Best Trail Bike [Review] in 2021
written by Cycle expert Alex Bristol
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When you think of riding a bike on mountain trails or others, then you think of getting a bike that is specifically for this purpose so that it can be safer for you. It can be challenging to choose a bike that has all the great features as there are many options available in the market. You can compare different products to select the best trail bike that you think suits your requirement and has the most amazing features.
We’ve spent the time so you don’t have to:
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Best Trail Bike
Intense 2020 Primer 29 Expert Red, XL
Intense 2020 Primer 29 is for athletes and mountain riders. This bike is of the full-carbon frame, which is made with the use of the latest technology. Each comes with each of the 27.5″ and 29″ wheel-sizes which provide a great rolling experience.
The frame of this bike is a new JS Trail Link system, which offers incredible performance. This bike is great for the difficult trails of the mountain. It has suspension forks that make the riding experience smooth. The brakes of this bike provide control and grip.
Pros
Good grip
Stability
High performance
Wheel size
Cons
No user reported any problem yet
Latest deal: Intense 2020 Primer 29 Expert Red, XL
Ribble HT Ti - Sport SRAM NX Eagle 12 Speed
Ribble HT Ti bikes provide incredible performance and durability on mountain trails. This bike has 3AL/2.5V Titanium frame which is responsible for the great riding experience. It comes with RockShox Revelation RC fork that makes the trail smooth for you while riding on a difficult trail.
This bike has Level 35 wheels and Level XI bar and stem, which is responsible for great rolling experience and smooth trailing experience. It has a Level 1 alloy seat post which is trail-shredder.
Pros
Seatpost
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Cons
None
Latest deal: Ribble HT Ti – Sport SRAM NX Eagle 12 Speed
Commencal Supreme DH 29 Team Suspension Bike (2020)
The Commencal Supreme DH 29 Team Suspension Bike comes with RockShoxBoxxer Ultimate forks, which make it easy to ride on difficult trails as it makes the trail smooth for you. RockShox Super Deluxe on the rare side provides outstanding control over every knock and hit.
The bike comes with SRAM GX DH 7-Speed drive train which offers the ultimate performance for the bike and great shifting of gears. The bike comes with SRAM Code R 4-Pot disc brakes that provide control.
Pros
Control
Speeding
Frame
Stability
Cons
No cons have been reported yet
Latest deal: Commencal Supreme DH 29 Team Suspension Bike (2020)
Vitus Sentier 29 VR Bike (SX Eagle 1x12) 2020
The Vitus Sentier 29 VR Bike is great for mountain adventures as it provides control and power. This bike has a solid 6061 alloy frame construction which makes it easy to handle all the challenges of the ride. Bole provides maximum off-road performance, confidence, stability and a great riding experience.
This bike has Marxocchi Bomber Z2 forks that absorb the shocks and bumps of the rides. There is SRAM SX Eagle gearing that provides speeding. The Shimano MT501 hydraulic disc brakes provide grip and control on mountain trails.
Pros
Control
Speeding
Frame
Stability
Cons
Stability
Latest deal: Vitus Sentier 29 VR Bike (SX Eagle 1×12) 2020
Nukeproof Mega 290 Comp Alloy Bike (SX Eagle) 2020
The Nukeproof Mega 290 Comp Alloy Bike has a lightweight and ultra-reliable hydroformed alloy frame which provides reliability, style and confidence. The bike comes with RockShox Yari fork travel and 160mm at the rear, which provides shock absorption while riding on the bumpy road.
The bike is a full-suspension mountain bike with which you can go to the steepest climbs with ease. It has 29″ Sun Ringle Duroc wheels wrapped in Michelin Wild Enduro tires that are responsible for providing immense speed, grip and stability
Pros
Dropper stead post
Grip
Reliable tires
Reliability
Cons
Frame scratches slightly
Latest deal: Nukeproof Mega 290 Comp Alloy Bike (SX Eagle) 2020
Vitus Mythique 29 VR Bike (Deore 1x10) 2020
The Vitus Mythique 29 VR Bike is of a 130mm full suspension alloy frame which provides an exceptional riding experience for a rider. The bike has Horst-link 4-bar suspension design that provides high performance on every off-road outing.
The bike comes with modern geometry and reliable component, which makes the bike look great. It has Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain that makes the ride adventurous. The bike provides control because of the superb Shimano MT-401 brakes.
Pros
Strong tires
Suspension
Geometry
Brakes
Cons
Need to buy a dropper
Latest deal: Vitus Mythique 29 VR Bike (Deore 1×10) 2020
Nukeproof Reactor 275 Comp Alloy Bike (SX Eagle) 2020
Nukeproof Reactor 275 Comp Alloy provides quality trail riding performance. This bike has top-level design and advanced suspension kinematics at its core. The bike has a 275 Comp model and alloy construction. It has a 12-Speed SX Eagle drivetrain from SRAM which makes the ride easy on the steepest climbs.
RockShox Revelation Forks suspension absorbs shock as you pass through bumpy roads. SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes on this bike provide control and grip. It has Sun Ringle Duroc wheels wrapped in Maxxis DH-ready tires which provide confidence and stability during the ride.
Pros
Suspension system
Stability
Control
Frame
Cons
None
Latest deal: Nukeproof Reactor 275 Comp Alloy Bike (SX Eagle) 2020
Kona Process 153 27.5 Full Suspension Bike (2020)
The Kona Process 153 27.5 Full Suspension Bike comes with 160mm travel RockShox Yari suspension fork which absorbs the shocks of a bumpy road. The suspension of this bike enhances traction and rider comfort.
There is SRAM NX Eagle 11-Speed drive train, which makes it easy to ride on difficult trails. The hydraulic disc brakes are responsible for the stability and grip anywhere. This bike is of a tough, durable, light alloy Kona’s 6061 which provides fantastic, reliable performance.
Pros
Suspension system
Performance
Brakes
Safety
Cons
No disadvantage until now
Latest deal: Kona Process 153 27.5 Full Suspension Bike (2020)
9.
Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert Bike (SLX) 2020
Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert Bike provides an exceptional balance between climbing ability and high-speed descending control as it has a low bottom bracket height and slack head angle. This bike is great for steepest grades and roughest terrains.
The bike comes with Fox 36 Rhythm forks which are responsible for trail-smoothing. This bike has Shimano SLX 1×12 drive train at its core which provides confidence and safety on trails. The Shimano SLX 4-Pot disc brakes provide grip and control on mountain trails.
Pros
Wheels
Grip
Trail smoothening forks
Performance
Cons
It is durable, but some users question its durability.
Latest deal: Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert Bike (SLX) 2020
10.
Vitus Sommet 27 VR Bike (SX Eagle 1x12) 2020
The Vitus Sommet 27 VR Bike provides superb full-suspension ride with confidence on aggressive off-roads. This bike is of a tough 6061 alloy rear frame construction which makes it easy to handle it off-road.
There are slick performing components in this bike such as SRAM SX 1×12 gearing and SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes that provide amazing power, grip and control. Manitou Mezzer Proforks absorbs shock on bumpy road of mountain trails
Pros
Forks
Suspension system
Gearing
Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
Brake bleed required
Latest deal: Vitus Sommet 27 VR Bike (SX Eagle 1×12) 2020
11.
Felt Decree FRD Full Suspension Bike 2019
Felt Decree FRD Full Suspension Bike provides efficient climbing and comes with an ultra-strong and responsive Felt UHC Advanced carbon frame construction. The frame construction of this bike provides epic performance on the trail.
The bike is supportive and stable as it has RockShox Pike fork at the front and a Super Deluxe RCT rear shock. You get extra stability and a great rolling experience because of the tubeless-ready rims wrapped in Maxxis Minion tires.
Pros
Durable frame
Fork
Rear shock
Stem
Cons
Dropper post
Latest deal: Felt Decree FRD Full Suspension Bike 2019
12.
Ragley Piglet Hardtail Bike 2020
Ragley Piglet Hardtail Bike has refined geometry and adjustments that increase performance, handling and comfort. This bike provides stability and control as it gets made with super durable and ultra-reliable 4130 CrMo steel.
The bike features an SRAM NX Eagle 12-Speed drive train at its core which makes it easy to ride on challenging trails. There is a wide range 11-50T cassette at the rear and a 32T chain-ring at the front of this bike. This bike provides confidence and stability as it has Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp wheels. The tires of this bike provide grip and control.
Pros
Reliable
Stability
Tires provide good grip
Frame
Cons
Rarely, users question about the quality of material
Latest deal: Ragley Piglet Hardtail Bike 2020
13.
Vitus Sommet 29 VRX Bike (XTR-XT 1x12) 2020
Vitus Sommet 29 VRX Bike comes with full-suspension 29er which provide an amazing ride on mountain trails. This bike is of a tough 6061 alloy rear frame construction that provides amazing handling off-road.
It has modern geometry and slick performing components such as Shimano XTR/XT 1×12 gearing and Shimano XT M8120 hydraulic disc brakes. These components provide amazing control and power. The Fox Float 36 Factory forks provide shock absorption on bumpy roads.
Pros
Shock absorption
Brakes
Power
Better Control
Cons
None
Latest deal: Vitus Sommet 29 VRX Bike (XTR-XT 1×12) 2020
14.
GT Zaskar LT AL Elite Hardtail Bike 2021
GT Zaskar LT AL Elite Hardtail Bike is for modern trails. It has GT’s iconic triple triangle frame construction which is of top-quality alloy. The bike has an SR SuntourZeron 35 suspension fork which makes the ride smooth.
The bike provides pace and efficiency because of the SRAM SX Eagle 12-Speed gear transmission and matching crank set. There are Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc brakes provide control and grip while riding on mountain trails.
Pros
Tubeless tires
Brakes
Suspension fork
Frame
Cons
Nothing worst has shown yet
Latest deal: GT Zaskar LT AL Elite Hardtail Bike 2021
15.
Nukeproof Dissent 275 RS DH Bike (XO1) 2020
The Nukeproof Dissent 275 RS DH Bike comes with a sturdy and supportive frameset. The frameset maintains a low weight and provides a stiffened front triangle for unrivalled handling. It has a high bike’s pump efficiency as it has a more progressive leverage rate for increased mid-stroke-support.
There is a push, rather than a pull link in the suspension platform. This reduces the load and stresses on the frame. The bike has a custom hydroformed 6061 Aluminium tube set, and a 63-degree head angle. The suspension system of this bike makes the ride smooth.
Pros
Brakes
Stability
Shock absorption
Lightweight
Cons
A few people don't like 63-degree head angle
Latest deal: Nukeproof Dissent 275 RS DH Bike (XO1) 2020
16.
Commencal Meta AM 29 Essential Suspension Bike 2020
Commencal Meta AM 29 Essential Suspension Bike equips a Fox 36 Performance fork which makes every ride comfortable. When you ride on tree-roots, debris and rock gardens you get sudden jolts and knocks on which it provides great handling.
Performance forks on bikes provide additional rear shock absorption in unpredictable woodland terrain conditions. Shimano SLX drive train of this bike provides unbeatable off-road performance. This bike has a Shimano XT cassette which offers outstanding strength and gear changes.
Pros
Control
Stability
Performance
Comfort
Cons
Hub needs to look at
Latest deal: Commencal Meta AM 29 Essential Suspension Bike 2020
Best Trail Bike Buyers Guide
Summary of the Post
While looking at a product to buy, one has to think of different things so that he can choose the right one. Sometimes, you look at the price of the product if you don’t have enough range. However, if you do have the budget, you would not check the price and will look for great features. One chooses different products and makes a list of them based on price and quality so that you can have the best product.
From that list, you separate out the product based on features and ratings. Finally, you need to go for the best trail bike that has great features and suits all your requirements. For instance, if one wants to buy the best trail bike, then he would look at different features of different products to find the right one.
In this process, everyone has to compare different products and would probably go for the one with useful features. Many things differ between a good trail bike and a great one, such as the suspension system, brakes, control, grip, comfort, performance, and much more.
Recurring Best Features
The following are some recurring features that most of the products mentioned above in the article have:
Brakes – The bikes that are for mountain trails should have a great braking system to provide a great grip and control to the rider. If a mountain bike doesn’t have good brakes, then it can be very difficult for the rider to handle the bike on the difficult trails.
Hydraulic brakes are considered good braking systems as they provide precise and good control on the bike while riding on the difficult trails of the mountains. Most of the products mentioned above in the article have a good braking system and can provide precise control and good grip.
Suspension system – The bikes for trails should have a great suspension system so that they can provide stability on the trails. If a bike has a good suspension system, then it absorbs the shocks and knocks of the trails to provide smooth trail riding.
It absorbs the vibrations, and you can ride easily on the trails that are hardest. Most of the products mentioned above in the article have a good suspension system and can provide a smooth trail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are some questions that most people ask frequently:
Should I buy XC or trail bike?
If you get a cross country bike, it will let you travel a shorter distance on its suspension system and if you want to travel a long distance then trail bike would be good for you. The trail mountain bikes have rougher and wider tires.
The tires on a cross-country mountain bike are thinner and smoother to provide maximum speed but can’t provide grip on mountain trails. Here comes the benefit of wider tires of the best trail bikes that can provide a better grip on the technical terrains of the mountains. Otherwise, it would be difficult to handle the bike on mountain trails.
Are downhill bikes good for trail riding?
Downhill bikes can provide a lot of fun, not just for racing though. These bikes are instantly recognizable, brimming with technology that is used to attack the most aggressive, steep and fast trails. If you want to ride the most aggressive, steep or fast trails, then you can go for these bikes.
Summary
Mountain bike riders who go for long rides on mountain trails need the best trail bike that can provide ease during the ride. There are many things to look at while buying the best trail bike. One needs to consider many factors to have safety on the bike during the ride. The mountain trail bike should have a good suspension system to provide you with a smooth trail so that you can ride easily on the trails and can pass through the difficult and hardest trails with ease.
A mountain trail bike with a good suspension system absorbs the shocks and vibrations to provide a smooth trail. The braking system of the trail bike should be great so that one can get good control and grip on the difficult terrains so that there would be no difficulty.
There are many other things such as material, routing and much more that matter while buying a trail bike. Moreover, each brand of mountain bike has features that differ from others. You can have the best one by comparing different products. All the products mentioned above in the article have amazing features and will help you to find the best one for you.
Alex Bristol
Content Manager at Pedallers
ABOUT
Alex is a cycling expert at Pedallers and focuses on reviewing bikes, accessories, and general cycling. He searches for the most up to date products that match the needs of cyclists across the world. Whether it's recent news or the best bike set-ups, Alex is a trusted source for anything around cycling.
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