Sled v Jeffsy v Mettle: these all-rounder dream machines need to handle every type of terrain with a special emphasis on slaying the downhill sections.
Alan Muldoon
Bike Test Editor
YT Industries Jeffsy CF Pro Race 27 (2017) review
The Jeffsy CF Pro Race 27 takes the stock 27 platform and pumps the travel up to 160mm. It’s something of a lone wolf within the Jeffsy 27 range.
Identiti Mettle GX review
The Identiti Mettle GX enduro bike is a sturdy unit, and it benefits from SRAM’s latest RockShox Deluxe shock and wide-range GX Eagle drivetrain.
DMR Sled review
On small to medium hits, the back end of the 160mm travel DMR Sled feels amazing with a RockShox Monarch RT3 shock takes care of damping duties.
B’Twin Rockrider 560 first ride
With mbr’s Hardtail of the Year test still fresh, it's impossible not to compare the B’Twin Rockrider 560 with the winning bike, the Vitus Nucleus 275 VR.
2018 Giant Reign Advanced 0 refined to run coil shocks
The new Giant Reign Advanced 0 has tweaked sizing, suspension layout and spec to make it more race-focused. It’s still got 160mm travel and 27.5in wheels.
Marin Hawk Hill (2017) review
The Marin Hawk Hill has nearly all the makings of a great bike. The frame is solid, the sizing is on point and the specification is competitive.
Calibre Beastnut (2017) review
The Calibre Beastnut is a Bossnut on steroids. Same 130mm aluminium skeleton, but the 'Nut's extra muscle makes for a completely different animal.
Specialized Camber Comp 29 review
The 2017 Specialized Camber Comp 29 is still a rapid, fun bike though, and with tweaks to the specification it could bump it’s rating up a notch.
BMC Trailsync dropper post first ride
The BMC Trailsync is a revolutionary new dropper post from BMC that automatically flips between suspension settings as you change your saddle height.
Diamondback Sync 4.0 (2017) review
The Diamondback Sync is the latest addition to their range of alloy hardtails. With prices starting at £375 the bikes are targeted squarely at new riders.
BMC Trailfox AMP 01 LTD first ride
Two years in development, the BMC Trailfox AMP ebike is finally ready. A showstopper at Eurobike the Trailfox AMP is powered up and ready to shred.
Specialized Enduro S-Works 29/6 Fattie (2017) review
Revised geometry, sizing and travel take the Specialized Enduro 29 6Fattie to the next level, but has Specialized gone far enough?
Specialized Demo 8.1 Alloy (2017) first ride
Great geometry and progressive sizing give the Specialized Demo 8 Alloy an edge. Everything about the Demo’s parts package is pretty much bombproof.
Cannondale Habit 5 (2017) review
The Cannondale Habit 5 has totally nailed the fit and sizing and the tighter suspension response makes it feel fast, efficient and fun to ride.
Giant Trance 3 (2017) review
Get the front end dialled and the Giant Trance 3 is instantly transformed into a weapon. The suspension response is super stable, it’s not lost any sensitivity.
Trek Fuel EX 5 27.5 Plus (2017) review
The Trek Fuel EX Plus 5 eats up boulders and roots on the descents. On dry or rocky trails it would be our go-to bike.
Scott Scale 730 Plus (2017) review
The Scott Scale 730 Plus will instantly win you over as you carve effortlessly through corners, blast down the rowdiest descents and spin up loose technical climbs with aplomb.
Marin Pine Mountain 1 (2017) review
The Marin Pine Mopuntain rides more like an adventure bike than a trail hardtail designed to get your pulse racing.
Cannondale Beast of the East 3 (2017) review
The Cannondale Beast of the East 3 is a lightning-fast bike and a blast to ride.