Top 7 Best Trail Bikes Under $4600 | Tested for Performance and Value

It’s no surprise that the cost of living increase has led many of us to tighten our wallets. But this shouldn’t mean you can’t enjoy mountain biking and enjoy the fairytale feeling of new bike day. At AMB, we are spoiled: all our contributors live and breathe bikes, so of course, the ones we have in our sheds at home tend to be fancy. 

That makes the results of this group test even more surprising: we all had a hoot riding these lower-cost trail bikes. We selected a price point that is often the next step up from a starter hardtail; we carefully selected a solid range of bikes around the 140mm travel mark, a travel that is capable of uphill, downhill and everything in between.

Key features we look for in trail bikes:

• Boost (148mm) through axle frame
• Long dropper post as stock
• Wide range 1x groupset
• Adjustable suspension fork and shock
• Wide bars
• Wide, tubeless-ready wheels and tyres with aggressive tread
• Serviceable parts
• Capable 4-piston brakes

Geometry

Geometry is one of the key qualities determining if a trail bike feels sluggish or spritely when climbing and ploughs through chunder or whips like a gazelle on the descent. Getting the balance right between having the geometry to climb efficiently and being capable on the descent is one of the most important factors in enjoying your ride. 

Related:
– Trail and Enduro Mountain Bike Tyre Test
– Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes Under $2000
– Best Mountain Bike Goggles
– Top 10 Best Tubeless Tyre Inserts

A headtube angle that’s too steep may climb a little more efficiently, especially on technical terrain, but may come at the cost of stability and confidence on the descent. A wheelbase that’s too long may feel stable and planted at the cost of manoeuvrability both uphill and downhill. All trail bikes we have on test have been delivered in size medium (bar one small), and all feature 29” wheels, though several models have the capacity for a 27.5” wheel or are specced as 27.5” models in smaller sizes.

Throughout the test, we will reference a few key measurements through the testing: reach, stack, headtube angle, seat tube angle, wheelbase and chainstay length. 

Stack and Reach measure the length and height of the trail bike using the bottom bracket as a starting point: stack measures up to the centre of the top tube while reach measures to the same point horizontally. Long reach and short stack equals a long, stretched, aggressive position, whereas a short reach and high stack height would generate a much more upright ride.

Headtube Angle is the – wait for it – angle of the headtube. This is important because, together with fork offset and fork travel, it will determine where the front wheel sits in relationship to the main triangle. Steeper headtube angles will often feel more compact and climb well but can struggle to feel stable on descents. 

The seat tube angle is the angle of the seat tube from the horizontal plane; a steeper seat tube will position the rider in a more centred position on the bike, while a slacker seat tube will position the rider further back. This becomes more important in larger sizing, where the post is more extended from the frame and where a slacker seat tube can feel like you’re riding the bike from behind.

The wheelbase measures the distance between the two contact patches of the tyres, and the chainstay measures the length of the chainstay extending from the bottom bracket to the rear axle. Both of these measurements impact bike handling, especially in tighter trails.

The trail bike review discussion

Contact Points

Butts, hands and feet and dirt. Contact points are what keep you connected to the bike and are the key to ride quality. While this is an important part of the ride experience, it’s also important to keep in mind that contact points are perhaps the easiest swaps to make on a bike to ensure a good fit and maximise ride quality.

The Gear

Suspension, drivetrain, brakes, dropper post…these are key components on a bike that can make or break your rider experience. Even if you have the most balanced, dialled frame in the world, a dodgy dropper is going to sour your rider experience. Likewise, a well-balanced suspension set-up and quality brakes really impact your ride. At the price point we are looking at, we aren’t expecting world-class components, but we do expect that they will work reliably and allow a positive time on the bike.

Ride Vibes

This is what it all comes down to: the alchemy between bike frame, components, suspension and the rider. It’s the synergy between frame geometry, suspension choices, suspension activation and linkage kinematics, and the drivetrain. Ride vibes are important, and they’re personal. 

Top 7 Trail Bikes

Giant Stance 29
Marin Rift Zone 2
Merida One-Forty 400
Trek Fuel Ex 5
Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Meet the trail bike test crew

• Bam Da Silva

  

  Height: 174cm
  Weight: 80kg
  Experience: Like to point bikes down the hill. Will tolerate going up.
  Usually Rides: Pyga Hyrax LT, Norco Revolver 120
  Best ride snack: Skratch chews
  Special move: Not knowing my limits and crashing in spectacular fashion

• Max Hobson

  

  Height: 178cm
  Weight: 64kg
  Experience: National level cross-country and cyclocross, trail riding and bikepacking for fun
  Usually Rides: More than the rest of the contributors put together.
  Best ride snack: Coke and croissants
  Special move: Cyclocross dismounts, looking good in lycra

• Anna Beck

  

  Height: 168cm
  Weight: 64kg
  Experience: All disciplines, all the time (except cyclocross). Always buzzed on a new trail
  Usually Rides: Santa Cruz Blur, Yeti SB140
  Best ride snack: Apricot coconut squares
  Special move: Bar turns, lame whips, making noise

• Clancy Menzies

  

  Special Thanks to Clancy Menzies for adding steeze to the trail bike photography.

Giant Stance 29 – $2999

Efficient and reliable
Tester: Anna

The Giant Stance represents a great value bike for those dipping their toes into mountain biking. At $2999, it represents one of the less expensive options on the test, but despite this, it is still able to pack a punch where it counts. 

The Giant stance features 125mm travel, paired up with a 140mm fork, and Giant describes the bike as a ‘versatile all-rounder’. While it varies in geometry incrementally from the well-loved Giant Trance, it’s easy to see that the Stance represents its little brother. 

Geometry

The Stance features a moderate 65.5-degree headtube angle, with a 76.5-degree seat tube angle, on par with most others on the test. The Stance features a fixed chainstay length of 440 across the size range and a short to moderate reach of 445mm paired up with a 623mm stack in size medium. On paper, I expect this bike to position the rider pretty centred but perhaps a little less stretched out than others on test.

After throwing a leg over, my suspicions were confirmed; while you’re centred in position, the high position combined with some shorter bars made me feel a little bit more on top of the bike compared to the ‘in the bike’ feel of some others on test.

Contact Points

Giant has opted to use primarily in-house components in order to keep the price down on the Stance, with the bars, stem, dropper and grips an all-Giant affair. However, Giant have thought about the end-user experience with the stance, speccing size-specific stems and seatposts. The medium on test features a 170mm dropper, small features a 140mm, and large and extra large at 200mm. This is a big thing for longer riders! Stem length is 40mm for the two smaller sizes and 50mm for the two larger sizes. 

For that extra bite, the Stance rolls on Maxxis, a Minion DHF up front and Dissector on the rear, ready to be set up tubeless.

The Gear

The Stance rolls Giant branded wheels and hubs – boost, of course – and its own front suspension, the Giant STL 34 RCL 140mm fork paired up with a Suntour Raidon R 125mm shock. When setting the suspension up, I did notice that its range of adjustment was wide, meaning a click of rebound would quickly find you from perfect to wallow in one direction and far too fast with one click the other way. As such, getting this set up at the shop by the experts will help you get the most out of the Stance on the trail.

The Shimano Cues drivetrain represents great value, with a 1×10 speed 10-48T cassette married up with a Cues crankset with a 30T chainring. While the action isn’t as firm as Shimano’s Deore range and above, it was a reliable workhorse. The Maxxis tubeless-ready tyres are a huge win and add some predictability to the Stance’s prances.

Despite being one of the lowest-cost bikes on test, the Stance still features Shimano 4-piston brakes, with 180mm rotors for plenty of stopping power. Overall, the drivetrain is good for the price point. 

Ride Vibes

The Stance, to me, felt like the closest bike to a cross-country rig. Sure, it only has 125mm travel, but so did the Commencal, and they were distinctly unique bikes to ride. While I was on the lower end of the suggested rider size for the medium, the reach didn’t feel at all excessive, and the Stance’s 40mm stem and 760mm bar combo helped position me in a comfortable upright position.

While the Suntour shock didn’t feature compression adjustment, the Flexpoint suspension system did allow for a reasonably stable climbing experience aided by the Giant STL 34 forks on-the-fly compression adjustment knob. 

On the descent, despite featuring similar numbers to the Commencal Tempo and Marin Rift, the Stance felt less at home. While it was nimble and sparked up with rider input, it lacked the stability and plantedness of some of the other bikes on test. As such, if you’re looking for a bike to take up the tech challenge or seeking a shuttle rig, you may be better served by some of the other trail bike options on test.

Our Take

For the casual mountain biker looking for something to hit their local trail network, ride with the kids and challenge themselves on some singletrack, the Giant Stance is a great option. Perhaps if you are looking at a lower-cost trail bike for your sendy grom to hit up some big features or progress their jumps, I would look at something like the Marin. For most of us, though, looking for a bike for weekend rides, family adventures and exploring your local trail network, you can’t beat the value and the efficiency of the Giant Stance.

Giant Stance specs

Specs
Frame	ALUXX-grade aluminum, 125mm FlexPoint suspension
Drivetrain	Shimano Cues 1×10, 30T and 11-48 cassette
Brakes	Shimano BR-MT420 4 piston, 180mm rotors
Wheels	Giant TRA Hookless Tubeless ready Alloy 29″, 30mm inner width with Giant Boost hubs
Tyres	Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5 WT, EXO, TR Maxxis Dissector 29×2.4 WT, Dual, EXO, TR
Suspension	Giant STL 34 RCL 140mm, Suntour Raidon R shock
Contact Points	Giant Contact Switch AT dropper, Giant Contact Trail 35mm bar, Giant Sole-O grips, Giant Contact SL 40mm stem and Giant Romero saddle
Sizes available	S, M, L, XL
Weight	15.4kg

More trail bikes on test:

Marin Rift Zone 2
Merida One-Forty 400
Trek Fuel Ex 5
Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Marin Rift Zone 2 – $2999

The sender’s trail bike
Tester: Bam

‘Built for fun’ has been Marin’s mantra since their beginning in 1986. Based on the West Coast of the United States, Marin was part of the birth of mountain biking as we know it, and it’s been a relevant player in the industry ever since. It seems only fair that we have the brand featured in this test with the bike that they call the ‘do-it-all’ trail bike – The Marin Rift Zone 2 in 29”. 

The Rift Zone has 130mm of travel out the back and 140mm out front, common numbers in the category and you could argue the perfect numbers for this space. Sold in Australia via the BikesOnline website, Marin has delivered incredible value for money.

Geometry

The medium size tested features a reach of 460mm, seat tube angle of 77-degrees and chain-stays that are incredibly short, 430mm – Marin does indeed build bikes for fun!

The headtube angle sits at a standard 65.5, which makes the bike easy to manage when the terrain is not super steep. Due to the taller head tube of 115mm and considerable rise on the stock bars, you feel very like you are in the bike when riding instead of on top of the bike like some of the other bikes on the test. The tall front end and short chain-stays can, however, lead to some less fun consequences… but more on that later. 

Contact Points

I would have put the Marin Rift Zone 2 in a much higher price point bracket when considering contact points alone. The quality and feel of the grips are phenomenal, and the saddle follows suit. It really helps, particularly for a new rider, to feel comfortable from the second you get on your new bike, and this is yet another reason why the Rift Zone has become such a popular model.

The handlebars are also Marin’s own, at 780mm wide with a 28mm rise, connected to a super short and skinny 35mm stem that has plenty of room to be moved up or down as the steerer tube has been left fairly long on this size medium.

For the dropper post, the X-Fusion Manic is specced in different lengths depending on frame size and with the Medium, we’re offered a 170mm drop, which is the minimum expectation these days, so a good move from Marin. The only eyebrow raise I’d give to this arrangement is the plastic dropper lever that is only one rogue knee away from replacement. 

Fully tubeless ready, the bike features some good soft compound tyres, the Vee Snap 2.35”, which provide plenty of support and roll with enough speed. 

The Gear

Of course, at this price point, compromises were made. Marin made smart choices by coupling entry-level consumables with mid-level components where it matters. Mazocchi Z2 forks up front with 140mm and Rockshox Deluxe Select RT Shock on the back.

The drivetrain is mostly Shimano, with the reliable Deore 12-speed shifter and derailleur, which works well enough paired with the Sunrace long-range cassette and KMC chain – two parts that would likely be on the list for upgrade once they wear out. 

The brakes are Tektro 4-piston Gemini SL (which the Merida also features) work great on both bikes – with the 180mm rotors for plenty of stop. The wheels are a combination of Marin’s own 29mm internal width rims laced to Shimano TC500 rims. 

Ride Vibes

I didn’t think the expression ‘downhiller’s trail bike’ was completely out of place when I first got my leg over the Marin and took it for a ride. Heading up-hill, the ride position is quite comfortable, both from a geometry perspective and due to a great choice of contact points and running 170mm cranks. 

My weight felt centred on the bike, the bars feel nice and high and although the rear is super short, the steep seat tube prevents you from being over the rear wheel. The suspension isn’t overly active on the ups once I dialled the pressure on the rear shock. However, I did reach for the compression lever on long and steep fire roads.

Once pointing downhill, the Marin Rift Zone 2 was very capable. The tyres offered tonnes of grip, and I felt I could push hard and let loose – way more than I expected! The high front end delivers a lot of confidence when the track gets steep, and the short rear end really promotes an active and playful stance on the bike – manuals are easy to execute, and you’re always looking for the shortest route around the corner so you can square off that berm. The rear suspension feels like it tracks over bumps really well, although it also felt like it struggled to deal with large hits with as much composure as I’d like, likely due to lack of support in the shock. At 130mm travel, though, you can’t expect full enduro performance.

The geometry of the Marin, however, does cause the front wheel to wander mid-corner a bit, a result of the short chain-stays and tall stack. Some adjustments to the height of the bars and some active focus on weighing the front wheel will reduce this.

Our Take

The Marin Rift Zone 2 is a modern trail bike to its core – it embodies everything the market wants to deliver to the consumer looking for a reliable, comfortable and extremely fun bike to ride. The specced parts on the Zone 2 are in line with the price, most of them great choices that add to the experience and make this bike one of the best choices in our group test. Anyone looking for a capable bike to do everything well should put the Marin Rift Zone 2 on their shortlist. 

Marin Rift Zone 2 specs

Specs
Frame	Series 3 6061 Aluminium, 130mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axle
Drivetrain	Shimano Deore, 12-Speed with FSA Comet Cranks 32T chainring and Sunrace 11-51T cassette
Brakes	Tektro HD-M535 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotor
Wheels	Marin, Double Wall Alloy with Shimano Hubs
Tyres	Vee Tire Co. Snap WCE 2.35″, tubeless compatible
Suspension	Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140mm Travel, RockShox Deluxe Select RT
Contact Points	Marin Mini-Riser 780mm handlebar, Marin 3D Forged Alloy 35mm stem, Marin Speed Concept Saddle and Marin Grizzly Lock-on Grips
Sizes available	S, M, L, XL
Weight	15.4kg

More trail bikes on test:

Merida One-Forty 400
Trek Fuel Ex 5
Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Merida One-Forty 400 – $3299

What a trail bike should be 
Tester: Bam DS

If you’ve been around bikes, you’ve most likely heard of Merida. They have nailed some really important bikes in the past, particularly the first generation eOne-Sixty E-bike that very much became the reference in e-MTB for years. On the analogue side, though, the Merida range has never fully impressed me, that is, until the current range was announced. The Merida One-Forty 400 here on test is the cheapest model in their range, and the range extends all the way to 5-digit top-of-the-range carbon models. 

The Merida One-Forty, in both carbon or alloy, features the frame being exactly the same as its big sister, the One Sixty, with only a change in the shock stroke distinguishing both models. This means the One-Forty frame is strong enough to pass category 4 testing for an enduro level of punishment. This does mean the Merida One-Forty 400 is one the heaviest bikes on test. However, this does not translate to the bike being slow.

Geometry

Across all sizes, the seat tube length and stack height on the One-Forty are kept to a minimum to ensure riders can choose a frame based on their reach preference – allowing you to upsize for a stable riding experience or downsize for a more agile platform. 

Some numbers are touching on the extreme with a seat angle of 80 degrees, a welcomed number considering the long reach across all sizes (480 on this Mid size); some others are much more in line with the market with a 65-degree head and chainstays that are 437.5 mm across all sizes – taller riders would have liked to see size specific chain-stays but for the size Mid (let’s just call it Medium) the bike felt well balanced. 

The One Forty is also mullet compatible, with a smart design that allows changing of wheel size without affecting geometry except for the chain-stay length, which will come down to 434mm. 

Overall, the geometry on the One-Forty felt dialled, and the extreme numbers did not transfer to a bad experience on the trail, quite the opposite – the bike rode with a natural stance and felt comfortable both up and down the hill. 

Contact Points

Merida has developed a wide range of components and accessories over the years under their own brand, and the majority of the One-Forty 400’s are in-house products. The 780mm handlebars are specced across the range, although the rise changes from 18mm for the smaller sizes and 35mm for medium and above, paired with a 40mm zero-rise stem.

The saddle is comfortable and supportive, however the grips leave much to be desired in comfort and ergonomics. These are popular on Merida bikes and commonly seen on their urban bikes, but not something I’d expect to see on a trail bike. A good place for a first upgrade!

Speaking of upgrades, most would want to upgrade the stock Kenda Regolith pretty quickly. They feature a wire casing, which makes the One-Forty not tubeless ready – a miss in today’s market, but something’s gotta give to hit a desirable price point, and it makes sense to sacrifice what is essentially a consumable component.

Lastly, the dropper post is functional and features reasonable amounts of drop for all different sizes, ranging from 150mm for the smaller sizes all the way to a whopping 230mm drop for the bigger sizes. As mentioned before, this is possible due to a very low seat tube and a straight tube that allows for impressive amounts of insertion. 

The Gear

You can’t hit competitive price points like the $3299 on the One-Forty without making some compromises. However, the choice of the  Shimano Cues 11-speed drivetrain instead of the more popular 12-speed drivetrains present on most bikes is a smart decision. Cues is designed to be strong, easy to maintain and reliable, which was exactly what we experienced in this test, with the wide range 10-50T cassette offering more than enough range. 

The suspension is handled by Marzocchi with a 150mm Z2 up front and a 143mm Bomber air in the rear. They both work extremely well, even though the shock doesn’t have a compression lever. Some riders might prefer to have the option of firming up the rear suspension; however, I didn’t think about it at any point.  

Brakes are Tektro’s Gemini SL 4 piston system, which bites onto two big 203mm rotors front and back – more than enough braking power for this bike even with its 17kg of mass coming down the hill at speed. Wheels are once again a home system by Merida, with a set of 28mm internal width rims laced to proven Shimano TC500 hubs. 

The frame has a high level of detail and quality not often seen at this price point. From the rubber protector that covers almost the entirety of the downtube, the fully wrapped chain stay, and the added spare tube carrier to the rear mudguard that protects the linkage, and ICSG tabs, this frame package stands out. 

Ride Vibes

The riding vibes on the One-Forty were definitely high! Although it’s far from a light bike, and there’s no way around that, you can comfortably get it to the top of the hill without much fuss, even without a compression switch. The FAST kinematic suspension is incredibly stable and delivers enough anti-squad that the shock is barely moving under load and you can feel yourself being propelled to the top of the hill with ease.

Unlike me (#dadlife), the Merida One-Forty 400 hides its weight very well, making you feel like you’re pedalling a much lighter bike. I’ll put that down to the steep seat tube at 80 degrees, which just puts you in a very strong pedalling position. 

Pointing the Merida downhill was a hoot, not because it was a bike that likes to jib and pop off everything but because it just wants to go fast: any pumping action is rewarded with forward momentum, making you approach the next jump or corner faster than perhaps you were expecting. Good thing Merida specced the bike with 203mm rotors front and back, which were very welcomed several times. 

Due to its long reach and long(ish) chainstays, the wheelbase is long, particularly for a trail bike, but what it might have lost in agility (also due to its weight), it has gained in stability over pretty much anything you can throw at it, mindful of the level of components on this build. If you prefer a more agile bike, the ability to swap over the rear wheel to a 27.5” without many compromises is yet again a great value-add to the platform. 

Our Take

With a solid spec list, a frame that is capable of handling pretty much anything you throw at it and modern geometry, The Merida One-Forty 400 is a really good interpretation of what a trail bike should be – a capable climber with very composed manners and very efficient as well as a fast and forgiving ride back down the hill. What it misses out on agility and playfulness at low speed it makes up for with speed and stability – a compromise that many will be happy with. 

Merida One-Forty 400 specs

Specs
Frame	One-Forty Lite 3, aluminium, 142mm travel, 148x12mm axle standard
Drivetrain	Shimano Cues 11spd with 32T on Merida Expert TR2 crank and 11-50T Cassette
Brakes	Tektro Gemini 535, 4 piston with 203mm rotors
Wheels	Merida Comp TR 2 with Shimano hubs
Tyres	Maxxis Minion 29×2.5” and Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.4”
Suspension	Marzocchi Z2 150mm fork with Marzocchi Bomber inline shock
Contact Points	Merida Expert TR 2: Handlebar 780mm 30mm rise, 40mm stem. Merida Comp SL Saddle
Seatpost	Merida Expert TR 2, 170 mm travel, 34.9mm
Sizes available	XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight	17kg

More trail bikes on test:

Trek Fuel Ex 5
Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Trek Fuel Ex 5 – $3499.99

For business and party time, two bikes in one
Tester: Max

The 6th generation Trek Fuel Ex 5 is a bike that I was itching to ride as soon as Anna told me about the trail bike group test. In a nutshell, the Trek Fuel Ex 5 is a 29” trail bike that you can enjoy riding all day while also descending with confidence on intimidating trails.

The Trek Fuel Ex 5 is a do-it-all trail bike but weighing in at 15.8kg, it certainly isn’t light. Despite this, the bike still manages to ride really comfortably on longer 3+ hour rides and getting up the climbs wasn’t impossible thanks to the wide-ranging Deore 12-speed drivetrain. When you turn the bike downhill, it really shines. I found the Fuel Ex 5 confidence-inspiring on fast flowy trails: it’s planted, stoic, and handles technical sections with ease.

Geometry

The geometry of the Trek Fuel Ex 5 varies depending on the setting: you can purchase an angled headset cup to steepen or slacken. Here, we discuss a neutral headset setting, with the MinoLink flip chip allowing a slightly steeper headtube angle and higher bottom bracket for more efficient climbing and pedal clearance, or alternatively, a lower bottom bracket and slacker headtube angle for more descending prowess. 

We primarily tested this in the higher, steeper position, which made for a 65.1-degree head tube angle, with a 612mm stack and 456mm reach. Paired with a seat tube angle of 78.8-degrees, the Fuel Ex was much better at climbing than it looked on paper. For those riding in a variety of locations, the inclusion of the MinoLink can bring the headtube angle to 64.5-degrees, for extra stability in big, chundery terrain, essentially giving you two ride experiences in one package.

Contact points

Trek fitted the Fuel Ex 5 with 750 mm Bontrager alloy handlebars, paired with a 50 mm Bontrager comp stem that gave me great control over the bike. More gravity focussed riders may prefer a wider bar on set-up, something to discuss with your Trek dealer. A 150mm TranzX dropper (on medium bikes) felt adequate for this trail bike, but we would prefer a longer post to be specced for larger sizes: large and extra large spec a 170mm post and we would love this to be extended to 200mm.

The Trek Fuel Ex 5 is rolling with a pair of Bontrager Gunnison Elite XR 2.4” tyres: a familiar territory for a cross-country rider like myself. However, enduro and trail riders may prefer to use more aggressive rubber. 

The gear

The bike feels slightly under-specced with the supplied Shimano MT201 brakes. These are dual 180mm resin-only rotors that don’t give you a whole lot of braking power. I got away with it as I am 64kg, but this may be more of an issue for riders who are heavier than I am, or that charge a little harder. 

The Shimano Deore 30T front chainring and 10-51T cassette allow you to climb any steep singletrack and fire roads that you will find on any given trail network.

The suspension choice is very suitable for Australian trail riding. It’s not too much travel that you feel like you’re floating across the trail, but it does give you enough travel that you’re able to hit technical features without bucking around on the bike.

Ride vibes

This bike is very confident on the trail, stable when riding fast-flowing single track, confident when in the air, and really nice to lean into tight berms. During my time riding the Fuel Ex 5, I felt neither under- nor over-biked on a variety of different trails, which is an important factor in my purchasing decisions.

Riding uphill on the Fuel Ex 5 wasn’t a struggle either; it climbed up singletrack and fire roads with ease. You can feel the 15.8 kilos while climbing, but I wouldn’t say it takes away from the riding experience. The lockout on the fork and shock really assist with climbing efficiency.

Shimano Deore is a good choice for trail bike groupsets, it’s hardy, rarely misses a beat and represents great value on a bike of this price.

When descending steep singletrack, I noticed the bike to be under-braked for its overall capability. I didn’t feel out of control at all, but it definitely would have been nice to have some more braking power if I had needed it, which would match up with the bike’s overall vibe as a big-hitting trail rig.

Our take

Riding the Trek Fuel Ex 5 Gen 6 made me want to buy one. For me, a mountain bike should make you want to ride for hours on end while maintaining the ability to descend technical trails without fearing for your life. This bike did just that and ranks highly in my books. If I were to purchase this bike for more aggressive riding, I would be looking to upgrade the brakes pretty quickly to Shimano SLX or XT and maybe even look at upgrading the tyres to something a little wider.

Trek Fuel Ex 5

Specs
Frame	Alpha platinum Aluminium, 34.9 mm seat tube, ISCG 05, 55 mm chain line, BSA 73, downtube guard, shuttle guard, ABP, UDH, Boost148, 150 mm
Drivetrain	Shimano Deore 12sp, 30T Crank, 10-51T Cassette
Brakes	Shimano hydraulic disc, MT201 lever, MT200 calliper, RT56 6 bolt 180 mm rotors
Wheels	Bontrager Line TLR 30, Tubeless-Ready, Boost110 front and Boost148 rear
Tyres	Bontrager Gunnison Elite XR 29×2.4”
Suspension	Rockshox Recon Silver 150 mm (140 mm for S/XS)X-Fusion Pro 2
Contact Points	Bontrager alloy handlebars, 15 mm rise, 750 mm wide, Bontrager comp alloy 50mm stem and Bontrager Arvada saddle.
Seatpost	TranzX 100 mm (XS/S), 150 mm (M-ML), 170 mm (L-XL)
Sizes available	XS, S, M, ML, L, XL
Weight	15.8kg

More trail bikes on test:

Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Polygon Siskiu T8 – $3599

Super value all-rounder
Tester: Max

Polygon has quickly become a popular brand in Australia with the help of BikesOnline’s direct-to-consumer model. The Polygon Siskiu is a staple mid-travel trail bike in the Polygon lineup. It’s a great fit for riders who want a versatile bike that can tackle gnarly terrain with confidence and yet still be comfortable to ride over long distances.

The Polygon Siskiu T8 features a 140 mm (27.5”) or 150 mm (29”) Fox Rhythm fork with a Fox Float DPS rear shock. The Siskiu is a great all-rounder trail bike that rides comfortably on easier trails but maintains composure when the trails get technical.

Geometry

We have reviewed the Siskiu T6, T7 and T9 and always found the geometry to strike the balance between playful and planted. The Seat tube angle of 76.5-degrees is slacker than many, but in our size medium didn’t affect climbing performance. 

The reach of 460mm combined with a stack of 607mm could indicate that it is a super long and low bike, but with the short stem and wide bars, you certainly feel more ‘in’ the bike than, for example, the Giant Stance or Superior. Combined with the snappy 425mm chainstay length, the Polygon represents a bike that perfectly toes the line of downhill stability and playful sender.

Contact Points

The cockpit set up on the Siskiu T8 was well suited to the bike; the 780 mm bars initially felt too wide for me but (cross country for life!) the more I rode the bike, the more comfortable and confident I got with the wider handlebars. 

This is paired with an Entity Xpert 35 mm stem, which feels just right. The Siskiu comes with a Tranz-X dropper seat post 150mm for the S-M, 170mm for the L-XL and an Entity Xtent Saddle. Polygon includes a pair of Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres which is a nice touch on this bike.

The Gear

The Siskiu T8 features Tektro HD-M745 4-piston brakes with 180 mm rotors, a Shimano SLX drivetrain with a 32T front chainring and an 11-51T cassette. Shimano SLX is the perfect fit for this bike, as it rarely skips a beat. The range of gears is more than enough for most steep climbs although the bike felt a little underbraked when the trails got steep. The Polygon, to my surprise, came set up tubeless straight out of the box. Win!

The Fox 34 Rhythm and Fox Float DPS suspension is very suitable for a mid-range travel bike and will allow the rider to throw this bike at almost anything with confidence. Something that I took a great liking to on the T8 was how planted the bike was.

Ride Vibes

The ride on the Polygon Siskiu T8 was a lot of fun. Keep in mind I am more of a short travel/ cyclocross fiend so jumping on the Siskiu T8 for me was quite different to what I am used to. It rode incredibly well and far exceeded my expectations for what a bike of this price point could deliver on the trail. It was fun and felt just right whether climbing a fire road, descending a steep techy trail or riding along green-rated singletrack. The slacker headtube angle really makes the Siskiu T8 a confident bike to bomb down steep rough trails on.

As I got more confident on the Siskiu T8, I found myself leaning harder into corners, braking less down steep chutes and giving more trust to the bike to take me where I needed to go.

The hardy Shimano SLX drivetrain was pretty flawless on the trail and felt like a suitable option for this bike. And compared to many bikes on the test, the componentry really exceeded expectations for a bike of this price, where else can you get a Fox 34 on the front of a sub $4000 trail bike?

Our Take

For someone who wants a serious mid range travel bike that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, you can’t beat the Polygon Siskiu T8. From beginner to more advanced trails, there’s nothing a skilled rider can’t tackle with this bike. The bike is sturdy and delivers great performance in rough terrain while also being an efficient enough climber when you earn your turns. The Siskiu T8 is a serious contender in our trail bike group test and one you should check out.

Polygon Siskiu T8 specs

Specs
Frame	Polygon Siskiu ALX Trail 6061 Aluminium Frame, 140/135mm Travel (27.5″/29″)
Drivetrain	Shimano SLX 12spd with 32T Crank and SunRace 11-51T Cassette
Brakes	Tektro HD-M745 4-pistons, Shimano SM-RT54 180 mm center-lock rotors
Wheels	Entity XL2 Disc 35-584 (27.5”) / 35-622 (29”), 35mm Inner, Tubeless Ready, with Novatec hubs
Tyres	Schwalbe Hans Dampf 29”x2.60″
Suspension	Fox 34 Rhythm, Grip Damper 150/140mm Travel (27.5″/29″) and Fox Float DPS, 3-Position Lever
Contact Points	Entity Xpert, Alloy, 780mm handlebar, Polygon Grips, Entity Saddle and Entity Xpert, Alloy, 35mm length
Seatpost	Tranz-X 150 mm (s-m) – 170 mm (L-XL) travel
Sizes available	S, M, L, XL
Weight	15.3kg

More trail bikes on test:

Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

Superior XF 939 TR – $3899

Cross Country DNA in a Trail package
Tester: Bam

Superior is a 30-year-old European brand that you may not have heard of. Recently, BikesOnline started importing them from Czechia, and Superior offers some impressive value for money for the Aussie consumer. Superior prides itself on its in-house R&D and minimalist design, and the XF here on test is a clear example of their ethos. 

The Superior XF 939 TR is the trail version of their XF platform (if the name didn’t give that away!) and it certainly stood out when lined up against the other bikes in this test, but not for the reasons you’d expect. 

Read through the geometry charts on all the other bikes in this piece, and you’ll see a lot of numbers that are similar: head tube angle within a degree, similar reach numbers, seat tube angles, etc. Although they all ride differently, there’s a certain flavour they all have in mind. 

The Superior, while less progressive with its geometry, has the best quality components and was the lightest bike of the test. This combination results in a bike that should appeal to a rider wanting a full suspension bike with a cross-country feel, yet boasting enough travel to be capable of embarking on adventures on any kind of terrain. 

Geometry

The XF 939’s geometry chart shares a lot of common numbers usually seen on a cross-country bike, which has really brought out the agile and playful nature of the bike. With a short reach of 429mm, 66-degree head tube angle and short chain stays, the XF 939 is compact and ready to attack on rolling terrain. The seat angle of 74 degrees complements the short reach by allowing you enough space to move on the bike while climbing seated. However, it does put your weight more towards the rear, something to consider if you have longer legs.  

Contact Points

The Superior features a Fizi:k Terra Aidon X5 saddle, which is hands down one of the most comfortable saddles my backside has had the privilege to experience, and dependable Nobby Nic tyres from German powerhouse Schwalbe. The cockpit is all left to Superior’s sister component brand ONE, with 12mm rise handlebars in 760mm width, which again suits the bike well, ONE alloy 35mm stem (50mm in length) and ONE lock-on grips, which are on the thin side so if you prefer a nice padded set of grips, that would be a good point to start your upgrades. 

The only letdown is the dropper post, not due to its function but the 125mm drop is a bit too short for any bike larger than XS. 

The Gear

As mentioned before, the XF 939 TR from superior packs well above its price point when it comes to components, with a complete Shimano drivetrain with SLX shifter, cranks (175mm length), Deore 10-51T cassette and the ever-reliable XT 12s rear derailleur which makes it a bomb-proof and very desirable drivetrain. The brakes are also Shimano M6120 4-piston brakes and 180mm rotors.

The Rockshox Revelation fork delivers plenty of support and adjustability for a bike of this nature, and the RockShox Monarch RT shock works well to complement the fork and has a compression lever if you want to firm things up while climbing or on smoother sections of trail. 

Last but not least, the DT Swiss M1900 wheelset ensures the XF has a fantastic set of hoops that are known for quality and reliability and with a modern 30mm inner width to boot. 

Ride Vibes

The XF 939 TR feels right at home on tracks that ask for speed and efficiency which it delivers in ample amounts due to its low weight and good quality tyres and wheels. Its agile and quick nature are rewarding both when climbing but also on tighter and slower descents.

However, it will ask more of you as a rider when the terrain is technically challenging, mostly due to its geometry, where the short wheelbase can catch you out when you’re not expecting it. 

Our Take

With an XC racing DNA and an impressive spec sheet, the Superior XF 939 TR is a different interpretation of the current trail bike but one that will suit many riders wanting to upgrade from their hardtail or perhaps looking for a long-legged XC bike to suit bigger adventures.

Superior XF 939 TR specs

Specs
Frame	SU-02, Alu X6 Ultralite MTB Trail 130 mm, Tapered, Boost 12×148 mm
Drivetrain	Shimano Deore/SLX/XT 12sp, 34T Crank, 10-51T Cassette
Brakes	Shimano M6120, 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc Brake, SM-RT54 180mm Rotor
Wheels	DT Swiss M 1900, 30mm Inner Width, DTSwiss 370 Hub
Tyres	Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Performance, 29×2.40″
Suspension	RockShox Revelation RC 140mm travel andRockShox Monarch RT shock
Contact Points	ONE Alloy 760mm bars, ONE alloy 50mm stem, ONE sport lock on grips and Fizi:k Terra Aidon X5
Seatpost	ONE Sport Dropper Post, Alloy, 30.9mm (S/M: 125mm Drop | L/XL: 150mm )
Sizes available	S, M, L, XL
Weight	13.6kg

More trail bikes on test:

Commencal Tempo

Commencal Tempo – $4600

N+1 for a sporty ride
Tester: Anna

Nestled in the hills of Andorra, Commencal is a brand that features heavily in the Australian and World Cup Downhill scene. At $4600, the Commencal Tempo Ride in Dark Slate is the equal most expensive on test, but will that deliver on the trail? 

The Tempo is a 29” bike that marries up a 140mm Pike with a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock in a shorter 125mm travel package. As a result, it has a distinctly dirt-jumper-esque silhouette, with the top tube hanging extra low. With a dual-link suspension layout, the Tempo deviates from Commencal’s long history of linkage-driven single pivot trail bike builds, and Commencal state the Tempo is ‘perfect for lapping climbs, it is dynamic on hilly single track and brings confidence on descents’ . With a small test bike the only available, I opted to guinea pig the Tempo as I often find myself between sizes at 168cm tall.

Geometry

The geometry of the Tempo is pretty unremarkable in a good way: the 76.6-degree seat tube angle positions the rider in a reasonably centred position, but the 65.5-degree head tube angle allows the bike to eat up a little more chunder and allows a stable platform when descending.

The Tempo was one of the bikes on test that features variable chainstay lengths. Small and medium bikes are at 435mm, and large and extra-large bikes are at 440mm. The variable chainstay makes for a variable wheelbase with 1190 in size small and 1211.5 in medium

The small frame features a reach of 430, but looking at the medium to best correlate to others on test is 450mm: pretty on par with bikes like the Merida One-Forty, but with a bit more reach than the Superior. Similarly, the stack height in the small bike is 624mm, but 628.5mm on the medium, sitting around 20mm taller than most other bikes on the test.

Contact Points

I enjoyed the size specific handlebars on the Tempo, with 760mm on size small, 780mm on medium and large and 800 extra large. While it’s true that you can always cut a bar down but can’t make it longer, it has become commonplace to spec enormous handlebars across the size spectrum which really doesn’t make sense if you’re a 150cm rider, for instance. The 760mm was a nice length, one that I would choose for a trail or enduro bike.

This is married up with a Ride Alpha 40mm stem, Ride Alpha DH grips and the crowd favourite SDG Bel Air saddle in 140mm. The Tempo features the KS Ragei Seatpost, at 150mm, 170mm and 190mm in small, medium and large/extra large. Rubber-wise, the Tempo runs Maxxis, a DHR2 up front and a Dissector on the rear. 

The integrated routing is a source of ire, headset routing is a scourge to work on, and the Tempo features some of the strangest routings I have seen: straight in through a central post under the stem, the cabling then has to make a few turns before it hits its destination.

The Gear

Rolling with TRP Trail EVO 4-piston brakes on 203/180mm rotors, SRAM NX and SX drivetrain, with a 32T chainring and 11-50t cassette, the Tempo represents a modest drivetrain build for the price. Gear range is adequate for all but the steepest of climbs and brakes have enough bite for sketchy pull-ups. The Spank Spike race 33mm rims are tubeless ready, and we regret not setting them up tubeless out of the box as we had a few early flats!

Though the drivetrain is modest, the suspension makes up for it, with a Pike’s compression adjustment and the Deluxe Select+ with a two-position platform, which means that you can firm it up for more efficient climbing.

Ride Vibes

The ride vibes on the Tempo were great, this bike is perhaps the most primed for the type of riding I enjoy: playful, poppy and agile. The shorter rear travel, size-specific chainstays and suspension kinematics all add to this. When firmed up, the bike climbed well for its 15kg, but opening it up on the descent and the Tempo really asked you to pick creative lines, sprint for the gap and really pop and play on the trail.

I found myself wanting to just chill and cruise on my ride, but then I found myself just pushing myself into the corner a bit faster or riding into the tech a bit harder simply because it was fun. 

With our time on the trail, I had no issues with the drivetrain, though when changing a flat, you do notice the less-sturdy feel of the SRAM SX derailleur. The dropper post was the source of a pretty substantial headache. Eventually, we had it nailed, but it had a slow return and performed poorly compared to the rest of the package. This is perhaps in part due to the angles caused by the headset routing.

Our Take

For the playful pedaller, you can’t go past the Commencal Tempo. Yes, it’s at the higher end of the price range, but you’re getting a super frame and suspension, solid wheels and well-shod rubber. If I had this bike (and to be honest, I was looking keenly at the Tempo website after I had been out on this…because N+1 is real), I would ride the pants of the dropper and then replace it…and pay someone else to manage the awkward internal cable routing.

The Tempo is agile while remaining predictable, the baby bear’s porridge of trail bikes.

Commencal Tempo specs

Specs
Frame	T.E.M.P.O., 125 mm travel29”, Alloy 6069, triple butted tubes
Drivetrain	SRAM NX/SX 12sp, 32T Crank, 10-50T Cassette
Brakes	TRP Trail Evo, 4 pistons, TRP R1 203 / 180 mm rotors
Wheels	SPANK Spike Race 33 29” with Formula Hubs
Tyres	Front: MAXXIS Dissector 29×2.4” Rear:  MAXXIS DHR II 29×2.4”EXO, Tubeless Ready
Suspension	ROCKSHOX Pike, 140 mm travel andROCKSHOX Deluxe Select+210 x 50 mm
Contact Points	ONE Alloy, 12mm rise, handlebar (width?), ONE Sport lock-on grips, ONE Alloy 35mm stem and Fizi:k Terra Aidon X5 saddle.
Seatpost	ONE Sport Dropper Post, Alloy, 30.9mm (length?)
Sizes available	S, M, L, XL
Weight	15.1

Roundup

Trail bikes on test:

Giant Stance 29
Marin Rift Zone 2
Merida One-Forty 400
Trek Fuel Ex 5
Polygon Siskiu T8
Superior XF 939 TR
Commencal Tempo

So what bike won our hearts? What would we pick as the one bike to rule them all? Well…it’s not quite that simple. If you’re looking for a budget trail bike, it’s likely you’re looking at the $3000-$3500 or the $3500-4000+ price ranges, and that splits our test bikes into two groups. The Giant Stance, Marin Rift Zone 2 and Merida One-Forty 400 all fit into the less expensive camps, and are all distinctly different beasts.

If your goal is feeling efficient on less hectic trails, the Giant Stance is a great low-budget option. The Flexpoint suspension system effectively puts you in a naturally higher position than many of the other bikes on the test, and this results in efficiency on the climbs, but the Stance is perhaps not as surefooted when things get a bit rougher.

For someone perhaps with a little more interest in the gnarly side of things, dipping a toe into the sport with the Marin Rift Zone 2 could serve you well. The bike features solid trail geometry and spec that’s built for fun and capability on the trail both up and downhill. While it isn’t the best climber, the compression on the shock really assists your climbing when things get steep. 

If you are someone who is looking to ride down big steep hills and unforgiving descents, the slacker, bigger travel of the Merida One-Forty 400 could be the pick for you. Though it’s the weightiest on the test, the steep seat tube angle helps when you’re earning your turns.

The Trek Fuel Ex 5, Polygon Siskiu T8, Superior XF 939 TR and Commencal Tempo are the four bikes in the higher price bracket. It’s at this point that brands that have historically been positioned as more ‘premium’ enter the chat, in particular Trek and Commencal, whose additions to the group test represent their base models in the range.

The Trek Fuel Ex 5 is a versatile all-rounder trail bike, and the inclusion of the Mino Link allows for two distinct ride feels on the trail. While we would have preferred the Fuel Ex 5 to sport a brake with a bit more bike to meet the bike’s capability, it was a well-balanced and enjoyable do-it-all trail bike overall, with a unique aesthetic to boot.

We have tested different iterations of the Polygon Siskiu extensively, and as usual, the Siskiu T8 did not disappoint. The drivetrain and suspension are exceptional for a bike of this price, definitely increasing ride quality, while the bike performs well both climbing and descending: another strong contender in the all-rounder category.

The Superior XF 939 TR was a little more unique, the lightest trail bike on test. It felt feathery climbing, especially coming from some of the heavier bikes on test. However, it lacked that surefootedness when things got quite hectic: if you’re after a starter for enduro perhaps this isn’t the bike for you. For someone looking at a bike that can tackle technical cross-country and less gnarly trail in a package that is light enough to ride all day, you may meet your match with the Superior.

Finally, the Commencal Tempo. Unrequited love for the test crew, that would be our N+1 aside from the cable routing and some dropper issues. It’s not a full on send-sled, but a fun and rewarding trail bike for the pilot that likes to play on the trails.

It’s difficult to pick an overall winner of the group test…so we won’t. As three riders with unique riding backgrounds, our riding experience and our preferences differ greatly. What we can agree on is that what you can get for under $4600 is insane. It’s hard to find a bike produced by a reputable brand that’s bad to ride, and what a cool thing that is!

If you’re not sure what to pick, we will always recommend trying a bike before purchasing. If you can’t, just have a think about what trails you are likely to ride and what sort of riding best piques your interest and go from there. We can guarantee that if you’re in the market for a new trail bike, one of the seven bikes on test will suit your needs.