Bike
MTB
10 boundary and budget breaking mountain bikes
These are some of the top dogs currently on the mountain bike market.
While the lower end of the mountain bike market’s price range is currently producing some superb, capable bikes, at the opposite end of the spectrum technology is continuing to forge ahead, no holds (or budgets) barred.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most jaw-dropping bikes available – or not – at the moment. From grassroots innovation to race-ready perfection, these bikes push the limits of technological progression. The mountain bike industry never seems to stop innovating and trying new technologies (some more practical than others), and it’s the pushing of boundaries at the out-of-this-galaxy price point that eventually trickles down to the bikes we ride day-to-day.
1. Pole Bicycles Machine – The sexy one
Price: £3,035 frameset (incl. shock)
POLE Machine frame in white
© POLE Bicycle Company
Scandinavian brand Pole have been pushing the boundaries of bike geometry for a few years now with their much-loved Evolink bike, but this new Machine really brings the company’s mission statement into effect. The Machine is entirely CNC machined in three sections that are then bonded together with glue – not your average bike build! This super-long 29er is built in Finland.
2. GeoMetron 13 – The aggressive one
Price: £2,450 frameset (incl. shock)
GeoMetron 13
© GeoMetron Bikes
Chris Porter, the founder of GeoMetron bikes and until recently the owner of famous suspension service centre, Mojo, is somewhat of a mad professor when it comes to boundary-pushing geometries. His beliefs and findings from testing all manner of extreme geometries – angles, lengths, widths, wheel sizes etc. – are combined with the expertise of German brand Nicolai in crafting some of the most progressive, and also reliable, bikes on the market. This 29er 130mm-travel beast is made for speed.
3. Resistance Bikes Insolent – The garage innovator
Price: money can’t buy
Inside the Resistance Insolent
© Resistance Bikes
Now here’s a bike so unique it only exists in prototype form. The Insolent from French-Canadian setup Resistance Bikes is a step away from the norm in terms of current bike designs, but it’s this sort of alternative thinking that helps progress our sport. The industry is sure to learn something from its integrated fork stanchion (yes it’s a Fox 40…) rear shock – whether it’ll take off is yet to be seen. A belt-driven gearbox is integrated into the frame too – a nice touch.
4. Norco World Cup DH – The downhill racer
Price: Money can’t buy
A welcome eighth for Sam Blenkinsop
© Bartek Woliński
Norco’s race rig is currently only available if you happen to be one of the Canadian company’s World Cup racers or if you work in their research and development team. It’s sleek looks, idler pulley chain routing, aggressive geometry, linkage-activated suspension system and now race-proven badge of honour make this one of the most desirable downhill bikes on the circuit.
5. Scott Spark RC 900 SL – The cross country racer
Price: £9,499
Nino Schurter - Scott Spark RC
© Bartek Woliński
World Cup XC pinner and Olympic Champion Nino Schurter’s results and style on a bike are perfectly matched to Scott’s stylish 29er full-suspension race bike, the Spark RC (Racing Concept). No detail has been overlooked in making this probably the most wanted cross-country race bike available, and no expense has been spared in making the 900 SL version highly pricey.
6. Devinci Spartan Carbon Di2 – The enduro racer
Price: £9,799
2018 Devinci Spartan Carbon XT Di2
© Divinci
Canadian firm Devinci’s latest Spartan is pitched as the ultimate enduro race bike, and judging by Damien Oton’s Finale Ligure Enduro World Series finals win, it could be just that. The Spartan is carbon to the eyeballs, features long and slack geometry with steep seat angle for climbs, has 27.5” wheels and 165mm of suspension travel and this Di2 version comes with electronic gear shifting, just to help push the price that little closer to the sky.
7. Pivot Cycles Shuttle – The electric king
Price: £8,999
Pivot Shuttle
© Pivot Cycles
E-bikes are fast progressing, and nearly every major mountain bike manufacturer now has an offering, some more thought-through than others. Pivot’s Shuttle is certainly a bike that has been painstakingly crafted though: its nippy ride and great looks make it one of the most sought-after e-bikes out there. The price tag is… ummmm… electrifying.
8. Santa Cruz Nomad CC – New school freerider
Price: From £3,199 frameset (incl. shock)
Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon CC
© Santa Cruz Bicycles
Bringing back into fashion the mid-long-travel (170mm) do-it-all bike, Santa Cruz’s most recent Nomad is just that: a bike that’ll take every hit you can throw at it, then pedal back up. Its relaxed head angle for raging downhill is countered by a steep seat angle for climbing, and it appears to have taken heed of the trend for stretched-out dimensions – this one’s nice and long. The technology that goes into crafting such a steed doesn’t come cheap though. The CC version is Santa Cruz’s highest-grade carbon offering, ensuring minimum weight and maximum ride quality.
9. Evil Wreckoning – The long-travel 29er
Smash the downhills on the big wheels
© Evil Bike Co.
Price: £3,199 frameset (incl. shock)
Evil have long had a cult following in core circles, and the Wreckoning has fast become the long-travel (161mm precisely) 29er of choice for many riders who like to tear downhills to shreds. This carbon beast will get you up the hills comfortably, but it is most at home while destroying turns, hitting beastly jumps and racing the Enduro World Series.
10. Everyday Epic Riding – Deviate Cycles The Guide
Price: £5,799 (Alpine version)
The Deviate Guide designed to take on the mountains
© Deviate Cycles
This beauty is fresh out from British brand Deviate – and in fact it’s their first ever bike. You wouldn’t know it though: The Guide is as polished as any major manufacturers’ bikes, and aside from offering small company service, you’ll also get a fairly unique bike with high pivot point, chain idler, 160mm suspension travel and a gearbox incorporated. Designed by professional mountain bike guides who spend their lives riding massive Alpine epics, dependability should never be an issue with this bike made by riders, for riders.
