In our Tech Q&A series, we tackle cycling queries – big or small, complex or simple – with insights from the BikeRadar team and trusted industry experts. Next up, a reader wants to know whether he should buy a trail or enduro bike.
I’m in need of a new trail bike. I’ve been riding a Santa Cruz Bronson for around five years now and I feel it’s time I made a change.
While many of my mates think I should get an enduro bike with loads of travel, I’d rather stick with something more efficient and playful. That’s not to say I’m not tempted, though.
I’m keen on upgrading to a new trail bike with modern geometry – something in the region of a 64-degree head angle sounds about right – as well as mixed wheels, and it needs to be decently capable so I can keep up with my enduro buddies. Is there anything out there that’d fit the bill? I’ve got about £4,000 to spend.
Steve Reeves, via email
The current crop of trail bikes is ridiculously capable, so if you’re keen on a shorter-travel rig, the choice is impressive – although they won't all tick every one of your boxes.
That’s largely down to many brands using 29in wheels front and rear for bikes they’d put within this category because they’re deemed more efficient.
If you read our Bike of the Year coverage, you may have seen our head-to-head test that included the Canyon Spectral AL 6.
- Read more: Best trail mountain bikes 2026: 20 of the most exciting and capable MTBs ridden and reviewed
This bike does everything really well. Climbing, descending, you name it – it’ll do it and do it brilliantly.
There is one problem, though. It uses 29in wheels front and rear. If you can live with the change, the Spectral CCLTV version is well worth a look at £3,749, especially considering the spec on offer.
Canyon includes Ultimate-level RockShox suspension, SRAM’s wireless S1000 gearing and Maven Silver brakes.
It’s a package that’ll trump almost every other bike at this price, which is why we think it should be a contender.
Alternatively, the Saracen Ariel 60 and Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy are within your price range and can be altered to fit a smaller rear wheel.
While Saracen includes a link to do this, you’ll have to buy one from Specialized, unless you ride a size S1 or S2, because they’re specced with a 27.5in rear wheel as standard (and you’ll need to have a rear wheel to slot in).
The Stumpy comes with the super-smooth Fox 36 Ryhthm fork and Float X Performance shock, featuring its GENIE technology. The SRAM DB8 brakes are solid performers, too.
Like the Specialized, the spec doesn’t come close to that of the Spectral, but you can easily switch to a smaller rear wheel, albeit one that uses the harder-to-come-by 12x157mm Super Boost spacing. However, the Ariel 60 has pricier dampers from Fox, with way more adjustment possible.
All three bikes here are deceptively capable, with 160mm of travel up front and big brakes that’ll stop you on the steepest of trails.
If you don’t like the idea of a full 29er, both the Stumpy and Saracen can be converted easily – just be sure to factor in a little extra cash for the rear wheel and tyre (plus the link on the Stumpy).
