Eyes open before buying
What matters with Trailbikes?

They’re incredibly versatile and understandably popular: trail bikes. But beware, riders – not every model is suited for every biker. While 130 mm of travel may promise comfort, there’s more to a fork’s millimeters. We’ll show you what really matters when you’re in the market for a trail bike!

Trail bikes: The name resonates with almost a magical echo in mountain biking circles. These full-suspension touring bikes bridge the gap between the agile cross-country speedsters and the burly, downhill-tuned enduros. With 130mm of travel in the fork and a finely tuned shock in the rear, they offer a perfect balance of climbing and descending capabilities. Weight plays a crucial role as well. However, keeping track of the wide array on the market is no easy feat.

Trail bikes, the true quiver-killers among MTBs, must prove their mettle on serious natural singletracks as well as on challenging alpine ascents. Paying attention to the right features is critical if you don’t want to find yourself grounded, instead of floating on Cloud Nine. Frame geometry, suspension setup, and component selection – the interplay of these elements determines whether you’re holding the golden ticket to euphoria or merely sitting amongst the spectators.

Tires are the vital link between your trail bike and the ground – they dramatically influence the riding experience and performance across various terrains. However, their impact on handling is often underestimated. While aggressive treads and beefy casings unquestionably deliver a grip boost on technical descents, for extended rides they fall short when it comes to pedaling efficiency.

The optimal trail bike tire setup strikes a careful balance between weight, rolling resistance, and width, without going to extremes. A moderate width of 2.3 to 2.4 inches is considered the sweet spot, offering ample contact patch for dependable traction, while avoiding the physical excesses that might hinder your progress.

When it comes to tread patterns, several designs have become reliable partners on the trail. Maxxis scores with the Rekon, the Forekaster, and the Ardent – all three treads not only instill confidence off-road but also deliver a cohesive response to the demands versatile trails place on a tire.

Schwalbe’s Nobby Nic is known for its jack-of-all-trades qualities and has secured its spot in the trail riding scene. Riders looking to pick up speed often opt for the Wicked Will from Schwalbe on the rear wheel.

Puncture protection should not be overlooked in the quest for performance enhancement. Yet sometimes less is more. A simple puncture protection option like Maxxis’s EXO casing or Schwalbe’s SuperGround casing is enough to gracefully avoid most unpleasant interruptions to your riding pleasure. Ultimately, it is the interplay of good selection and thoughtful balance that makes the trail bike tire an important yet unobtrusive companion on your adventures. Tires with more puncture protection weigh significantly more and kill the nimble character that defines the fun of riding a trail bike.

The great thing about tires is that they are very easy to swap when purchasing a new set. Good retailers often do so at the customer’s request, even at no extra charge.

Weight plays a crucial role when purchasing trail bikes, as the last thing anyone wants on a long tour is an unnecessarily arduous climb just because the bike is heavier than it should be. Riders strive for a nimble, agile companion that performs reliably and without additional effort both uphill and downhill. It is therefore essential to be vigilant about trail bikes that may be too biased toward descending and consequently tip the scales at a higher weight.

The magic weight limit is at 14 kilograms. In fact, trail bikes that come in under 13.5 kilograms with 130 mm of suspension travel are already considered lightweight. A bike in this weight class ensures that your legs stay fresh and that even after hours in the saddle, you don’t feel like you’re fighting against the bike.

Bikes that manage to dip below 12.5 kilograms send bikers’ hearts racing and typically stand for peak performance and high-quality components. However, they are usually not attainable for a modest budget. For those who prioritize weight especially highly, they might even be happier with a Downcountry bike. But it’s important not to be blindly led by the numbers. The riding characteristics and the reliability of components are still crucial for a long-term satisfying experience on long tours or crossing the Alps.

It stands to reason that a weight over 14 kilograms should be scrutinized closely. On the trails, every extra gram is felt, both during acceleration and through technical sections. The bike’s performance can suffer significantly, which often means less riding enjoyment.

The ultimate pro-tip for enthusiastic trail riders: Investing in lightweight wheels pays off twofold. Since wheels are rotating mass, every gram saved is noticeable not just on the climbs, but also in the bike’s nimbleness during every change of direction. High-end wheels can be pricey, but they’re one of the most effective ways to boost your ride’s performance and shave off total weight.

When purchasing a trail bike, a drivetrain with a wide gear range is a critical criterion. Trail bikes are designed to be agile all-rounders on the trails, proving their versatility by climbing uphill, navigating technical sections, and speeding downhill.

For this wide array of demands, a drivetrain with ample gear range is essential. It allows riders to have the right gear on hand for every incline and terrain type. The key lies not exclusively in the quality level of the components used but primarily in the range of gears provided by the drivetrain.

By “gear range” of a drivetrain, we mean the difference between the smallest gear for steep climbs and the largest for fast descents. This range defines the bike’s drive terrain’s scope and significantly affects how well the bike can adapt to different terrain types. Simply put, the wider the gear range, the more flexibility the rider has on the trails.

Looking at the current market, we notice that 1×12 drivetrains offer a range between 500 and 520%. That’s quite acceptable and covers most scenarios riders encounter. But as the saying goes: more is often better.

However, with a standard 1×12 drivetrain, it’s technically impossible to increase this range any further. Riders who have to compromise in this area might find themselves grinding excessively heavy gears on steep climbs or spinning out during high-speed descents.

The bottom line is: A trail bike with a wide gear ratio enhances comfort and efficiency on the ride. It allows the rider to focus on the essence of mountain biking – the sheer joy of riding and crafting innovative lines, without being restricted by gearing limitations. So, consider this crucial factor and don’t be dazzled by shiny components when purchasing your next trail bike. Instead, pay attention to the gearing range – your back and legs will thank you on those long rides.

When choosing the perfect trail bike for long-distance missions like extensive day trips or even crossing the Alps, the suspension plays a crucial role. Because it’s a given: You’ll cover many kilometers on gravel or asphalt, and this is exactly where you can see how essential an efficiently working suspension is. It’s not just about bravely hurtling down the mountain on downhill sections, but also about making efficient progress on longer, less technical stretches.

The option to stiffen the suspension is the be-all and end-all for conserving energy and quickly gaining elevation. A lockout lever right on the handlebars may seem like unnecessary luxury to some purist riders, but its usefulness is undeniable. Imagine being able to stiffen the suspension on every short stretch of asphalt without significantly changing your hand position – a piece of comfort that certainly has its value on long rides.

But don’t worry if you belong to the group that doesn’t want to mount an additional lockout lever on the handlebars, in most cases platform dampers on the fork and shock provide a perfectly adequate solution. They allow for stiffening of the suspension without completely locking it out. This way, a certain degree of residual comfort and basic traction are maintained under all conditions.

However, one aspect you should never overlook: A good trail bike suspension offers not just full lockout and open mode, but also differentiates with an additional intermediate stage. This allows you to fine-tune the suspension to the conditions and demands of the track, thus extracting the best possible performance. This keeps you agile on the trails while still being efficient when the terrain demands it. So, make sure your bike doesn’t require compromises in this respect, ensuring every pedal stroke propels you forward directly and without unnecessary energy loss.

Imagine shredding the trails, seamlessly transitioning from technical sections to adrenaline-fueled descents, and then – suddenly – thirst strikes. It is in this moment that the bottle cage on your trail bike plays a pivotal role. Extended rides don’t just challenge your leg muscles; they also tap into your hydration reserves. Hence, it’s vital that your steed offers the capability to carry enough water for the journey.

When purchasing a trail bike, you should meticulously ensure that it can accommodate at least one, or better yet, two bottle cages. With dual mounts, you can transport up to 1.5 liters of water directly on the bike. This handy feature not only saves you from the necessity of hauling extra weight on your back but also ensures that you stay hydrated during your adventure rides.

For those among you planning the core of an Alpine crossing or a multi-day bike tour, you know that every gram in the backpack counts. If your back is already laden with a change of clothes, tools, and food, a trail bike that can house two bottle cages is not a luxury, but a strategic choice. It allows you to distribute weight and unburden the backpack of additional heft. In short, a trail bike with sufficient hydration-carrying capacity is a faithful companion on your tours – never underestimate the importance of a well-positioned and secure bottle cage.