We tested seven budget mountain bikes that will get you out on the trailsRussell Burton
The Trek X-Caliber 7 wins a well deserved first-placeDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The X-Caliber 7 offers balanced handling that easily shines on and off the trailDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Trek has saved some money in the drivetrain. We feel this is a smart decision, with the drivetrain parts being the main wear items that are cheaply and easily replacedDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Bontrager (a Trek owned brand) supply its components. These parts are always well-suited to the categoryDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The frame quality on the Trek X-Caliber 7 is another reason it took the top spot. Internal cable routing isn’t seen on any other bike in the testDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Cell Stromlo 2.0 – unbeatable value for money with a direct-buy purchasing channelDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Cell Stromlo 2.0 comes with a wide 710mm flat handlebar – the widest bar that still meets AU bicycle standardsDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Cell is a perfect example of where a little personal tailoring can change how a bike rides. With plenty of handlebar height adjustment available, we hated the Cell’s handling in its stock position, but loved it once we had lowered the barsDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Stromlo 2.0 is the only bike on test to offer 10-speed shifting and we immediately appreciated the improved shift quality and gear rangeDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Cell Stromlo 2.0 is also the only bike on test to have an outboard-bearing bottom-bracket, this places the bearings outside the frame for ultimate stiffness and improved durability through the use of larger bearingsDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Malvern Star Switch 27.7 – a fun and capable bike, just not quite the best climberDavid Rome / Future Publishing
SR Suntour forks feature on every single bike in the test – the Switch 27.7 had the best fork of all with the XCR model. The XCR gives the same performance as the XCM model, but at a lower weightDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The position on the Switch 27.7 is similar to that of a ‘trail bike’ – it’s a bit more upright and has you ready to tackle technical terrainDavid Rome / Future Publishing
After the Cell, the Malvern Star Switch 27.7 has the best parts. A Shimano Deore rear derailleur offers precise and reliable shiftingDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Malvern Star Switch 27.7 arrives with a very high handlebar position; you’ll want to lower this to get the most out of itDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 4 is a strong choice and offers a great blend of cross-country speed with trail confidenceDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Giant’s Talon 4 is a strong handling machine let down by its budget fork choice. The Avanti has the same XCT forkDavid Rome / Future Publishing
It’s a new size to many – 27.5in replaces 26in at this price-pointDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Giant Talon 4 offers a reliable blend of Shimano componentryDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Giant’s high score is partly due to the quality frame – here hydroforming is used to create a stiff and strong structure without the weightDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Apollo Xpert 29S – its shorter suspension fork and skinny tyres make it best suited to multi-surface useDavid Rome / Future Publishing
Other bikes on test feature 100mm of suspension travel – the Apollo has just 80mm. This is done to overcome the extra height of the big 29in wheel, but it has a huge effect on suspension performance at this price-pointDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Apollo’s position is low, yet short. This provides an upright riding position, but one that still handles reasonably wellDavid Rome / Future Publishing
With a simple change of tyres, the Apollo will be ready for far rougher trailsDavid Rome / Future Publishing
The Apollo had the lowest height on test, this may not be perfect for those seeking an upright rideDavid Rome / Future Publishing