Here at AMB we get to test many lovely mountain bikes. Even in the past 12 months we have been lucky to ride and review a top shelf Trek Fuel EXe, a Factor Lando XC rocketship, a premium Fantic XEF 1.9 eMTB, and of course the Specialized Levo SL in this issue. While a premium bike is a blast to ride, it’s not the only way to enjoy mountain biking.
In Issue #201 Daisy Day pointed out that if the bike industry worked to have more well-made bikes available at lower price points, and cycling media promoted them, then the benefits to the sport, people and even the environment would be huge.
‘The social inclusion element of sustainability empowers those that have less access – it helps build resilient communities, which in turn makes institutions, industries, and companies accessible and accountable to people. It may sound like a stretch to include affordable mountain bikes in this category, but I truly believe that the more people (of any social standing) that can enjoy a sport that helps them enjoy the natural environment in a low impact way - can only be a good thing.’
Daisy went on to relate that plenty of brands do this already, with a bunch of innovative, good-value and well-made bikes in the $1000-$3000 price range. And that people out on the trails, or submitting user reviews of them talk about the FUN they are having off road.
And this matches some of our own experiences here at AMB. The Polygon Siskiu D7 we tested in 2020 was a blast to ride. As was the Merida Big Trail 500 later that year. So we reached out to all the major (and some smaller) bike manufacturers, to see who would be interested in submitting a bike under $2000 for this group test. The 8 bikes featured represent a price range of $999.95 to $1999.95. They’re all hardtails, all 29ers, and we had fun on every single one of them. Given the price range and the fact some of the bikes scream XC, while others are angled towards all-round trail use, here are the main things we are assessing each bike on.
FEATURES
From the frame itself to the componentry, any rider should have a tick list when buying a new bike. Overall, these may not be must haves, but they are things that should stand out. The more, the better:
• Boost (148mm/110mm) through axle frame/fork
• internal dropper post routing (or a dropper post as stock)
• Wide range 1x group set
• Adjustable suspension fork
• Wide bars - they can be cut if they're too wide!
• Clearance for wide tyres
• Tubeless ready
• Serviceable parts
• Two piece cranks with external bottom bracket
GEOMETRY AND HANDLING
What we are looking at here is geometry that takes some cues from performance handling bikes. So head angles that are likely slacker than 70 degrees, so steering isn’t nervous. Plus we’d like to see a steeper seat angle for better overall balance when climbing. We’ll see how it transfers to the trail, and explain where the bike excels and why. The size range available is also a big consideration.
ERGONOMICS
This always comes down to personal fit, but we’re looking at things that make the bike more comfortable to use and ride – and therefore more fun. Small changes in handlebar width and shape make a difference, as do brake lever shape and size. Some models offer more adjustment than others, and some brake levers don’t work as well as they could with some gear shifters. When the ergonomics are good, you don’t think about shifting and braking – you just do it. That’s part of making bikes fun and comfortable.
COMPONENTS
There isn’t too much mystique with bikes and components. The ones that cost more work better. So given the price range in this test, what we are looking at is about ease of use, servicing and how well they suit the bike. This is partly relating to ergonomics, but also how fit for purpose the given parts choice is. As an example, we’d rather see a heavier crank set with a replaceable chain ring, than something lighter and flashier that would require the whole crank set replaced when the chain ring wears or gets damaged. A budget bike shouldn’t have parts that require more expensive upgrades to keep it running over time.
FUN FACTOR AND SUITABILITY
This is the big one – was the bike fun to ride? And also, who does it suit? Some of these bikes are trail rippers, others could be awesome rail trail crusaders. We’re testing for suitability, and will summarise what kind of riding each bike suits, and why.
WOMEN’S SPECIFIC BIKES
As you’ll see, none of the bikes tested are women’s specific, and there aren’t many on the market under $2000. But there are a few things that make a difference for any rider, as our Deputy Editor Georgina von Marburg explains.
“If you’re a woman, the right bike is not a ‘female specific’ bike. It’s a you specific bike. The same principle applies to men. Each rider is totally unique in their body structure, whether that’s height, inseam, torso length, weight, and of course - riding style. Virtually any bike can be made to cater to you specifically. Whether this bike is $1200 or $12,000, the saddle, seatpost height, grips, and handlebar width are all things which are easily adjustable. You should consult a knowledgeable bike shop or bike fitter on these topics.”
“Your riding style will determine things like suspension setup, crank length, and how much drop you need in your dropper post. These adjustments are a little more time and money consuming, but will dial in the bike to suit your needs.”
Imogen Smith, a long term AMB contributor, echoes the same sentiment.
“Women come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re a lady, it’s more than likely that you don’t actually need women’s-specific geometry. The right bike for you is a combination of things: suitability for purpose, fit, price, colour... That could be any bike. Here’s the adjustments I make to my unisex bikes. I make sure the geo is going to fit me (this could mean getting a proper fit if it’s a new bike). I cut the bars down. I put on a saddle I like (which by the way, isn’t a women’s-specific saddle). I have a crank length I know works for me and so I put my cranks on. Most people won’t need to do this, it’s more something ingrained after 20
