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If money didn't matter, then ... - the majority of Germans wouldn't want to go any further with this thought. After all, only around ten per cent of the German population say they don't worry about money. And not everyone in this small minority is financially carefree because they are swimming in prosperity; some are simply because consumption is not important to them. They are therefore by no means part of the clientele that can be counted among the potential buyers of high-end mountain bikes.
Expensive high-end mountain bikes are therefore an exclusive commodity that is sold in homeopathic quantities. Nevertheless, this bike segment is very important for manufacturers: firstly, it allows them to polish up their brand image and secondly, the margins on high-end models are extremely lucrative. However, the market reality is different: The majority of MTB sales take place in the price range between 2000 and 4000 euros.
Regardless of how much money you are willing or able to spend on a new bike: For many, mountain biking is more than just a sport. Biking is a statement of self-determination, freedom and individuality - and many want their sports equipment to convey this attitude. Exclusive brands, expensive add-on parts and exceptional aesthetics make it possible to expose oneself. And even if such wishes are usually fulfilled in the high-end segment, you don't have to be satisfied with plain ready-made goods in the mid-price segment.
We have filtered out four affordable bikes from the market that stand out from the crowd thanks to their design and technical standards.
Merida Big.Nine TR 5000
The flowing lines of its carbon frame make the Merida one of the most aesthetically pleasing hardtails that ran through the BIKE test system last year.
With a 120 mm fork and slightly slacker angles, the Big.Nine shows cross-country genes with downhill characteristics. The CF3 carbon frame uses Nano Matrix Carbon technology, in which nanoparticles in the resin are said to increase impact resistance by up to 40 per cent. The Flex-Stay construction allows the seat and chain stays to work like leaf springs, which reduces vibrations and increases comfort. 29-inch wheels fit between the chainstays with tyres up to 2.4 inches wide. The RockShox Reba RL fork does not shy away from rougher descents. The Shimano gearing mix of Deore, SLX and XT components is absolutely functional.
Conclusion
High-quality carbon frame, aesthetic lines, wide range of use thanks to trail geometry.
The most important facts about the Merida Big.Nine TR 5000
- Price: 2,799 euros
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Weight: 11.8 kg
- Suspension fork: RockShox Reba RL
- Gears: Shimano XT rear derailleur, Deore shifters and cassette, 12-speed (10-51 teeth)
Rose PDQ 1
You simply have to like a carbon frame with long geometry and high-quality components. Nevertheless, the price remains fair.
The Rose PDQ 1 uses a carbon frame with 120 mm travel at the front. The name stands for "Pretty Damn Quick" and describes the bike's orientation between cross-country and trail. And indeed: the race hardtail from Bocholt looks light and fast even when stationary. At 10.9 kg in size M, the hardtail is one of the lighter models in the downcountry category. Rose currently offers the bike for just 2,300 euros. Considering the equipment alone, this is a tempting price: high-quality carbon frame, RockShox SID Base fork with 120 millimetre suspension travel and three riding modes, as well as a complete Shimano XT shifting group with 510 per cent range over twelve gears. There is also a six-year guarantee.
Conclusion
Stylish carbon frame, low overall weight, high-quality equipment.
The most important facts about the Rose PDQ 1
- Price: 2,300 euros >> available here
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Weight: 10.9 kg
- Suspension fork: RockShox SID 3P
- Gear system: Shimano XT
Propain Hugene CF
The mail-order company hits the mark with the look of its fully platform. Organic carbon shapes give the new trail bike an elegant look that can even be customised in the online configurator.
The Propain Hugene CF is the logical further development of the direct-to-consumer brand's popular trail bike. In the BIKE test, it impressed as a modern, versatile trail bike focussing on efficiency and riding fun.
The carbon frame has been completely redesigned and designed for 29-inch wheels. There is a 140 mm fork at the front and 130 mm travel at the rear. The Hugene thus deliberately remains in the classic trail segment and clearly distinguishes itself from the more powerful Tyee enduro model. The geometry is modern and balanced: flat steering angle for safety downhill, steep seat angle for efficient climbing characteristics.
The look and functionality of the Hugene are state of the art: the cables run neatly inside the frame, which makes for a tidy appearance. There are also practical details such as a storage compartment in the down tube for tools or spare parts - a clear plus point for long tours. The weight and frame concept emphasise the sporty claim: the bike remains comparatively light and is aimed at ambitious trail riders who value efficiency, agility and versatility.
Thanks to direct sales, Propain traditionally offers a strong price-performance ratio with a wide range of configuration options.
Conclusion
Modern, well thought-out trail bike at a top price.
The most important facts about the Propain Hugene CF
- Price: 3399 Euro
- Suspension travel: 140/130 mm
- Weight: from 14.2 kg
- Suspension fork: RockShox Psylo Gold RC
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 70 Transmission
Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29
With a classic upright shock and no frills, the carbon trail bike comes out on top in our design rankings. Large 29er wheels, short suspension travel and progressive geometry not only match the sporty use profile, but also result in a visually coherent concept.
The frame is made entirely of carbon fibre, including the rear triangle. The cables disappear into the headset inside the frame. According to the manufacturer, the bike weighs 13.4 kg complete. This puts the fully in the lower range of comparable trail bikes in this price category. The carbon fibre construction is designed to combine stiffness with low weight. The riding position is sporty and enables efficient pedalling. The handling remains balanced between manoeuvrability and smoothness. At just under 3000 euros, it will be difficult for the competition to undercut such a package of full carbon fibre frame and top equipment in terms of price.
Conclusion
No-frills design, sporty orientation, top equipment.
The most important facts about the Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29
- Price: 2,999 euros >> available here
- Suspension travel: 130/120 mm
- Weight: 13.4 kg
- Suspension fork: Fox 34 Float Rhythm Grip
- Shock: Fox Float
- Gear system: Shimano XT
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
