Bikes
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![Privateer 161 Gen 2 pictured side on with a forest backdrop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eVjuJuh8S39veF8T6PFcrn-320-80.jpg)
Is Privateer's 161 Gen 2 a dependable enduro workhorse that’s ready to race? I took it on an epic month-long Canadian MTB trip with over 67,500m of descending to find out
By Graham Cottingham published
Review I subjected the Privateer 161 Gen 2 enduro bike to almost a month of seriously tough riding in British Columbia to find out if this affordable enduro racer is the perfect blend of performance and durability
![Two riders on the best budget e-MTBs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wUcRfyoihhEkdQSMUAPJU9-320-80.jpg)
Best budget e-MTBs 2024 – top-rated cheap electric mountain bikes that won't break the bank
By Guy Kesteven last updated
Buyer's Guide Go further and faster for less with our pick of the most affordable e-MTBs
![Cotic SolarisMAX bike pictured from the side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d9KNppA3zKwUZBFgHaqabm-320-80.jpg)
Cotic SolarisMax long-term review – my winter MTB companion gets a summer refresh
By Graham Cottingham published
Review Graham Cottingham has put a load of winter miles on his Cotic SolarisMax long-termer and now it's time for a summer update
![A female mountain bike rider in action](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7Rk8ZuMBi7hkyewX5YbbyD-320-80.jpg)
Best budget full-suspension mountain bikes 2024 – full-sus MTB performance has never been so affordable
By Guy Kesteven last updated
Buyer's Guide Our expert picks of cheap full-suspension MTBs that will boost your control and confidence on any trail
![The Norco Optic C1 MTB in profile](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ESKobsQ6Voc543UDURSUmn-320-80.jpg)
I tested Norco's all-new Optic with its trendy high pivot suspension DH tech in a short travel downcountry package
By Mick Kirkman published
Review 125mm rear wheel travel might have you imagining something of an XC bike, but think again, as Norco’s latest high pivot Optic blurs the boundaries and brings maximum downhill attitude to the short travel trail bike segment
![Jesse Melamed riding at the EWS on one of the best enduro bikes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d6QdHBKwRNCVvhSjwArAKX-320-80.jpg)
Best enduro mountain bike 2024 – we test the top options for racing or burly trail and gravity blasting
By Guy Kesteven last updated
Buyer's Guide The best enduro mountain bikes are fast, light and comfortable enough to ride all-day, here are our top picks
![Trek Slash 9.9 Gen 6 Mountain bike on path with grass behind](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4Hob6rqdGCoDcMr7LpZHd-320-80.jpg)
Trek Slash 9.9 Gen 6 review – a high pivot and idler suspension design, plus a completely new chassis
By Mick Kirkman published
Review With 170mm travel and a complex high pivot layout with upper idler wheel and lower guide, Trek’s new Slash prioritizes bump swallowing and DH capability without sacrificing the ability to be a sorted enduro all-rounder
![Merida One-Twenty 600 bike on path](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZZvWJTuzrvmztbgaMagG6i-320-80.jpg)
Merida One-Twenty 600 review – budget-friendly, short travel, trail ripper
By James Watkins published
Review Merida’s One-Twenty 600, with its 130mm of travel, aims to be a jack-of-all trades at an affordable price, but can the component package compromises still shred?
![Santa Cruz Heckler SL](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VKYQgASGQ2Xj893jdZUG55-320-80.jpg)
Santa Cruz Heckler SL review – is this the Californian brand's most fun e-mountain bike ever?
By Guy Kesteven published
Review Santa Cruz’s latest mid-weight, MX wheel e–MTB is an absolute riot on the trails but is the Fazua motor a potential weak link in terms of all-weather play time?
![Rider on the Santa Cruz Tallboy, one of the best trail mountain bikes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7td6jPTgGt5PPKs2CGoiyX-320-80.jpg)
Best trail mountain bikes 2024 – the top-rated trail MTBs you can buy right now
By Richard Owen last updated
Buyer's Guide Trail bikes have become the ultimate do-everything MTBs, efficient on the climbs and confident on the descents. Here's our expert pick – every bike has been fully tested by our expert team