![]() ![]() It is agile and playful in the corners encouraging you to throw the bike around. It provides plenty of stability and the back wheel hugs the ground. The geometry is also longer, lower and slacker with a steeper 76.5-degree seat angle and 65.5-degree head angle. ![]() The Propain now has 140mm of rear travel to better balance the 140mm or 150mm front fork options. The Propain Hugene was our Trail Bike of the Year in 2020, but 2021 saw Propain refresh the bike, updating the geometry and increasing travel. Beautifully built, sleek carbon frameset.Propain updated the Hugene’s geometry in 2021. Read our full Devinci Troy Carbon XT 12S LTD review.It is definitely worth considering if you are after a do-it-all trail bike. The Troy we tested was the top-of-the-range carbon model with parts to match, but Devinci also offers the Troy in an aluminium frame with a varying range of specs, so there’s likely to be a Troy for most budgets and riders. Despite the downhill performance, when you point the bike uphill it is efficient, though it would benefit from a steeper seat-tube angle to help move body weight over the bottom bracket. Now in its fourth generation, the Troy has wider tyre clearance and an updated geometry that’s longer and slacker, helping deliver downhill stability.ĭevinci claims the Troy to be a one-bike quiver, and it’s probably as close as you’ll get. The handling is composed and the progressive 160/140mm travel is incredibly calm across rough terrain. The Devinci Troy Carbon XT 12S LTD is a downhiller’s trail bike. Ideal for anyone wanting a one-bike quiver.Composed on descents and efficient on the climbs.Read our full Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 review.If you’re after a higher, burlier spec of the Spectral, we’ve also reviewed the Canyon Spectral 29 CF 8.0 and we’ve also covered the Spectral 125 CF 7 below. But these are small things on one of the most quietly confident trail bikes on the market. When it comes to componentry, the SRAM GX Eagle groupset makes sense for the price tag, but the G2 R brakes might lack the power you want and the Pike fork doesn’t have RockShox’s latest damper. It has plenty of pop in the mid-stroke but remains rock solid when you stamp on the pedals. The RockShox rear shock provides 150mm of supple travel that soaks up trail chatter. The suspension also helps the Spectral achieve its excellent ride quality, with Canyon’s take on traditional four-bar linkage rivalling the very best rear suspension. ![]() The Spectral sees Canyon return to 29in wheels and a geometry that throws out no surprises, creating a bike with plenty of control that handles just as a trail bike should. The Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 delivers an effortless ride, and we reckon most riders could jump on it and start setting personal bests straight away. Quiet confidence, great suspension and impressive capability define the Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7. The bike is also ripe for upgrades and, with a few parts swapped out, we think it would be great as a lightweight, mile-munching machine. So really this is a bike for speedy trail centre rides, rather than super-challenging terrain. ![]() You do have to shift your weight forward to keep front-wheel traction over tricky ascents, and downhill the bike is fairly noisy. The geometry is modern but not extreme with a generous reach, leading to a comfortable ride. There is a bottle mount too, but we found there to be minimal clearance. The triple-butted alloy frame looks purposeful and has externally routed cables, making for easy maintenance. It has a well-chosen spec that balances cost, performance and strength, with a RockShox front fork, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and Maxxis tyres. The Boardman MTR 8.9 has the same geometry and suspension as the pricier MTR 9.0. The Boardman MTR 8.9 has the same geometry as the MTR 9.0. Read our full Bird Aether 9 (2021) review.When it comes to climbing, ample space between the saddle and bar lets you put your body weight in the right place and the suspension robs very few watts.Įlsewhere, the bike has a full Shimano XT M8100 groupset and DT Swiss EXC 1501 wheels, making this bike not just a great performer but excellent value for money too. Paired with the RockShox 140mm Pike Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe rear shock, this translates to a bike that is unflappable and right at home on twisty, steep descents. The Bird Aether 9 won our 2021 Trail Bike of the Year award, thanks to its ability to deliver in virtually all situations from long days in the saddle to short, sharp bursts in the woods.īird is known for long and slack geometry and the Aether 9 follows suit, with a 65-degree head-tube angle and 77-degree seat tube. Excellent geometry and exceptional value for money.BikeRadar’s trail bike of the year 2021.The Bird Aether 9 is pleasingly simple with its silver aluminium frame and external cable routing. ![]()
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