 Mountain Bikes in Test

Bikes are growing increasingly versatile, lines are blurring and long-travel bikes are climbing more easily and faster than ever before. But does that mean that short-travel trail bikes are growing more potent on the downhills too?

Our trail bikes are changing. We now have suspension kinematics that minimise pedal bob, while maximising big-hit fun. Seat tubes are growing steeper so we can climb better and bikes are growing increasingly lighter. The latest generation of 140–150 mm trail bikes have become the holy grail of do-it-all machines. So why do manufacturers still offer short-travel trail bikes? Is there a benefit to bikes with 130 mm or less travel? Are we missing something? So many questions. It’s time for some answers.

Does short-travel mean less fun?

Does short-travel mean less fun? No way! If your local mountains are more like molehills, and your Sunday ride involves long connections between the trails, a short-travel bike will be a quick-riding passport to adventure and endless fun. On flow trails, a short-travel bike will pump faster through compressions and stay higher in its travel, rewarding you with more smiles and heaps of excitement. On many rides, carrying extra travel only dulls the sensations and feedback from the trail, meaning less agile and engaging handling than a well designed short-travel bike can provide. While a 140–150 mm trail bike is a great choice for many riders, the best bikes in this test show it’s important to choose a bike based on where and how you want to ride, rather than just numbers on a spec sheet.

Imagine driving a Dodge V8 and a stripped out rally hatchback down a tight-twisty road. We can guarantee you’ll have more fun in the lighter, more agile rally car.

The short-travel trail bikes in this group test

For this group test, we wanted to include a diverse selection of bikes at a range of prices. On paper, all six bikes share similar geometry (with one exception) and range of application. All are 29ers, a wheel size that best suits the kilometre eating, corner railing nature of a good short-travel bike. The Specialized Epic EVO and Trek Top Fuel both mark a step up in versatility from dedicated XC race machines. They essentially take a racing platform but slack and stretch it out. The Whyte S-120C enters from the opposite end of the spectrum, packaging an enduro bike ethos in a short-travel chassis. Sitting in the middle, the Canyon Neuron, Merida ONE-TWENTY and Yeti SB100 are purpose built to be good at everything from marathon epics to fast laps of your local loop.

Suspension kinematics are important

The saying “It’s not about the size, it’s about how you use it” has never been more apt. With short-travel bikes, progressive suspension kinematics are essential. With less to play with, the suspension needs to maintain control and can’t give up all its travel too quickly. For active riders, the Merida ONE-TWENTY, Trek Top Fuel and Whyte S-120C excel with a supportive kinematics that give just enough travel to smooth out big hits and almost always retaining some reserves. The result is that these bikes provide massive support for pumping to generate free speed from the trail and also provide lots of feedback from the trail. In contrast, the Canyon Neuron and Yeti SB100 have more linear kinematics, sacrificing a little mid-stroke support in pursuit of comfort and control through rock gardens, as well as boosting comfort and reducing fatigue on longer rides.

Be suspicious of a low weight on the spec sheet

If you think that less travel equals less weight, you might have to reconsider. Given how hard we ride our bikes, both short- and long-travel bikes will actually require very similar components and in turn, it becomes hard to cut down weight without significant compromises in performance.

No matter if you have 100 or 150 mm of travel, you’ll still be riding effectively the same suspension units, need the same high-performance tires and will want to be able to brake just as quickly. Many brands make compromises to lower their bikes’ weight, saving a few grams on the scales by fitting inferior components. Brakes are often an easy and not immediately obvious downgrade. Fitting delicate 160 mm rotors on the rear and specifying smaller callipers might save 200–300 g, but the brakes still have to slow down the mass of a hard-charging 80+ kg rider. Do you ride a flow trail slower than an enduro trail? We don’t. Merida is the only brand to get this right, fitting powerful SRAM Code RSC brakes to their ONE-TWENTY. Tires are the next place to cut weight. While short-travel trail bikes do not need to come fitted with super heavy downhill casings, we still expect to see a versatile, capable and above all durable tire.

Carbon vs Aluminium Wheels

You can have a lighter bike without performance compromises but it will come at a cost. Spending more allows manufacturers to fit better components that reduce weight while maintaining or even improving performance. We are generally big fans of aluminium rims, especially on harder hitting bikes where they are more affordable if damaged and offer a smoother ride feel. However, lightweight carbon rims accelerate quicker and give the bike a more lively and agile feel, properties that in our test enhance the ride of our short-travel bikes. The Merida ONE-TWENTY 8000 scores well here, saving over 400 g on the combined wheel weight (4.38 vs 4.79 kg) when compared to the Yeti SB100 fitted with similar all-round tires. The Trek Top Fuel and Specialized Epic EVO both have very lightweight wheelsets, but also ‘cheat’ a bit by fitting lighter but less durable and versatile tires for combined wheel weights of 3.94 and 4.02 kg respectively.

These bikes are made to climb fast so why don’t they have steep seat tubes?

This is a great question and one that consumed our team during much of our testing. The bikes in this group test have an average seat-tube angle of 74.8° , making them slacker than the latest geometry trends in trail and enduro bikes. The Merida again takes the win with a 75.5° seat tube angle, but still falls short when compared to the latest enduro bikes. Take the Yeti SB100: its 74° seat tube angle is far slacker than the newer and longer travel SB130 and SB150 which both have 77° effective seat tubes. It’s true that short-travel bikes sit higher at sag than long-travel bikes, reducing the effective seat tube angle less, but could they learn a lesson in efficiency from their bigger brothers? Yes, they could. All the bikes in this test climbed better with the saddle far forwards on the rails, indicating that slightly steeper seat tubes would benefit overall pedalling efficiency. We hope that short-travel bikes follow the steep seat tube trend that is sweeping through the trail and enduro sector.

Tops & Flops

Often small details can make a huge difference: seamless integration, first-class ergonomics and carefully selected parts. Easier said than done – here are some of the tops and flops from this grouptest.

How we tested the bikes and where?

We packed the bikes into the back of a van and headed to the amazing trails of Ballater in the Scottish Highlands. Ballater is the hidden gem of Scottish riding, offering long flow trails, gruelling ascents and an iconic fast and furious ridgeline descent that is the perfect test of a short-travel ripper. We braved the Scottish midges and challenging weather conditions to push the bikes hard. Parts broke, tires were slashed but great fun was had. For a more thorough test of the bikes’ downhill performance, we also challenged them hard on shuttle assisted runs in the notorious Innerleithen bike park.

The test team

Six bikes with six very different personalities left us with many surprises. After extensive testing, the biggest surprise has been just how versatile short-travel bikes have become. Yes, many of the tires lacked grip and the brakes were weaker, but we soon found ourselves effortlessly straying onto full-bore enduro trails. The second surprise is just how much fun short-travel bikes are to ride. After-work rides become longer and big climbs are relatively speaking effortless. Staying high in their travel with supportive suspension, they turn even the most boring trails into a playground. Every compression is the opportunity to pump for more speed and every bump becomes the lip of a jump. If your trails are more flow than gnar, you’ll have more fun and smiles on a short-travel bike.

When it came to choosing our favourites, it was a tough call. With an XC oriented build kit, the Specialized Epic EVO was a beast on the climbs but it felt least at home on variable terrain. We also weren’t completely convinced by the Micro Brain shock, especially the noticeable delay before the inertia valve opens the compression damping under compression. The Canyon Neuron is the polar opposite: linear and efficient it would make a perfect bike for comfortable long tours but lacked spark when pushed to the limit. As is usual for Canyon, it does represent excellent value for money though. The Whyte S-120 C is the fastest bike on challenging terrain, where its progressive geometry and capable build kit give it an advantage that can be measured in seconds on the descents However, the uncompromising enduro specification and heavier wheelset is noticeable on the climbs when chasing the best in this test.

It was almost impossible to separate the top three bikes with all of them receiving high praise from the testers. The Trek Top Fuel is a testament to a new way of thinking. Potent, versatile and fiercely competitive, we can’t think of many situations where it would not excel. It was only the increased complexity of the TwistLoc (a grip shifter style suspension lockout) and the weak brakes that pushed it off the top spot. The Yeti SB100 was also a team favourite, blending effortless ground-covering efficiency with an easy-going playfulness that delighted all our testers. With a beautiful frame that deserves upgraded components, it’s a bike that we would be proud to own. For the first time ever, a Yeti takes our Best Value award. That leaves the Merida ONE-TWENTY : a versatile trail rocket that happily went everywhere and anywhere we took it. With a faultless build kit, great brakes, great suspension and an agile and engaging ride that will delight riders of all experience levels, there is nothing to fault, giving it the well-deserved Best In Test award.

All bikes in test: Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 | Merida ONE TWENTY 8000 | Specialized Epic Expert Evo | Trek Top Fuel 9.9 | Whyte S-120C RS | Yeti SB100 C GX

If you’re looking for a bike with more travel you should definitely check our test about the best enduro bike of 2019: The best enduro bike you can buy

This article is from ENDURO issue #040

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Whyte T-140 RS 2023 review – impeccably balanced trail bike that's an instant favorite

Have whyte hit the perfect ride vibe sweet spot with their new mid-travel 29er trail bike.

BikePerfect Verdict

It's heavy and has some spec annoyances, but superb suspension and spot on geometry make Whyte’s new mid-travel 29er an instant trail rallying favorite

Brilliantly tuned suspension

Awesome dynamic balance

Fox Performance Elite dampers

Fully weatherproof

Top tire spec

NX rear cassette and splined freehub

No XS or S sizes in 29er

Lacks internal storage

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

For information on Bike Perfect's testing procedures and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page.

Despite being one of the first brands to crack the category a decade ago, Whyte have been missing a mid-travel trail 29er from their range for a long time. However, their new T-140 has been definitely worth the wait (and the weight) for anyone after one of the best trail mountain bikes available with an impeccably balanced, blended and sorted ride vibe. 

The T-140 definitely looks similar to previous Whyte models but losing the reinforcing strut ahead of the extended seat tube gives it a much sleeker look and a lower standover height . That also means a conventional seat collar rather than an internal wedge like previous bikes. The collar and internal cable routing are all tightly rubber sealed and the belly and chain stays are rubber armored too.

The main frame tube set is all-new with the relatively slim downtube getting a subtle reinforcing ledge just along the top of the Whyte logo. The seat tube is curved to keep the rear wheel tucked in for a 436mm chain stay length. The super wide main pivot makes maximum use of the single chainring specific space that Whyte pioneered way back when. Chunky rear stays with double sided pivots are shared with the Whyte T-160 enduro bike but the pocketed dropouts are new. The yoked, two-position shock and short seatstay-mounted suspension linkage setup is typical Whyte and the bearings are covered with a lifetime warranty. There’s no internal storage but tube volume means it wouldn’t be much use anyway and there's plenty of space for a big bottle and strap on spares.

Geometry is combative but not crazy with a 64.7 or 65.3-degree head angle and 333 or 338mm BB height according to my tape depending where I set the shock. Reach on our large sample was 480mm with a seat angle of 76 degrees. 

Specifications

Whyte are rolling out three bikes on the T-140 platform – the R, the SRAM AXS equipped RSX and the RS reviewed here. A Fox 34 fork and Float DPS rear shock in Performance Elite spec are the headliners on the RS, but triple compound Maxxis DHF EXO 2.5in front and Dissector EXO+ 2.4in carcass rear tires give masses of grip and control. The Bike Yoke Divine dropper post is an ‘if you know, you know’ reliability win. While the 31.8mm diameter bar and stem, plus fat Whyte molded end grips take the sting out of the steering end of things and are spot on for the geometry with a width of 780mm, and a 35mm stem length.

Otherwise it’s mid-level SRAM with a GX analogue gear set and X1 alloy crank which is fine. Whyte have sneaked a cheaper, much heavier NX spec cassette on though which is a double wound as that also means an old school splined freehub that you can’t just stick a lighter cassette onto later. The wheels are relatively heavy thanks to sturdy hubs and equally stout plain gauge DT Swiss spokes.

That brings the Whyte in at a hefty 15.3kg (without pedals), which is 400g heavier than Trek’s 140/130mm travel Fuel EX , only 100g lighter than the steel framed 150/140mm travel Cotic Jeht and just a few 100g lighter (mostly due to shock and fork) than Whyte’s own 160/150mm travel T-160.

Performance

Whyte have done a very good job of hiding the weight dynamically though, in fact they’ve done an exceptional job with the ride dynamic altogether. Acceleration can be a chore and legs and lungs will inevitably burn sooner for less speed compared to lighter bikes on smoother/steeper climbs, but overall the Whyte feels surprisingly agile and lively.

Some of that comes from a pitch perfect suspension balance that Whyte’s head designer spent “a pandemic’s worth of work on” trying ten different tunes before settling on the sweet spot for the Float DPS inline shock. Fully open it’s exceptionally fluid for rolling up and over stutter roots and rocks on climbs and will swallow serious slaps without choking or blowing through on faster descents. In the mid setting it’s a noticeably more positive footing when you press the pedals hard and a great platform for really pushing the side knobs and handling to the edge through high G turns.

This balanced fluidity is flawless matched by the chassis and 34 fork though. I initially thought a stiffer 36 might be a better match for a bike that liked pushing so hard. However, the more nuanced ride of the 34 syncs brilliantly with the feel of the tire carcass, mainframe and even the slimmer bar and stem. The curated compliance means superb adhesion across the sketchiest root and rock mess, where stiffer bikes skipped and slid off line. Braking and drive traction is exceptional to the point where I was picking the Whyte as an advantage on technical climbs compared to a Canyon Spectral 125 , I was back to back testing it with, despite a 1.2kg weight penalty.

The handling is set up to make the most of the grip too, turning in instantly through the short stem to I was regularly mowing apexes I expected to go wide on at first on. While I’ve struggled with the mid-turn lunge from the Maxxis Dissector on some bikes, the Whyte loved the ‘shoved from behind’ commitment to even deeper, more daring lean angles and it definitely adds speed compared to DHR/DHF siblings too. The steepest seat angle Whyte have ever used also sorts out climbing poise without shuffling around in the saddle.

In fact that’s the takeaway from the whole test that I should have led with straight away. With just a basic sag and damper setup Whyte’s T-140 felt like my all time favorite bike straight away. It’s not the fastest on big, straight, slap trails and I’d love to try a lighter version (just swapping to lighter wheels for some of the testing made a big difference). The cheap, heavy cassette spec is definitely deserving of some time on the ‘naughty step’ too and there are no smaller 29er options either.

The way the frame, suspension and geometry all blend together is truly outstanding though, creating a gloriously alive and addictive overachiever that immediately overrides ‘sensible’ stat or spec comparisons on the trail. 

Tech Specs: Whyte T-140 RS

• Discipline: Trail/Enduro
• Head angle: 64.6 – 65.3
• Frame material: Alloy
• Size: M, L (tested) XL
• Weight: 15.3kg (large)
• Wheel size: 29x2.5in
• Suspension (front/rear): Fox Float 34 Performance Elite GRIP2 140mm travel, 44mm offset/ Fox Float DPS Performance Elite 140mm travel
• Components: SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed shifter, rear mech and chain, SRAM X1 170mm chainset, SRAM NX PG1230 SRAM 11-50T cassette. SRAM G2 R brakes with 180mm rotors. Maxxis DHF MaxxTerra Exo WT 29 x 2.5in front and Maxxis Dissector MaxxTerra EXO+ rear tires on Race Face AR30 rims, DT Swiss Champion plain gauge spokes and double sealed Boost hubs. Whyte 780 x 31.8mm alloy bar and 35 x 31.8mm stem, Whyte Enduro grips, Bike Yoke Divine 160mm dropper post, Whyte custom saddle.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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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.

X-Caliber 8

X-Caliber 9

(descending)

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

Whyte E-160 RSX electric mountain bike review

• Jamie Darlow
• June 23, 2023

Whyte's latest E-160 is packed with improvements over its predecessor, but still delivers an oh-so-sweet ride.

Product Overview

Overall rating:, whyte e-160 rsx.

• Devours rough terrain, while still being nimble and playful. Rear suspension feels superlative. Now comes with a huge battery, easily removable battery and great specification. Quality suspension and shifting components
• Only three frame sizes. Needs a longer dropper post. It’s pretty heavy

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

When we tested the Whyte E-160 back in 2021, our only real criticism of the bike was how fiddly it was to remove the battery. Fast forward to today, and Whyte has one of the easiest battery removal systems we’ve used. On the V2 bike you simply remove the single hex bolt that secures the plastic motor cover, then pop the release catch on the 750Wh Bosch battery and it pulls straight out. No wires to tangle up in and no key, other than a hex key, to remember. So how does it perform and is it one of the  best electric bikes  on offer?

Need to know:

• Shape.it Link has a flip-chip in the shock eyelet to provide low and lower geometry settings
• Clocking the Bosch Performance Line CX motor gets the 750Wh battery lower in the frame
• With a 36t chainring and 10-50t cassette the Whyte isn’t geared for climbing
• First gen SRAM GX AXS wireless shifting is rapid with a superlight action

The latest version also rolls on 29in wheels, instead of 27.5in, and the weight has crept by just over 1 kg to 26.17kg. Remarkably, the chainstay length has only increased by 3mm, an additional benefit of having the Bosch Performance Line CX clocked out of the way.

As you’d expect the alloy frame is bomber solid and undoubtedly contributes to the E-160’s payload. Yes, if you were to jedison the Maxxis Double Down casing rear tyre it would sneak in just under 26kg, but it’s never going to build up as light as the full carbon Specialized or Mondraker. And while Whyte’s sizing dimensions are generous, the size L sporting a 482mm reach, the range of sizing is not, the E-160 RSX only offered in M, L and XL options.

Whyte now includes the Shape.It Link in the build, which is a handy addition, because you can lower and slacken the E-160 for pure gravity fueled riding, or run it in the high position, as we did, for more technical climbing, or for improved pedal clearance on rolling terrain.

Money saved by not having to splurge on a fancy carbon frame has wisely been invested in quality suspension components.

The E-160 RSX benefits from the added adjustability of the Performance Elite level Fox 38 fork and corresponding Float X shock.

Travel is 160mm up front combined with 150mm on the rear and while the E-160 has great poise and stability in rough terrain, is not the plushest bike in test, and not as plush or as planted as the V1.

SRAM’s wireless GX AXS shifting may seem like a luxury item on an alloy bike, but the speed of the shifting really comes into its own when the contours tighten up rapidly, as it offers fast, precise, effortless shifting every time.

The same can be said for the top-end Code RSC brakes, but again the flagship brakes offer vastly superior stopping performance when compared to the Codes RS brakes on the Specialized.

And while Whyte’s choice of Maxxis tyre compounds and casings, Maxx Grip front, Double Down rear, don’t do it any favours at the weigh in and reduce the overall range of the 750Wh battery, they do reflect the bike’s intentions perfectly.

Performance

Most e-bikes are designed to let riders pedal absolutely everywhere, regardless of the terrain. Not the Whyte E-160 RSX. With the low-slung 338mm BB height timing your pedal strokes in choppy terrain is of critical importance, as you can literally feel the heel of your back foot brushing the terrain as it flies past effortlessly beneath those 29in wheels. And that’s with the flip-chip in the high position.

Factor in the punchy Bosch Performance CX motor and the ability of the E-160 to maintain speed, even on the roughest trails, and it makes going really fast as effortless as can be. Infact, speed is your friend on the Whyte E-160 as moving a 26.17kg bike around does require more input than on the 22.43kg Specialized Turbo Levo .

Given the weight, the slacker effective seat tube angle, and relatively short 445mm chainstays the E-160 wasn’t designed to KOM climbs. Instead, it is designed for bombing downhill. The combination of the low centre of gravity and long front centre mean the Whyte feels more settled when the trails are truly unsettling, where the increased weight and durability is a price many riders seeking pure downhill thrills will be happy to pay.

Looking for a great e- bike? Our guide to the best electric mountain bike will see you right, or check out our guide to the best budget eMTB for the best combination of performance and lower price. 

With rapid battery removal, a dependable build kit and fully adjustable Fox suspension components, the Whyte E-160 RSX is a great choice for anyone interested in e-bike enduro racing. In fact, the faster, steeper and rougher the terrain gets, the better the E-160 performs. You need to be a stronger rider to muscle the E-160 around though, so if pure speed isn’t the end point, the Trek Rail 9.7 offers a lighter more dynamic ride with similar geometry and poise for the same money, even if the specification isn’t on par with the Whyte E-160 RSX.

• off.road.cc
• Dealclincher
• Fantasy Cycling

off-road.cc

The best mountain bikes we've tested that you can buy and get shipped to your door.

Through online stores and direct buy brands, you can buy a fair few mountain bikes online and get them shipped straight to your door. Most assure buyers of a full build and safety check prior to shipping to your home address too, meaning all you have to do is jump on and ride. Here are the best bikes, scoring over 4 stars, that we have tested and that you can get posted to you.

• The best mountain bikes you can buy for under £1,500 - full sus and hardtails
• Best mountain bikes for under £3,000 - capable trail bikes that won't break the bank
• Buyer's guide to kid's mountain bikes - get the best MTB for your child

[Updated 25th September 2020]

The best mountain bikes you can get shipped direct

This is one mighty long list, some of these bikes are from direct buy brands, whilst others are bought and shipped by online retailers. For ease, we've split the bikes by price category so either scroll away or hit the link to a bike directly below and jump straight to that choice. 

Bikes under £500

• Marin Bobcat Trail 3

Bikes under £1,000

• Voodoo Bizango
• Vitus Sentier 29 VR

Bikes under  £2,000

• Boardman MTR 8.9​
• Merida One-Twenty 600
• Cotic Soul Longshot frameset
• Sonder Transmitter NX1 Revelation
• Vitus Sentier 27 VRS
• Rose Count Solo 3
• Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 7.0
• Specialized Chisel Comp X1

Bikes under  £3,000

• Merida One-Sixty 600
• Bird Aeris 145
• Shand Shug frameset
• Ritchey Ultra frameset
• Marin Hawk Hill 3
• Trek Remedy 7

Bikes over £3,000

• Canyon Lux CF SL 8.0 Pro Race
• Ribble HT Ti SRAM GX Eagle hardtail
• Merida eOne-Sixty 10K
• Cotic Rocket frameset
• Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team
• Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon  

Marin Bobcat Trail 3 £525

Strictly speaking, this bike should be in the under £1,000 category, but given the £525 price it's much better placed here we think, we don't reckon many will quibble over the extra £25 even on a 500 pound budget.  Marin's Bobcat Trail 3 manages to both look and ride like a much more expensive bike than it is, with a quality frame and geometry that comes from the 'proper trail bike' book to deliver a really capable ride. Compromises in the drivetrain and suspension to get it on budget are apparent, but it's still a solid machine that delivers a lot of fun for not much cash.

• Read the full review of the Marin Bobcat Trail 3 here

Bikes under £1,000

Voodoo bizango £725.

The  Voodoo Bizango  is the totally sorted hardtail that’s ruled the roost for a few seasons at this price point. Over the years, Voodoo has added a smaller 16” size to fit shorter riders, lowered the top tube for more room to move and changed the aluminium frame’s blend for a smoother ride. One thing they’ve never done though is mess with the excellent value and impressive ride quality. The Bizango is a nimble, well-balanced package that’s not only fun, it rides and steers like a proper trail bike on flatter trails. With the basics nailed down, for a tad over £500 from Halfords in store and online this Voodoo is simply a killer deal.

• Read the full review of the Voodoo Bizango here

Vitus Sentier 29 VR £1,000

Available on Wiggle or Chain Reaction Cycles and shipped direct to your door, the Vitus Sentier 29 VR is do-it-all hardtail ready for rough and tumble riding. It hits the spot with a solid and well-thought-out spec for the cash and confidence inspiring handling paired to the big wheels. While the aluminium frame isn’t the most comfortable thing out there, budget for a dropper post and you'll have a superb ride.

• Read the full review of the Vitus Sentier 29 VR here

Whyte 605 £699

Whyte’s  affordable 605 hardtail might not break the bank, but when it comes to on-trail performance it blows most rivals out of the water thanks to a frame sporting bang-up-to-date geometry and well-chosen components. All in all the Whyte 605 is hugely impressive for the money. Yes, you can buy bikes at this price point that come with much better bits bolted to them, the bendy coil sprung fork and lightly treaded tyres being the ones you might feel most keenly, the latter especially in the winter.

However, if you’re looking at as the bike as a complete package then it’s bloody hard to beat. If you want a bike that’s going to allow you to push your riding onwards, boost your confidence both uphill and down and you aren’t fussed about what’s written on the components then the Whyte is a superb machine - and not just by the standards of ‘budget’ bikes. Get one online from Rutland Cycling or Wheelbase for example

• Read the full review of the Whyte 605 here

Merida One-Twenty 600 £2,000

If you’ve got £2,000 to spend on a new bike and want a good all-round trail bike, you could do a lot worse than consider Merida’s One-Twenty 600, available online from Tredz. The 120mm travel 29er is a well-specced option with good geometry and suspension that combines to provide very good trail manners whether grinding up or slashing down.

• Read the full review of the Merida One-Twenty 600 here

Boardman MTR 8.9 £1,600  

Available online from Halfords, our Jon reckons, Boardman's new MTR 8.9 manages to deliver the amazing value their full suspension range has always offered, but performance is now a step up thanks to revised geometry and suspension. It's not just a good bike for the money; it's a bike that's more than capable of shaming machines double or triple the price making it well worth a look.  

• Read the full review of the Boardman MTR 8.9 here

Cotic Soul Longshot frameset £649

We reckon you could build this decently priced Cotic Soul up for well under 2k! This trail hardtail has a rich history and somewhat of a cult following, but this fifth-generation model brings it bang up to date with stretched-out 'Longshot' geometry and all mod cons, despite the retro skinny steel looks. It's extremely versatile, hugely capable and a proper hoot to ride, though a steeper seat angle would really help it shine on climbs.

• Read the full review of the Cotic Soul Longshot here

Sonder Transmitter NX1 Revelation £1,299

The Sonder Transmitter in this NX1 Revelation spec is an aluminium trail hardtail with impressive geometry and some good looks, with some obvious thought put into the frame. It is beaten by other bigger brands when it comes to value though, leaving us to make a decision between aggressive geometry or better parts. Alpkit brand Sonder ship around the UK and to Europe too.

• Read the full review of the Sonder Transmitter NX1 Revelation here

Vitus Sentier 27 VRS £1,400

Again shipping from Chain Reaction Cycles or Wiggle, the Vitus Sentier 27 VRS is a 27.5" hardtail with plenty of bang for your buck. This one proved to be a fun trail bike at a very reasonable price, it’s not the most aggressive bike you’ll ever sit on but it's an entertaining ride and the spec updates made in 2019 are great upgrades.

• Read the full review of the Vitus Sentier 27 VRS here

Rose Count Solo 3 £1,040

If you want a light and fast hardtail for getting into mountain biking that can handle everything from just riding to cross-country racing, and don’t want to spend an absolute fortune, the Rose Count Solo 3 is a very appealing choice. It’s also, in our opinion, a very good looking bike with a cracking paint job.

The Rose Count Solo delivers a very impressive performance for the price but it’s not exactly very progressive when it comes to geometry. If you’re in the market for a hardtail for cross-country and gravel riding and not railing descents, there’s a lot to like. If you want more aggro there are more suitable choices. If you are feeling flush, the Count Solo 4 (£1,269.69) gets an upgraded Shimano XT groupset, and propping up the range is the cheapest Count Solo (£725.15) with Shimano Deore, all using the same underlying frame and key features.

• Read the full review of the Rose Count Solo 3 here

Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 7.0 £1,200

The Canyon  Grand Canyon AL SL 7.0  is a cross-country racer with winning intentions that will be easier on your wallet than its competitors and can provide you with just as much speed. 

If you are set on pushing your limits on the cross country course then the Grand Canyon will be a good partner. It’s not radically different from other XC bikes on the market and it doesn’t break the mould in terms of geometry,  but with the help of the 110mm fork on the Grand Canyon, its slacker than other XC hardtails which I think can only be a good thing and with the release of the  Canyon Lux  it appears the brand is thinking in terms of more progressive geometry. As ever with Canyon, though, the spec list and price is the thing that will make it stand out from the crowd.​

• Read the full review of the Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 7.0 here

Specialized Chisel Comp X1 £1,400

• Read the full review here

Bikes under £3,000

Merida one-sixty 600 £2,500.

Also available shipped from Tredz, the Merida One-Sixty 600 is the most affordable model in Merida’s 160mm travel range but there are no shortcuts. It’s packing some decent equipment and the performance is nothing short of impressive, though it could stand to lose a bit of weight if we are being super critical and we’d love to see a compression/climb switch on the rear shock. 

It might not have the desirability or cool factor of many rivals in this category, but judged solely on its performance the One-Sixty 600 has a lot to offer. Add in the excellent value for money and easy availability in the UK, and you have a thoroughly appealing choice. 

• Read the full review of the Merida One-Sixty 600 here  

Bird Cycleworks Aeris 145 £2,082

This is in the category 'also worth a look' as we have only had time for a 'first ride' on this bike, rather than a full review, Bird ship fully built bikes from their base near Hamsterly.

From our first impressions though, we reckon this bike might score highly, with our tester saying:  "The Aeris 145 is some serious bang-for-your-buck bike. With far superior (than many)  geometry , the ability to customise your ride, a lifetime warranty and at a significantly cheaper price point than many other, sub-par, big boy brands, the Aeris 145 should certainly be on your radar for a  real world  trail slaying weapon."

With builds starting at £2,082 it's well within the under 3K price bracket too. 

• Read the first ride report of the Bird Cycleworks Aeris 145 here

Shand Shug frameset £995

Available direct from Shand in Scotland, the Shug lands itself in the 'best for under 3k' category as the frame and fork come in from £1,795 but we think for a half-decent build to do this frame justice, you'll be looking at just under 3k. 

The Shand Shug is an aggressive short travel, steel hardtail hero that we’d be very happy to have in our bike stable. The progressive geometry will see you tackling techy terrain and the beautifully made frame will no doubt be the awe of all your friends. If you have the cash to spare the Shug will be an excellent trail bike for those who love the feel of riding steel and like to thrash a hardtail on any type of trail.

• Read the full review of the Shand Shug here

Ritchey Ultra frameset £900

  As for the Shand above, the Ritchey Ultra frameset sits in the under 3k category as we reckon you might spend a pretty penny building this one up. This frame is a gorgeous steel hardtail that operates as a lithe and engaging cross-country and trail bike. It’s fast and fun on all sorts of trails from fast and flowing to tight and technical, the steel frame looks after you on rough terrain but isn’t negatively flexy, and the big tyres provide stacks of traction and bump absorption. It’s just a huge amount of fun.

• Read the full review of the Ritchey Ultra here

Marin Hawk Hill 3 £2,100

The Marin Hawk Hill 3 is a 120mm full susser that can hold its own with the big bikes, is well specced and comes in at a very reasonable price too. It’s hard to fault this versatile bike, whilst not ground breaking in terms of design or geometry it does its job of being a fun and capable trail bike very well indeed. Get it online from somewhere like Tredz.

• Read the full review of the Marin Hawk Hill 3 here

Trek Remedy 7 £2,200

Canyon Lux CF SL 8.0 Pro Race £3,349

Direct buy brand Canyon kick things off with their Lux CF SL 8.0 Race. It's is a super high value and blisteringly quick cross-country race bike that can also take some rapid trail riding in its stride. The suspension and geometry work well for the intended task but the Gripshifter is a very odd component choice that undermines control and needs changing.

Ribble HT Ti SRAM GX Eagle hardtail £3,199

Another direct buy brand Ribble, drops into our list of best trail bikes. The Ribble HT Ti is a thing of beauty, but this titanium hardtail isn’t just about looks – it's got substance, thanks to progressive geometry that puts it firmly in the ‘enduro’ camp. A few spec choices seem at odds with the build and there's a steel version that makes this one look pricey, but if you're a sucker for titanium and hard, fast trails, you’ll want to take this bike for a ride.

Merida eOne-Sixty 10K £9,500

Not a direct buy brand, but you can get a Merida shipped to you home from the online portion of the shop Tredz. Merida's eOne-Sixty 10K sits at the very top of the brand's long-travel e-bike range, with a carbon fibre front end with integrated 500Wh battery driving a Shimano motor and mismatched size wheels. It's got handling that strikes the right balance between agility and outright stability, but harder or heavier riders might find the rear end too willing to give up the travel if they want to push their limits.

• Read the full review here  

Cotic Rocket frameset £1,749  

You can buy Cotic bikes, either as a frame only or in one of the specs offers at a range of prices. Our Rach had a Cotic Rocket frame on long term test frame has ridden some hard miles, raced a bit of enduro and tested a lot of components on it. She says its been an awesome long travel partner especially seeing as this 2019 bike got the progressive Longshot geometry treatment. 

Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team £4,999

Canyon's totally reworked Strive CFR 9.0 Team is an extremely rapid and long-legged trail and enduro bike that impresses with a much-improved travel and geometry adjusting Shapeshifter system paired to big wheels. It's not the most radical shaped enduro rig out there, but it's blisteringly quick, versatile and excellent value nonetheless.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon

The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon is a sleek, light and very useable take on the e-bike. The motor might be less powerful than most, but it also has far less mass to push, it's smooth and the battery lasts really well. The spec – in particular the fork – holds it back on rowdy trails and the geometry verges on dated, but for flowy trails and long adventures, the 'superlight' e-bike concept is a winner.

You might also like: 

• Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you
• The best mountain bikes for under £600 - our top picks
• The best mountain bikes for under £1,000 - the best budget buys ridden and rated

Author block

Previously Editor here at off-road.cc, Rachael is happiest on two wheels. Partial to a race or two Rachael also likes getting out into the hills with a big bunch of mates. In the past Rachael has written for publications such as, Enduro Mountain Bike Magazine, Mountain Biking UK, Bike Radar, New Zealand Mountain Biker and was also the online editor for Spoke magazine in New Zealand too. For as long as she's been riding, she has been equally happy getting stuck into a kit review as she is creating stories or doing the site admin. When she's not busy with all the above she's roasting coffee or coaching mountain biking in the Forest of Dean. 

You might have to take Rose out of that list now

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