MARIN HAWK HILL 1

Marin tout the Hawk Hill as their most playful trail bike and it’s easy to see why. The short-travel rig feels reactive and nimble, and on one of our testing days at a berm-packed spot with jumps, it absolutely bossed it. Being one of two 650b-wheelers here partially explains this, but there’s way more to the US brand’s bike than just smaller hoops.

The frame

The butted 6061 aluminium frame is relatively up to date, with mostly internal cable routing, a low-slung top tube and a small rocker