Great geometry and progressive sizing give the Specialized Demo 8 Alloy an edge. Everything about the Demo’s parts package is pretty much bombproof.
Bikes
Genesis Tarn 20 (2017) first ride
Expanding its range, sorting its sizing and making the best of Plus-size tyres — Genesis Tarn 20 is another trail-ripping hardtail from Genesis.
Cannondale Bad Habit 1 (2017) first ride
The Cannondale Bad Habit 1 is the company's latest trail bike, it maxes out the Plus points and goes big when it comes to old-school fun.
Rocky Mountain Slayer 770 MSL (2017) first ride
The latest Rocky Mountain Slayer eats trails for tea and cleanses its palate with boulders and rubble.
Stif Morf XT first ride
Long, low and slack, and with a frame that apes the ride of a full-susser, the Stif Morf XT is a blast to ride.
NS Snabb E Carbon first ride
The NS Snabb Carbon E is a lightweight all-mountain offering that is only a tweak or two away from perfection.
Giant Trance Advanced 0 (2017) first ride
Giant reworks its classic 140mm-travel trail bike to make it even more capable.
Trek Remedy WSD 8 (2016) first ride
Trek’s WSD Remedy 8 uses the exact same geometry as the unisex Remedy — so no messing around with a shape that works to make it ‘suitable’ for the female
B’Twin Rockrider 740S (2016) first ride
B’Twin is Decathlon’s bike brand and the Rockrider 740S is its latest 27.5in full-suspension trail bike. It sports NEUF anti-bob suspension design delivering 120mm travel.
Whyte 801 (2017) first ride
All the attitude of the amazing 901 in a more affordable package
Lapierre Overvolt AM800 Carbon electric bike (2017) first ride
Once at the bottom, it’s not a battle to cruise back to the top at 20kph and do it all over again!
Kona Hei Hei Race DL (2017) first ride
The Kona Hei Hei Race DL is the carbon-fibre version of the Hei Hei with Flex pivot suspension to save weight and cost. Slacker trail-friendly geometry for a short-travel 29er.
Cotic Rocket Max Platinum Plus (2016) first ride
Cotic’s new Rocket Max is primed for take-off with either 29in or 27.5 Plus wheels
Lapierre Zesty AM 327 (2016) first ride
The new Zesty AM’s long, low and lithe
Scott Contessa Scale 710 (2016) review
Bold, curvy and built for fun, the Scott’s Contessa Scale 710 is a perfect playmate for newbies and veterans alike.
Scott Spark 700 Plus Tuned (2017) first ride
The Scott Spark 700 Plus Tuned is a blazingly good short-travel ripper that owns the rowdiest of trails. Choose from 27.5in, 27.5 Plus and 29in versions.
Bold Cycles Linkin Trail Classic 29 (2017) review
The Swiss are obsessed with purity and order, and these values are exemplified by the Linkin Trail from Bold Cycles. Hidden shock This exquisite full carbon 29er stashes its shock…
Pole Evolink 140 29 EN (2016) review
While we’re constantly hearing about bikes getting longer, lower and slacker the reality is rarely radical. With two notable exceptions. These are Mojo’s Nicolai-built Geometron and the Pole that you…
BMC Speedfox SF02 Trailcrew (2016) first ride
Need to know Redesigned around 27.5in wheels, rather than 29in Trailcrew name points to shorter stems, fatter tyres and bigger rotors for a more aggressive attitude 150mm travel at both ends…
Cube Stereo 150 HPA Race 27.5+ first ride
With a classy spec sheet and Plus-size tyres, Cube’s long-travel trail bike opens up new lines on old trails