We deliver you the rundown of the perfect mountain bikes underneath £3,000/$4,000. Path bikes with 27.5in, 29in and MX-style blended wheel sizes.
Absolutely the greatest mountain bikes for underneath £3,000/$4,000 are severe bits of equipment. It’s at this degree that you simply begin to see carbon frames enter the fray, and complicated suspension with adjustable compression damping. There will likely be wheel measurement choices, together with 29in and 27.5in entrance and rear in addition to blended wheel ‘mullet’ bikes. Select from direct-sales fashions for the most effective worth, or store bought manufacturers for the private service and experience of an excellent bike store. Choices at this worth level embody XC or down-country bikes which might be light-weight and fast-rolling, heavy-hitting enduro bikes for racking up bike park laps and the multi-talented all-rounder that may be a path bike. At this worth level we’d advocate most riders ought to have a look at full-suspension choices, however for those who don’t want rear suspension then have a look at our purchaser’s information to the greatest hardtail mountain bikes.
Vitus Mythique 29 VRX
Excessive efficiency path bike at an unbeatable worth
Wheel measurement: 27.5in or 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.54kg | Suspension journey: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Ranking: 10/10
Execs: Sensible body high quality and handing
Cons: Actually can’t consider any!
There are 4 completely different fashions within the newly refreshed Vitus Mythique vary for 2023, with costs beginning at £1,599.99 and topping out at £2,399.99. All fashions use the identical alloy body with four-bar linkage suspension, however put on completely different elements relying on the worth level. Like Polygon, Vitus makes use of each 27.5in and 29in wheels for the Mythique vary, however on this case all 4 body sizes and three spec ranges can be found with both wheel, so that you don’t should compromise in your final combo. Cheaper bikes get X-Fusion suspension and a 1×10 drivetrain, however there’s nonetheless grippy Maxxis tyres and an indispensable dropper submit on the entry-level mannequin. Additional up the vary you’ll discover 1×12 drivetrains and higher suspension, with Marzocchi forks and RockShox shocks, so that you’ll end up going quicker with better management. New for 2023 can also be a AMP mannequin with a RockShox Pike Choose fork and different alternative upgrades.
Velocity, smiles, and magnificence; the brand new Vitus Mythique VRX has all in equal measure. It’s a path bike that covers an enormous remit with out the hefty price ticket to match. And whereas each price-point bike is a compromise, Vitus has emphasised the issues that matter most to trip high quality, with out leaving any obtrusive holes within the specification. The truth that the body seems to be each bit as polished as high-end bikes, simply provides to the general enchantment. So whether or not you’re beginning out in mountain biking or are a seasoned rider on the lookout for a path bike that gives unbeatable worth, we merely can’t advocate the Mythique extremely sufficient.
Learn the complete assessment of the Vitus Mythique 29 VRX (2023)
Specialised’s basic four-bar suspension delivers on its promise of 160mm journey
Inexpensive blended wheel enjoyable manufacturing unit
Wheel measurement: 29in f/27.5in r | Body sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 | Weight: 15.75kg | Suspension journey: 160mm f/160mm r | Ranking: 10/10
Execs: Killer worth for cash. Inspiring dealing with. Cons: Sluggish NX shifting, lack of official product data is irritating
In the event you’re beginning to see a couple of gray hairs seem then it’s possible you’ll nicely keep in mind the long-lasting Specialised Massive Hit. Though not the unique mullet bike, it was maybe probably the most profitable blended wheeler earlier than the pattern’s latest resurgence. Why was it such a giant hit, for those who’ll excuse the pun? Nicely, it wasn’t designed for lengthy distances or going racing, it was constructed to place a smile on riders’ faces. And it succeeded in spades. The Standing invokes the spirit of that basic Massive Hit, with a blended wheel set-up, an inexpensive worth and the flexibility to generate enjoyable at each flip. For 2022 there are two fashions on supply, one with 140mm journey and the unique model with 160mm journey. Whichever one you choose, you’re in for a good time.
Learn our full assessment of the Specialised Standing 160
Marin Rift Zone XR
Excessive efficiency path bike at an unbeatable worth
Wheel measurement: 27.5in or 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 15.54kg | Suspension journey: 150mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 140mm f/135mm r 29in | Ranking: N/A
Execs: Exploitable dealing with, no matter your degree. A motorcycle that may develop together with your abilities. Enjoyable to trip. No gimmicks.
Cons: Chubby. You’ll discover higher spec from a direct-sales model. No dropper submit.
Marin’s new Rift Zone captures the essence of agile dealing with and an interesting trip and slaps on a price ticket that doesn’t simply enchantment to hedge fund managers. Shoppers get to decide on between three wheel sizes; 27.5in and 29in clearly, however there’s additionally a 26in JR mannequin for the groms. Construct kits begin at £1,695 and go as much as £2,995 for the XR mannequin.
In a world of sagging scales, bottomless journey and stratospheric worth tags, the Rift Zone is as refreshing as plunging your face right into a glacier-fed stream. It reminds you that it’s enjoyable, slightly than frills, that’s vital in a mountain bike. for those who want to let your using do the speaking slightly than strut about preening your feathers on one thing that price the equal of a home deposit, then the Rift Zone received’t disappoint.
Learn the complete assessment of the Marin Rift Zone XR (2023)
Built-in suspension system conceals the RockShox NUDE 5 shock inside the complete carbon body
The unique down-country bike is now an actual head turner
Wheel measurement: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 11.12kg | Suspension journey: 120mm f/120mm r | Ranking: 9/10
Execs: Ruthless in its effectivity. Hidden shock ought to want much less upkeep. Cons: Suspension could possibly be extra supple in Descend mode.
Scott’s Spark has received extra trophies than every other race bike, with double Olympic gold again in 2016. Redesigned not too long ago with a glossy new body and extra fashionable geometry, the Scott Spark has misplaced none of its efficiency, nevertheless it has grow to be much more versatile. It additionally will get a hidden shock for decreased upkeep, and distant suspension management for uphill effectivity with out compromising on downhill confidence.
Learn our full assessment of the Scott Spark RC WC AXS
Trek’s High Gasoline 8 gives a high-octane trip
Explosive path weapon
Wheel measurement: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 14.46kg | Suspension journey: 120mm f/120mm r | Ranking: N/A
Execs: Elegant suspension, playful dealing with, incredible measurement vary, inner storage. Cons: Not notably gentle for the supposed use, inconsistent Shimano brakes on our check bike.
Not as sharp or ruthlessly environment friendly as a YT Izzo, softer and extra approachable than a Transition Spur, this new Trek High Gasoline brings high-octane leisure and understated efficiency to the kind of trails most generally ridden within the UK. Even when the seems to be won’t go away an enduring impression, it’s unforgettable to trip.
Learn our full check assessment of the Trek High Gasoline 8
Nukeproof Reactor Professional 290 Alloy
Fluid suspension really feel and agile dealing with
Wheel measurement: 27.5in or 29in | Body sizes: S (27.5in solely), M, L, XL | Weight: 15kg | Suspension journey: 160mm f/140mm r 27.5in, 150mm f/130mm r 29in | Ranking: 9/10
Execs: Earlier winner of our Path Bike of the Yr. Excellent suspension and versatile dealing with. Cons: Seat tubes could possibly be shorter for improved standover clearance.
After an excellent few years (a long time?) of arguing amongst ourselves, the MTB world has just about settled on what constitutes a contemporary path bike: a mid-travel 29er. With 140/130mm journey the 29er Reactor ticks the essential packing containers, nevertheless it’s a lot greater than that. Extremely supple suspension allied to a body form that’s not too radically slack or low, so cuts throughout flat singletrack with scalpel-sharpness, but nonetheless has the composure to really feel at dwelling on rougher enduro tracks. Additionally out there with a carbon body and 27.5in wheels, the Reactor vary has one thing for everybody. Which is why it was our Path Bike of the Yr in 2020 and the dearer Professional model secured a 9/10 score within the newest 2022 TBoY check.
Learn our full assessment of the Nukeproof Reactor 290 Professional
Focus Jam 6.9
Candy suspension with out the bitter worth
Wheel measurement: 29in | Body sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 16.4kg | Suspension journey: 150mm f/150mm r | Ranking: 8/10
Execs: Supple suspension. Fine condition. Secure dealing with. Good worth. Cons: Heavy. Inner cable routing by the stem is a ache. Suspension lacks help.
Props to Focus for doing one thing completely different with the Jam. Regardless of the suspension not feeling notably balanced, the bike does have a impartial using place and an extended attain, so we felt fairly assured hammering the tough chop. It’s not as manoeuvrable because the Nukeproof Reactor, nevertheless it does really feel moderately agile altering strains by twisty singletrack. Gravity is your actual pal although. At the very least on the way in which down.
Learn our full check assessment of the Focus Jam 6.9
Ought to I purchase a full-suspension bike or a hardtail for underneath £3,000?
Weight aware cross-country riders are arguably nonetheless higher served with a hardtail, however everybody else might be higher off on full-suspension because it brings far more consolation and management, particularly on tough terrain. Trendy full-suspension bikes pedal very effectively now, so that you received’t waste a lot vitality by the suspension ‘bobbing’ both.
Ought to I get a carbon or alloy body for underneath £3,000?
Carbon enters the world right here, primarily with direct-sales manufacturers, however alternative remains to be restricted and we wouldn’t say that carbon is a deal breaker. In truth we’d often advocate sticking with an alloy body, as the burden drawback is usually solely round 500g, however it would imply you possibly can get pleasure from a lot better elements, equivalent to higher damping within the fork and shock, and lighter wheels, which might make extra of a distinction to the way in which the bike rides than a lighter body. Both approach, most platforms use the identical body on all fashions, so the highest bike could have an similar body as the most cost effective mannequin. The benefit with this method from a shopper’s perspective, is that you recognize the guts of the bike is similar high quality, regardless of the worth, and that any upgrades will likely be worthwhile investments.
What elements ought to I look out for underneath £3,000?
Be certain the bike has a dropper seatpost, as this can actually assist your descending. The suspension fork and rear shock ought to have compression damping adjustment in addition to rebound adjustment. Search for simply serviceable elements, equivalent to threaded backside brackets and bearing kits for all of the suspension pivots. By way of drivetrain, SRAM GX or Shimano XT (or higher) are preferable, however SLX and NX Eagle might be utilized in locations. Attempt to keep away from SRAM’s NX Eagle cassette (designated PG-1230) as it is rather heavy and makes use of a unique freehub physique that isn’t suitable with the lighter cassettes used additional up the vary.
