All articles tagged with #trail bike
The article reviews the 2026 Trail Bike Field Test, highlighting the Revel Rascal SL as the overall winner due to its excellent climbing, descending, and fun riding qualities, based on a series of challenges and discussions between testers. The Rascal SL was praised for its traction, stability, and versatility, making it a top choice for various trail conditions, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Chromag has released the Reazon, a versatile all-mountain full suspension bike designed for efficiency, confidence, and fun on diverse terrains, featuring 135mm rear travel, updated geometry, and durable components, aimed at riders tackling long, technical rides.
The 2025 Santa Cruz Bronson, tested in the Pinkbike Field Test, is more of an all-mountain bike than a traditional trail bike, excelling in descending with its gravity-oriented design. It features a 150mm rear travel, 160mm fork, and mixed wheels, with a focus on stability and control on technical trails. While it climbs comfortably, it lacks the energetic feel of some competitors. The Bronson's geometry is balanced, but offers minimal adjustment options. It is praised for its descending performance and plush suspension, though it has some issues with chainslap noise.
Specialized has launched the 2024 Epic EVO 8, a trail-ready XC bike with 29" wheels, carbon frame, 120mm frame travel, and 130mm fork. The bike shares the same frame as the Epic 8 but with different build kits and geometry changes. The EVO features a longer stroke fork, giving it full-on trail bike geometry, and comes in 5 sizes with reach numbers ranging from 385mm to 495mm. The frame includes SWAT storage, co-molded upper shock mount, and a rear wheel travel of 120mm. The suspension design has moved away from the Brain system and now features a single pivot flex stay with a linkage driving the shock. The ride impressions suggest that the EVO is biased towards descents and offers a great build kit with well-tuned suspension.
The 2024 Norco Optic is a unique trail bike with a high pivot, short travel, and aggressive geometry, featuring a 125mm rear travel, 140mm fork, and high pivot idler-equipped suspension design. The bike offers various frame options, adaptable geometry, and a Ride Aligned approach to bike sizing. While it excels in descending with impressive characteristics, its climbing performance may not be as snappy as other short travel bikes, and the idler pulley may cause some noise and drag. Overall, the Norco Optic is designed for riders seeking a bike that can push beyond its purview when ridden hard.
Forbidden Bike Co. has released the Druid V2, a 130mm travel trail bike that uses an inverted four-bar suspension design with revised kinematics and longer-lasting hardware. The frame can adapt to fit a 29 or 27.5” rear wheel, and meticulous attention to reducing drivetrain drag has been implemented. The geometry has been stretched, and the reach numbers have been updated to a longer, more modern fit. Prices range from $6,199 up to $8,899 USD for the decked-out RockShox / SRAM Eagle Transmission, and a frame kit is available if you prefer to custom build your own Druid.
Forbidden has launched the Druid V2, a new version of its 130mm-travel, high-pivot trail bike. The new bike has undergone a fair few changes, with a new frame, tweaked geometry, and suspension kinematics. The Trifecta suspension and One Ride sizing have been carried over from the previous model. The Druid V2 is available in four sizes (S1-S4), all of which feature Forbidden’s One Ride size-specific geometry. The aim of all this is to produce a “trail bike that punches way above bikes with more [travel]”.
GT has updated its 29" trail bike, the Sensor, with a bump up to 140mm of rear travel, revised geometry, and a shorter travel sibling, the Sensor ST. The frame has been lightened by 600 grams thanks to a lighter front triangle and carbon seatstays, and now features tube-in-tube internal routing. The Sensor lineup includes five models, ranging from $2,300 to $5,750 USD. The bike's geometry is moderately slack, with a 65-degree head angle and 480mm reach for a size large. The Sensor climbs well and has plenty of traction, while the suspension does a great job of muting hits of all sizes.
GT has launched its new Sensor trail bike line-up, featuring updated geometry, internal cable routing, and refreshed Linkage Tuned suspension. The range includes two variations, the Sensor and Sensor ST, with the latter aimed at all-day adventurers. The carbon-framed Sensor Carbon Elite starts at £3,400/$3,800, with the top-level Pro priced at £4,000/$5,000. The new carbon frame features carbon seatstays and a redesigned front triangle, making it 600g lighter than before.
GT has updated its 29" trail bike, the Sensor, with a bump up to 140mm of rear travel, revised geometry, and a shorter travel sibling, the Sensor ST. The frame has been lightened by 600 grams thanks to a lighter front triangle and carbon seatstays, and now features tube-in-tube internal routing. The Sensor lineup includes five models, ranging from $2,300 to $5,750 USD. The bike's geometry is moderately slack, with a 65-degree head angle and 480mm reach for a size large. The Sensor climbs well and has plenty of traction, while the suspension does a great job of muting hits of all sizes.