trek basic bike

The 7 Best Beginner Mountain Bikes for Cross-Country and Trail Riding

Hardtails dominate this category, but there are some accessible full-suspension options, too.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Looking for more MTB recommendations? Check our picks for the best mountain bikes , hardtails under $1,200 , and cheap mountain bikes .

The Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall Hardtail: Rockhopper Elite 29
• Best Overall Full-Suspension: Giant Stance 29 2
• Best for XC: Specialized Chisel Mountain Bike
• Best for Technical Trails: Stumpjumper Comp Alloy
• Best Budget: Giant Talon 29 1

What to Consider

Frame and wheel size are crucial to finding the right fit for your mountain bike. Bikes come in standard frame sizes of small, medium, large, and extra-large. Some manufacturers offer XS or XXL frames and custom sizing, too. Your bike sizes is based on your height, so refer to sizing charts on the brands’ sites to find the best fit—but some people prefer a different size based on their torso-to-leg-length ratio, so we recommend trying before buying.

Adult bikes come standard with either 27.5- or 29-inch wheels, the former offering a snappier, more responsive feel (smaller wheels accelerate more quickly) while the latter offers stability and a smoother ride, especially over rough terrain.

The newer subset of mixed-wheel or “mullet” mountain bikes combine the best of both worlds, with a 29-inch in the front and 27.5-inch in the back for stable steering and maneuverability.

Suspension, Terrain, and Forks

There are two types of suspensions for basic mountain bikes: hardtail and full-suspension.

Hardtail mountain bikes only have a front fork suspension, whereas full-suspension bikes have both a front fork and a rear suspension. Generally, hardtails are lighter, easier to climb with, and better for cross-country (also known as XC) mountain biking—that includes forest paths, singletracks, and fire roads.

Full-suspension bikes offer comfortable riding over trails and varied terrain with a cushier feel. They’re also better equipped for any downhill riding that involves jumps or drops, as the rear suspension can soften the impact upon landing.

The decision—hardtail or full suspension—depends on the terrain and your budget. A full-suspension bike is much more expensive than a hardtail, and usually requires more maintenance, too. A hardtail is better if you stick to less technical XC trails.

Suspension travel refers to the total amount the fork or rear shock compresses when absorbing bumps and uneven terrain. It’s measured in millimeters and can vary from 80 to 200 on a mountain bike. If a fork is 100 millimeters, for example, that means it can compress 100 millimeters vertically.

The right suspension travel for you depends on your experience level and the terrain you’re riding on. The higher the number on the fork, the more give it has to eat up bumps like rocks and tree roots—but keep in mind that more suspension doesn’t always equate to a smoother ride, especially if you aren’t used to the responsiveness of your shocks. An overly cushy fork can be a hindrance with steep climbs as it can compress while you’re mashing on the pedals while heading uphill, at the expense of some forward momentum and power.

Most mountain bikes have a 1x drivetrain, meaning there’s a single chainring on the bike’s crank. These are quieter, require less maintenance, and are less likely to drop the chain compared to 2x and 3x drivetrains. They’re also lighter, which is beneficial when taking on steep climbs. At the rear, most 1x drivetrain bikes have 10, 11, or 12 speeds, offering more range and tighter jumps between gears, which means less chance of dropping a chain.

Standard seatposts are manually adjustable so that you can raise and lower their height. Usually, this is adjusted via the seatpost’s C-clamp, which doesn’t require any tools to use.

Mountain bikers lower their seatpost when riding downhill for increased maneuverability—a lower center of gravity keeps you from flipping over handlebars and the bike from slipping underneath you—and raise it when climbing uphill for optimized pedaling for further extending their legs.

To make things easier, a dropper seatpost allows the rider to quickly adjust the saddle height with a lever while riding. Generally, that lever is an integrated button on the handlebar connected to the seatpost by a cable. It also adds to the bike’s price.

Droppers come standard with some bikes, but they aren’t a given. If you’re unsure if you’d like one immediately, but may change your mind as you gain MTB experience, we recommend opting for a dropper-compatible bike.

While you can certainly pick up an e-mountain bike, we don’t recommend them until you’re comfortable riding XC or trails. E-bikes are much easier to get the hang of on pavement and flat roads, where pathways are reliable and your only concern, if any, is traffic. Because mountain biking is more technical than road biking, the added speed and weight of an e-bike can make it tough for beginners to master. If you’re fairly comfortable with your riding ability, by all means, browse our picks for the best electric mountain bikes . If you’re new to the terrain, however, learn the basics before you go electric.

How We Selected

To find the best mountain bikes for beginners, we consulted Bicycling test editors Matt Phillips , Dan Chabanov , and Tara Seplavy to get their thoughts on models they know to be accessible, easy to ride and tweak, and comfortable on trails and XC, based on prior testing experience. We also asked Bicycling columnist and assistant reviews editor Adam Schram, who has years of experience as a bike mechanic and a competitive cyclist under his belt, for his recommendations.

We researched other publications and messages boards like GearLab and Reddit, and dug into our archives to find value-forward, beginner-friendly mountain bikes with low barriers to entry. We gathered quotes from each of those editors and included full reviews of each mountain bike when applicable. For the bikes we haven’t officially tested—the Specialized Stumpjumper , the Surly Karate Monkey , and the Specialized Chisel —we asked our colleagues what they thought of each, and if they had any impressions based on brand reputation, word-of-mouth (i.e., lots of cyclist friends), and reliability. Finally, we made a well-rounded list based on value, performance, and type of riding for those interested in cross-country, XC, or general MTB riding.

Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29 Mountain Bike

A mainstay in Specialized’s catalog, the Rockhopper Elite is a tried-and-true XC mountain bike that offers an outstanding balance of performance and affordability. During testing, we found its brakes felt great, plus, if you wish to add one, the frame has routing for a dropper post. The bike’s cables route internally on the front triangle, and it also has plenty of mounts for a pannier or rack.

Of course, these specs are just fine , but if you’re a beginner and want to dabble on the trail, the Rockhopper Elite 29 is likely the catalyst you need.

“It climbs efficiently, is quite capable on singletrack, and isn’t too nervous when descending,” says Seplavy . “It does everything decently—a quality many buyers in this price range want and expect from a mountain bike.”

Giant Stance 29 2 Mountain Bike

This budget-friendly full-suspension bike is agile and comfortable on the trail, with decent brakes, excellent performance, and solid geometry. Its big wheels can confidently roll over rocky terrain, and its gear range is wide for comfortable climbing. At its price, weight, and build, it’s one of the most accessible bikes on the market.

Our former associate features editor, Taylor Rojek , tested this bike and called the sum of its parts incredible. “It’s some kind of alchemy, because individually, the parts choices on this bike all fall into the ‘fine but nothing special’ category,” she wrote. “It’s only when you mash them all together that you get something amazing.”

It lacks a dropper, unfortunately, which could be a dealbreaker. But if that’s vital for you, consider the Stance 29 1 instead.

Read Full Review

Giant Talon 29 1 Mountain Bike

The Talon 29 1 is a surprisingly competent mountain bike, given its price. It has an excellent ride feel all thanks to its fork, says Saplavy. “The house-brand 100mm travel SXC-32-2 RL fork features 32mm aluminum stanchions, an alloy steerer, and an air spring. These shave weight off the bike while improving stiffness and steering precision. The fork’s rebound adjustment and air spring help you tune the fork for your weight and local trails. It is a big plus for a bike at this price.”

That said, its Tektro M275 brakes are lackluster, with a poor hand feel that doesn’t relay feedback well. While great on the trail, its drivetrain is a pain while climbing uphill. If you stick to easy, straightforward rides, the Talon will do you just fine. It’s a solid beginner bike, but also one that can lend confidence on the trails.

Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy Mountain Bike

The Stumpjumper Comp Alloy eats bumpy terrain with its cushy fork and rear suspension. Paired with its durable frame, excellent geometry, and responsive handling, it’s a comfy ride for steep climbing and hitting the roughest trails.

Schram highly recommends the Stumpjumper for any newcomer looking for a reliable ride: “Its build is squeaky clean, its suspension is velvety, and it can keep up with your peppy friends clambering uphill just as easily as it can rip downhill. Would I race XC with a Stumpy? Perhaps not, but people have beaten me in races on one—even in ultra-distance mountain bike marathons.”

While our test team hasn’t formally tested it, we’re familiar with Specialized and trust its ability to make accessible models for any rider. “The Stumpy Comp Alloy is a bike we should get in and test, and I’m actually embarrassed we haven’t yet,” says Phillips. “The build looks freaking great—though the NX stuff has been hit or miss —as does the geometry. It’s got good tires, too! Solid FSR design with Fox suspension.”

Surly Karate Monkey Mountain Bike

The Surly Karate Monkey is a reliable hardtail with a sturdy (and heavy) steel frame and balanced geometry, making it ideal for trails or even long-distance bikepacking—if that’s in your future. It’s also built with customization in mind, with enough clearance for 29- or 27.5-inch tires, and mounts to haul enough cargo for a week’s worth of camping.

Its steel frame makes it burly, or, as Phillips puts it, “The Surly is a Surly: heavy, practical, and durable.” But if you’re looking to take a bike out for long distances, or even to beat up through plenty of camping trips, the Karate Monkey will do some good.

Kona Mahuna Mountain Bike

Swift and comfortable, the Mahuna is a smooth, big-wheeled XC bike with a fork that’ll cushion bumps on mild technical trails. It has responsive handling for easy riding, and according to former test editor and Bicycling contributor Riley Missel , it performs best on “steady, consistent climbs free of big rocks and step-ups.”

Like other Kona bikes, the Mahuna is a great value that would benefit from potential upgrades—bigger cogs on the cassette, for example, would help it get up to speed while ascending. Downhill, though, the Mahuna performs solid, even with just a 100-millimeter fork.

Specialized Chisel Mountain Bike

If you’re looking for speed, excellent handling, and balanced XC performance, the Chisel is a solid mountain bike for beginners. Packed with solid components, it’s easy for mechanics to fix and supercharge as it doesn’t rely on an excess of moving parts. It’s also a great price.

“I’d happily grab a Chisel with my own money,” says Chabanov . “Great bang for the buck in a bike that can easily be a great zippy XC race bike.” Meanwhile, Phillips says he’s heard how excellent the Chisel is from other riders in the past.

“I love the Chisel’s slim profile, which makes it marginally easier to maneuver your body without banging your knees on the top tube,” says Schram. “It’s unquestionably bred for racing, and it can ride a little harsh as a result. But I managed to knock out a rocky 100-mile race on mine without losing feeling in my hands. That’s high acclaim for an alloy MTB.”

Its only downside is a potentially harsh ride on technical trails, as Schram points out above; stick to easy rides and you’ll do fine.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Best Beginner Mountain Bikes in 2024: Top Choices for Novice Mountain Bikers

Image: REI.com

Mountain bikes are one of the most versatile types to own and they have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1980s, with a wide range of options to choose from these days.

This makes buying your first bike a daunting task—do you go for full suspension or hardtail? Trail or cross country? How much should you spend?

These are all tough decisions, so we’ve compiled a convenient list of the best beginner mountain bikes to help you choose. Here you’ll find something to suit any budget, from low-cost entry-level bikes around $500 to good quality intermediate bikes above $1,000.

Although a hardtail is probably the best choice for your first MTB, we’ve also included a few full-suspension bikes for you to consider.

The following list of the best beginner mountain bikes is intended for recreational mountain bikers  and occasional trail riders who are looking for affordable options.

Important Factors to Consider

Key components to look for on beginner mtbs.

When embarking on the journey of mountain biking, it’s essential to select an MTB with foundational features conducive to a beginner’s experience.

Here are some of the most important features you should consider:

• Suspension: A suspension fork ensures a smoother ride on rugged terrains. Avoid cheap beginner mountain bikes with low-quality rear suspension as it adds a lot of weight and doesn’t perform well.
• Frame: An aluminum frame is the optimal choice for beginner mountain bikes. It balances both durability and weight, making it a preferred choice over the more expensive carbon or the heftier steel.
• Wheel size: The two common sizes to consider are 27.5″ and 29″, providing a good blend of stability and agility. Some fat tire mountain bikes come with 26″ wheels, which can also be a good wheel size if you are a short person.
• Brakes: Braking is crucial, so opt for hydraulic disc brakes for their superior stopping power but mechanical ones can also suffice. Avoid V-brakes at all costs if you plan to ride off-road as they don’t provide enough stopping power.
• Gears: A 1x or 2x drivetrain coupled with a wide-range cassette ensures a beginner-friendly gearing range, aiding in tackling diverse trails with ease and climbing steep hills without having to push the bike.

These are the aspects we had in mind when selecting the bikes to include in our list of the best beginner mountain bikes below, so you can choose any one of those with confidence. 

How Much to Spend on a Beginner Mountain Bike?

While there are cheaper options, investing in this range ensures you get a bike with reliable components that can withstand regular trail usage without frequent breakdowns. A slightly higher initial investment can save you a lot of money on future repairs and upgrades.

The bikes within this budget come with decent suspension forks, durable aluminum frames, and reliable derailleurs.

A cheaper bike doesn’t necessarily mean it lacks in quality. Instead, many large bike brands produce entry-level bikes that are equipped with great-value components that stand the test of time.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can also consider buying a used mountain bike from The Pro’s Closet . There’s a huge selection of models in good condition that offer excellent value for the money.

Which Type of Mountain Bike Is Best for a Beginner Cyclist?

Salsa Rangefinder is a great example of a beginner-friendly XC mountain bike.

A cross-country (XC) mountain bike is an excellent choice for most beginner cyclists.

XC bikes are designed primarily for trail riding and general off-road use, offering a good balance between climbing efficiency and descending capabilities.

They typically feature a more comfortable geometry, which is especially important for those new to the sport, and they come with a suspension system that provides ample shock absorption without being overly complex.

The moderate tread on XC tires ensures traction on a variety of surfaces without excessive resistance. This type of bike allows beginners to get a feel for different terrains while building confidence and skills.

Most of the best beginner mountain bikes you see below are cross-country bikes, with a few exceptions of low-travel trail bikes.

Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

1. cannondale trail 5.

Winner! Best Beginner XC Mountain Bike

Price: $960

• Frame: SmartForm C3 alloy
• Suspension: SR Suntour XCM, 100 mm
• Drivetrain: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Tire Size:  27.5 or 29 x 2.25″

The Cannondale Trail 5 is a decent beginner mountain bike for those looking to explore a more varied terrain.

It has a lightweight aluminum frame and an SR Suntour fork with 100 mm of travel, which is more than enough for exploring local dirt roads and forest trails.

Cannondale Trail 5 Review

Although it doesn’t have rear suspension, the Trail 5 benefits from SAVE micro-suspension that absorbs small vibrations and provides a smoother ride.

Cannondale has reduced the cost of the bike with a simple 10-speed microSHIFT drivetrain but has cut no corners with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and WTB rims and tires.

The wheel diameter is frame-size-specific, so smaller frames come with 27.5″ wheels, whereas bigger frames roll on 29″ wheels.

All around, the Cannondale Trail 5 is a high-quality beginner mountain bike that uses some budget parts but delivers the goods where they’re needed most.

Related: Cannondale Trail Series Overview

Buy from REI.com

2. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2

Second-Choice! Biggest Plus-Size Tires

Price: $999

• Frame: MY23 aluminum
• Suspension: SR Suntour XCM32 Boost, 120 mm
• Drivetrain: microSHIFT ADVENT X 10-speed
• Tire Size: 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.4 in. (Size-specific)

Co-op Cycles is REI’s in-house cycling brand known for low-priced but high-quality bikes and cycling gear.

The DRT 1.2 is an entry-level mountain bike perfect for tackling light singletrack and rough forest trails. It’s priced higher than other beginner mountain bikes on our list, but it comes with higher-quality components. 

The SR Suntour XCM32 fork has 120 mm of travel and the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes will keep you on track come rain or shine.

Co-op Cycles DRT – Series Overview

The DRT 1.2 also boasts a 10-speed microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain that includes a wide-range 11-48t cassette which will allow you to climb some seriously steep hills.

Considering that you also get double-wall tubeless-ready rims and 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.4″ (frame size-specific) Maxxis Rekon tires, you’ll be able to use this bike for almost any type of mountain biking, except enduro and DH.

This bike even comes with dropper post internal routing ports, so you can easily retrofit one if you need it for smoother descents.

3. Rocky Mountain Growler 20

Third Place! Best 29er Mountain Bike for Beginners

Price: $1,399

• Frame: Lightweight aluminum
• Suspension: Suntour XCM34 DS, 130mm Travel
• Drivetrain: MicroSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Tire Size: 29″ x 2.6″

Rocky Mountain Growler 20 is a beginner hardtail mountain bike perfect as a budget-friendly introductory trail bike. It’s ideal for newcomers to mountain biking and those who are shopping on a tight budget.

The Growler 20 is built around a modern aluminum frame with an SR Suntour XCM34 DS fork that provides a decent 130 mm of travel, which is enough to tackle light off-road terrain and average descents.

The 1×10-speed microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain is matched with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide more than enough stopping power for beginner riders. These are entry-level components, but they have been tried and tested numerous times.

The bike rolls on 29″ x 2.6″ Kenda Amrak tires that are moderately knobby, so they won’t slow you down too much on hardpacked roads and trails.

All in all, the Rocky Mountain Growler 20 is equipped with all the essentials you could ask for to get into mountain biking as a beginner cyclist. 

Buy from JensonUSA.com

4. GT Zaskar LT AI Elite

Best Rear Derailleur with a Clutch

MSRP : $1,000

• Frame: 6061 Lightweight aluminum
• Suspension: RockShox 35 Silver R 130mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Brakes: Tektro HD-M520 Hydraulic Disc
• Tire Size: 29″ x 2.3″

GT Zaskar is a cheap beginner’s hardtail designed for learning the ropes of mountain biking.

This $1,000 MTB boasts a range of solid components for beginners, such as a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur with a clutch, which is a rare sight on low-priced mountain bikes. 

The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are a great value as well, and the WTB 29 x 2.3″ tires will provide ample traction and grip on a variety of terrains and surfaces. Unfortunately, they are not tubeless.

The GT Zaskar features a lightweight aluminum frame paired with a RockShox 35 Silver R fork that offers 130 mm of travel. This is a coil fork that is heavier than air forks, but it’s good enough for beginner riders. 

Finally, the Zaskar is a great hardtail MTB for weekend warriors who are looking for a reliable bike they can use for recreational riding.

Buy from Jenson USA

5. Marin San Quentin 1

Beginner MTB with Longest Fork Travel 

• Frame: Series 2 6061 Aluminum, Double-butted
• Suspension: Suntour XCM 34, 130 mm
• Drivetrain:  MicroSHIFT Advent w/Clutch, 9-Speed
• Brakes: Tektro HDM275 Hydraulic
• Tire Size: 27.5″ x 2.6″

The Marin San Quentin 1 is a great beginner mountain bike for those who want to ride rough descents and more technical trails.

Its Series 2 6061 double-butted aluminum frame has a long wheelbase and slack geometry, which will make you more stable when the surface becomes challenging. 

The Suntour XCM 34 coil fork provides you with 130 mm of travel, which is the highest on our list in this price range. Even though the suspension is coil and not air, the fork performs well and improves stability and performance. 

Another bargain at this price point is the microShift Advent 9-speed rear derailleur with a clutch, which will keep the chain from dropping and prevent chain slap at high speeds. Not only that, but you also get Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes, which are more than strong enough for novice mountain bikers.

The wheelset consists of Marin’s double-wall and tubeless-ready rims and Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap 27.5 x 2.6″ tires. The first thing we’d upgrade on this bike in the future would be the tires—switch to a tubeless setup to reduce the rolling resistance and prevent flats. 

Overall, the Marin San Quentin 1 is an excellent choice in the sub-$1,000 category with a few surprisingly good components. 

6. Cannondale Trail 6

Best Beginner MTB for Short Riders

Price: $860

• Suspension: SR Suntour XCT, 100 mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Altus/Acera 2×8
• Tire Size: 27.5 or 29 x 2.25″

Cannondale Trail 6 is an entry-level aluminum mountain bike that will get you outdoors without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for developing mountain biking skills for riders who want to explore the countryside, gravel roads, or non-technical mountain trails.

The Suntour SR Suntour XCT fork has 100 mm of travel, which is enough to absorb vibrations and minor bumps. Fortunately, the WTB Ranger Comp 27.5/29 x 2.25 tires provide a decent amount of extra padding. 

The drivetrain consists of Shimano Altus and Acera front and rear derailleurs that provide a total of 16 gears with an 11-34t cassette and 36/22t chainrings. You also get Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes with solid stopping power.

The Cannondale Trail 6 is perfect for shorter riders as the wheel size is frame-size specific, which makes the smallest XS frame suitable for 4’6″ – 5’2″ heights. 

Get it if you want an affordable cross-country bike from a reputable brand. 

Buy from REI

7. Marin Rift Zone 1 29

Most Affordable Full Suspension Beginner MTB

Price: $1,699

• Frame: Series 3 6061 Aluminum
• Fork Suspension: X-Fusion Slide Boost 29″, 140mm Travel
• Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R, Custom Tune, 210x55mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1×11
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic
• Tire Size: 29 x 2.35″

The Marin Rift Zone is an entry-level full-suspension beginner mountain bike that opens up new possibilities when it comes to the trails you can ride.

Even though the $1,699 price tag is not accessible to everyone, this is a bargain for a quality full-suspension trail bike.

The suspension is built with an X-Fusion Slide Boost 140 mm fork and an X-Fusion O2 Pro rear shock, both of which offer enough travel for moderate descents and flowy singletracks.

Marin Bikes Overview

The Rift Zone 1 is also equipped with an 11-speed Shimano Deore rear derailleur and Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes, which are proper mountain biking components commonly found on even more expensive bikes.

The only downside is the lack of a dropper post, which is the main upgrade we recommend you make if you decide to buy this bike. It will make your descents a lot more efficient, allowing you to set new PRs on your favorite trails. 

All things considered, you can choose the Marin Rift Zone 1 if you want to be able to climb efficiently and descend with ease on proper trails in mountain bike parks. 

8. Co-op Cycles DRT 3.1

Beginner MTB with the Best Suspension

  Price: $2,499

• Frame: 6061 aluminum
• Fork Suspension:  RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air, 140 mm
• Rear Shock:  RockShox Deluxe Select R
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Tire Size: 27.5 or 29 x 2.4″

The DRT 3.1 is Co-op Cycles’ mid-range full-suspension mountain bike, designed to take on serious off-road conditions with 140 mm of front and rear travel.

It features a high-quality RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select R rear   shock, mounted on a stiff and responsive 6061 aluminum frame.

The 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain includes an 11-50t cassette and a 32t crankset, along with Shimano’s low-tier MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.

It’s difficult to find any faults with the DRT 3.1, as it even comes with an X Fusion Manic dropper with 170 mm of travel.

The bike rolls on the tried-and-tested Maxxis Recon 2.4″ tires, whereas the wheels are frame-size-specific, so you’ll get either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels depending on the frame size you choose.

Overall, you’ll struggle to find a better bike for the price, even though the $2,500 price is not necessarily beginner-friendly unless you consider the full-suspension context. 

9. Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29

A Well-Rounded Beginner XC Bike

MSRP: $1,150

• Frame: Specialized A1 premium butted alloy
• Suspension: RockShox Judy, Solo Air, TK, 80-100 mm
• Drivetrain:  Shimano Deore 11-speed

The Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29 is one of the best beginner mountain bikes for the money. With a price of $1,150, it packs some surprisingly good components that we expect to see on more expensive models.

For example, the Shimano Deore rear derailleur offers 11 speeds and comes with a clutch, which is a very important feature that prevents the chain from dropping on bumpy trails. The drivetrain also features an 11-51t cassette, providing a very low ratio for uphill pedaling.

The Specialized Rockhopper also uses Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, which are more than sufficient on a hardtail MTB aimed at newcomers to trail riding.

The RockShox Judy Solo Air fork with 80-100 mm of travel (size-specific) offers enough vibration absorption for moderate trail riding, reducing the weight compared to cheaper coil forks. 

After considering all the important aspects, we can say that entry-level Specialized mountain bikes don’t get much better than this and the Rockhopper won’t disappoint even more experienced riders. 

Buy from Specialized.com

10. Niner Air 2-Star

Best Choice for More Demanding Terrain

Price: $1,999

• Frame: Aluminum
• Suspension: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail, 120mm Travel
• Drivetrain:  SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Level Hydraulic
• Tire Size: 29″ x 2.6″ / 2.35″

The Niner Air 9 2-Star is an entry-level hardtail MTB that combines an aluminum frame with high-quality components and plus-size tires.

It features a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail fork with 120 mm of travel and 29″ x 2.6″ and 2.35″ tires, which allows you to tackle more demanding terrains, such as rocky trails or trails with a lot of roots sticking out.

The Air 9 also boasts a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, which is a solid groupset that delivers decent performance without breaking the bank.

With 12 gears and an 11-50T cassette, you get enough range for easy climbing, and the SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes offer ample stopping power on technical descents.

While some minor sacrifices have been made here to ensure the Niner Air 9 remains affordable, most amateur riders will feel more than confident tackling single track and country lanes on this impressive trail bike.

11. Salsa Rangefinder

Best Components for the Price

• Frame: 6061 T-6 Aluminum
• Suspension: SR Suntour XCR 34 Boost, Air, 120 mm
• Drivetrain:  Shimano Deore, 12-speed
• Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8″

The Salsa Rangefinder is an impressive entry-level cross-country machine that looks and feels like it should cost a lot more than it does.

The Rangefinder boasts some quality components packed on a stiff and responsive aluminum frame, such as the SR Suntour XCR 34 air fork that offers 120 mm of travel.

The biggest highlight is definitely the new Shimano Deore 12-speed rear derailleur paired with a Deore 10-51T cassette and a 30T front chainring. That’s more than enough gear range for the steepest climbs you can find. 

Moreover, with Maxxis Rekon 27.5 x 2.8″ plus-size tires and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll have no trouble keeping traction at high speeds.

To sum up, the Salsa Rangefinder is the ideal bike for quick, nimble off-road riding along singletrack and rocky trails. Get it if you want the best value you can find in a sub-$1,500 model.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• off.road.cc
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off-road.cc

Your complete guide to the 2021 trek mountain bike range.

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

• Your complete guide to the 2021 Canyon mountain bike range
• Your complete guide to the RockShox rear shock range - Deluxe, Super Deluxe, SID, Monarch and Vivid air and coil
• Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you

2021 Trek mountain bikes

• Full Stache
• Supercaliber

Understanding Trek's naming system

Trek's naming system follows a similar style to how Canyon names its bikes. Each bike's name is suffixed with a number, with higher value numbers corresponding to pricier and better-kitted bikes. Once we get to 9, Trek adds decimals to the suffix to denote changes in the bike's suspension package. All bikes with a 9 in the name get carbon frames but a 9.7 might get its suspension from Fox's Rhythm range for example, while a 9.8 will get better something from higher in the range. Also, you'll see that a lot of kit on the bikes come from Bontrager, for the uninitiated that's Trek's in-house component brand.

At the '9' level, we also see XT, XO1, and GX finding their way into the names. Yep, you've guessed it, that's the drivetrain the bike comes kitted with.

Another thing that's definitely worth mentioning is that a small selection of Trek's bike range is available through what the brand calls Project One. Project One offers the opportunity to have your bike personalised and custom painted with special, exclusive colours. This will mean you have to part ways with a heap of cash but in return, you'll get a bike that's unique to you.

As with the brand's range of bikes, the price range is vast with bikes starting from £440, right up to £9,200 and that's not even considering the Project One options. There's also a comprehensive range of gravel bikes and e-bikes.

Let's kick things off with the Slash. It's Trek's enduro bike which rolls on 29" wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the rear, paired with 170mm at the front. For 2021 it gets both an aluminium and carbon frame option all of which benefit from Trek's proprietary Knock Block system which saves your top and down tube if your front end spins during a crash. This bike also gets the Mino Link which is a geometry adjusting flip-chip, down tube guards threaded bottom brackets, an Active Braking Pivot, and storage in the downtube. As for the geometry, in the low setting, the Slash sees a 75.6° effective seat tube angle, a 64.1° head tube angle, and a 435mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 486mm reach. If you're after something a little more special, the Slash is available through Project One.

Slash 9.9 XTR

Topping the Slash range is the Slash 9.9 XTR. It gets Trek's OCLV carbon frame with the all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated ThruShaft damper. At the front, you'll find the RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 which features chunky 38mm stanchions. As its name suggests there's a full Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with an e*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon crank. The brakes here also come from the XTR lineup and they come with 4-pot calipers for extra stopping power. This bike rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 which are wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.6" Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead tyre at the front and an SE5 Team Issue with the same spec in 2.4" at the rear. It also gets a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with Bontrager supplying the 820mm wide carbon bar, 35mm stem along with the rest of the build kit.

Slash 9.9 XO1

The Slash 9.9 XO1 gets all of the same trimmings as the 9.9 XTR but benefits from a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC Brakes, along with a slightly friendlier price tag.

Slash 9.8 GX

Shaving a few thousand pounds of the range-topper is the 9.8 GX. This one is still built around Trek's carbon frame but this one gets a slightly downgraded RockShox ZEB Select+ RC with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. Here we get a SRAM GX drivetrain with a matching crankset and SRAM Code R brakes. As for the rest of the bike, it's the same as the 9.9 XTR.

Slash 9.8 XT

As its name suggests, the Slash 9.8 XT gets a very similar built kit to the 9.8 GX. However, this bike sees a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7120 four-piston brakes.

Dropping a full £1.8k off of the 9.8 models, the Slash 9.7 is still built around a carbon frame and it swaps the RockShox suspension with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and a Fox Performance DPX2 EVOL shock. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle and the wheels here are the alloy Bontrager Line Comp 30's. Those come shod with a Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead 2.6" tyre at the front with a Bontrager XR4 with the same spec and a 2.4" width at the rear. Trek has also swapped the dropper post for a TransX post and there's Bontrager's own alloy finishing kit.

With the Slash 8, we no longer get a carbon frame but we do get a RockShox Lyric Select+ RC fork with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate at the rear. This bike is driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and there's a pair of SRAM Code R brakes. Everything else is the same as what you would get on the 9.7 model.

The Slash 7 rounds of the range with its alloy frame, RockShox Yari RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and SRAM NX drivetrain. Here we get a pair of SRAM Guide T brakes and the rest of the bike follows suit with the 8.

Trek Remedy

The Remedy is Trek's long-legged trail bike which comes with four models for 2021. It rolls on 650b wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the front, with 150mm at the rear. Much like the Slash, the Remedy benefits from the Knock Block, the Active Braking Pivot, and the Mino Link. Geometry-wise, it gets a 65.6° head angle, a 74.2° effective seat tube angle, and 435mm chainstays in the low position. A large frame gets a 455mm reach, again in that low setting.

The Remedy 9.8 is the only bike in the 2021 line up that gets a carbon frame. It also gets a burly Fox Performance 38 paired with a Fox Performance Float DPX2 EVOL shock at the rear. This bike benefits from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain matched with SRAM Code R brakes. As for the wheels, they're a pair of carbon Bontrager Line Elite 30's and they're wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls with an aramid bead in 2.6" with a Bontrager SE4 Team Issue with the same specs in the 2.4" width. Bontrager also supplies the dropper post with the Line Elite and the 820mm handlebar along with the 35mm stem.

As suggested by the lack of a '9' in its name, the Slash 8 comes kitted with an alloy frame. As for the fork, it's a RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC and that's paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. This bike is also driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and it gets the same brakes as the 9.8 rig. Differing from the range-topper, this build sees in a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels which get an XR5 Team Issue tyre that's tubeless-ready with Inner Strength sidewalls and an aramid bead in 2.6", also from Bontrager. At the rear, there's an XR4 with the very same specification. The rest of the bike follows suit with the 9.8 model.

Remedy 8 XT

Rather unsurprisingly, the Remedy 8 XT comes with a very similar build to the 8 but gets an XT drivetrain and Deore M6120 four-pot brakes. Everything else on this build matches the Remedy 8.

The Remedy 7 is the cheapest 2021 Remedy on offer. It gets a RockShox Gold RL fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. There's a SRAM NX drivetrain with SRAM Guide T brakes. Apart from that, everything else is the same as what you'll get on the Remedy 8's.

Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's do it all trail bike. It gets 130mm of rear travel and 140mm at the front. Just like the Slash, the Fuel EX gets built-in downtube storage and the Active Braking Pivot. It comes with a RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft, something that you'll only find on Trek bikes. It promises more grip and control with a shock the reacts to the ground faster than anything else on the market, says Trek. This bike also gets the Mino Link, Knock Block, and Straight Shot downtube. The Fuel EX comes in five sizes with XS getting 650b hoops and M upwards getting 29" wheels. However, size S comes with a choice of either wheel size. As for the geometry in the low setting, the bike gets a 66° head angle, a 75° effective seat tube angle, and a 437mm chain stay. A large frame benefits from a 470mm reach.

Fuel EX 9.9 AXS

Topping the range with a pretty hefty pricetag is the 9.9 AXS. On this model, you'll get a Fox Factory 36 with a GRIP 2 damper, paired with a Fox Factory Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. Of course, we then get wireless shifting from SRAM and the AXS range along with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels and they're wrapped with two Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads, measuring in with a 2.6" width at the front and a 2.4" at the rear. Bontrager supplies the finishing kit with a Knock Block stem and a 780mm OCLV carbon handlebar.

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Fuel EX 9.9 XTR gets all of the bling. It's built around Trek's OCLV carbon frame and gets a Fox Factory 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper. At the back, there's a Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv. As its name hints, this bike comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with matching XTR M9120 four-piston brakes. There's also an option with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain with SRAM G2 RSC brakes. This one rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV carbon wheels which are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with the brand's Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid bead. At the front, there's a 2.6" tyre with a 2.4" at the rear on both wheel sizes. Then the bike comes kitted with a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper and the rest of the kit comes from the same brand.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT & GX

Offering a saving of over £2,000 over the top of the range bike is the 9.8 GX and XT. This bike comes with the same carbon frame as the most expensive bike but sees a downgrade in suspension and drivetrain. Here we get a Fox Performance 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv shock. This rig comes with a choice of drivetrain with either SRAM's GX groupset or Shimano's XT. The GX build comes with SRAM G2 RS brakes whereas the XT model is stopped with a pair of Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston brakes. Everything else on these builds is the same as what you'll find on the 9.9 XTR model.

Fuel EX 9.7

The 9.7 is Trek's most affordable carbon-framed Fuel EX. It comes kitted with a Fox Rhythm 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock. The drivetrain here is a mix of SRAM NX and GX with the former making up the shifter and the latter handing the mech. Gone are the carbon wheels, unfortunately, but instead we get a set of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in the very same tyres like the rest of the range. The rest of the bike follows suit with the pricier models but there's an alloy bar and stem.

Fuel EX 8 XT & GX

At the sub £3k mark Trek does away with the carbon frames and replaces them with cheaper alloy alternatives. On the priciest alloy option, we get a Fox Rythm 34 Float with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. On this build, there's a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain or a Shimano XT with the former benefitting from SRAM G2 R brakes and the latter receiving a pair of Shimano MT4100 levers mated to MT420 four-piston callipers. This bike gets a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels and the rest of the build is the same as what you'll get on the 9.7 bike.

Fuel EX 7 NX

On the Fuel EX 7 NX we find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock, note that this shock doesn't come with that special RE:aktiv tech. You've guessed it, this one comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain it gets its brakes from Shimano with a pair of MT4100 levers and MT410 callipers. The rest of the bike, including the wheels and tyres on this bike, is the same as the rest of the alloy range but we see a TransX dropper on this model.

Fuel EX 5 Deore

Rounding off the fairly extensive range is the reasonably priced Fuel EX Deore. It gets a RockShox Recon Silver fork with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. Then there's the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of MT201 levers and MT200 callipers. The wheels see a downgrade from the rest of the range with an Alex MD35 rim laced to Bontrager hubs. They're wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 tyres and there's a TransX dropper post. The rest of the finishing kit comes from Bontrager.

Trek Top Fuel

Like it or not, but down-country bikes are becoming more and more prolific. Luckily for those who are on board with the trend Trek has a bike for you. It comes kitted with 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear with 29" wheels. In keeping with the rest of Trek's bikes so far the Top Fuel also gets a Straight Shot downtube and Trek's Active Braking Pivot. It's also kitted with the Mino Link and Control Freak cable management system. Moving onto the geometry, the Top Fuel sees a 68° head tube angle, a 75.7° effective seat tube angle and a 434mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 470mm reach and those numbers have been taken with the bike in its low setting. As for frame sizes, there's a choice from XS right up to XXL.

Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

A few hundred pounds shy of the 10k mark, this bike comes with all of the top tech. It's made around a carbon frame with a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with a Race Day Charger damper and a RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate shock. There's a RockShox TwistLoc Full Sprint lockout remote too. As for the drivetrain, here we get a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless set up with SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes. The wheels on this bike area pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon hoops and they're kitted with a pair of Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads in a 2.4" width. Finally, there's a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, Bontrager OCLV carbon bar with a 750mm width and 35mm clamp and a Bontrager stem.

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Top Fuel XTR and XO1 models get the same carbon frame but this time there's a Fox Factory 34 Step Cast with a FIT4 damper paired with a Fox Factory Float shock. This bike also gets the RockShox Twistloc remote lockout. With this model, there's a choice of either a SRAM XO1 drivetrain or the Shimano XTR set up. The XO1 model gets SRAM G2 RSC four-piston brakes while the XTR gets XTR M9100 brakes. Everything else on the bike is the same as the AXS model but the dropper, which is a Bontrager Line Elite.

Top Fuel 9.8 XT & GX

The Top Fuel 9.8 sees a saving of £2.4k and gets its suspension from RockShox with the SID Select+ RL fork and RockShox SID Ultimate RL shock. There's a choice of drivetrain on this bike too between either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with SRAM G2 RSC brakes or a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7000 brakes. Everything else on this bike is the same as its pricier brethren.

Top Fuel 9.7

The 9.7 model is the cheapest with a carbon frame and it comes with a RockShox Reba RL fork and a Fox Performance Float DPS shock. There's a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes consisting of MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This bike makes a move to Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 alloy wheels and they get the same tyres as the rest of the range. We get an alloy cockpit and a Bontrager Line Dropper.

Top Fuel 8 NX

At this price point, Trek introduces alloy frames into the mix. With the 8 NX there's a RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air with a Fox Performance Float DPS. There's still a remote lockout here but it comes from Bontrager in the form of the Drop Lock. As its name suggests, this bike is driven by a SRAM NX drivetrain and it's stopped with a pair of SRAM Level T brakes. The rest of the bike is the same as what you'll find on the 9.7 model.

Top Fuel 7 SX

The Top Fuel 7 SX is the most affordable bike in the range featuring suspension from RockShox with the Judy SL Solo Air fork and the X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. There's a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. This one rolls on the same alloy wheels as the rest of the range with the same tyres. In fact, apart from the TransX dropper post, everything else matches the Top Fuel 8 NX.

Trek Full Stache

While the Full Stache hasn't had an update for 2021, it seems rude not to include it as there aren't an awful lot of full suspension 29+ bikes on the market. Of course, it rolls on 29" wheels with chunky 3" tyres. It also has 130mm of travel at both ends but the frame is compatible with up to a 140mm fork if you fancy some extra lairy riding. There's also the Mino Link, Control Freak cable management and the Knock Block. It's built around an aluminium frame and gets a 67° head tube angle, a 75.5° effective seat tube and a 430mm chainstay in the low setting. A large gets a 480mm reach, again in the low setting.

Full Stache 8

With its aluminium frame, you'll find a RockShox Pike Select Plus RC fork with a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. There's a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, aTruvativ Descendant 6k crank and SRAM Guide R brakes. This bike gets a pair of SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheels and they're shod with a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. We get a Bontrager Line Dropper on this bike with a 780mm wide alloy bar, also from Bontrager.

Trek Supercaliber

Filling the role of the full suspension cross country bike is the rather unique looking Supercaliber. The standout feature of this bike is its IsoStrut suspension platform. It offers 60mm of fully tunable travel and what makes it special is that it does away with a rocker link thus saving a chunk of weight. The IsoStrut is also a structural feature of the frame which Trek says prevents twisting, flex and deflection which the brand claims offers a more direct power transfer. The whole range of Supercalibers feature carbon frames rolling on 29" hoops, Straight Shot downtube and the Knock Block. The geometry on this bike sees a 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. The reach of a large frame measures in at 455mm. There are six sizes from S to XXL and an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. Up front there's 100mm of travel.

Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS takes the crown as Trek's most expensive mountain bike. It comes dripping with top-shelf kit such as the RockShox SID SL Ultimate with a Charger Race Day damper and a Fox Factory IsoStrut shock. This bike gets SRAMs XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with the carbon crank and SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Kovee XXX OCLV carbon wheels and they're wrapped with a set of 2.2" Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, tubeless ready tyres with Inner Strength Sidewalls and aramid beads. Then the finishing kit also comes from Bontrager and the line of carbon components, including a 720mm wide handlebar.

Supercaliber XX1 & XTR

Next up the Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 and XTR get all of the same kit as the priciest model but they drop the fancy wireless shifting. Instead, there's a choice of either a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Level Ultimate brakes or a Shimano XTR drivetrain with XTR M9100 brakes.

Supercaliber XT & GX

Seeing a considerable saving from the rest of the range, the Supercaliber 9.8 GX and XT models get a downgraded Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP2 damper. There's also that IsoStrut suspension also provided by Fox but this model doesn't get that sleek Kashima coating, coming from the brands Performance line-up. These models come with a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset with both choices coming kitted with Shimano Deore XT M8100 brakes. Here we get a pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon wheels, then the rest of the kit is the same as what you would get on the other bikes.

Supercaliber 9.7

The Supercaliber 9.7 is the most budget-friendly option in the range. It's still built around that OCLV carbon frame and the Performance level IsoStrut shock but gets a RockShox Reba RL fork. This one is driven by a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and it's stopped by brakes from Shimano with the MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This model gets slightly narrower Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels with the same XR2 tyres but the rest of the bike comes from Bontrager's alloy line of kit.

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is Trek's lightweight cross country hardtail. Compared to the Supercaliber it presents a mighty cash saving if you're looking for a race-ready XC bike. That doesn't mean that it's not without some cool tech, however. The Supercaliber benefits from what Trek calls the IsoSpeed decoupler which allows the set tube to rotate independently from the top tube to seatstay junction which Trek says offers some vertical compliance without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. As with the rest of the range, this bike gets the Straight Shot downtube and Knock Block too. Each bike in the Supercaliber line up comes with a carbon frame which rolls on 29" wheels and can fit up to 2.4" rubber. Here we see a 68.8° head angle, a 73.8° seat tube angle and 432mm a chainstay. A large frame benefits from a 450mm reach and there are six sizes, from S up to XL, including an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. The Procaliber gets 100mm of suspension.

Procaliber 9.8

Built around an OCLV carbon frame the Procaliber 9.8 comes with a Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP damper. It's driven by a Shimano XT drivetrain with Deore XT M8100 brakes but this one gets an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crank. The wheels here are a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels and there's a pair of Bontrager 2.2" XR2 Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The rest of the kit comes from Bontrager too, with a 720mm wide carbon handlebar.

Procaliber 9.7

This model comes equipped with a RockShox Reba RL Solo Air and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT501 brake levers hosed to MT500 calipers. This bike gets Bontrager's Kovee Elite 23 wheels, then the rest of the bike matches the 9.8 model.

Procaliber 9.6

On the 9.6 model of the Procaliber you'll get a RockShox Recon Gold RL and a mixture of Shimano kit making up the drivetrain. There's an SLX M7100 shifter and an XT M8100 derailleur. With this model there's the move over to alloy wheels, they come from Bontrager and the Kovee's. Then there are the same tyres as the rest of the range and an all-alloy finishing kit from Bontrager.

Procaliber 9.5

Finally the Procaliber line-up is rounded off with the 9.5. Even as the cheapest bike, it still gets that OCLV carbon frame but sees a RockShox Judy SL fork. There's a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. Then the rest of the bike features the same kit that you'll find on the 9.6 model.

Trek X-Caliber

If you're looking for a race-ready cross country bike but you're on a budget, the X-Caliber is the bike for you. Accommodating for its affordable price point is an aluminium frame rather than the carbon you'll find on its pricier sibling, the Procaliber. The X-Caliber comes kitted with rack mounts, so it's bike-packing ready, along with a mount for a kickstand. All frames feature internal routing and they all come kitted with Trek's Blendr stem. The X-Caliber comes with either 650b wheels on sizes XS and S with all larger bikes (up to XXL) roll on 29" hoops. As for the geometry, there's a 73° effective seat tube angle on sizes M and up while the smaller two sizes get a 73.5° effective seat tube angle. Then there's a 69.5° head tube angle (S and XSs get a 69.3° HA) and a 438mm chainstay on M and up, and a 425mm chainstay on the smaller bikes. Sizes S to XL get 100mm of travel leaving XS with just 80mm. Although, the frame will accept a maximum of a 120mm fork while the XS can accept a 100mm fork.

X-Caliber 9

Heading up the range, the X-Caliber 9 gets a RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air with a TurnKey remote lockout. This bike gets a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of an MT401 lever and an MT400 caliper. The wheels on this one are a pair of Bontrager Kovees and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR3s in the 2.3" width on all sizes. The finishing kit comes from Bontrager too with an alloy bar, stem, and seat post.

X-Caliber 8

The middle of the range X-Caliber 8 comes with a RockShox Judy SL Solo Air fork with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. Stopping the bike is a pair of MT200 brakes from Shimano. As for the wheels, the rims come from Bontrager with a pair of kovees and they're laced to Formula DCL-141Q hubs. Then the rest of the bike is the same as the X-Caliber 9.

X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 gets much of the same kit as the X-Caliber 8 with the only difference in spec being its Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain.

Trek Roscoe

If you're looking for a trail orientated hardtail, the Roscoe fits the bill. Each build comes properly sorted with dropper posts, 120mm of travel (size S gets 100mm), 1x drivetrains and alloy frames. The bike also rolls on 650b+ wheels and tyres. They all feature internal cable routing, rack and kickstand mounts too. Onto the geometry, the Roscoe sees a 67.3° head angle, a 70.8° effective seat tube angle (with the medium frame getting a 70.7° effective seat angle and the S and XS getting 71.2° and 71.1° angles respectively), and a large frame gets a 428mm reach. As a 650b+ bike, it can run either 27.5x2.8" or 29x2.4" rubber.

On the Roscoe 8, you'll find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes in the form of the MT501 lever paired with an MT500 caliper. It's worth noting that the fork comes with a flexy QR axle. The wheels here are made of rims from Bontrager and the Line 40s with a Bontrager hub at the front and a Formula hub at the rear. This bike gets a pair of Maxxis Rekon tubeless tyres with a 2.8" width and then the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager and the alloy range apart from the dropper post, which comes from TranzX with the JD-YSP18.

The Roscoe 7 benefits from most of the same kit as the 8, but this one gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes.

On the cheapest Roscoe 6 you'll get an SR Suntour XCM 32 coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and MT200 brakes. This bike then rolls on Alex MD35 rims and Formula DC hubs which get a pair of Kenda Havok, wire beaded, 2.8" tyres. As for the rest of the build, that's just the same as the rest of the range.

Trek Marlin

If a sub £1k cross country, everyday bike is more your speed then it's worth checking out the Trek Marlin. Each bike in the range comes with an alloy frame and a fork with 100mm of travel (XS frames get 80mm). There are also rack and stand mounts, the Blendr stem, and internal cable routing. XS and S sizes roll on 650b wheels while sizes M to XXL get 29" hoops. On the Marlin, you'll get an effective seat tube angle of 73.5° on the XS and S frame while everything else benefits from a 71.9° effective seat tube angle. As for the head angle, on the smaller sizes it'll measure in at 69.3° and from M upwards it's a couple of degrees steeper at 69.5°. All frame sizes share a 438mm chainstay length and a large frame gets a 451mm reach.

The Marlin 7 comes kitted with a RockShox Judy coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. The wheels are made of Bontrager Kovee rims laced to Formula DC hubs and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR2 Comp 2.2" tyres with wire beads. The rest of the bike comes with Bontrager's own finishing kit.

Trek Farley

Perhaps fat bikes are more your things. Allow me to introduce the Farley. There are two in the 2021 range with an alloy and a carbon option which, of course, roll on 4.5" tyres. Both bikes come with a dropper post, horizontal sliding dropouts, ideal for single speed setups and tubeless-ready tyres. As for the geometry, the Farley gets a 69° head angle, a 73° effective seat tube angle and a 455mm chainstay. The reach on a large is 441mm and there are four sizes available, from S to XL. 

The Farley 9.6 gets an OCLV carbon frame with a Bontrager Haru OCLV fork. The drivetrain on this bike comes from SRAM and the GX Eagle 12-speed shifting. As for wheels, they're Sunringle Mulefut 80 SL rims laced to Bontrager alloy hubs. Those are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with inner strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The dropper kitted here is a TransX JD-YSP18 and the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager with a 750mm wide bar.

The Farley 5 is Trek's best value fat bike and it's built around an alloy frame. It gets a Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain with SRAM Level brakes and there's a Race Face crank. It gets the same wheels as the 9.6 but the tyres here are a pair of Bontrager Gnarwhals. The rest of the kit is the same as the 9.6. It's worth mentioning that while the Farley 5 comes with a rigid fork, it'll happily accommodate a 100mm travel suspension fork.

Trek Session

The Session needs no introduction, but it's the brand's 650b downhill bike. There's only one model in the 2021 range which is built around an alloy frame. It gets Trek's Active Braking Pivot and the geometry adjusting Mino-Link. Up front, there's 200mm of travel and at the rear, there's 210mm. In the low setting, the Session gets a 63.6° head angle, a 445mm chainstay and a large frame gets a 426mm reach. There are four sizes, from S to XL and the 8 27.5 model will set you back £4,200

Trek Ticket

Finally, rounding off the Trek range of mountain bike is the Ticket. It's available as the full suspension, Ticket S (pictured) with 100mm of travel and the Ticket DJ, which is the hardtail version. Both come as a frame only with prices starting from £725, up to £1,400.

• www.trekbikes.com

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Author block

Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.

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Trek 820 Review – Is This Bike Worth Buying?

The Trek 820 is almost certainly the least expensive “name brand” mountain bike you can buy. With an SRP of $439 (check the Trek site for the latest MSRP ) it hardly seems possible that this bike comes from the same manufacturer that produces some of the most respected – and expensive – mountain bikes on the market. It does, though, and that makes a difference. Trek is a large company that makes lots of bikes. That means they make lots of frames and they order lots of components from some of the biggest names in the industry. That gives them pricing leverage that they pass on to the customer. It would be almost impossible for a smaller or less well-connected company to produce a similar bike at the same price.

You’re also getting the expertise of some of the industry’s top bike designers and builders, and that shows in the design of the frame, the component selection, and the overall value.

The Trek 820 is a basic bike that steps away from many of the trends that define modern mountain bikes. The bike features 26” wheels, not the 27.5” or 29” versions that dominate the industry today. The brakes are old-school rim brakes. The drivetrain has 3 gears in front and 7 in back, and the front fork offers only 3” of travel. Clearly this is not a race ride or a big hit machine, but how does it stack up for its intended purpose: around-town riding and introductory trail rides?

Let’s take a look..

Quick Overview: What I Think of the Trek 820

For older riders (like me) who took up mountain biking back in the 90s, the Trek 820 has a “blast from the past” feel to it. Back in those days we all rode bikes with rim brakes, short-travel forks, 26” wheels, and steep angles. We had a ton of fun and rode some steep, rough trails. We didn’t feel limited by those bikes, because there wasn’t anything else. We didn’t know they were supposed to limit us, so they didn’t.

That doesn’t mean that the Trek 820 is an ideal ride for steep, rugged trails. If you can get a modern full suspension slack-angled trail slayer you’ll have a much better tool for that job. But if you don’t happen to have a few thousand dollars ready to pour into a bicycle, you can buy a Trek 820 and have a great around-town ride that can do more on the trail than a lot of riders realize. Those modern trail bikes are great, but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t ride trails without one.

In short: if I could choose any bike I wanted, I wouldn’t choose a Trek 820. If I had to choose a bike that cost under $450, I probably would choose a Trek 820. It may not be the best bike you can get, but it’s probably the best you can get for $439.99

What You Get

Let’s look at the key components of the Trek 820.

The Trek 820 frame is made of steel. That means three things. It’s heavy, it’s strong, and it’s inexpensive. Because it’s a Trek, it also has a sleek design, impeccable welds, and high-quality finish and paint. The 820 will never be a light bike, but you will not break the frame and you won’t get tired of looking at it. 

The 820 carries a simple coil spring suspension fork from SR Suntour, a leading Japanese manufacturer of low to mid-end suspension. Travel is 75mm (3 inches), very short by today’s standards but enough to suck up the impact of rough roads, curb drops, and small root-and-rock trail chatter. It won’t hold up to big hits, but that’s not what it’s meant to do. It’s sturdy and durable and should deliver solid service for years.

The 820 comes with a Shimano 3×7 drivetrain: 3 gears in the front and 7 in back. The shifters and derailleurs are from the Shimano Tourney series. They are the cheapest drivetrain components Shimano makes, but they are still produced by one of the world’s two premier drivetrain manufacturers. That matters, because Shimano lets its technology trickle-down: as new upgrades are introduced in the premium levels, the old premium features move down to the lower level parts. 

The Tourney drivetrain won’t win you any bling points at the bike shop, but it will get the job done. You’ll have appropriate gears for level ground, moderate climbs, and all but the steepest steep climbs, and you’ll be able to shift smoothly and precisely. You may have a problem if you want to upgrade the drivetrain. Due to compatibility issues, you’d have to replace all the parts simultaneously, potentially an expensive proposition.

Because the Trek 820 is a beginner-oriented bike, I’ll point out that the durability and performance of drivetrain parts depend heavily on good tuning and the use of proper shifting technique. If you buy your bike – any bike – online, be sure that it’s set up by a qualified mechanic. Take the time to learn good shifting technique. Your equipment will perform better and last longer if you use and maintain it well! Many of the complaints you see in online bike reviews are not issues with the bike or its components, but with the way it was assembled and tuned.

The 820 carries Tektro alloy linear-pull rim brakes. These brakes work by clamping two rubber pads onto the rim of the wheel. This is an old-school braking technology that has been largely replaced by disc brakes on more expensive bikes. It still works, and it’s been used successfully for many years. Disc brakes will perform better in very wet or very muddy conditions, but rim brakes will stop you and control your speed very effectively.

You will have to be careful if you want to use another wheel. Mountain bike wheels (of the same size) are often interchangeable, but rim brakes must be used with a compatible rim. Many rims designed for use with disc brakes don’t have a flat surface designed to be gripped by rim brakes.

The 820 carries a basic, solid wheelset that will do its job, in keeping with the overall theme of the bike. The wheel size is 26”: that size is no longer popular but it was the mountain bike standard for decades, and provided solid service to a generation of riders. The Formula hubs are durable and effective. The rims and tires are from Bontrager. Trek has a long-standing relationship with Bontrager, which supplies many of the components for their lower-end bikes. That relationship brings two advantages. Bontrager makes solid, utilitarian parts, and because Trek orders a large number of parts from the company, they get competitive prices, which they pass on to the consumer.

The Bontrager LT3 tires are a compromise. They are knobby enough to give decent grip in moderate trail conditions but don’t have a high enough profile to create massive tire drag on cement. They won’t grip the trail like an aggressively knobby tire would and they won’t roll as smooth and fast on cement as narrow slicks would, but they will give you a solid platform on a wide variety of different surfaces.

Note that the maximum tire width is 2.0”, which may constrain your options if you want to step up to a wider more trail-capable tire down the line.

Other Components  

Trek fills out the 801’s component spec with what you’d expect: solid, reliable parts, primarily from Bontrager. Nothing is high-end, and you won’t see any featherweight titanium bits or elegant hyper-precise CNC machining, but everything there will do its job and hold up to abuse. 

The 820 frame comes with a full range of mounting points for luggage racks and other accessories. This feature is important on an around-town commuter bike: if you’re going to work or running down to the store you may need to carry a light to moderate load, and the racks make that a lot easier. They also make the 820 suitable for use as an entry-level bikepacking bike. The mounted kickstand, rarely included on pure mountain bikes, makes short-term parking easier.

Component Roundup

You won’t find high end parts on the 820. That’s expected: this is a bike designed to be the most affordable name-brand mountain bike on the market. What you will find is an intelligent selection of parts carefully selected to deliver durability and serviceability at the lowest profitable price.  

Let’s rate the 820 component mix on a 1 to 5 scale relative to other bikes in the sub-$700 range.

The components of a bicycle don’t work alone: everything has to fit together and work together to deliver the performance you need. Let’s look at how the total package performs.

Sizing 

The 820 comes in two versions. The 820WSD is five sizes, from XS to XL, and fits riders from 4’6” to 6’8”. The 820 also comes in a version designed for women, the 820WSD, which features a sharply dissenting top tube that provides very low standover height, a very appealing feature for smaller riders, especially less experienced smaller riders. The WSD comes in three sizes: XS, S, and L.

The smaller sizes of the 820 make this bike a great option for younger riders. If you want to buy a good quality bike for a growing child but you don’t want to overspend on a bike that will be outgrown in a year or two, the 820 in S or XS is a great option.

If you’re a beginning rider the whole concept of bike geometry may seem too complex to grasp. Even experienced riders may be confused over the details! To put it very simply, “slack” or “modern” geometry places the front wheel ahead of the handlebars, which adds stability and reduces the tendency to go over the bars on steep descents. This may also cause the front to wander on steep climbs.

“Steep” or “traditional” geometry places the front wheel under the handlebars, which gives stability on smooth roads and steep climbs. It also makes it easier to tip the bike forward on a steep descent, so you’ll need to drop the saddle down and keep your weight well back when the trail turns down.

The Trek 820 is very much in the “traditional” category, which is appropriate to its purpose. That will serve you well on road rides, but if you ride steeper trails you will need to adjust your body position to keep your weight low and back and the downhills. It’s absolutely possible – aggressive riders rode steep-angled bikes for many years – but it might take some effort.

Performance

The quickest way to sum up the Trek 820’s performance is that it rides above its price tag. This is a bike that carries a price tag not much above department store bikes, but has none of the looseness, squeaking, or rattling that so often go with inexpensive bikes. Part of that is because Trek sells through a network of credible dealers with trained mechanics that assemble and tune the bikes they sell. Many department stores or general sporting goods stores sell bikes that are assembled by unqualified staff members, and that often results in poor assembly and tuning, which in turn can create issues with the brakes, drivetrain, and most other parts of the bike.

The 820 is solid. It’s heavy for a hardtail, but that goes with the price: bikers say you can have two of cheap, light, and strong, but never all three. The 820 drops the lightness, but it’s cheap and sturdy, and that’s what you want in an inexpensive bike.

This bike is a hybrid designed to serve two purposes. As an around-town commuter, errand bike, and exercise/recreation tool it would be hard to ask for more. A pure road bike will be faster and more efficient, but the wider tires, wider bars, and more upright riding position of the 820 will feel more secure, stable, and comfortable for beginning riders. The shifting and gear combinations will serve for all but very steep hills, and the entry-level Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly and easily. The multiple mounting points make it easy to set up a rack system to carry your daily loads. The low-end nature of the bike will not limit you to any appreciable degree in this type of riding, and if you have a chance to ride a more expensive bike you may wonder what makes it worth that price tag.

The limitations of the 820 may be more evident on the trail. You can certainly ride this bike on mountain bike trails, but you will feel the bumps and you will have to learn some basic skills from the start. That’s not a bad thing. Learning to stand up on the pedals, let your knees work as shock absorbers, and move your weight forward for climbs and back for descents is important. Those skills will help you even on a much more sophisticated bike. The limited suspension will force you to pick a line rather than plowing over obstacles and letting your suspension do the work. You won’t be doing jumps or drops, but you wouldn’t expect to on a bike like this.

The Bottom Line

If you haven’t ridden a bike before or if you rode as a child and are getting back on a bike for the first time in a while, the Trek 820 makes a perfect entry point. It’s affordable and you’ll get the kind of quality that will assure that your learning experience is good and your equipment doesn’t hold you back.

If you’ve ridden bikes before and you need a highly affordable bike for daily use and around town and occasional trail rides, the Trek 820 will be one of your top picks. If you’re looking for a stable, secure bike to ride around town, to work, and to school the Trek 820 will be a perfect fit.

If trail riding is your priority and you’re looking for a dedicated mountain bike, you might be better off saving a little more and looking for a bike designed for that purpose. If that’s not realistic from a financial perspective, you can go with the Trek 820 and ride trails with it. You’ll just need to understand the limitations of your equipment and work within them, leaning more on your skills than on your bike.

Trek approaches their low-end bikes with the same care that they put into designing their high-spec packages, and it shows. The Trek 820 is very inexpensive, but it’s intelligently designed and specced, solidly built, and effective. If you’re on a limited budget and you need a working bicycle, it’s a great choice.

Let’s compare the Trek 820 to other name-brand bikes in the sub-$700 range as an overall purchase. Remember that the 820 is in most cases going to be by far the cheapest option in that category. If you compared the 820 to department-store no-brand bikes in its price range and below you’d be looking at a 5 rating right down the line!

Blister Brand Guide: Trek Mountain Bike Lineup, 2021

When considering a new mountain bike, there are so many similar-looking bikes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering.

In our “Blister Brand Guide” series, we provide an overview of the entire product lineup of a brand and highlight how each product stands out from the rest to help you find the best women’s mountain bike or men’s best mountain bike for you .

In our individual product reviews, we go very  deep into the details of particular products. With these Brand Guides, the goal is not Depth, but Breadth. Our Brand Guides and full reviews are designed to complement each other — provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products. 

Our mountain bike Brand Guides are presented by CBGTrails . Learn more and start planning your trip today at cbgtrails.com , then download the CBG Trails app for info on the 750+ miles of singletrack and 150+ trails in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, Colorado.

See our other MTB Brand Guides

Trek was founded in 1975, and they are now one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world — they offer huge product offerings across the road, gravel, CX, triathalon, e-bike, commuter, and mountain bike categories. Today they produce mountain bikes ranging from entry-level hardtails to World Cup downhill sleds, meaning that there’s a Trek bike for just about anyone. 

It’s worth noting that many of Trek’s bikes include the brand’s “Straight Shot” downtube and / or “Knock Block” integrated stem and headset design, which keeps the bars from turning past roughly 70° to either side, in an effort to keep the bars from scratching the frame, pulling out cables, etc. during a crash from happening. On a few of their 2021 bikes (like the new Slash), the Knock Block system is removable since they don’t feature the Straight Shot downtube design that would cause the fork to hit the downtube, though many other Trek bikes do not provide the option to go with a more traditional stem / headset, given their Straight Shot downtubes. Also, many Trek build kits feature a frame paint-job option that is an additional $500 due to their unique colors and tones, available through their “Project One” program.

For 2021, Trek’s overall lineup stays pretty similar to their 2020 lineup, with some new colorways, adjusted pricing, and overhaul of the Slash , and the removal of the Stache and Full Stache from their lineup. Those last two bikes can be found in our 2020 Trek MTB Brand Guide . 

Trek is currently based in Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA.

Current Warranty (for the original retail purchaser, model year 2020 and newer bikes)

• Lifetime warranty on all frames.
• Two-year warranty on all rear suspension linkage components as well as paint and decals on all bikes.
• Subsequent owners (second or later) are entitled to a three-year warranty from the date of original purchase from the retailer.
• For more information, visit Trek .

Trek’s suspension design: Active Braking Pivot (ABP)

Before we get into their specific models and build options, here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on which build level to go with, and why.

First, when looking at complete bikes, suspension and wheels are going to make the biggest difference in how a bike really rides. Spend money on those before other things like higher-end drivetrain parts, cockpit parts (e.g., stem, handlebars, etc.), cranks, etc.

Tires make an enormous difference in performance, but are cheaper and easier to upgrade, especially since they tend to wear down quicker than other components. Upgrading a lower-end front tire to something better — and saving the original for rear-tire use — can be a good way to improve a bike while still making use of the originals, since front tires are generally a lot more important than rear tires when it comes to traction.

Drivetrain parts can be upgraded piecemeal as they wear out, or if you just want to upgrade down the line. Higher-end cassettes are mostly just lighter, while higher-end shifters and derailleurs get lighter, smoother, and sometimes last a bit longer as you go up in price.

We’ll outline here the different models in Trek’s MTB lineup, organized from most cross-country-oriented (XC) to downhill-oriented (DH). In other words, the bikes at the top of the list are optimized to pedal and climb uphill very well, while the bikes at the bottom are optimized to handle very rough, steep, and challenging descents very well.

We’ve included some notable information for each model:

Available build kits & their MSRP

• Best Budget Build : These are the build kits that we think make the most sense for people trying to spend the least amount without ending up with a build that’s going to immediately break or need to be upgraded.
• Most Performance for the Price : These are the build kits that we think make the most sense for people seeking the best balance of performance and cost. I.e., if you don’t need to get the cheapest bike, but you also don’t need the absolute lightest bike or all the newest bling, this is the build we think makes sense for you.
• Suspension travel (e.g., 100 mm of travel, 130 mm of travel, etc.)
• Wheel size (e.g., 27.5”, 27.5+, 29”)
• Frame material options (e.g., alloy vs. carbon)
• A brief description of what the bike was designed for and any notable design details.
• Some of the bike’s most direct competitors from other brands
• Which Trek bike it’s most similar to
• Reasons why you should buy it
• Reasons why you should not buy it

Trek Mountain Bikes

(Most Cross-Country-Oriented to Most Downhill-Oriented)

Trek Marlin

• Front: 80 mm (size XS) or 100 mm (sizes M-XXL)
• Rear: Hardtail
• 27.5” (sizes XS and S) or 29” (sizes M-XXL)

Trek’s budget hardtail, complete with knobby tires designed for off-road use and disc brakes. Ideal for those on a tight budget or those looking for a mountain bike that could double as a commuter.

Consider If:

• You are on a tight budget
• You are a beginner looking to get into the sport
• You want a mountain bike that could also serve as a commuter bike

Don’t Bother If:

• You want to ride steep, bumpy, technical trails
• You are willing to spend some more money for more overall performance
• You’re looking for an XC-race hardtail
• 5 Women’s: $569.99
• 6 Women’s: $669.99
• 7: $849.99 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
• Specialized Rockhopper
• Giant Talon
• Kona Hardtails
• Cannondale Trail / Tango
• Scott Aspect
• Rocky Mountain Fusion & Soul
• Norco Storm & Fluid HT

Trek X-Caliber

• Front: 100 mm
• 27.5” (size S) or 29” (sizes M-XL)

Trek’s entry-level XC bike, ideal for beginners or those who prioritize low price over top-of-the-line components, low weight, and performance.

More like the Marlin than the Procaliber.

• You race cross-country and are looking for a good entry-level bike
• You are on a budget
• You want to ride or race steep, technical, and bumpy trails
• You'd like a bike that is forgiving on descents
• 7: $1,039.99
• 8: $1,269.99 
• 9: $1,579.99 – Best Budget Build & Most Performance for the Price
• Specialized Chisel
• Giant XTC SLR
• Kona Kahuna

Trek Procaliber

• Carbon or Aluminum

Trek’s XC race hardtail. Procaliber frames feature Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler, which is designed to offer more compliance and comfort than traditional hardtails. Also features straight shot downtube with Knock Block.

More like the Supercaliber than the X-Caliber.

• You race or ride cross-country style on more smooth trails
• You appreciate a lightweight hardtail that climbs well
• You ride or race cross-country-style for long distances on more smooth trails
• A hardtail with ride-smoothing qualities sounds appealing to you
• You often ride or race steep, technical, and bumpy trails
• You like a bike that is forgiving on descents
• 9.5: $1,999.99
• 9.6: $2,649.99 – Best Budget Build 
• 9.7: $3,999.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• Specialized Epic HT
• Scott Scale
• Norco Revolver HT
• Santa Cruz Highball
• Canyon Exceed
• Cannondale F-Si
• Mondraker Chrono Carbon & Podium Carbon

Trek Supercaliber

• Rear: 60 mm

Unique XC race bike designed to take the best of both hardtail and full suspension designs. It uses Trek’s “IsoStrut” shock with pivot-less seatstays to provide rear suspension. Every model features Bontrager carbon wheels. Features Straight Shot downtube with Knock Block. It fits 2 water bottles in the front triangle.

More like the Procaliber than the Roscoe.

• You can’t decide between an XC hardtail or XC full-suspension race bike
• You appreciate a full-suspension bike that climbs very well
• You ride or race cross-country-style for long distances on trails that are bumpy and / or slightly technical
• You often ride steep, fast, technical, bumpy trails
• You like a bike that is more forgiving on descents than it is a good climber
• 9.7: $4,799.99 – Best Budget Build
• 9.8 GX: $$6,299.99
• 9.8 XT: $6,299.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• 9.9 XTR: $8,999.99
• 9.9 XX1: $9,499.99
• 9.9 XX1 AXS: $10,499.99
• Litespeed Unicoi
• Cannondale Scalpel
• Due to the unique nature of this bike, there aren’t many direct competitors.

Trek Roscoe

• Front: 100 mm (size XS) 120 mm (sizes S-XL)

A great option for beginners, this budget-oriented hardtail features plus-sized tires with confidence-inspiring traction.

More like the Top Fuel than the Supercaliber.

• You are a beginner looking for a confidence-inspiring bike
• You ride trails that have loose surfaces
• You are looking for a lightweight, XC race-style hardtail
• You are willing to spend more money for some more overall performance
• 6: $1,049.99
• 7: $1,279.99
• 8: $1,789.99 – Best Budget Build &  Most Performance for the Price
• Santa Cruz Chameleon 27.5”+
• Kona Big Honzo
• Rocky Mountain Growler
• Devinci Kobain HT
• Giant Fathom

Trek Top Fuel

• Front: 120 mm
• Rear: 115 mm

Designed to be a middle-ground between XC and Trail bikes, the current version of the Top Fuel is designed to offer better downhill performance than the previous models. Geometry is adjustable via flip chip for high / low settings. Features Straight Shot downtube with Knock Block.

More like the Fuel EX than the Roscoe.

• You are looking for a bit more fun and capability out of a full-suspension cross country bike
• You want a lightweight full-suspension bike that climbs well
• You race or ride cross-country style on slightly bumpy, steep, and technical trails
• 7 SX: $2,699.99
• 8 NX: $3,199.99 – Best Budget Build
• 9.7: $3,999.99
• 9.8  GX: $5,699.99 
• 9.8 XT: $5,699.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• 9.9 XO1: $7,999.99
• 9.9 XTR: $7,999.99
• 9.9 XX1 AXS: $9,499.99
• Specialized Epic EVO
• Santa Cruz Tallboy / Juliana Joplin
• Pivot Mach 4 SL
• Giant Trance 29
• Transition Spur
• Kona Hei Hei
• Ibis Ripley
• Intense Sniper Trail
• Norco Revolver FS 120
• Devinci Django 29
• Cannondale Scalpel SE
• Scott Spark
• Mondraker F-Podium DC
• Banshee Phantom
• Evil The Following

Trek Fuel EX

• Front: 140 mm
• Rear: 130 mm
• 29" (27.5" on XS & S sizes)

Trek’s best Quiver Killer. Designed as a trail bike that can do it all well. Features a storage compartment in the downtube (carbon models only). Adjustable high / low geometry settings via flip chip. Features Straight Shot downtube with Knock Block. . ( Check out our First Look and initial on-trail impressions of the Fuel EX )

More like the Top Fuel than the Remedy.

• You appreciate a bike that climbs well, but want some more capability than a pure XC bike
• You want a bike that is relatively well-rounded
• You ride a mix of terrain and styles
• The trails you ride are mostly smooth and flat
• You’re looking for a bike that is very capable and forgiving on the descent and are willing to sacrifice some climbing ability
• 5 Deore: $2,099.99
• 7 NX: $2,899.99 – Best Budget Build
• 8 GX: $3,499.99 
• 8 XT: $3,499.99
• 9.7: $4,299.99 
• 9.8 GX: $5,499.99
• 9.8 XT: $5,499.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• 9.9 XO1: $7,499.99
• 9.9 XO1 AXS: $8,499.99
• Specialized Stumpjumper 
• Santa Cruz Hightower & Tallboy / Juliana Maverick & Joplin
• Pivot Trail 429
• Kona Process 134 29”
• Pivot Switchblade
• Giant Trance X 29
• Rocky Mountain Instinct
• Intense Primer 29
• Norco Optic
• Devinci Troy 29
• Cannondale Habit
• YT Jeffsy 29
• Evil The Following MB
• Canyon Neuron

Trek Remedy

• Front: 160 mm
• Rear: 150 mm
• 27.5”

Trek’s 27.5” Enduro / long-travel Trail bike. Adjustable high / low geometry settings via flip chip. Features Straight Shot downtube with Knock Block.

More like the Slash than the Fuel EX.

• You want a bike that is capable and forgiving on the descents
• You like to ride fast and push yourself on descents
• You race Enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
• You ride mostly smooth and flat trails
• You are looking for a cross-country-style bike that climbs very well
• 8: $4,099.99 – Best Budget Build
• 9.8: $5,699.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• Santa Cruz Bronson / Juliana Maverick
• Pivot Mach 6
• Yeti SB140  
• Kona Process 153 27.5
• Rocky Mountain Altitude 27.5”
• Giant Trance
• Norco Sight 27.5”
• Canyon Spectral
• Transition Scout
• Intense Primer 27.5
• YT Jeffsy 27

New for 2021, the Slash received 10 mm more travel front and rear, longer and slacker geometry, and a new Rock Shox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft rear shock designed completely around the bike. Also new is storage in the downtube on both alloy and carbon models. Additionally, it features the updated Knock Block 2.0, which has a greater range of steering and is removable (this bike does not have a Straight Shot downtube, so the fork crown cannot impact the downtube even with Knock Block removed). Adjustable high / low geometry settings via flip chip . ( Check out our full review of the Slash )

More like the Remedy than the Session.

• You race enduro and / or like to shuttle to the top of descents and / or ride lift-served terrain
• You want the benefits of fast-rolling 29” wheels
• You enjoy pushing your limits on fast, steep, chunky, and technical terrain
• You want a more freeride-style, long-travel trail bike rather than an enduro racer
• 7: $3,499.99 – Best Budget Build
• 8: $3,999.99 
• 9.7: $4,799.99
• 9.8 GX: $5,999.99
• 9.8 XT: $5,999.99 – Most Performance for the Price
• 9.9 XTR: $8,499.99
• Specialized Enduro
• Santa Cruz Megatower  
• Pivot Firebird 29
• Giant Reign 29
• Rocky Mountain Altitude 29”
• Scott Ransom
• Intense Carbine
• Commencal Meta AM 29
• YT Capra 29
• Devinci Spartan 29
• Evil The Wreckoning
• Nukeproof Mega 290
• Norco Range 29”
• Canyon Strive
• Mondraker SuperFoxy

Trek Session

• Front: 190 mm (29” model) or 200 mm (27.5” model)
• Rear: 190 mm (29” model) or 200 mm (27.5” model)
• 27.5" or 29"
• Aluminum or Carbon

Trek’s dedicated downhill bike. Adjustable high / low geometry via flip chip.

• You ride lift-served bike parks or like to shuttle to the top of descents
• The trails you ride are fast, steep, technical, rocky, rooty, and / or have large jumps
• You plan on climbing to the top of descents
• The trails you ride aren’t very fast, steep, technical, and bumpy
• 8 27.5: $4,799.99
• 9.9 29: $7,999.99
• Aluminum 27.5 Frameset: $2,199.99
• Carbon 27.5 Frameset: $3,999.99
• Specialized Demo
• Santa Cruz V10 
• YT Tues 
• Giant Glory 
• Pivot Phoenix
• Devinci Wilson 
• Commencal Supreme DH
• Canyon Sender
• Scott Gambler
• Kona Operator

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Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published 15 April 24

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Trek road bikes: range, details, pricing and specifications

Cyclingnews' roundup of Trek road bikes available to buy this year

Trek road bikes you can buy today

Trek's road bike range explained.

With a history spanning some four decades, the Trek Bicycle Corporation has become one of the foremost bicycle makers in the world, and a perennial staple in our list of the best road bikes . What started out as a small steel frame-building company operating out of a carpet warehouse in Waterloo, Wisconsin, has grown enormously into a global leader of bicycle design and innovation. The Trek road bike range is based around three anagrammatic models; Domane, Madone, and Emonda - nominally the endurance, aero, and climbing bikes respectively. All are available in an array of build options, with the Domane and Emonda also available in both carbon and aluminium guises.

Trek has a history of innovating in the world of bicycle manufacture, with a particular emphasis on pioneering new materials. Bonded aluminium and carbon construction was lifted from the aerospace industry in the '80s, creating the 2000 and 2500 framesets. The lessons learned from bonded carbon were then poured into the manufacture of the brand's first full-carbon frameset, the 5000. Nowadays it has its own patented in-house carbon fibre, known as OCLV (optimum compaction low void) which is on a par with aerospace-specific alternatives

Trek continues to disrupt the industry from a manufacturing standpoint, but first and foremost it makes bikes for riders; the manufacturing innovation is only a means to an end. For some that means the very best commuter bikes , for others that means the best touring bikes , and for a lot of riders that means racing at the highest levels. It's no great surprise that Trek has become a big player in the world of gravel cycling too, and it also features on our list of the best gravel bikes . Whatever your interests in cycling, Trek has options. If you are thinking about something from the Trek road bike range, keep reading to see all the details about what's available. 

Trek Domane

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The latest model of the Trek Domane has gone through a complete makeover. The comfort-enhanced model in the Trek road bike range picks up a number of aerodynamic details, along with an all-new Isospeed decoupler design (additional flex at the steerer and seat post) and space in the frame and fork for up to 38mm of the best road bike tyres you'd care to cram in. These are changes that make the Domane an incredibly versatile road bike. The lineup is perfect for all-day comfort and the new Domane+ LT, makes our list of the best electric road bikes too.

The Domane is available in three frame types. For the budget minded, you'll want to look at the aluminium Domane AL; it's the most accessible in terms of price, and the only option for fans of a rim brake. It's entry level but it doesn't leave off the performance and adds options for racks for commuters, though it can only fit 35mm tyres rather than the 38mm max on the carbon models.

Moving up the range, the next option is the mid-range Domane SL. Stepping up to the SL means a move to 500 series OCLV carbon fibre. That opens up access to a dual IsoSpeed decoupler system, not found on the alloy version, for comfort-enhancing vibration damping. It also means space for larger tyres and storage in the downtube. If you'd like to stick with rim brakes there aren't any options for a fully built bike in the SL range but you can still get a rim brake option of the frameset.

The top-tier Domane SLR is also carbon fibre but it's a lighter 700 series OCLV. It still carries the dual IsoSpeed decoupler, but it's an upgraded adjustable version also seen on the aero focussed Madone. Like the SL, there's no fully built rim brake option available but you can still get an SLR frameset in a rim brake format.

Depending on your taste, and budget, builds are available from Claris-level at one end, through to SRAM Red eTap at the other extreme, with most options in between available.

Trek Emonda

For years, the Emonda had been the lightweight option in the Trek road bike lineup, and one of the usual suspects in our lineup of the best lightweight bikes . This is the bike to grab when you want to head to the mountains. As technology has progressed though the modern climber's bike has somewhat disappeared; brands have been slowly moving away from labelling their lightest offering as a 'climbing bike', and instead pivoting to selling it as an all-round option, for both up hill and down dale. Trek is no different in this regard, with the Emonda filling its all-rounder spot. It's no lump though, if weight is your concern.

While the Emonda is still the bike you'd want to turn to on the steep uphill segments, it's more than that now. Aero-optimisation and disc brakes take it away from a bike only for the mountains to a much more well-rounded option. In some ways it's defined more by what it isn't than what it is. It's not the all-out aero bike and it's not an endurance bike. The Emonda is the lightest of the options but it's also a bike that does a little bit of everything.

Available models for the Emonda still cover a wide range in much the same way as the Domane, with an aluminium option at one end, with a rim brake frameset option, and two tiers of carbon above it. The SL represents the middle ground with a carbon frame at a more affordable price. Then, at the top of the range, sits the SLR with a new ultralight 800 series OCLV carbon construction. There's even an SLR frameset with a more aggressive geometry available for those competing at the highest levels or fans of ultra-responsive handling. 

Trek Madone

The Madone sits at the top of the range as Trek's most purebred race bike. It's aero optimised in every way, and features among our list of the best aero road bikes too. Being the range topper means that it's the most expensive option in the Trek lineup but that has more to do with a lack of low-end options rather than it necessarily being vastly more expensive. There are only SLR and SL models available, meaning no entry level aluminium choice to be had. 

After years of aero bikes carrying a reputation for being harsh and uncomfortable, Trek went in a different direction. It was the first to market its aero bike as not just aerodynamically fast, but also fast because of its comfort, primarily thanks to the addition of the IsoSpeed decoupler system lifted from the Domane.

Of course, comfort isn't the only trick for the Madone; integrated cables feature heavily, along with fully integrated cockpits on the top end models. Even lower models, without an integrated cockpit, look to cheat the wind, with truncated aerofoil tube shapes and aerodynamically optimised disc brakes. Tyre width is however much more limited than with other models, topping out at 28mm.

Trek Speed Concept

The Trek Speed Concept is the Trek solution for triathletes who want the very best. For years the design had been stagnant but that all changed at the end of 2021. The brand new 2022 Trek Speed Concept is all new and faster than it's ever been before. Compared to the previous version, Trek claims the new bike saves a full six minutes over the Kona full Ironman race course. 

Moving away from a solely wind-tunnel focus, Trek has sought to create a bike that works as an entire system, rather than simply a lab-optimised object. The system approach means hydration and storage helps make not only the bike faster, but also the rider. There's an available between-the-arms (BTA) bottle that enhances aerodynamics by smoothing air between the arms and a clip allows you to drink without leaving the aero bars. It's also easy to refill during a race with a port on the top that accepts the nozzle of another bottle. 

While the BTA bottle is a separate purchase, the downtube bottle comes with every Speed Concept bike. Capacity is 750 ml and, like the BTA bottle, it also enhances aerodynamics; the system is 14 per cent faster when the bottle is in place. 

Outside of hydration there are two additional storage solutions onboard and included. The two bottles cover opportunities to enhance aerodynamics so the storage doesn't make the bike more aero. Instead, the bento box and the flat repair storage take advantage of the increased frame space to hide from the wind. 

The once-simple exercise of choosing a bicycle has become an appreciably complex decision owing to a plethora of new riding disciplines and technological advancements.

There are four different types of road bikes available in Trek’s current catalogue — aero, endurance, time trial, and climbing/do-it-all, each of which differs based on design and function.

As the name suggests aero road bikes are designed for speed while still retaining some form of compliance and comfort. Climbing bikes are ideal for hilly/mountainous routes and are pretty decent all-rounders. Endurance bikes offer a combination of durability and comfort while time-trial bikes are more outlandish-looking in their appearance and built for speed.

Trek offers a wide selection of specifications for each of the models in its range. Most of the brand's road frames are available in three different types of carbon, as well as aluminium and denoted by SLR (Trek's lightest OCLV carbon), SL (mid-range OCLV carbon) or AL (Aluminium).

Different geometry options are also available on certain models, with the majority featuring regular H2 geometry and some offered in the more aggressive H1 geometry, designed specifically for racing.

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Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor. 

Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.

Height: 175cm

Weight: 61.5kg

Rides: Cannondale SuperSlice Disc Di2 TT, Cannondale Supersix Evo Dura-Ace Rim, Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Disc, Trek Procaliber 9.9 MTB 

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Results have arrived, trek road bike buyer’s guide: the best trek road bike models.

From the Tour de France to Unbound Gravel to your local group ride, a Trek road bike or gravel bike will deliver top performance. Here's your guide to the key models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 10, 2022

Posted in: Guides

The founders of Trek Bicycle believed there was special power in the name Trek. To them, it called forth the spirit of adventure and the promise of great things beyond the horizon. Their goal was to prove that an American brand could produce high-end, high-performance bicycles capable of competing with the best European and Japanese bikes.

Over the last 40 years, the little company from Waterloo, Wisconsin grew into one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, making more than one million bikes per year. It has supported some of the world’s top racers on their path to glory and introduced innovative bike technologies that have had a huge impact on modern cycling.

Trek’s huge catalog includes everything from race-ready road bikes, to trail-shredding mountain bikes, to reliable cruisers for your daily commute. But how do you know which Trek bike is right for you?

This overview will cover Trek’s extensive line of road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, including Trek’s innovative technologies, model naming system, and most popular road models. Find out which Trek model fits best with your riding style, so that you can make an informed decision when buying your next road (or gravel) bike

[button] Shop Trek road bikes [/button]

Trek road bikes

Trek Madone

The Madone is Trek’s flagship aero road racing bike. Of Trek’s current road offerings, it has the longest history and has evolved the most. When introduced, the Madone was the successor to the 5900, a lightweight climbing bike for road races and grand tours like the Tour de France. As aerodynamic efficiency has become increasingly important in modern road racing, the Madone adapted to compete with bikes like the Specialized Venge, Giant Propel, and Cannondale SystemSix. The new generation of Madone features deep, aerodynamic tubes that reduce drag as much as possible. Since 2016, it’s been equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler in the rear to also make it more comfortable.

[product-block handle="2021-trek-madone-slr-7-di2-m"/]

Who it’s for: Riders looking for maximum speed and aero gains on flat and rolling roads.

Trek Emonda

The Emonda is Trek’s lightweight road racing bike.When it was released in 2014, it was billed as one of the lightest production frames available. It has been a favorite of climbers and road racers who prioritize low weight above all else and it’s a good choice for riders who live in hilly and mountainous regions. As the Emonda has matured, it’s received some aerodynamic tube shaping to make it a more capable all-rounder. To maximize lightness and power transfer, the Emonda is the only Trek road bike without IsoSpeed.

[product-block handle="2019-trek-emonda-slr-9-disc-etap-l"/]

Who it’s for: Riders looking for a lightweight bike for climbing, racing, and all-around road riding.

Trek Domane

The Domane is Trek’s endurance road bike. It was famously developed, refined and raced by cobbled classics legend Fabian Cancellara. The key to Domane's rough road performance is Trek’s IsoSpeed technology, which increases compliance over bumps and absorbs vibration. Cancellara rode the Domane to multiple wins in the classics. Paired with more upright, endurance geometry, the Domane is perfect for riders looking to reduce fatigue on long rides and rough roads. The third-generation Domane can also fit larger tires up to 38mm, making it a great option for riders in search of a more road-oriented all-road or gravel bike.

[product-block handle="2020-trek-domane-sl7-m"/]

Who it’s for: Riders looking for more comfort for long rides, rough roads, and light gravel.

Trek gravel and cyclocross bikes

Trek Checkpoint

The Checkpoint is designed for gravel rides that venture far away from paved roads. Relaxed geometry and clearance for wide 45mm gravel tires allow the Checkpoint to tackle everything from rough and loose gravel and light singletrack. Rack and fender mounts make it versatile for bikepacking and commuting, and additional mounts on the top tube, seat tube, and both sides of the down tube allow riders to carry extra gear and water on the frame. Horizontal sliding rear dropouts also give riders the option to run the bike singlespeed or tune handling by adjusting chain stay length. All carbon Checkpoint models also use a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve comfort and compliance. The latest generation Checkpoint, has IsoSpeed at the head tube as well.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking to tackle rough and loose gravel roads on their regular rides

The Boone is Trek’s race-ready carbon cyclocross bike. With cyclocross geometry, it excels in demanding off-road conditions like mud, sand, and grass. Front and rear IsoSpeed improves traction and comfort during tough races. The Boone can also serve as a gravel bike for riders who prefer the more agile feeling of cyclocross geometry.

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Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for maximum performance

Trek Crockett

The Crockett is Trek’s aluminum cyclocross bike. It shares geometry with the high-end Boone cyclocross bike and will perform similarly on mud, sand, and grass. To reduce cost, it uses an Alpha aluminum frame instead of a carbon frame with IsoSpeed. Like the Boone, the Crockett is capable enough for most gravel riding.

Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for a budget-friendly race bike.

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Trek road bike technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek bikes.

Trek IsoSpeed

IsoSpeed first appeared on the Trek Domane endurance road bike. Its goal was IsoSpeed to improve compliance and reduce vibration over rough surfaces while maintaining a bike’s stiffness, efficiency, and handling characteristics. It’s not a suspension system but a “decoupler” system with elastomers that allow for a small amount of movement between key junctions like the seat tube and top tube.

Rear IsoSpeed decouplers allow the seat tube to flex independently of the top tube and absorb bumps. The top tube is split so the seat tube can pass through it. The tubes don’t directly touch but are joined by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. Two round elastomer inserts between the tubes absorb vibration. Because of its simplicity, it adds minimal weight and requires little to no maintenance.

The newer (2016+) Domane and Boone bikes and the 2022 Checkpoint also have a front IsoSpeed decoupler. A rocker cup is used on top of the headset and the steerer tube is joined to the rocker cup by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. This allows the steerer tube to flex, improving compliance through the handlebars.

There is also a slider on high-end Domane SLR and Madone SL and SLR models to adjust the compliance of the rear IsoSpeed decoupler to suit conditions and rider preferences.

IsoSpeed technology is used on the Domane, Madone (2018+), Checkpoint and Boone.

Hidden storage

The 2020 Trek Domane was the first model to feature Trek’s Hidden Storage compartment, a convenient hollow storage area in the down tube. The down tube bottle cage mount is attached to a removable hatch that’s accessed with a small lever. Attached to that cover is a holder for a multi-tool, and inside the down tube is a nylon tool roll for holding spare tubes and tools.

Hidden storage is found on the 2020+ Domane SL and SLR,  and 2022+ Checkpoint.

Decoding Trek road bike model names

Trek has a huge selection of road bike models, and within every model, there is a range of build options. The hierarchy uses letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Here's your guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

Road bike models use a series of letters and numbers (e.g. Trek Madone SLR 9) to indicate the frame material and component build. SLR and SL models are carbon fiber while ALR and AL models are aluminum.

The top-of-the-line SLR models use a higher grade 700-series OCLV carbon (improved 800-series carbon is used for the new 2021+ Madone and Emonda) which is lighter but more expensive than the 500-series OCLV carbon used for SL models.

ALR models use 300-series Alpha aluminum which is lighter but more expensive than the 200-series Alpha aluminum used on entry-level AL models.

The number used will range from 5 to 9: 5 is an entry-level build and 9 is top of the line. Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, an Emonda SLR 9 ($12,499) has a top-of-the-line 800-series OCLV carbon frame, SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. An Emonda ALR 5 ($2,099) has a more budget-friendly 300-series Alpha aluminum frame, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Emonda models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

WSD stands for Women's-Specific Design. WSD will usually be indicated after a bike’s model name (e.g. Trek Madone WSD). These bikes featured women’s-specific geometry and components. Lately, Trek has phased out its WSD bikes as data and market trends have shown that men and women can easily fit on the same bikes. WSD bikes are still available on the used market, and Trek continues to offer entry-level women’s models, but in general, all Trek bikes are unisex.

Trek Project One

Trek offers paint customization from the factory through its Project One program. Buyers ordering a new bike can select from a large library of colors and paint schemes to produce a one-of-a-kind bike. Project One bikes will have “Project One” listed with their model name, and also have it printed on the top tube. Depending on the paint scheme, it can increase a bike’s value.

Madone anagrams

Here’s a fun piece of Trek trivia. Trek’s flagship Madone road bike is named for the Col de la Madone, a legendary climb near the French Riviera that was a favorite training ground for Lance Armstrong. Trek gave its subsequent road bike models names that are anagrams of Madone (i.e. the letters are rearranged): Domane and Emonda.

Trek, of course, makes a lot more bikes than those listed here. If you need a triathlon bike, a basic urban bike, or an e-bike, Trek has plenty of options in every price category that can satisfy your needs. Check out our Trek collection to see all the Trek bikes we offer.

Still having trouble deciding which Trek road bike is right for you? Reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek road, gravel or CX bike.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

All photos Courtesy of Trek Bicycle.

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The Best Commuter Bikes of 2022

If you're thinking of ditching your car or public transit for a two-wheeler, then take a look at our list of the best commuter bikes.

When it comes to picking a commuter bike, there are a surprising number of options. Do you want a bike that will get you to and from the office and happy hour looking fly? Or do you prefer a bike that’s also rideable on trails in your local open space, parks, or national forest lands?

Do you need it to store easily, or be easy to repair? With all of these considerations in mind — and with an eye toward a range of prices — we rounded up a few fantastic commuter options. These include setups under $1,000 that are perfect for those dipping their toes (or maybe clipping their toes) in new waters.

Whether you’re just embarking on a commuter lifestyle or looking for a new everyday ride, it’s possible to get a great commuter bicycle for just a few hundred bucks. Or you can invest a higher amount for a more novel, techier, plusher setup.

In our buyers guide , we discuss the most important information to ponder before heading to your nearest local bike shop or online retailer.

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, scroll through our selection of recommended bikes or jump to the category that piques your interest:

• Basic Commuter
• Coolest Commuter
• Off-Road Commuter
• Classic Fixie
• Best Folding Bike
• Best Cyclist Splurge
• Best Spec’d

Best Commuter Bikes for Less Than $1,000

Basic commuter: co-op cycles cty 2.1 step-through bike.

Co-op Cycles, REI’s in-house bike brand, has come a long way in a few short years. After retiring the Novara brand, REI rebooted its cycling program and now offers sturdy bikes at reasonable prices. Not to mention, a bike purchase includes free tune-ups and dividends if you’re a Co-op member.

The CTY 2.1 ($799) offers a perfect, basic, no-frills commuter bike with 700×40 Kenda tires and Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes for good stopping power. It comes with the Shimano Acera 24-speed derailleur system that’s easy to use and repair if needed.

Meanwhile, the aluminum frame keeps the weight relatively low, even if you opt to add fenders or a rack to carry work gear.

• Frame: Aluminum
• Number of gears: 24 (3×8 drivetrain)
• Suspension: Front suspension with 63mm fork travel
• Wheel size: 700c
• Tire width: 40 mm
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Weight: 30 lbs., 15 oz. (median size)
• Step-through style frame for easy mount and dismount
• Bump-absorbing front shocks
• Wider tires and shocks allow for trail or gravel riding
• 24 gears make inclines easier
• Suspension forks can add more weight than rigid forks
• Not a top hybrid option for rougher mountain bike trails
• More gears than may be necessary for flatter terrain

Coolest Commuter: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Bedford 8 Speed

If you prefer a bike that will look like art in a small apartment, the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Bedford 8 Speed ($600) is it. This bike has eight speeds to help urban riders save sweat while pedaling rollercoaster routes.

This bike has a traditional diamond-shaped and durable steel frame plus serious style points. The steel isn’t your parents’ 1970s steel; it’s a much lighter steel alloy, but with the same strong quality. It’s a great option for San Franciscans or Manhattanites with commutes to work in hilly or flat areas and small spaces for bike storage.

Sleek army-green paint, along with a comfortable vegan leather saddle and grips, helps this bike pair with anything. But its burly, puncture-resistant 32mm tires can handle city streets and cobblestones.

This bike is great for budget shoppers thanks both to its $600 price tag and the fact that Brooklyn Bicycle Co. offers monthly financing.

• Frame: Steel
• Number of gears: Shimano 1×8 drivetrain
• Suspension: None
• Tire width: 32 mm
• Brakes: Side-pull caliper
• Weight: 26-31 lbs. (sizes S-L)
• Comfortable upright riding position
• Tires are wide enough for bumps, but not too wide to slow you down
• A wide gear range that can still handle hills but isn’t overkill
• Price point
• Don’t choose this one for a road cycling workout
• Not ideal for off-road mountain biking
• Caliper brakes may not be ideal for rainy areas

Off-Road Commuter: Trek 820 WSD and Trek 820

That’s right — you can still score big-name bikes at low prices if you know what to look for. Trek’s 820 ($500) is the perfect intro off-road bike that will pedal comfortably to the office but will remain poised for action if you want to get a little “sendy” on the ride home.

The steel frame has a suspension fork with 75 mm of travel, fit for reasonable rough areas and modest trails, plus wide 26-inch tires. The Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain provides power. For women, Trek’s version has a step-through design to ease hopping on and off.

Mounts for fenders and a rack are ready for accessories to haul gear on the commute. Bontrager, Trek’s house brand, rounds out components like bars and the saddle, and Tektro provides pull brakes. (Unfortunately, it’s hard to find good disc brakes at this low of a price point.)

At $500, it’s comparable with big-box store mountain bike options, with the Trek brand (and R&D department) backing it. Even if you can find a cheaper mountain bike at Walmart, this one is well worth the few extra bucks.

• Number of gears: 21 (3×7 drivetrain)
• Suspension: Front suspension with 75mm fork travel
• Wheel size: 26″
• Tire width: 2″
• Brakes: Linear pull brakes
• Weight: 33.4 lbs. (size M and when using tire tubes)
• Solid for tackling lighter mountain biking trails and urban commutes
• Has braze-ons for the ability to add racks
• Excellent price for durable off-road design
• Larger gear range for hill climbing
• Caliper brakes are not as responsive as hydraulic brakes
• 26″ wheels

Check 820 WSD Price at Summit Bicycles Check 820 Price at Summit Bicycles

Classic Fixie: State Bicycle Co. Wulf 

Can’t stop, won’t stop: the fixed-gear aficionado motto. Nothing beats the simplicity of a fixed-gear bike, nor does anything else provide the same commuter-chic style. A perfect example? The $400 stealthy matte black fixie from State Bicycle Co.

The Wulf is the brand’s base model, but it’s designed to blend in and look unobtrusive when you need to lock it outside of a dive bar. Yet it still looks classy enough to hang on your wall or walk into your office.

It comes with a flip-flop hub, meaning if you prefer to run it single-speed (and coast) and use standard brakes (included with the bike), that’s an option.

Plus, while many brands don’t offer extra-small fixed-gear models, State Bicycle Co. actually carries frame sizes from 46-58 cm. That’s great news for the shorties out there. The bike also comes with a 5-year warranty for any manufacturer’s defects on the frame and fork.

• Number of gears: Single-speed or fixed
• Tire width: 25 mm
• Brakes: Dual-pivot caliper brakes
• Weight: 24.5 lbs. (size 54cm frame)
• Extra-small frame option for shorter folks
• Website allows you to customize frame options: handlebars, saddle, pedals, etc., and add accessories like handlebar bags, pedal straps, lights, and more
• Streamlined appearance
• Minimal maintenance
• A single speed isn’t the best option for hilly areas

Best Pricey Commuter Bikes

Best folding bike: tern node d7i folding bike.

Perhaps you are a multimodal commuter, traveling pathways by train, bus, or car. A folding bike can make your life a lot easier. There are plenty out there that could make this list for under $200 — but you get what you pay for, and folding bikes are pretty complicated.

Shell out more cash for a well-established brand like Tern, and you’ll spend $1,299 for the entry-level Node D7i . But you’ll get a bike that doesn’t break down halfway through the workweek.

The aluminum frame comes equipped with Shimano components and offers seven speeds. Its main difference from pricier folding bike models is simply that it’s a bit heavier, weighing in at just under 32 pounds. But that’s not too tough to lug onto the bus or train.

• Number of gears: 7 (1×7 drivetrain)
• Wheel size: 24″
• Brakes: Linear-pull
• Weight: 31 lbs., 3.2 oz. (based on median size)
• Folds up for easy storage at home and on the go
• Internal gear hub means less maintenance
• Great for commutes that include bus and train rides
• Some commuters might desire more gear options
• Not as compact as some folding bikes

Best Cyclist Splurge : Surly Disc Trucker 

If you talk about bombproof bikes, the Surly name will almost certainly come up in conversation. These bikes are built to last no matter what you put them through.

True story: GearJunkie reporter Molly Hurford’s first cyclocross bike was a borrowed 5-year-old Surly Cross Check that’s still being passed around to young riders in New Jersey 12 years later.

For a cyclist looking for a bike that can handle anything from gravel grinding to long cross-country tours or a simple 2-mile commute, the Surly Disc Trucker ($2,049) is a great option. The steel frame might be heavy, but it will outlive any carbon frame on the market — this is a bike your grandchildren can inherit. And the Trucker is Surly’s touring bike, so it’s ready for racks and fenders for optimal commuting and adventuring.

Plus, it can fit fatter 62mm tires on 26-inch wheels or 41mm tires on 29-inch wheels, making it extra gnarly if you want. But it will still offer a smooth, comfortable ride if you’re wearing a business suit.

• Number of gears: 27 (3×9 drivetrain)
• Wheel size: 26″ or 29″
• Tire width: 41-62 mm (high width of 2.4″)
• Weight: 27.9 lbs.
• Durable steel frame
• Use 26″ or 700c wheels for more variability for different adventures
• Good bike for commuting and long tours
• Tubeless tire capability makes for great handling, especially on gravel surfaces
• Plenty of braze-ons for all your hauling needs
• On the pricier end of our list
• Drop bar setup not suitable for everyone

Best Spec’d Commuter: PRIORITY 600

We get it — sometimes you just don’t have time to build out the perfect commuter bike. If you’re in a busy area and just don’t have time to equip your bike with all of the bells and whistles you need to feel safe, secure, and dry on your way to work, consider splurging on the PRIORITY 600 ($2,499).

No Chain, No Derailleur, 12 Speeds: Priority 600 First Look

With its jet-black finish, unassuming geometry, and absolutely silent ride, the Priority 600 commuter bicycle won't turn many heads. But it quietly houses the latest in cycling tech and boasts Porsche DNA. Read more…

With its jet-black finish, unassuming geometry, and absolutely silent ride, the PRIORITY 600 commuter bicycle won’t turn many heads. But it quietly houses the latest in cycling tech and boasts Porsche DNA.

The 600 is PRIORITY’s all-road model, capable of tackling the commute even if a road is torn up by construction. It has a sealed, weatherproof, internally geared 12-speed Pinion gearbox PRIORITY claims is equivalent to a traditional 30-speed bicycle. It’s a unique system that’s closer to an automotive transmission than a traditional derailleur.

Turning the wheels, the Gates Carbon Drive belt provides a rustproof alternative to a bike chain, so this bike is ready for the worst spring showers. Meanwhile, Tektro’s hydraulic disc brakes mean you’ll be able to stop on a dime, even if there’s unexpected black ice on the road.

And 650b Road Plus tires from WTB feel like normal road tires on pavement, but offer plushness that makes the bike great for mellow trails or gravel rides as well.

Lastly, the 600 comes with full fenders, dynamo hubs for front and rear lights so you’ll never have to charge a light again, and reflective paint details, so you don’t need to add to your budget installing extras.

PRIORITY is an especially good choice if you need your bike yesterday. Easily the simplest buying process on this list, all PRIORITY orders ship the same day. And if you have a local VeloFix branch, you can use code “velofix600” for free VeloFix white glove delivery.

• Number of gears: Pinion C1.12 12-speed (gear range equivalent to a 30-speed)
• Wheel size: 650b
• Tire width: 47 mm
• Weight: 31.2 lbs. (with pedals)
• No chain to manage, rust, or sling grease
• Super-low maintenance
• Dynamo hubs also have a USB feature — charge your phone on the go
• Premium price
• A bit heavy compared to similar bicycles

Why You Should Trust Us

Alyssa Kohn is a full-time bike commuter and endurance cyclist living in Minneapolis, Minn. She’s been carless for 8 years — yes, even in the arctic winter. She’s ridden many a bike and doesn’t think one style is better than another. She loves them all and thinks what matters most is that you enjoy the bike you’re riding.

She also owned a bike tour and rental business, Minneapolis by Bike, for 9 years — she knows a thing or two about maintaining 30+ bikes at a time. She thoroughly enjoys seeing people excited about getting into cycling, and even possibly making it their new transit of choice.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Commuter Bike

As you dream up your commuter bike, consider these factors: where you’ll ride, how you’ll use the bike, the required maintenance, and your budget.

Overall Terrain

For those who need to commute strictly on road and paved bike paths, consider how hilly the routes will be. Will you need to climb often, up steep sections, or for long periods? Will you mostly cruise across flats? The more gears in your drivetrain, the more versatile your bike will be for various inclines.

Also, think about the condition of the ground. Is the pavement smooth? Will there be a smattering of potholes, cracks, or sidewalk drops? Some riders might also need or prefer to pedal dirt roads, gravel, and hard-packed or bumpy trails during their commute.

If you’ll be covering a wide mix of turf, you might want to look at bikes with wider tires and front suspension to help absorb the jolts and provide more stability.

You can also opt for a front suspension that locks out, so you won’t waste energy on the glassier pavement. Otherwise, slightly narrower tires and a fully rigid frame feel good at high speeds on smooth paths.

Primary Purpose

No matter where you intend to ride, make a purchase that supports the conditions and how you pedal the majority of the time. That way, you’ll be comfortable and have fun in the saddle.

Also, consider exactly how you like to ride. Do you want to be more upright? Then you may want a hybrid or mountain bike. Do you want to be more aerodynamic and don’t mind being more bent over? A drop-bar bike (read: the curly ones on most Tour de France riders’ bikes) would suit you.

Some bikes are well-made for the sport of road cycling, downhill mountain biking, or comfortably moseying around small towns. Commuters aren’t that.

We’ve summarized a handful of diverse commuter bikes made for simple, efficient, dependable trips from point A to point B. Some of these designs are also a match for riding easy or moderate trails or for long bikepacking tours, like the Surly Disc Trucker .

If you need to transport cargo on your bike, you’ll need to get one with mount points (braze-ons) so you can add racks.

Define Your Budget

As with any big purchase, you’ll need to determine the boundaries of your budget. The goal should be to buy the best bike you can afford, so it’s hopefully one you’ll love and use for many years. With commuter bikes, you get what you pay for.

Higher-end bikes are sometimes expensive because of better-quality components like lighter and stronger frames, longer-wearing parts, or nicer wheels. They can also be pricier because they’re decked out with extra accessories like the lighting and fenders on the PRIORITY 600 . Or, they’re novel and more complicated to create like the Tern Node D7i Folding Bike .

The right bike is the one that provides the maximum comfort and functionality for your daily travel. It should also fit your bandwidth and ability for maintenance (some pricier bikes can be easier to maintain).

A commuter bike can last many years and therefore should be seen as a long-term investment. Buy a bike that fits your budget but also offers room to accommodate the terrain you’ll need to cover on your way to and from work.

Be sure to contemplate any additional accessories you’ll want to purchase such as fenders, racks, lights, or upgraded seats and pedals.

Retail vs. Online Purchase

If you’re purchasing your new bike locally, you’ll often have the option to demo the bike before you buy it. Professionals will be on hand to offer additional recommendations and different components to better suit your skills and ambitions.

However, if you live in a rural, remote area without a bike retailer nearby, you’re in luck — purchasing online is easier than ever. Many brands have polished up their customer service for direct-to-consumer sales, so you can reach out with questions about the fit and components.

If you can’t demo a bike, make sure the manufacturer offers a no-questions-asked return policy. If a bike is the wrong size, you’ll want to be able to swap it out without getting charged.

You also may need to consider your bike mechanic skills. If purchasing a bike from your local bike shop, they will already have assembled your bike for you. If purchasing online, your bike will come in a box and will require some assembly (more or less depending on the type of bike you purchase).

Whether you are buying in-store or online, you will need to know what size bike fits you. The best eyeball measurement for bike fit is that the seat of the bike hits the top of your hips. Also, you want the top tube of the bike (provided it is a diamond frame, or what most people call a “men’s bike”) to give an inch of clearance from your crotch.

If purchasing online, you can follow some general size charts like this one provided by Trek.

Bear in mind that bike sizing is a very specific and individual science. It can vary depending on your torso size, inseam, etc. General guidelines may not always be correct.

Most hybrid and road bicycle frames are measured in centimeters. Mountain bike frames are usually measured in inches or they can be simply measured as small, medium, large, etc.

Rigid Frame

A design without suspension is called a rigid bike. These static frames are generally less expensive compared to other frames.

They provide stability if you need to haul weight on your bike frame (like groceries or equipment for work) because the lack of suspension eliminates bounce that can make pedaling less efficient.

Hardtail Bike

A hardtail bike has front suspension but no rear suspension. The front shock compresses and extends as you ride to absorb uneven contours. Hardtails are more expensive than bikes without suspension but are cheaper than full-suspension bikes.

Hardtails are a great option for routes with a mix of smooth and bumpy pavements, lots of curbs, or uneven dirt paths. Hardtails can be a good choice for both road commutes and mountain bike trails, as long as the rider doesn’t mind not having a full-suspension configuration.

Frame Materials and Weight

Commuter bike frames are typically made of aluminum or steel. Steel is heavier and lasts longer, but aluminum is also a durable option. The commuter bikes on our list range from 26 to 34 pounds.

Aluminum, however, does not offer as much damping as steel for off-road riding (such as gravel) unless you have shocks to absorb the bumps like the Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 on our list.

Drivetrain and Gears

These days, most commuter bikes come with a 1x drivetrain with a single chainring in the front and a range of gears in the rear. This kind of configuration means you will have one shifter instead of two, which simplifies things and makes space in your cockpit for a dropper post and other options.

Some bikes, like the Trek 820 and Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike , have a 2x or 3x drivetrain. That means there will be two or three chainrings in the front plus the range on the rear. Ultimately, this provides the rider with more gear options controlled with two shifters mounted to the handlebars.

The commuter bikes with gears in our guide feature anywhere from seven to 30 gears. The best setup depends on how much climbing you’ll need to do versus flat terrain as well as personal preference.

Single Speeds

You’ll also come across single-speed bikes, a design with one gear and no shifters. Not all single-speeds are the same.

The power a cyclist can transfer into a single-speed bike is determined by the front chainring and rear cog’s circumference and the number of teeth. The number of teeth on the front divided by the number in the rear gives us a ratio, which is a metric used to understand the overall cadence and ability to accelerate or maintain speed.

For instance, the State Bicycle Co. Wulf has a 44×16 gear ratio that allows for easier acceleration.

A fixed-gear bike, or a fixie, is a specific type of single-speed bike. The drivetrain of a fixie has one gear, and it’s fixed to the rear wheel so the rider has to continuously pedal if the wheels are in motion. There’s no freewheel mechanism. Essentially, this means you can never coast if you like to let your legs rest on the downhills.

But if you want to perform some cool tricks, master a track stand, or practice your skids, a fixie will bring all the fun. The State Bicycle Co. Wulf has the ability to be a single-speed or a fixie, as it has a flip-flop hub.

Commuter bikes are generally fitted with 24-, 26-, 27.5-, or 29-inch wheels, which refers to the diameter. You’ll often see 27.5-inch wheels referred to as 650b, and 29-inch wheels known as 29ers or 700c.

The wheel size can change how a bike feels for the rider. A larger wheel diameter can feel more stable and has more surface contact and traction, which can be good for choppy ground and snow. It’s also heavier. A smaller wheel (and narrower tire) is lighter and better for higher speeds on smooth ground.

Wheel size is a major contributor to the way a bike will ride, but it isn’t everything. The frame and kinematics of any bike work together with wheel size to offer different strengths and characteristics. For this reason, wheel size on its own isn’t a good reason to choose a bike, especially for newer riders.

Tire Width and Tread

The tire widths on our selected commuter bikes range from 25 to 61 mm wide. In comparison, most road bikes are outfitted with tires that have a 23-30mm width.

A width above 30 mm is better for gravel. Even more, 50-58mm tires (which are 1.9-2.3 inches wide) are good for cross-country tours when you’ll likely encounter uneven surface areas.

Tire width for mountain bikes can range from about 2.3-2.5 inches, while fat bike tires are even wider. That said, there are no hard-and-fast rules, and tire choice depends a lot on rider preference.

Tires with deep, rough tread will grip the terrain better than smooth tread, but smooth tread tends to be lighter and faster. Wide tires also tend to be heavier, and they roll with greater resistance. However, extra width can be an asset for riders looking for stability and a more forgiving ride.

Another consideration for tires and wheels is tubeless compatibility. Tubeless tires generally result in fewer flats and quicker puncture fixes. And they also provide more control and better handling, particularly on gravel and dirt surfaces. Both the PRIORITY 600 and the Surly Disc Trucker boast tubeless compatibility.

Maintenance

There are several considerations when thinking about bike maintenance. For those wanting less maintenance, we often suggest an internal gear or hub bike.

These bikes have all the gears in the rear hub (think the rear axle) or a gearbox at the bottom bracket (the part your cranks and pedals attach to). These include the PRIORITY 600 as opposed to a derailleur — the shifting system most bikes are equipped with, which has multiple chainrings on the rear wheel.

The advantage of an internal hub or gearbox is that the gears are all inside the hub and therefore rarely get dirty. Also, you don’t risk bumping them and messing up the shifting tension.

The tension is also much easier to fix yourself. However, depending on the number of gears you have, you may need to have them oiled or greased every 12 to 24 months.

The more gears you have, the more likely you will need that maintenance. Also, more gears and an internal hub mean your rear wheel is heavier.

A derailleur system requires more frequent adjustments of cable tension in order to keep your shifting performing well. Keeping the chainrings clean can also be a task, as is lubing and cleaning the chain.

And you will need to replace the chain and cogs as they wear. With some effort, this is easier to learn and maintain on your own, but greasing/oiling an internal hub is more specialized.

A few basic maintenance practices will prolong the life of your components and boost your bike’s performance (and your fun). Lube your drivetrain regularly with bicycle-specific lubricant . Bike lube cleans the chain by removing grit and grime while also reducing wear and friction.

It’s best to leave lube on the chain overnight. Before you ride the following day, spin the pedals backward while you hold a rag against the chain to remove excess lube and sludge.

Hardtails should have their suspension systems serviced in a bike shop every 30 hours of riding. Other components that should be checked and serviced regularly include cables and brake pads.

Make sure your tires have adequate air in them before every ride. Unlike car tires, bike tires lose air more quickly. Each tire has a recommended psi (pound-force per square inch) printed on its side. Generally, for paved surfaces, you’ll want the tire to feel like a ripe orange — firm but squeezable.

What is the best bike for commuting to work?

There are lots of high-quality commuter bike brands to choose from. Some of the big-name brands that are well known and reputable include Trek and Surly.

Instead of the brand, try to focus on what your needs are as a rider. The best commuter bike will suit the domain where you ride, fit your budget and maintenance needs, and feel fun to pedal where you live and play.

How much does a good commuter bike cost?

The price of commuter bikes can vary a ton. On this list, we’ve considered value, quality, and pros and cons to compile the best options between $500 and $2,499.

Some bikes maintain an affordable price tag and still include high-quality features like disc brakes and front suspension. We consider the bikes on this list to be a good bang for your buck.

How do I choose a commuter bike?

Consider the region where you’ll be riding your bike to and from work or around town. When the landscape is full of hills, you’ll want more gears to help make the climbs easier.

If the terrain is smooth and you intend to carry gear on your bike, a rigid bike is a good choice for agility and stability. Rough topography — like potholes and chunky, deteriorating pavement — is handled well by front suspension and wider tires that help absorb the unevenness.

You’ll also need to determine a budget for your new bike. If you intend to carry items on the bike frame, look for a bike that has mount points for accessories, so you can add racks and fenders.

Some top-tier bikes have special features like the sealed, weatherproof, internally geared 12-speed Pinion gearbox on the PRIORITY 600 — but they come at a premium.

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The Very Best Commuter Bikes

Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving and faster than walking , and, over time, it will save you a lot on MetroCards (if not stop you entirely from buying them). But getting started can be intimidating. If you’re interested in riding to work , you may wonder how you’ll carry your stuff , how you’ll lock up your bike, what to do if it rains , and, most importantly, what type of bike you should buy.

To demystify the process, we spoke with bike-store owners, retailers, and bike- commuting advocates. They explained what features to look for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend. While a top-of-the-line, aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand, the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting bike in the $500 to $750 range ( if they’re not e-bikes, that is ) . But be wary of anything much cheaper. “I advise strongly against big-box store bikes, which generally do not have components that are meant to hold up for more than a handful of rides,” explains Bailey Newbrey, owner of Sincere Cycles in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “They’re made with a lot of plastic parts that won’t last very long.”

With increased interest in biking spurred by the pandemic and continued global supply-chain issues, a lot of the bikes below might be low in stock. “COVID hit, and people were looking for something that they could do outside, and bikes kind of became the first thing. People latched on pretty quickly, and the bike industry was not in any way prepared. And so there were plenty of shortages. And when one company gets behind, the entire industry feels the shock waves,” Newbrey explains. Those shortages are still common two and a half years later. “It’s still pretty bad. I’m getting bikes in that I ordered eight to ten months ago. But I have heard from folks in the industry that they’re trying to get things more normalized, so folks should actually be able to have some decent options in the near future.”

Best overall | Best steel-frame | Best less-expensive steel-frame | Best with disc brakes | Best upright | Best less-expensive upright | Best folding | Best less-expensive folding | Best electric

What we’re looking for

Frame material: The commuter bikes in this article are made with either aluminum or steel. (This list does not include bikes with titanium frames, which are generally lighter than steel ones, but stronger and heavier than aluminum. Other bike frames are made with carbon fiber, which you’ll mainly find in road and race bikes.) Aluminum is the most common frame material, as it’s lightweight but sturdy. But if you want something that gives a more comfortable ride, look to steel. “With commuter bikes, a lot of people like a steel frame, because it lends a less-harsh ride,” Newbrey says. “It has a little bit more flex, a little bit more give to it. So it’s gonna be a little bit softer on the potholes than an aluminum bike would be.” Carbon fiber is ultralight but will be expensive. “Fancy carbon fiber bikes are generally a little bit less practical for commuting in that they are a little bit more delicate and generally don’t allow you to put on racks to be able to cart your goods with you as easily. Generally I think metal frames are more preferable, with steel most often winning out.”

Gears: The bike’s gearing, or how many speeds it offers, can be important depending on where you live and where you’re going to be commuting. “If you’re someplace, say San Francisco, where there’s a lot more longer steep hills on your commute, then you’ll want a bike with some good low gears so you can get up those hills, especially if you’re gonna be carrying a laptop or a change of clothes or that kind of extra weight on your bike. Having low enough gearing for that is pretty important,” Newbrey explains. “In a lot of flatter areas, it’s not really as much of a consideration. I spent most of my life in Chicago, which is pancake-flat, and it was very common for people to commute on single-speed bikes there, because you don’t really need a lot of gearing for hills as there really aren’t any, and single-speed bikes are a lot lower maintenance, so that can be a practical option.”

Brake type: The two main types of brakes we’re looking at are caliper-style brakes and disc brakes. Caliper brakes act as a clamp on the rim of the wheel, whereas disc brakes can be found closer to the hub of the wheel and use a metal rotor and pads. Caliper brakes are the most common, and disc brakes are generally more expensive — which is often reflected in the overall price of the bike. Ease of maintenance is also a factor when deciding on brake type. “Since everything is external on a caliper-style brake, it’s a little bit easier to see the adjustments that you make. So for a lot of folks who are less confident in their mechanic skills, that goes a long way for them, especially if you want to do a certain level of the maintenance yourself,” Newbrey says. Disc brakes are less straightforward, but have become easier to maintain in recent years, so they’re becoming a more practical option on bikes. They can be really nice in rainier areas, Newbrey tells me, as they don’t lose performance in wet weather. Caliper brakes, on the other hand, can require more effort to slow yourself (and the wheels of the bike) down, especially when it’s wet — but that’s not a deal-breaker. “People have been using rim breaks in wet areas forever, and it works plenty fine.”

Best overall commuter bike

Aluminum frame | 7-speed | Caliper brakes

The experts we spoke with recommend hybrids, like the Escape, as the best commuting bikes for most people because they offer some of the speed of a road bike, along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright “cruiser” bike ( more on those below ) . Alex Gonzalez, a sales specialist in action sports at REI Soho, describes hybrids as “a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike.” The tires are somewhere in between the narrow, smooth tires of a road bike and the wide, nubby tires of a mountain bike, and the frame is going to let you sit upright in a more “relaxed” position than if you were leaning down on a road bike. Hybrid bikes also have the benefit of being suitable for longer weekend adventures in addition to daily commutes, according to Susi Wunsch, the founder of bicycling-lifestyle website Velojoy . She says that “a hybrid will be more versatile, especially if you’re riding for both commuting to work and fitness on weekends. It’ll also be a little bit lighter and faster.” Instead of the wide handles you’d find on an upright bike, hybrids generally have a flat handlebar that allows for a more active riding position, and the ability to accommodate add-ons like fenders and racks (if they don’t already come with these attached).

This hybrid bike from Giant’s Escape line got three recommendations from our experts. A solid commuter bike that won’t break the bank, NYC Velo bike-shop founder Andrew Crooks says it’s a “really good value” choice. Notably, it’s got a lighter-weight aluminum frame like those you’d find on more expensive racing bikes, and also comes with 21 speeds (3 x 7 gearing), so you’ll have a lot of options for customizing the ride and adapting to the terrain. Cycling coach Robert Evans told us that Giant’s Escape bikes are “built for commuting,” pointing to their “durable commuter tires” as evidence. Adam Sokol, a sales representative at Ride Brooklyn , likes that it has flat handlebars as opposed to the curved ones on bikes designed for road racing, which he says “are generally what most people are comfortable with.” Sokol adds that the bike’s wide tires make it a good choice for roads that aren’t always perfectly smooth.

Best steel-frame commuter bike

Steel frame | 8-speed | Caliper brakes

Echoing some of his fellow experts, Crooks told us that most hard-core city bikers actually prefer steel. “Steel bikes are basically universal among the employees at NYC Velo,” he says, noting that the material is more “flexible” than aluminum, making it naturally shock absorbent and, as we discussed before, extremely durable. For shorter distances and light-to-average use, the comparatively lower maintenance and lighter weight of aluminum will be better, but if you want something truly built to last, you might be better off with steel. Crooks says that while this model is expensive, the price is justified by the especially “high-quality steel and components.” It’s also “super utilitarian,” he says, adding that it “has a bunch of mounts for any bag or rack.”

Best less-expensive steel-frame commuter bike

Steel frame | 7-speed | Caliper brakes

The Coda, a sport hybrid, comes recommended by Rich Conroy, the director of education at Bike New York , who says it’s a commuting bike that’s durable enough for city streets. The steel frame won’t be as lightweight as that of an aluminum-frame bike, but he says that for the price, you’ll get a solid bike strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting.

Best commuter bike with disc brakes

Aluminum frame | 8-speed | Hydraulic disc brakes

For a slightly higher price, you can get an aluminum-frame hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes, which work to stop the wheel with a pressurized fluid. “It’s the same fluid that your car uses to brake,” explains Jonnie Ling of the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon. Ling told us that while either form of disc brake is going to be better than a rim brake, hydraulic discs are “more powerful and responsive” and don’t require as much pressure to activate. Hydraulic-disc brakes are also fully sealed, which is one reason why John Keoshgerian of Zen Bike calls them a “crucial New York City must-have” for dealing with bad weather and uneven roads. He likes that the Crosstrail incorporates this feature while still being a relatively affordable bike. While Keoshgerian didn’t mention this to us, we noticed that the Crosstrail also has shock absorbers on its front wheel to help cushion any bumps or holes on the road (or trail) — a feature the experts say is a rarity on hybrid bikes.

Best upright commuter bike

Steel frame | 3-speed | Caliper brakes

Generally called “upright” bikes or “cruiser” bikes, this style prioritizes comfort, so many of the bike commuters we spoke to say people prefer them for shorter trips. As Crooks explains, with these bikes “you’re sitting in a position that is comfortable. You’re fairly upright and not straining your back or your neck to look at traffic signals, cars, or other road users.” The Linus Roadster is a stylish upright bike that Bicycle Habitat ’s Charles McCorkell likes for riders who want what he calls the “retro urban style” — or bikes resembling the European models of the ’60s and ’70s that have been updated and modernized so they aren’t as heavy. The Roadster Sport also comes fully decked out with a rack for carrying your stuff.

Best less-expensive upright commuter bike

Conroy agrees that a multiple-gear cruiser would be better for regular commuting. But if seven speeds seems like too many, the Franklin 3 is a less expensive three-speed bike with an internally geared hub that he recommends. According to Conroy, it “looks like a single-speed, but all the gears are inside the hub. The chain doesn’t move when you switch gears, so it’s easy to operate and maintain, and it looks nice.” This bike also has a low-top tube, making it easier to step on and off of.

Best folding commuter bike

Steel frame | 6-speed | Caliper brakes

City commuters love the convenience of space-saving folding bikes, but a smooth and easy-to-use folding mechanism can be an investment  . When it comes to folding commuting bikes, Brompton makes the hands-down favorite among our experts, four of whom recommend its top-of-the line model. It was also the top pick of Streetsblog editor Gersh Kuntzman, who tested out a variety of folding bikes for us. While the Brompton is pricey, Kuntzman found that it was truly the best around. As he puts it, “Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness.” Conroy agrees: “If money is no object, go with a Brompton. They’re really well-made folding bikes that fold up to nothing.” Crooks, also a Brompton fan, says the bike’s “utility allows a much easier way to do a multi-modal commute: You can take a folding bike on the train during rush hour without bothering your commuting peers and then unfold the bike in a matter of seconds and complete your commute.” And McCorkell says that watching it seamlessly fold up is “a visual experience.”

Made in England, Brompton bikes are extremely well-constructed, according to Crooks, who says that “all the things that typically fail on other folding bikes, like hinges, are bombproof on the Brompton.” He adds that, unlike other folding bikes that “typically still need an additional bag or strap” to carry around, “Bromptons fully fold into themselves and are designed with miniature wheels so you can glide them along even while folded up.” One more convenient feature is the fact that the bike can support itself when folded. “You fold it halfway and it becomes its own kickstand,” says Gonzalez.

Best less-expensive folding commuter bike

Aluminum frame | 8-speed | Caliper brakes

The least expensive folding bike for commuting recommended by our experts is the Giant Expressway. Crooks says that “by nature of the frame design — the top tube is very low — most people can ride them, so it’s good for people who have trouble fitting on other bikes.” It also made our list of the best folding bikes, with Kuntzman writing that “it performed the most like a real bike” of all the models tested, and that it has a “strong, proprietary Aluxx aluminum frame that provides extra support when riding up a steep incline.”

Best electric commuter bike

Aluminum frame | 10-speed | Hydraulic-disc brakes

While electric bikes are more expensive than nonmotorized ones, they do offer a few advantages for commuters. They move a lot faster with less effort (up to 28 miles per hour depending on the type of e-bike), and the motor makes it easier to pedal uphill, even if you pick up a load of groceries on your way home. This ten-speed option from Gazelle has a front-suspension fork for a smoother ride on bumpy surfaces and a rear rack for toting bags. Chris Nolte, the owner of Propel Bikes , tells us, “If you’re looking for a fast and sporty commuter, look no further.”

Our experts

• Rich Conroy, director of education at Bike New York • Andrew Crooks, founder of NYC Velo • Robert Evans , cycling coach • Alex Gonzalez, sales specialist in action sports at REI Soho • Karen Iorio Adelson, former Strategist senior writer • John Keoshgerian, owner of Zen Bike • Gersh Kuntzman, Streetsblog editor • Jonnie Ling, Community Cycling Center deputy director • Charles McCorkell, a founder and owner of Bicycle Habitat • Bailey Newbrey, owner of Sincere Cycles in Santa Fe, New Mexico • Chris Nolte, owner of Propel Bikes • David Notis, former Strategist writer • Jeremy Rellosa, Strategist writer • Adam Sokol, sales representative at Ride Brooklyn • Susi Wunsch, founder of bicycling-lifestyle website Velojoy

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Bespoken Word – Trek is slashing the number of bikes it offers by 40%. Here's what that means for your favorite brands in the future

In part one of a new ‘What Happens Next?’ series, Guy Kesteven has some dark warnings about what’s going to happen to a lot of bike brands in the next few years

The Taipei show is the biggest trade bike show in the world. You can go there as a punter but its primary purpose is for far eastern vendors to sell their stuff to the biggest bike brands . Unsurprisingly, given that anyone who is anyone is probably there, it’s also the biggest place for bike industry gossip. 

'Right sizing'

Right now, what everyone is talking about is Trek reporting that they’ll be reducing their bike range by 40 percent and the size of their overall business by 10 percent going forward. Yes, that Trek! The solid, dependable, privately owned Wisconsin-based brand has been rock solid since it started selling touring bikes in the 1970s. The Trek who most industry people were saying pulled a blinder by allegedly using their scale and cash reserves to guarantee the supply of parts when production and delivery choked during Covid. That meant Trek was the first to get big shipments of bikes after everyone had sold out and the sheer amount of Marlin hardtails they dropped into dealers has achieved mythical status.

Unfortunately, while they sold a huge amount of bikes to people wearing face masks, there are still a lot of Marlins in shops – and there are probably more in warehouses all over the world. So Trek is doing the smart thing and making fewer bikes going forward. Because otherwise that backlog of Marlins is never going to get sold and Trek will hemorrhage even more money storing them or selling them for less than a profit. And while their use of the phrase ‘Right sizing’ is definitely corporate ‘posi–speak’, the decision to downsize even based on pre-Covid levels is almost certainly correct.

The news that old dependable Trek is making big changes to stop future oversupply is a big deal, but they are far from being alone in this. From the sound of the rumor drums there are other very big companies, as well as many mid-sized and mini brands that are totally constipated with stock. And in many cases that’s not just because they ordered too much, but because they have a whole ton of very closely spaced products. Orange's multitude of visually near-identical, single pivot hand-made monocoque bikes made it hard for customers to pick an obvious winner and nearly put them out of business. I can’t help wondering if the reason Santa Cruz are running very big discounts on some bikes right now is because there are so many to choose from the confusion is enough to put people off. 

In contrast, Yeti has a pretty clear and clean product lineup and is still currently selling bikes full price. Other brands like Whyte and Norco have also massively reduced their product portfolio to help them leapfrog ahead of brands buried in out-of-date stock. In the case of Whyte, it has even sidelined projects they’ve been working on for years to put nearly all their eggs in the E-Lyte basket. After speaking to Jason Schiers and Clive Gosling from GT at Core bike show , it’s clear they’ve done the same. Canceling whole bike lines just before launch so they can concentrate on a few really strong new offerings.

Brands on the run

While figures like a 40 percent reduction in bike range sound dramatic, it doesn’t have to mean a loss of family favorites. Trek in particular produces a huge size range of bikes and generally makes each model in multiple colors. So it could be that every bike stays, but only in the best-selling color or with fewer options spanning the sizing spread. Not great if you're an odd size or like a choice of aesthetic, but not a disaster.

But for brands that have already slimmed downsizing and hacked the options back to a minimum, things will be a lot harder in the months and years ahead. There’s less room to maneuver too as geometry is now basically all the same and while internal storage is a nice feature, I’ve never heard anyone chopping in their perfectly good old bike just to get a snack hatch on the new one. Unless you’ve got a genuinely different suspension technology that people actually want (buyers are traditionally very averse to new tech until it’s multi-proven), then realistically how many almost identical 4-bar or twin-link carbon bikes with a 64 to 66-degree head tube do we need to choose from?

And while brand loyalty or re-polishing faded memories of past glory days will work with us old gits who’ve been hanging around the sport for decades, we aren’t the people brands need to attract to stay alive.

Power rangers

The people brands need to attract are the new mountain bikers, who may have dusted off an old bike during Covid or who just found MTB from fresh and are now encouraging their mates to join them. These riders are a very different breed with different brand and buying values. While old schoolers are used to glitches and bodges being part of biking and were prepared to put up with random customer service and extensive research to find the right next bike, the new breed isn’t. They don’t want a confusing sea, as far as they can tell, of identical bikes. They want stuff that works rather than needing to be nursed and they want it presented, sold and serviced professionally. And we might kid ourselves that this is the case in the bike industry, we all know that for every slick showroom and logo polo shirt, there’s a bargain bin in the corner and an ordering process that’s still based on paper stuck on spikes. But the whole chat about retail is for another time.  

The big thing that these new buyers mean is a total change in brand recognition and that’s also tied very heavily into the rise of the e-bike. 

E-bikes are not the miracle cure

What I mean is that while some of these new buyers might recognize the big brands like Specialized , Santa Cruz, Canyon , Shimano , or Trek, they’ll definitely spot Bosch as a brand name to go towards because their power tools, domestic appliances, auto parts, etc. are recognized as costing a bit more but return great reliability. Some outsiders might know Giant bikes, but the smartest move of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer is to team up with Yamaha for their motors. With a lot of e-MTBers coming from an off-road motorbike background, brands like GasGas and Husqvarna are going to stand out a lot more than Haibike or Cube . Even if you get a better spec for a lower price by going for the latter. I can’t help feeling that brands like Bosch and Yamaha are going to get sick of having to deal with hundreds of relatively tiny bike company intermediaries to access the cycling market and will just make their own bikes.

There are other big players poised too. As soon as Porsche is confident that their investment in Fazua motors is a sound one, why wouldn’t they go direct through their existing dealers with all the upsell and aspirations they bring? Honda is already starting to show concept bikes again too and it’s clear that this personal mobility part of the market is becoming increasingly interesting to the auto industry. Hell, why wouldn’t Apple go for a quick positive spin on their entry to personal urban mobility by following up their failed ‘self-driving car’ project with an ‘Apple Bike’? They recently added a ton of cycling-friendly features to their Apple Watch and regardless of its actual performance, you can guarantee it would sync with all your other devices instantly and look brilliant. Not something you can say about every e-bike from current manufacturers. 

But then maybe that’s a good thing. Talking to managers at bike brands, they’re certainly beginning to realize that as the e-bike market matures, it’s not the fairy tale, fortune-creating cash cow it looked like at the start. Whatever the brand or design, e-bikes have a far higher return/warranty rate, up to 100 percent in some instances. Nobody ever had their house or warehousing destroyed and insurance companies get startled by a conventional bike catching fire either. 

They also require far more parts to order, stock, integrate, and wait for delivery on. That's after going through a whole extra level of explosive category shipping headaches and costs and being hamstrung if they don’t turn up. While it’s a pain if SRAM changes its transmission and makes your existing stock look dated overnight, if a motor brand makes your entire inventory electrically extinct that’s a huge issue. Because while the higher ticket price of an e-bike is a win at the till, when those units aren’t shifting then they’re sucking up a whole lot more cash. Which is of course the whole issue we started with in the first place.

Know your business

Finally, what the pandemic and subsequent sh*t show have clearly demonstrated is that bike and component brands know as much about their customers, demand and sales trends as a triathlete knows about suspension setup. In fact, the spike, rebound and sag in sales we’ve seen recently is almost certainly worse than the back-end performance of a bike set up by someone in Speedos.

While the amount of talk around inclusivity, diversity and lowering entry barriers is definitely increasing and that’s a brilliant thing, I can’t help feeling it’s not really gaining traction yet either. That losing a hundred grams, changing head angle by a degree, or increasing tire space still gets more high fives in boardrooms and marketing agencies than something that will engage with hundreds of thousands of new riders, change their headspace, or genuinely open up cycling to whole new communities and demographics. 

And these topics of advocacy, retail, racing, riding and media are all things I’m going to dig deeper into in this series. So for now, go enjoy the fact that there are way more bikes and brands than we need, and often being sold at bargain prices. Because one thing I’m sure of is that the situation isn’t going to last forever and if you end up buying bikes from the same place as your washing machine, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Most Popular

The 20 Best Electric Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

N o segment of bicycles is growing faster than electric bikes—and that demand is good for you, the e-bike shopper. Newer brands like Aventon , Rad Power Bikes , and Ride1Up have sprung up, offering affordable options you can buy online, bolstering the higher-performance e-bikes from more established players like Specialized , Trek , and Pivot .

Designs keep improving, tech is becoming more reliable, and capabilities are expanding. Whether you purchase online or through a retailer, you can find everything from folding e-bikes , fat-tire e-bikes , electric-assist road bikes, and a sea of commuter and city electric bikes. Liberated from some of the standard bike constraints (like weight and gearing), e-bike design has exploded.

To make these reviews as helpful as possible, we focused on lower to mid-price options from brands you can purchase directly online—though we did include a couple of recommendations for more expensive e-bikes that our team of bike testers loved.

If you are looking for a higher-performance e-bike, check out Bicycling’s 2023 Bike Awards .

You’ll find 12 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

The Best E-Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

[product-summary-view] stripped

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three classes, defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750w) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3, also known as “speed pedelec,” can have up to a 750w motor (aka 1-horsepower) but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without needing a license.

Class 2 models have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling.

Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500 , for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

Two E-Bike Terms to Know

Torque: Measured in Newton meters (or Nm), torque is a rotational measurement of force—and the number to pay attention to when you want an idea of an e-bike motor’s output. More torque means more power off the line and more boost to your pedaling. The heavier the bike, the more torque it needs. Lighter road bikes typically have 30 to 40Nm of torque, and trail and cargo models (generally) have at least 80Nm. Most commuter bikes fall somewhere in between.

Watt Hours : The size of an e-bike’s battery is measured in watt-hours (or Wh). This measurement represents the energy stored in the battery and how many watts it can deliver each hour. The higher the number, the longer the range, but the faster you go, the less range you get. So, if a 504Wh battery paired with a 500-watt motor gives you one hour of ride time at the highest assist, riding at about half that power will double your range.

Other E-Bike Features to Consider

Locking Battery : As electric bike options continue expanding, many brands now seamlessly integrate batteries to make the bike look sleeker (and more like a traditional non-assist bike). Most batteries lock to the bike and come with a key that lets you unlock and remove it, which serves multiple purposes: You can remove the battery and charge it off the bike, a locked battery deters (and hopefully prevents) a thief from stealing it, and an e-bike with the battery removed is safer for hauling on a bike rack and lighter for carrying up steps.

Wider Tires: Because e-bikes can maintain higher speeds for longer periods than standard bikes, you want extra control. Wider tires provide better traction and the freedom to leave the pavement with little penalty, and a suspension fork will help tame some of the rougher roads you might explore. Good disc brakes are a must, too, for slowing a heavy bike at high speed. This is not a place to skimp.

Integrated Lights : Some e-bikes have an integrated lighting system that turns on when you power up the bike. While this is an awesome feature to have, it’s not a deal-breaker if your bike isn’t equipped this way. With so many great bike lights available, it’s just as easy to attach your own.

Certification

Following a dramatic increase in fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, there is a push from local officials, regulatory agencies , and advocacy groups across the U.S. for improved safety certification of e-bikes, batteries, and motor units. Recently, New York City enacted a law requiring that any e-bike sold in the city (starting September 16, 2023) “has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849”.

However, just because something is marketed as UL 2849 compliant, tested to UL 2849, or even “certified to UL 2849” does not mean it is UL Safety Certified. Ibrahim Jilani, UL’s Global Director of Consumer Technology notes, “Certification is always earned by a manufacturer and not a given when they undergo a product submittal. The UL Mark, or any authorized certification mark, can only be issued upon successful demonstration of meeting the requirements of the safety standard.” UL’s updated list of products Certified to UL 2849 can be found here .

Bicycling contacted many brands who informed us they are evaluating the standards and certification process. So, expect the list of Certified e-bikes to grow in the coming months. If owning a UL 2849-certified bike is important to you, ask the brand from which you purchase it for proof of certification. You can cross-reference OSHA ’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories if you want to take a deep dive into the topic.

How We Tested

Our team of experienced bike testers evaluated each model here on its overall quality, its safety features, handling, motor, battery life, and whether the components and features added to the overall quality of the ride. We tested most of these bikes on our local roads, commuting to and from work, using them to stock up on groceries and beer, and running their batteries down to officially see how long they last on one charge.

A few bikes here were not available for testing. In those cases, we relied on the expertise of our test team, interviews with product managers, and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value and performance against similar models we have tested.

BEST OVERALL E-BIKE

Aventon level.2.

Aventon updated its outstanding Level e-bike to have a smoother ride and added visibility. A new torque sensor delivers power to the rear hub motor more evenly than the previous generation bike. The Level.2 has a more natural and intuitive feel when riding. The integrated lights and a smaller, easier-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better.

In our testing, the Level performed better than expected in every situation. The Aventon Level.2 remains the best commuter e-bike you can purchase for less than $2,000 and one of the best commuter bikes you can buy overall. The updates to the platform make an already great bike even better. Aventon still has the first-generation Level available for only $1,500 .

This e-bike has everything you need for commuting or getting around town. Plus, the Level rides great and is priced right. Additionally, Aventon is currently offering $200 off pricing on a spare battery with the purchase of a Level.2. Now's the time to level up!

Shop Now READ FULL REVIEW

REI MEMORIAL DAY SALE

Co-op cycles cty e1.1.

The CTY e1.1 from REI's Co-op Cycles house brand is one of the best deals that you can find. The Class 1 bike has a 300 lb. carrying capacity and is powered by a Bafang hub drive motor and a 450Wh battery semi-integrated into the downtube. Additionally, REI equips the e1.1 with a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Standard lights, center-mount kickstand, and Schwalbe Big Ben tires with added flat protection make this bike ideal for commuting or riding around town.

For those unsure about assembling a bike at home, the Co-op CTY can be purchased online and delivered to an REI store for assembly (or if you're buying it as a gift). Plus, for REI members, it comes with free flat tire repair and two years of free adjustments.

MEMORIAL DAY SALE

Priority e-coast.

Get 15% off on Priority Bikes all Memorial Day weekend using the code MDW15!

Beach cruisers are part of the quintessential summer experience. Usually, beach cruisers are heavy, clunky, rust-prone, and hard to ride anywhere but on the boardwalk. Priority’s E-Coast cast those notions aside. This beach bike has everything needed for summer days at the beach (or riding around town or the campground). The E-Coast’s aluminum frame and fork will not rust like on old steel beach cruisers and the Gates belt drive never needs chain lube. 26-inch diameter x 3-inch wide tires helps the bike float over sand and soak up the cracked pavement. The 500W rear hub motor gets the E-Coast up to a 28mph top speed and hydraulic disc brakes ensure stopping power.

BEST CHEAP E-BIKE

Aventon pace 350.2.

Aventon updated its Pace range with a new frame and fork, integrated battery, and tail lights sleekly designed into the seat stays. At $1,200, the Aventon Pace 350.2 continues to deliver an outstanding balance of price and performance, now with a fresh new look. As a Class 2 e-bike, it has a max pedal-assist speed of 20 mph with a thumb-controlled throttle. The Pace 350 rolls on 27.5 x 2.2-inch e-bike-rated tires and stops via mechanical disc brakes. A 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and five levels of pedal assist provide various options. The bike doesn’t have fenders or integrated racks, but the Pace 350 felt viable for daily commuting.

If you need a little more speed and range, check out the Aventon Pace 500.2 for $300 extra or the all-new Pace 500.3 for $500 more. It has a 28 mph top speed, hydraulic disc brakes, an adjustable stem, and an 8-speed drivetrain. Read our review of the excellent Pace 500 model below.

READ PACE 500 REVIEW

BEST COMMUTER E-BIKE

Cannondale treadwell neo 2.

We're fans of the Treadwell for its clean looks and upright rider position. Not quite a hybrid (but also not a foot-forward style cruiser), Cannondale's Treadwell models are unique, practical bikes for city commuting or riding around town. The Treadwell Neo 2 improves on this by offering electric assistance without incurring a big weight penalty. This makes for a lighter and zippier riding bike at a lower price. A Class 1 rear hub motor moves the Treadwell along smoothly with up to 20 mph pedal-assisted power. The 7-speed drivetrain and a wide-range cassette help you get up longer hills, and the Maxxis 650b tires roll fast on pavement.

BEST E-CARGO/BIKE OF THE YEAR

Specialized globe haul st.

We named Specialized’s Globe Haul ST Bicycling ’s 2023 Bike of the Year in our Spring 2023 issue. This amazing short-tail cargo bike packs 419 pounds of carrying capacity into a surprisingly compact frame. With powerful brakes, dialed geometry, and well-thought-out features, it's ready to tackle commuting, grocery getting, neighborhood errands, or getting a kid to daycare. Without active suspension, the Haul relies on massive 3.5-inch tires, which work well on all but the roughest roads. What seals the deal on the Haul is, simply put, that it’s a blast to ride, which might not strike you as earth-shattering, but many e-cargo bikes just aren’t. What makes e-cargo bikes good often comes down to their utility, and the Haul ST has that in spades. But what it does so well is simultaneously managing to be incredibly practical and irresistibly fun.

READ FULL REVIEW

BEST FAT TIRE E-BIKE

Aventon aventure.2.

Aventon has been on a roll, with new models and revisions to existing platforms. The brand's update to its Aventure fat tire e-bike is no exception. At first glance, there are not many big visual differences between the original Aventure and this second-generation model. However, once outside, the small changes feel huge.

Compared to the original Aventure ( on sale for $1,500 ), the Aventure.2 rides much smoother. The new torque sensor allows more control over the acceleration of Aventure's 750W rear hub motor, making the bike's ride more intuitive. Some of our test riders found the previous model to have too much torque, particularly for lighter-weight riders or those new to e-bikes; the Aventure.2 remedied this fault.

In addition to the new torque sensor, the Aventure.2 has an updated head unit interface, integrated turn signals, front light, rear rack, and fenders. We found the Aventure.2 well-suited for commutes (especially on snowy days and gravel pathways) and off-road on doubletrack trails. The bike's weight and components limit its functionality on singletrack for more aggressive mountain bike riding.

BEST UTILITY DEAL

Co-op cycles generation e1.1.

The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 is an excellent bike for short trips, cities, and around-town use. It comes equipped with a rack, lights, and Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires with puncture protection. Co-op equips the e1.1 with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes (unlike some competitors in the class) for improved stopping power and an SR suspension fork to smooth out the ride. Plus, REI provides service and warranty on Co-op bikes.

BEST CRUISER

Ride1up cafe cruiser.

Designed with a classic moto style, Ride1Up's Cafe Cruiser has a casual ride feel. And it's also practical with a built-in rack and light. The zippy 750W motor powers the Cruiser to 28mph (20mph using the throttle) with a suspension fork and 3-inch wide tires to smooth out the ride. Ride the Cafe Cruiser to the bar, along the boardwalk, or to Sunday morning brunch. Add an optional passenger kit for $125 with a padded seat for the rack, footpegs, and wheel guards.

BEST SPORT HYBRID

Trek dual sport+ 2.

Unlike other electric vehicles, for bicycles, the term ‘hybrid’ refers not to the type of motor but to the style of bike. In bicycle parlance, a hybrid is a bike that combines the quick and sporty feel of a road bike with the upright riding position of a mountain bike. This makes them very popular for riders that use their bikes in various ways—from commuting to fitness to bike paths, and even light gravel roads or non-technical trails.

Trek makes some of the best hybrids on the market and its electric version is also an excellent choice. The Dual Sport+ 2 features a sleek aluminum frame that fully hides a 250Wh battery. A rigid aluminum fork helps save weight (and cuts down on maintenance) over the low-cost suspension forks often found on e-bikes in this price range. Grippy, yet fast-rolling 50mm wide tires help provide traction and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power.

BEST FAT TIRE COMMUTER

Rad power radrover 6 plus.

With the Radrover 6 Plus, Rad Power has made a fat tire e-bike that is comfortable to ride on pretty much any terrain, from urban streets riddled with potholes to off-road paths with rocks or snow. Updated display and hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus substantially nicer to ride than its predecessor.

The bike's extreme weight makes it feel sluggish at times. And the weight makes moving the bike up or down any stairs an issue. However, the RadRover's powerful 750w rear hub motor helps overcome increased rolling resistance and the weight of the four-inch-wide tires. The bike is available in traditional or step-through frame styles in your choice of charcoal or white color.

BEST STEP-THROUGH

Denago commute model 1.

This Denago has all the features a rider might want for city riding or commuting. We enjoyed this bike so much that we named it ‘Best Step-Through’ in the 2023 Bicycling Bike Awards .

It's a class 3 e-bike rolling on 27.5"x2.6" tires and powered by a 500-watt rear hub motor (capable of a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph or 20 mph with throttle alone). The 45-mile range, 652 Wh battery is neatly tucked into the downtube and removable for charging. But that's only the start of what makes this bike stand out.

The Commute 1 has a hefty list of standard features. This includes a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, lights, fenders, and a rack. The bike's cockpit is designed for rider comfort with a swept-back bar, adjustable stem, and ergonomic-shaped lock-on grips. We also like Denago's use of a suspension seatpost and big cushioned saddle.

Shop Now READ REVIEW

BEST PERFORMING FOLDING E-BIKE

Brompton electric c line.

Brompton’s bikes are engineering marvels. Lightweight, portable, and quintessentially British, Bromptons can be found on the streets, trains, and busses of most major global cities. The Electric C Line is the e-bike variant of the brand’s original C Line series. The 250W front-wheel drive Electric C Line is powered by an easily removable 300Wh battery to a maximum assisted speed of 15 mph. This Brompton fold down in under 30 seconds to a tidy 25.3'' x 23'' x 10.6''. Read our review of the Electric P Line (a lighter-weight version of the C Line) for more details.

BEST SINGLESPEED

Ride1up roadster v2.

Singlespeed bikes are great because they are low maintenance, have a clean aesthetic, and typically weigh less than bikes with multiple gears and derailleurs. Ride1Up's Roadster v2 barely even looks like an e-bike, plus it features a belt drive drivetrain that doesn't need chain lube. We found the Roadster best for flatter terrain and bike lanes—the gearing makes it a little tough to get it up to speed in hilly areas. For an extra $150 you can step up to the Roadster Gravel with disc brakes, a Gates belt drive, and 42mm wide tires.

BEST UL 2849 CERTIFIED E-BIKE

Velotric discover 1.

This commuter model from Velotric is one of the few e-bikes available on UL’s Certified Listing . The Discover 1 delivers style and features that are tough to beat for the price. This 500W e-bike rolls on 26" wheels with 2.5" wide tires, providing quicker acceleration and extra grip. The bike also features front and rear fenders, hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power, and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. While only offered in a single size (standard or step-through frames available), Velotric gives you five color choices (six on the step-through) from which to choose—from the bright and poppy (mango or cyan) to more neutral tones (forest, sand, or gray). Plus, save $200 at checkout when purchasing two bikes.

MOST VERSATILITY

Benno remidemi.

The Benno RemiDemi puts the fun in functionality! Not only is the bike a blast to ride, but it also carries up to 400 pounds (rider + cargo) and is built with quality components throughout. And Benno offers a selection of accessories so you can do everything from carrying a kid to daycare, grocery runs, commuting, or even carrying a surfboard.

The compact, one-size-fits-most aluminum frame and cromoly fork roll on 20”x3.6” puncture-resistant tires. At the heart of the RemiDemi is a super reliable 250W Bosch Performance series mid-drive motor powered by a 400Wh Bosch Powerpack battery. Unlike many similarly styled e-bikes, but lower-priced competitors, the RemiDemi rides smoothly and quietly.

BEST PERFORMING CITY E-BIKE

Specialized turbo vado 4.0.

Specialized's Turbo Vado 4.0 just feels ' right '. From the motor to the interface to the aesthetic design to the parts selection to the ride quality, the details on the Turbo Vado 4.0 have all been thoroughly thought through to perform as a seamless package. This is a rare quality that anyone—be they a lifelong cyclist or getting their first e-bike—can benefit from and enjoy.

We have ridden a lot of e-bikes over the years, and the Specialized Turbo models consistently test amongst the best in all categories. The brand puts a ton of development time into its Turbo series e-bikes by refining the motor tune and carefully selecting parts. This work pays off with best-in-class ride quality. If you have hesitated to try an e-bike because you think it won't feel like your favorite non-assist bike, try a Specialized Turbo. You'll quickly become a convert.

Specialized offers the Turbo Vado at several price levels between $3,250 and $5,500. You can purchase Turbo Vados with traditional or step-through frame styles, derailleur or internal hub drivetrain configurations, and several color offerings.

BEST VALUE E-TRIKE

Buzz cerana t.

E-Trikes are making big waves since e-bike heavyweight Rad Power launched its new RadTrike model . Trikes are a great option for riders uncomfortable riding more traditional two-wheel bikes or who regularly carry items (such as groceries, beach supplies, or pets). Buzz's Cerana T features a 350-watt mid-drive motor with pedal assistance up to 20mph. The wide-profile 24" x 3.0" front tire and dual 20" rear wheels provide stability, while disc brakes help ensure controlled stops. A step-through frame (holding an integrated battery) makes it easy to get on or off the trike, and the cushy seat and upright position add to rider comfort.

BEST E-ROAD BIKE

Trek domane+ al5.

A great way to explore backroads or longer routes, electric-assist road bikes have opened up road cycling to more people. Trek's 31-pound Domane+ road bike provides pedaling assistance up to 20 mph and approximately 55 miles (in Eco mode) via a 250W (40Nm) HyDrive hub motor and 250Wh internal battery. For longer rides, an optional range extender battery can double the range. The AL5 model features a Shimano 105 2x11-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. The bike comes stock with 32mm wide tires but can be fitted with tires up to 38mm for light gravel and dirt road rides.

Read our review of the lightweight, high-performance Domane+ SLR version here .

BEST FULL SUSPENSION E-MTB

Trek fuel exe.

The EX-e is lighter, a lot lighter—10 or so pounds—than a full-power e-bike because it uses a less powerful motor requiring a smaller battery. That makes it appealing to riders who want an e-bike but also want the feel and handling of an unpowered e-bike. It should also interest lighter and less powerful riders put off by riding a 50-pound eMTB. As Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips discovered, being less powerful doesn’t mean less fun. The EX-e proves that the old Less Is More axiom works for e-bikes too.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW GALLERY

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Why a leading electric bike company just slashed nearly all its prices

Ride1Up , a San Diego-based electric bicycle maker known for an increasingly broad range of affordably-priced electric bikes, is trying to make its e-bikes even more accessible. The company just announced that effective immediately, it is cutting prices on nearly its entire lineup.

Massive sales are nothing new in the e-bike industry. Several e-bike companies have been running incredible deals for much of the past six months. Remember those Black Friday deals that turned into Holiday sales only to then morph into Valentine’s Day bundles and Easter discounts? Yeah, the entire e-bike industry has been offering incredible rollercoaster sales as warehouses remain largely packed with overstocked bikes fueled by pandemic-era buying sprees.

But unlike most companies, Ride1Up is taking the major step of making those sale prices permanent. Instead of offering a misleadingly high MSRP and a much more attractive sale price, Ride1Up is moving more of its models towards a simplified, lower-cost model that is more sincere and transparent.

“Ride1Up proudly announces permanent price reductions for many of our highly rated ebikes, making them more affordable without sacrificing build quality and components,” the company explained. “Since our inception in 2018, Ride1Up’s mission has always been to make ebikes more affordable to the riding community.”

As a nod toward any consumers who recently purchased an e-bike from Ride1Up before the announcement of the drastically reduced pricing, Ride1Up is offering a 30-day price match guarantee. Basically, if you bought an e-bike from the company in the past month, they’ll credit you the difference in the sale price.

The new sales include up to $300 in savings, and offer up some incredible pricinging we haven’t seen in years. For example, the much-vaunted Ride1Up Roadster V2, which is the epitome of a lightweight, single-speed e-bike, is now priced at just $895. Its Gates belt drive and gravel-focused cousin, the Roadster V2 Gravel, comes in at a more-than-fair $1,295 .

Other impressive deals include the new $1,395 price for the Cafe Cruiser, a 28 mph cruiser-meets-commuter e-bike that can carry up to two riders, as well as the $1,995 Prodigy V1 , which might just be the most affordably-priced Bosch mid-drive electric bike on the market.

The company says that this is a shift in strategy to provide consumers with more sincere pricing that steers away from sale gimmicks common in the industry and maintains consistent low pricing regardless of the time of year. “From now on, Ride1Up will avoid massive discounts from our new retail prices. The goal is to provide you with the best price possible year-round without having to wait or anticipate the next big sale.”

Electrek’s Take

To be honest, I wish more companies were like this. Kickstarter e-bikes are the worst, guilty of pricing gimmicks more than anyone else (“Get this $4,000 MSRP e-bike for just $1,699!”). But even big-name e-bike companies have laid the high MSRP meets low sale price trap many times.

Perhaps Ride1Up is signaling to the industry that they simply aren’t going to play that game anymore. Perhaps they’re daring others to follow this lead. Or perhaps they just want consumers to see fair, realistic pricing upfront. Whatever the reason, this should become a much more common practice.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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