Bike category: Race/Marathon
- Price range: from 1800 Euro
- Weight: from 8.3 kilos
- Spring travel: 100-120 mm
KTM Scarp Exonic Evo 3
- Price: 12,999 Euro
- Weight: 10.5 kg
- Tested in: BIKE 09/25
- Spring travel: 110/105 mm
- Special features: Rockshox Flight Attendant
Fast, direct, demanding - the KTM is a classic race bike that doesn't go to extremes in terms of geometry or suspension travel. With plenty of pressure on the front wheel and the electronic Flight-Attendant suspension on board, it's perfect for fast uphills. Not a bike for everyone, but a high-performance machine for anyone who prioritises propulsion, efficiency and weight over trail performance. However, the electronic suspension, the saddle from the 3D printer and the Trickstuff brakes drive up the price unnecessarily.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Outstanding propulsion; sensitive and efficient
- Minus: high price; large jumps in frame size
Bike Ahead The Frame
- Price: 8850 Euro
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Tested in: BIKE 01/25
- Spring travel: 100 mm
- Special features: Made in Portugal
Manufactured as a monocoque in Portugal and refined and finished in Germany: The Ahead The Frame bike was conceived by carbon specialist Christian Gemperlein, who also supplies the Portuguese production facility with years of expertise. The Frame impresses off-road with its reactive handling and extremely low weight. Due to the rather steep steering angle and the compact wheelbase, there are smoother downhill models. The frame weight of just 912 grams provides a top basis.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: fun handling; frame for as little as 1979 euros; made in Portugal
- Minus: not very smooth running
Cannondale Scalpel HT Lab 71
- Price: 10,499 Euro
- Weight: 9.0 kg
- Tested in: BIKE 01/25
- Spring travel: 110 mm
- Special features: Lab71 carbon frame
The exclusive Lab71 version of the Scalpel HT also has a certain rebel status and offers 110 millimetres of travel with a slack 67 degree steering angle. In addition to the exceptional key data, which ensure smooth running and high reserves, the Lab 71 frame has the highest quality carbon fibres and is strictly limited. Together with the super-sensitive Lefty Ocho suspension fork, the Scalpel is a harmonious race hardtail, although it does have a few equipment weaknesses.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: balanced geometry; conveys a lot of safety; sensitive fork
- Minus: Narrow rim/tyre combination
Merida Big.Nine 10K
- Price: 7699 Euro
- Weight: 9.4 kg
- Tested in: BIKE 11/25
- Spring travel: 100 mm
- Special features: Minitool under the saddle
Even before the first test ride, the Big.Nine surprises with extras: two medium-sized water bottles can be mounted in a row on the down tube and a puncture repair kit can also be attached. And on the trail? With the Big.Nine 10K, Merida impressively proves that hardtails are far from being a thing of the past. Thanks to the progressive geometry with a 66.5 head angle and 470 reach in size L, the Merida can handle a lot of speed. Long plus slack plus light equals awesome: in the case of the 10K, this calculation works out perfectly.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: High driving safety; exemplary handling; top equipment
- Minus: no telescopic support; little seating comfort
Megamo Track Race AXS
- Price: 7399 Euro
- Weight: 11.4 kg
- Tested in: BIKE 07/25
- Spring travel: 120/120 mm
- Special features: Handlebar-stem unit
The Megamo was able to beat the competition in BIKE 7/25. Bulls Wild Edge Team and MMR Kenta 00 to prevail. The modern geometry, the successful chassis and the solid tyres make it possible. Add to this the high-quality equipment and the Spaniards snatch the test victory despite the only moderate laboratory grade. Although the Track Race is a little slow to get going due to the sluggish wheels, it provides endless confidence on the next downhill. The smooth rear suspension is also impressive.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Balanced handling; comfortable riding position; successful chassis
- Minus: relatively heavy; flexing handlebar-stem unit
