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Text: Christian Bonk
Is a bike that costs less than 1500 euros of inferior quality? No, on the contrary: manufacturers have no interest in being constantly confronted with defects or repairs and therefore often install the same quality as in their higher-priced segments. If you know this, you can save a lot of money when buying a bike!
But of course, the bargain bikes can't keep up with their high-end counterparts in every respect. So what compromises do you have to make? What should you look out for when bargain hunting? Our big buying guide to trekking bikes, which are particularly suitable for beginners and occasional riders, will show you.
The Bergamont Horizon 3 is a versatile and robust trekking bike, ideal for everyday use as well as for longer tours. It offers a balanced combination of stability, comfort and efficient technology. The frame made of high-quality AL-6061 aluminium ensures durability and is also light enough to make the bike easy to handle. For optimum comfort on uneven paths, it is equipped with a Suntour NEX P suspension fork, which offers 63 mm of suspension travel and efficiently absorbs shocks. The 24-speed gear system from Shimano (3x8) enables precise and smooth gear changes, making it easier to adapt to different types of terrain. Safe braking is ensured by the reliable Tektro V-brakes, which guarantee good control even in difficult conditions.
The lighting system, powered by a Shimano hub dynamo, includes the Axa Compactline LED front light with 20 lux and the Trelock LS613 Duo Flat LED rear light, both with parking light function, for optimum visibility in the dark. The BGM Trekking aluminium luggage rack with the practical Racktime Snapit 2.0 system offers a wide range of options for transporting luggage. Mudguards, a sturdy kickstand and a comfortable riding position round off the package. Weighing around 16.9 kg, the Horizon 3 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile trekking bike.
The Bergamont Horizon 3 is a solidly equipped trekking bike whose main territory is in the city. Solid technology, robust construction and a very good price-performance ratio characterise the bike.
The Canyon Pathlite 7 is a versatile trekking bike that is ideal for after-work rides, weekend excursions and extended adventures on a wide variety of terrain. The frame is made of high-quality aluminium, which gives the bike a combination of lightness and robustness. The internally routed cables ensure a tidy appearance and protect against dirt and the elements. For comfort on uneven trails, the Pathlite 7 is equipped with an SR Suntour NRX-E Air suspension fork, which offers 75 mm of travel. This is more than many comparable models and contributes to a pleasant ride. The gearing consists of a Shimano Deore XT M8100 12-speed derailleur, which enables precise and reliable gear changes.
This ensures optimum adaptation to different types of terrain and gradients. Safe braking manoeuvres are ensured by hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, which offer constant braking performance even in wet conditions and at high speeds. The wheels are fitted with 40 mm wide tyres that offer good grip and comfort on both asphalt and gravel paths. The Pathlite 7 is available in different frame sizes, starting at 2XS, to offer riders of different heights an optimum fit. The smaller frame sizes use 650B wheels to ensure consistently good handling.
The Canyon is very well equipped for this price. The low weight makes it the most sporty bike in the purchase overview. It is particularly suitable for users for whom regular sporting use is at least as important as suitability for everyday use.
The Cube Kathmandu is a versatile trekking bike that is ideal for everyday use as well as longer tours. Its high-quality aluminium frame provides a stable yet lightweight base that ensures durability and riding comfort. The integrated suspension fork with 63 mm travel absorbs bumps effectively, which is particularly beneficial on unpaved paths. Equipped with a 20-speed Shimano gear system, the Kathmandu enables precise and reliable gear changes. The hydraulic disc brakes ensure safe braking manoeuvres in different weather conditions. A special feature is the permanently integrated pannier rack with a large load capacity.
This makes the bike particularly suitable for transporting luggage on longer tours. The ergonomically designed seating position and the use of high-quality components contribute to a high level of riding comfort. The Cube Kathmandu is also available in various frame shapes, including diamond, trapeze and step-through. Overall, the Cube Kathmandu impresses with its well thought-out equipment, which is suitable for both everyday use and demanding tours. Its combination of comfort, functionality and robustness makes it a recommended choice for trekking bike customers.
The trekking bike from Cube is particularly striking in terms of its high payload: a real packhorse, which is particularly interesting for those who regularly have a lot to transport. More gears might be more comfortable.
A real all-rounder for every ride: the Decathlon Riverside 740 TR is a trekking bike that impresses with its versatility and robust construction. The aluminium frame is known for its stability and also gives the bike a comfortable ride. The SR Suntour SF17 NCX suspension fork with 63 mm travel absorbs shocks and vibrations effortlessly, which noticeably improves riding comfort. The Deore 30-speed gear system from Shimano enables smooth and precise gear changes and offers excellent adaptation to a wide range of riding situations. The hydraulic disc brakes guarantee powerful and consistent braking performance, regardless of the weather conditions.
The Selle Royal saddle ensures a comfortable riding position and increases comfort on long tours. The Schwalbe Marathon Racer tyres offer low rolling resistance and puncture protection, but are optimised for speed with a maximum width of 35 mm. With an integrated pannier rack, mudguards and an efficient lighting system, the Riverside 740 TR is ideally equipped for everyday use and extended adventures. With a weight of approx. 15.9 kg, the bike is light enough for a dynamic riding style, but at the same time robust and durable.
The maximum 35 millimetre wide tyres suggest a fast pace for this averagely equipped bike. At 15.9 kilos, it belongs to the lighter half of the bikes presented. For just under 1000 euros, it's a lot of bike for the money.
A real all-rounder for every ride: the Decathlon Riverside 740 TR is a trekking bike that impresses with its versatility and robust construction. The aluminium frame is known for its stability and also gives the bike a comfortable ride. The SR Suntour SF17 NCX suspension fork with 63 mm travel absorbs shocks and vibrations effortlessly, which noticeably improves riding comfort. The Deore 30-speed gear system from Shimano enables smooth and precise gear changes and offers excellent adaptation to a wide range of riding situations. The hydraulic disc brakes guarantee powerful and consistent braking performance, regardless of the weather conditions.
The Selle Royal saddle ensures a comfortable riding position and increases comfort on long tours. The Schwalbe Marathon Racer tyres offer low rolling resistance and puncture protection, but are optimised for speed with a maximum width of 35 mm. With an integrated pannier rack, mudguards and an efficient lighting system, the Riverside 740 TR is ideally equipped for everyday use and extended adventures. With a weight of approx. 15.9 kg, the bike is light enough for a dynamic riding style, but at the same time robust and durable.
The narrow tyres and a tare weight of 14.7 also make fast laps at the weekend a pleasure. The equipment is rather high quality for the price. The 30 gears ensure good handling even when utilising the maximum payload.
Modern, minimalist and yet highly functional - the Ghost Square is a clever blend of style and performance. The aluminium frame is lightweight and offers great stiffness, which ensures excellent power transmission. Whether you're whizzing through the city or on a longer tour: The Square is ready for any challenge. The SR Suntour NEX DS suspension fork with 63 mm travel ensures comfort and compensates for bumps in the road. The Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain delivers precise and smooth shifting performance, ideal for a wide range of riding conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes ensure maximum safety, even at high speeds or in bad weather.
The comfortable Selle Royal saddle and the well thought-out ergonomic elements of the bike make even longer journeys comfortable. The Schwalbe Energizer Activ Plus 37-622 tyres offer an ideal balance of grip, speed and puncture protection, making the Ghost Square a versatile companion on and off the road. The minimalist design with integrated pannier rack options and mudguards also make this bike ideal for commuters and adventurers. With a weight of approx. 14.8 kg, the Ghost Square is light enough for dynamic riding and at the same time stable for demanding tours. A trekking bike that perfectly combines style and suitability for everyday use!
The trekking bike from Ghost represents the requirements profile and typical equipment of this bike category. At 14.8 kilos with a system weight of 140 kilos, it is one of the lightest representatives of this bike class and is therefore also fun to ride as a sports bike.
The Hercules Tourer Sport is a classic and versatile trekking bike that is perfect for daily city commuting, extended weekend trips or cycling holidays. With a sturdy aluminium frame that combines durability and low weight, this bike is prepared for a variety of challenges. The SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with 63 mm travel ensures comfort on bumpy roads and uneven terrain by effectively absorbing shocks. The Shimano 24-speed gear system offers a reliable gear ratio that can be easily adjusted in different riding situations. The hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro provide the necessary safety when braking, delivering powerful braking performance even in wet conditions.
The bike is equipped with high-quality components such as the ergonomic Velo Trekking D2 saddle, which remains comfortable even on longer journeys. The integrated aluminium pannier rack is stable and offers sufficient space for bags or luggage, making the Tourer Sport particularly attractive for commuters or touring cyclists. The 28-inch Schwalbe Road Cruiser tyres offer a good balance between rolling resistance and puncture protection, while the maximum tyre width of 42 mm provides sufficient grip. The robust equipment and well thought-out details make the Hercules Tourer Sport a solid choice for trekking enthusiasts and everyday cyclists.
A weight of 18 kilos is a very high figure in this buyer's guide. The price, on the other hand, is extremely attractive, making the Hercules bike a good choice for those who don't want to call up sporting performance too regularly.
The KTM Life Lite is also a high-quality and versatile trekking bike that is ideal for long tours, the daily commute to work and demanding leisure rides. The aluminium frame is not only stable, but also pleasantly light, which in combination with the balanced geometry ensures a pleasant riding experience. The bike is equipped with a rigid suspension fork.
The SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain provides 12 gears, which allow you to adapt well to different terrain conditions and keep the drivetrain efficient even on steep climbs. Safety is ensured by hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, which are effective in all weather conditions. The 28-inch wheels are fitted with Schwalbe tyres, which allow a maximum tyre width of 47 mm and score points with puncture protection and good grip. The Selle Royal saddle and ergonomic grips offer a high level of comfort, even on long tours. The integrated attachments, such as a sturdy pannier rack, make the Life Lite particularly functional and suitable for everyday use. With well thought-out features and a weight of around 14.5 kg, the KTM Life Lite is a perfect choice for cyclists who value quality, comfort and performance.
12 SRAM gears are enough for flexible use, even on tours with a lot of luggage. The 14.8-kilo weight ensures good handling for sporty rides. The Austrian bike impresses with its good price-performance ratio.
Pegasus trekking bikes are known for their durability. The Premio SL offers really good equipment for an acceptable price. With its robust but lightweight aluminium frame, it combines stability and agility, which makes for a pleasant riding experience. The SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with 63 mm travel offers comfortable damping and reliably compensates for bumps, which is particularly noticeable on unpaved paths. The Shimano Deore 27-speed gears provide a wide range of gears that work precisely and smoothly, so that even steep climbs can be mastered without any problems. Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano are installed for the necessary safety and control, ensuring powerful and reliable braking performance even in wet conditions.
The Selle Royal Look-In saddle and ergonomic grips ensure a high level of comfort, even on longer journeys. The 28-inch Schwalbe tyres offer good puncture protection and a maximum width of 47 mm, making them ideal for various surfaces. The sturdy pannier rack is perfect for safely transporting panniers and makes the bike ideal for commuting or touring. Additional details such as mudguards and a lighting system round off the equipment and make the Pegasus Premio SL Disc 27 an ideal companion for every ride. With its weight of around 17.7 kg, it is robust enough for demanding tours and yet comfortable to handle.
This universal bike impresses with its fair price, although no savings have been made on the equipment. Weighing in at 17.7 kilos, it is one of the heavier bikes presented here.
With the second-lowest weight in the presentation list, the Radon Sunset 10 is a proven sports bike that doesn't have to shy away from other trekking disciplines either. With its lightweight yet sturdy aluminium frame, it is the ideal companion for long distances and demanding everyday rides. The SR Suntour NCX suspension fork with 63 mm suspension travel provides excellent damping and comfort on uneven paths, making riding a pleasure even on bumpy trails. The Shimano XT 30-speed drivetrain offers an enormous range of gear ratios that work precisely and smoothly to ensure optimum adaptation in every riding situation. Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano offer first-class braking performance that works reliably even in poor weather conditions or on steep descents.
The Selle Italia X3 saddle offers comfort in combination with ergonomic grips, so that even long tours can be ridden without fatigue. The 28-inch Schwalbe tyres with a maximum width of 50 mm provide good grip and puncture protection. A sturdy pannier rack is integrated into the design and enables the safe transport of panniers, making the bike particularly attractive for travellers and commuters. With a total weight of approx. 13.9 kg and a permissible system weight of 140 kg, the Radon Sunset 10 is a perfect combination of lightness, comfort and functionality. It is a reliable trekking bike that impresses on every tour with its high-quality equipment and well thought-out details.
With the Sunset, Radon has achieved the perfect symbiosis of lightness and versatility. 30 gears provide plenty of flexibility and a system weight of 140 kilos make the bike an all-rounder, even when things get "logistically" demanding.
With the Rose Black Lava, we have the trekking bike candidate that most closely undercuts the specified purchase price. This versatile and sporty trekking bike is suitable for touring, the daily commute to work or sporty rides. It impresses with its light, stable aluminium frame, which not only offers a modern look, but also ensures good power transmission and high riding stability. The RockShox Paragon suspension fork with 65 mm travel ensures a comfortable ride on tarmac and off-road. The Shimano XT 22-speed gear system also works well under load.
It is ideal for demanding terrain changes and always offers the right gear ratio. The hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano ensure controlled deceleration, even in bad weather or on steep descents. The Selle Italia X1 saddle in combination with ergonomic grips ensures a high level of comfort. An integrated pannier rack offers versatile transport options, while the high-quality lighting system ensures good visibility. With a weight of just 15.2 kg and a total load capacity of 130 kg, the Rose Black Lava is an all-round talent that is a good choice for both commuters and trekking enthusiasts.
The low weight and good equipment justify the highest price in the overview for the Rose Black Lava. Up to 50 millimetre wide tyres allow it to be flexibly converted. At 13.5 kilos, it is also absolutely suitable for sporty rides.
The Scott Sub Sport 30 is a trekking bike that proves its worth both in city traffic and on longer tours. Developed for riders who value versatility and comfort, it combines functionality with a sporty touch. With a robust yet lightweight aluminium frame, the Sub Sport 30 offers an excellent riding experience that pays off on a wide variety of terrain. The SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with 63 mm travel provides comfortable damping and smooths out bumps on roads and paths with ease. The 27-speed Shimano Alivio gear system enables precise gear changes. Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano provide superior braking power, even under full load - regardless of the weather conditions.
The Syncros Urban saddle and ergonomic grips provide comfort in the city. The 28-inch wheels are fitted with Schwalbe tyres with a maximum width of 50 mm. These tyres not only offer good grip, but also solid puncture protection, for example when riding on gravel paths and damaged asphalt. An integrated pannier rack allows you to carry bags and luggage, making the Scott Sub Sport 30 a practical choice for both commuters and trekking fans. The equipment is completed by mudguards and a powerful lighting system. With a weight of around 16 kilos, it is one of the heavier models in this overview.
The favourable price of just under 1000 euros is reflected in the not particularly high-quality equipment, otherwise it is in the midfield in terms of weight and offers a good mix of sporty and urban features for the price.
Sometimes you need a bike that can do it all - from commuting in the city to adventures on unpaved roads. This is where the Stevens Esprit Gent comes into play. A stylish all-rounder that impresses with its well thought-out equipment and first-class technology. The lightweight aluminium frame ensures agile and stable handling, ideal for long distances and daily rides. The SR Suntour NCX suspension fork with 63 mm travel compensates for uneven terrain and ensures stable riding comfort. The Shimano Deore 30-speed gear system provides a wide range of gear ratios. Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano offer sufficient braking power, even in the rain and on sloping trails.
The Selle Royal Freccia saddle and the ergonomic grips have been designed for long-lasting comfort so that riding is a pleasure even after hours. The 28-inch wheels with Schwalbe tyres, which can be up to 47 mm wide, offer a good mix of rolling resistance, traction and puncture protection. The integrated pannier rack makes it easy to carry bags or boxes, which makes the bike particularly attractive for commuters. Mudguards and a bright lighting system ensure that you are well protected and visible when travelling. Weighing in at around 14.9 kg, the Stevens Esprit Gent is a trekking bike that leaves little to be desired and offers a balance of sportiness, comfort and functionality.
For just over 1000 euros, the Stevens bike is reasonably well equipped. The 30-speed Shimano rear derailleur makes it flexible for the wide range of tasks that are possible with the stylish trekking bike.
The Victoria Trequana is a bike that perfectly combines a thirst for adventure with suitability for everyday use. This trekking bike impresses with a successful blend of comfort and functionality without sacrificing elegance. The robust but lightweight aluminium frame gives the Trekana good stability and pleasant handling. The SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with 63 mm travel is a reliable comfort partner. The Shimano Deore 30-speed gears make it easy to adapt to any riding situation, whether you are climbing a steep incline or tackling a long straight. With the hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, you are always in control - they deliver reliable braking performance.
The Selle Royal Ariel saddle, together with ergonomic grips, ensures long-lasting riding comfort, even on extended tours. The 28-inch wheels are fitted with Schwalbe tyres with a maximum width of 50 mm. These ensure good grip, puncture protection and stability on a wide variety of surfaces. The integrated pannier rack is ideal for transporting bags or luggage, making the Victoria Trekana the ideal companion for cycling holidays or daily commuting. Mudguards, a bright lighting system and well thought-out details round off the equipment. With a weight of approx. 15.5 kg, the Victoria Trekana is in the middle class in terms of weight.
At Victoria, well-equipped and robust trekking bikes are one of the company's specialities. A 30-speed rear derailleur, a comfortable yet sporty saddle and robust all-round equipment mean that the price of just under 1200 euros is reasonable.