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Whyte, YT, Canyon and Rockrider are our 2024 Mountain Bike of the Year winners
Bike of the Year is back for 2024 and its time to announce our winners!Whether youre after a trail bike, eMTB, enduro rig or hardtail, weve tested 30 leading mountain bikes across four categories, so you can find the best one for you.Bike of the Year is our annual mega-test, with 24 road, gravel and urban ebikes also tested in addition to 30 mountain bikes.Weve got the most experienced test team in the business and, after three months of putting these bikes through the wringer, were ready to crown our champions.Introducing our 2024 winnersTrail Bike of the Year Whyte T160 RSEnduro Bike of the Year YT Capra Core 4 29Full-Power and Overall eMTB of the Year Canyon Strive:ON CFRLightweight eMTB of the Year Whyte ELyte 150 WorksBudget MTB of the Year Rockrider AM 100While were focussing on mountain bikes here, our Bike of the Year test also covers road, gravel and urban electric bikes, with 24 contenders across five categories.Weve announced our 2024 Road Bike of the Year winners and we'll be publishing full reviews of every bike tested over the next month or so. Head to our 2024 Bike of the Year hub to find everything you need.Now, on to the 2024 MTB Bike of the Year test...What we testedWe tested 30 mountain bikes across trail, enduro, electric and budget categories. - Our MediaWeve once again focussed our test on trail, enduro, electric and budget mountain bikes but with a little twist.We introduced an eMTB category to Bike of the Year in 2022 but this years electrified test, headed up by Alex Evans, is split between full-power and lightweight ebikes to represent the ever-growing and diversifying segment.(Left-right) Rob Weaver, Alex Evans and Tom Marvin took charge of the enduro, eMTB and trail categories respectively. - Andy Lloyd / Our MediaOver the past year, weve seen several high-profile lightweight eMTB launches, with these SL ebikes designed to combine progressive motor assistance with a responsive ride feel.As a result, we felt it important to provide a clear distinction between lightweight eMTBs and their full-power cousins, with four bikes tested from each sub-category and two winners, though we have also selected an overall eMTB of the Year champion.Otherwise, our long-standing trail and enduro categories are back, with eight bikes each for Tom Marvin (trail) and Rob Weaver (enduro) to once again deliver their respective verdicts.Sarah Bedford headed up our Budget MTB of the Year category. - Ian Linton / Our MediaWeve kept a tight price range on each category but have also kept a close eye on value by once again including a budget category in this years Bike of the Year test.Having led last years test, Sarah Bedford takes charge of this one, with six hardtails all under 1,500.Thats the basics covered, now lets take a closer look at the top-performing bikes and contenders across each category.Trail Bike of the Year Whyte T160 RSThe Whyte T160 RS is our Trail Bike of the Year for 2024. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaWhyte T160 RSCanyon Spectral CF7Marin Rift Zone 29 XRThe trail bikes for our 2024 test cost between 3,000 and 4,199 and are best described as burly, with fork travel topping out at 160mm and 130-150mm of bounce at the rear.These bikes are designed for all-day adventures, so they need to feel pacey and efficient on the climbs, maximising the effort you put in. But they also need to descend with control and comfort, and provide a fun, playful ride feel.Our top three trail bike contenders. - Kai Eves / Our MediaMeet the tester | Tom MarvinTom set out to find the definitive trail bike for 2024. - Our MediaTom Marvin is one of BikeRadars senior technical editors and, as a rider whos as keen on Lycra-clad laps as he is rooty off-piste excursions, hes our chief tester for the trail bike category.Toms initial long list included twenty bikes, with eight models making it into the final test.The contenders were tested on a variety of terrain across the UK, in search of a machine that truly encapsulated the do-anything qualities of a modern trail bike.Tom Marvins verdictThe Whyte T-160 impressed Tom from the first pedal stroke. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaThe Whyte T-160 impressed from the off, thanks to geometry that suits the modern trail rider.The sophisticated suspension at both ends works together with the frames linkage to deliver suspension that performs in nearly every scenario. The spec list was impressive when I requested the bike, and even more so a couple of months later when Whyte dropped the price.At this price, youre not going to find a better trail bike in 2024.Read Toms full review of the Whyte T-160Trail Bike of the Year contendersWell be bringing you full reviews of all eight Trail Bike of the Year contenders over the next month. Heres the full shortlist.Cannondale Habit LT2Canyon Spectral CF7GT Sensor Carbon ProMarin Rift Zone 29 XRScott Genius 940Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6Whyte T160 RSYT Jeffsy Core 3Enduro Bike of the Year YT Capra Core 4 29The YT Capra Core 4 29 is our Enduro Bike of the Year for 2024. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaYT Capra Core 4 29Marin Alpine Trail XR AXSTrek Slash 8 Gen 6When it comes to the enduro category, pricing ranges from 4,250 all the way up to 6,205. Its a bigger price range than wed like and is largely down to one brand sending the wrong bike. With our deadline for bike arrivals looming, we decided to include it anyway.As ever, the focus here is on the descents. Sure, an enduro bike needs to get you to the top of the hill, but downhill stability, composure, control and speed-carrying efficiency will always be the priority.(Left-right) The Trek Slash, YT Capra and Marin Alpine Trail XR duked it out for top spot. - Kai Eves / Our MediaMeet the tester | Rob WeaverBikeRadar's technical editor-in-chief, Rob Weaver, has been testing bikes for more than 15 years. - Our MediaBikeRadars technical editor-in-chief, Rob Weaver, returned once again to head up our enduro category. Hard-riding Rob has years of experience racing at a high level, and testing bikes for more than 15 years, so he knows what makes a good enduro rig.Over three months, all the bikes in this category were ridden back-to-back to eke out every last difference between them. Rob also rode them in different orders throughout the test period to assess which did or didnt feel comfy when he was exhausted on the final run of the day.The trails in question varied from steep, natural downhill tracks and forest singletrack, through to the high speeds and hefty impacts of BikePark Wales.Rob Weavers verdictGet stuck into the chunky stuff, and the YT Capra Core 4 just laps it up. - Andy Lloyd / Our MediaWhen push came to shove, the YT Capra Core 4 had the edge over the other seven bikes in this test, quietly disposing of track after track with a calmness and pace that few could rival, no matter the type of terrain.Even if youre not riding the wildest trails going, the Capra provides enough support and agility to ensure the fun factor doesnt ever fizzle out.While this was a top-three Bike of the Year contender last year, the spec changes for 2024 have helped the Capra Core 4 clinch the top honours this time round.Our review of the YT Capra Core 4 will be published on Saturday 11 MayEnduro Bike of the Year contendersWell be bringing you full reviews of all eight Enduro Bike of the Year contenders over the next month. Heres the full shortlist.Cube Stereo ONE77 C:68 TM 29Ibis HD6 XTKona Process X CRMarin Alpine Trail XR AXSSanta Cruz Megatower C RTransition Spire Alloy NXTrek Slash 8 Gen 6YT Capra Core 4 29eMTB of the Year Canyon Strive:On CFRThe Canyon Strive:On CFR is our eMTB of the Year for 2024. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaWith SL ebikes arriving thick and fast, this year weve split our eMTB test into two sub-categories full-power and lightweight, with four bikes in each sub-category.Weve selected a winner for sub-category, as well as an overall eMTB of the Year in the case of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR.Pricing for both eMTB categories starts at 6,699 and peaks at 10,000.The full-power electric mountain bikes have at least 80Nm of maximum torque and boast larger batteries with a capacity of 600Wh or more. The lightweight electric mountain bikes tip the scales at 20kg or less, offer 50-60Nm of max torque and up to 430Wh of battery capacity.Were now in a fantastic place when it comes to the development of eMTBs, with all eight bikes tested here offering decent geometry that really helps bolster their handling.Meet the tester | Alex EvansAlex Evans is our go-to eMTB tester. - Our MediaSenior technical editor, Alex Evans, has established himself as one of the worlds leading testers of electric mountain bikes and is our go-to rider for all things eMTB.Alex tested all eight eMTBs on his home trails in Scotlands Tweed Valley, home to some of the UKs best trail centres, enduro tracks and downhill race runs, and host to plenty of international competition.The trails are world class and impressively varied helping him push the bikes to their limits. Back-to-back laps of the same well-known test loops helped shine a light on the highs and lows of each model.Full-Power eMTB of the YearAlex put the Canyon Strive:ON CFR and Propain Ekano 2 CF Ultimate head-to-head to find the full-power eMTB winner. - Our MediaCanyon Strive:ON CFR (Overall eMTB of the Year)Propain Ekano 2 CF UltimateAlex Evans verdictThe Strive:ON is "an electric enduro race bike through-and-through". - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaThe Canyon Strive:ON is confident, capable and fun to ride, both uphill and down, especially if youre tackling the hardest, fastest, gnarliest terrain around. It does exactly what it sets out to do; its an electric enduro race bike through-and-through.The motor, frame, suspension, and almost the entire spec list, are faultless and impeccable value for the 6,500 asking price. Its not infallible though; a drivetrain and grips upgrade when funds permit would be at the top of my list.Offering a no-compromises package, the Strive:ON's light weight is combined with a powerful motor and long-range battery; a mixture usually only way more expensive bikes boast.Our review of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR will be published on Sunday 12 MayFull-Power eMTB of the Year contendersWell be bringing you full reviews of all four Full-Power eMTB of the Year contenders over the next month. Heres the full shortlist.Canyon Strive:ON CFRPropain Ekano 2 CF UltimateYeti 160E C1 FactoryYT Decoy MX Core 5Lightweight eMTB of the YearThe Whyte ELyte 150 Works takes our new prize as our 2024 Lightweight eMTB of the Year. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaWhyte ELyte 150 WorksSanta Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS XAlex Evans verdictThe Whyte ELyte 150 Works is a true class leader. - Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our MediaImpressive on the descents, the Whyte ELytes handling is calm and composed, offering a mature feel that extends its capabilities beyond those short travel suspension figures.Best ridden quickly and hard, its both dynamic and stable, feeling comfortable on a wide gamut of terrain types.Currently, there are few lightweight ebikes out there that can top the ELyte.Our review of the Whyte Elyte 150 Works will be published on Thursday 16 MayLightweight eMTB of the Year contendersAlex whittled his shortlist down to the final two bikes: the Whyte ELyte 150 Words (left) and Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS X (right). - Kai Eves / Our MediaWell be bringing you full reviews of all four Lightweight eMTB of the Year contenders over the next month. Heres the full shortlist.Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS XSpecialized Turbo Kenevo SL 2 ExpertWhyte ELyte 150 WorksBudget MTB of the Year Rockrider AM 100The Rockrider AM 100 is our Budget MTB of the Year for 2024. - Ian Linton / Our MediaRockrider AM 100Whyte 529Giant Fathom 29 2This year, our budget category spans the 1,000-1,500 price bracket. Thats a marked increase compared to our 2023 test, which brings with it a jump in component specification, geometry and the overall capability of each of the hardtails included.There's still plenty of value to be found out there. - Ian Linton / Our MediaFor this kind of outlay, you can expect a dropper post, a more tunable fork, a slicker drivetrain and better tyres, all of which add up to an even better experience in the woods.Meet the tester | Sarah BedfordSarah took to the trails of the Glentress Forest. - Ian Linton / Our MediaHaving led our inaugural budget test in 2023, Sarah Bedford, based in Scotlands Tweed Valley, is back for the 2024 test.Our selection of six hardtail mountain bikes caters to first-time mountain bike buyers, with Sarah paying particular attention to how each bike provided confidence for challenging terrain and skill expansion. Value for money is key, too, as well as the potential for future upgrades and not forgetting the all-important fun factor.To test these budget bikes, Sarah took to the trails in the Glentress Forest, finding the limits of each bike with a mix of trail centre, off-piste and bike park riding.Sarah Bedfords verdictThe Rockrider AM 100 offers plenty of bang for your buck. - Ian Linton / Our MediaThe Rockrider AM 100 is a standout hardtail that offers impressive performance and style at an affordable price.It excelled on the climbs, despite the small wheels, while its nimble handling and trail performance impressed.In the entry-level category, the components may not be as high-end, but the AM 100's serve their purpose effectively. The lightweight frame provides a solid foundation for future upgrades to enhance performance and further reduce its already low weight.Overall, the AM 100 is a smart purchase for those looking for a capable, nimble and playful hardtail without breaking the bank.Our review of the Rockrider AM 100 will be published on Monday 13 MayBudget MTB of the Year contenders(Left-right) Sarah's top contenders: the Giant Fathom 29 2, Rockrider AM 100 and Whyte 529. - Ian Linton / Our MediaWell be bringing you full reviews of all six Budget MTB of the Year contenders over the next month. Heres the full shortlist.Calibre Line T3 27.5Cannondale Habit HT 1Giant Fathom 29 2Merida Big Trail 400Rockrider AM 100Whyte 529Thank you!This test is a huge effort from the BikeRadar and MBUK teams first and foremost, but a big thanks also have to go to the brands that supplied bikes, BikePark Wales for use of their trails for testing, and Forestry England for hosting our main photoshoot at the fantastic Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.Why you can trust BikeRadarBikeRadar has been an authority on bikes and cycling tech since its inception in 2007, delivering the worlds best riding advice.We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes.Our reviews are always editorially independent with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test all products in the real world, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdicts and review ratings.We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice.Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.
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