KONA PROCESS X CR £5,799
The 170mm-travel Process X CR offers a smooth, comfy ride with plenty of traction, even when scrabbling down steep, sketchy trails. It’s pricey and not the best value, but you do get a carbon frame, along with a Shimano SLX drivetrain, Fox 38 Performance fork and Fox Float X Performance Elite shock. Geometry is modern, with a reach of 465mm on the medium size, a 63.6-degree head angle and steep 78.2-degree seat tube angle. Chainstay length can be altered from 435mm to 450mm. The Kona isn’t the sprightliest uphill, bobbing enough on steeper inclines to make us grab the shock’s lever to firm up the rear end. Downhill, its impressive geometry and supple, balanced suspension allow you to tackle rough trails or bike park tracks with confidence.
CUBE STEREO ONE77 C:68X TM 29 £4,499
Hit the pedals and the Stereo ONE77 surges forward, thanks to its taut carbon frame. This boasts 170mm of travel, via a four-bar linkage and RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ coil shock. Up front sits a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork, complete with the Charger 3 damper, which offers decent adjustment. A Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tyre combo and Hayes Dominion A4 brakes round off the package, all at a competitive price. On mellower flow trails, the CUBE’s sub-15kg weight and supportive suspension keep things agile and fun. It’s planted as the trail gets rougher, but can’t match some others for stability. The cockpit feels stiff and unforgiving on longer descents. On the right trail, though, its nimbleness and precision make it very fun to ride.
TRANSITION SPIRE ALLOY NX £4,299
travel at either end, an alloy frame and 29in wheels, the Spire feels capable and solid. The rear travel comes courtesy of Transition’s GiddyUp four-bar linkage, controlled by a Fox Float X Performance shock. This is paired with a Marzocchi Z1 fork. In the low setting, the head angle sits at a slack 63 degrees, while the seat tube angle is a super-steep 79.9 degrees. The low 335mm BB adds stability, along with the long 448mm chainstays, which help keep you centred.
