SCOTT GENIUS 940 £2,999
No, it’s not an e-bike, but rather, one of the cleanest-looking (and easiest to clean!) bikes around. And, on the climbs, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking it has a little motor assistance. Fast-rolling rubber and the most stable suspension here make the Genius a breeze uphill and over long distances, even without using the three-position lockout lever on the bar. When it comes to descending, there’s plenty of promise when you look at the geometry chart – the Scott is impressive in its proportions. However, this base model gets an over-damped X-Fusion shock and a similarly heavy-feeling fork, which, while speedy on the smooth stuff, hamper its response to technical terrain. Recent price drops have brought the Genius 930 within our budget, and on paper, we’d pick that Fox-equipped model instead.
TREK FUEL EX 9.7 GEN 6 £4,175
The Fuel EX’s carbon fibre chassis is as good as they come, with a super-solid feel, sorted in-tube storage and the most geometry and suspension adjustment of any mass-market bike we can think of. Handling is on-point, thanks to the modern shape and communicative ‘ABP’ suspension, blending corner-carving ability with high-speed composure. While it’ll cope with the gnarliest tracks, it’s also no slouch on the way back up, with a calm response to pedalling.
It’s pricey, though, with a parts package that, at RRP, doesn’t quite compete with the rest. The base-spec Fox suspension is smooth, but the SRAM DB8 brakes work better with upgraded pads and Bontrager’s SE5 tyres are no match for Maxxis rubber, with a less grippy compound and low-profile tread that can’t meet the demands a frame this capable encourages you to place upon them.
CANNONDALE HABIT LT2 £3,500
travel than the standard Habit, the LT model takes that bike’s fun-loving character and gives it teeth. A burly 150mm-travel fork is partnered with 140mm of rear suspension to give plenty of margin
