For this year's MBUK Bike of the Year mega-test, we've put 30 of the best mountain bikes through their paces, in four categories. You can read the results in issue 434 of the mag (back issue available here; also on Apple News+). Here are all the bikes tested – we'll be updating this article with videos and reviews so stay tuned!
e-MTBs (full-power and lightweight/SL)
Trail
Our trail bikes cost £3,000-£4,199 and are best described as ‘burly’, with fork travel topping out at 160mm and 130-150mm of suspension at the rear. These bikes are designed for all-day adventures, so need to feel pacey and efficient on the climbs, maximising the effort you put in. But they also need to descend with control and comfort, and provide a fun, playful ride feel.
Enduro
When it comes to the enduro category, pricing ranges from £4,250 all the way up to £6,205. Why such a big gap? That’s largely down to one brand sending the wrong bike. With limited time and numbers, we had little choice but to include it anyway. As ever, the focus here is on the descents. Sure, an enduro bike needs to get you to the top of the hill, but downhill stability, composure, control and speed-carrying efficiency will always be the priority.
e-MTB (full-power and lightweight)
With ‘SL’ e-bikes arriving thick and fast, this year we’ve split our e-MTB test into two categories – full-power and lightweight. Pricing for both starts at £6,699 and peaks at £10,000. The full-power e-bikes have at least 80Nm of maximum torque and boast larger batteries with a capacity of 600Wh or more, while the lighter-weight models tip the scales at 20kg or less, offer 50-60Nm of max torque and up to 430Wh of battery capacity. We’re now in a fantastic place when it comes to the development of e-MTBs, with all eight bikes tested here offering decent geometry that really helps bolster their handling.
Budget
This year, our budget category spans the £1,000-£1,500 price bracket. That’s a marked increase compared to our 2023 test, which brings with it a jump in component specification, geometry and the overall capability of each of the hardtails included. For this kind of outlay, you can expect a dropper post, more tunable fork, slicker drivetrain and better tyres, all of which add up to an even better experience in the woods.
To find out the results of our Bike of the Year 2024 test, grab a copy of the new issue of the mag, download our digital edition or check it out on Apple News+.
