Best Enduro Mountain Bikes of 2024: Group Test and Buyer’s Guide

Bike park party laps, wild races, epic backcountry expeditions, and fast-paced post-work rides – modern enduro bikes are built to handle it all. But with rapid advancements in technology, it’s crucial to know what truly makes a difference and what to look for when investing in a new ride. We rigorously tested 14 of the most exciting enduro bikes of the year to bring you the definitive guide.

Table of Contents: Inside This Enduro Bike Test

Enduro bikers enjoying a trail

Enduro bikes are undeniably incredible machines, a sentiment echoed by our readers. In our recent survey, a staggering 23,000 of you confirmed enduro bikes as your top choice, whether you’re an owner, a prospective buyer, or simply an enthusiast of the enduro format. When you roll out your enduro bike, you’re signaling it’s time to push your limits on the trails. From shuttle runs and bike park sessions to demanding Alpine traverses and quick after-work blasts on your local trails, a modern enduro bike takes it all in stride. They’re engineered to rip, encouraging you to open up the throttle and inspiring immense confidence with their robust components and generous suspension travel.

To truly assess the state of modern enduro bikes, we packed our vans and headed to a prime location known for challenging trails and a relaxed atmosphere. Our mission: to put the year’s most thrilling enduro contenders through their paces. The enduro bike landscape has evolved significantly since our last major test, with a surge of new technologies, suspension designs, and innovative features. But how substantial are these advancements, and what direction is enduro bike development truly taking?

Two bikers on a scenic trailBiker riding through a rocky section

Santa Cruz Megatower enduro bike on a trail

Defining a Great Enduro Mountain Bike

While specifications like suspension travel and frame geometry provide initial insights into a bike’s purpose, the true essence of a top-tier enduro bike lies in its component selection and, most importantly, a cohesive overall design that unlocks its full potential. But how does an enduro bike differentiate itself from a trail bike? The distinction is clear: as highlighted in our recent trail bike comparison, modern trail bikes excel as versatile all-rounders. They deliver balanced performance for both climbing and descending, prioritizing fun and the ability to cover extensive distances. Enduro bikes, however, take performance to the next level, particularly on descents. They instill the confidence to push harder and ride faster, even at high speeds and through demanding terrain. This enhanced downhill capability naturally involves some uphill compromises, but it doesn’t relegate them to poor climbers or unsuitable for long rides. The best enduro bikes in this test prove their mettle in bike parks and on epic backcountry adventures, holding their own against dedicated downhill and trail bikes. Furthermore, their robust components are built to withstand significant abuse.

If you’re still unsure about the ideal bike category for your needs, our interactive buyer’s guide is an invaluable resource. It offers tailored recommendations and insightful information to guide your bike selection process.

For this comprehensive group test, our objective was to identify the quintessential enduro all-rounder – a bike capable of maximizing riding enjoyment across diverse terrains, from rugged backcountry trails to tight singletrack and steep technical descents. Whether you’re tackling high-altitude mountain ranges or your favorite local trails, from Finale Ligure’s renowned NATO Base to Whistler’s legendary A-Line, the best enduro bike of 2024 must conquer any trail type and deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience. As always, we prioritized trail feel and fun over stopwatch times, focusing on the overall riding experience.

Ibis HD6 enduro bike on a scenic trail

Enduro Bikes in the 2024 Test Field

Navigating the vast selection of bike models can be overwhelming when choosing a bike tailored to your specific needs and preferences. The same challenge applies to us when assembling a test field. Our primary consideration is your purchasing inclinations, which we gauge annually through our extensive reader survey. Speaking of which, it’s survey season again, and we eagerly await your valuable input, as it shapes not only our editorial focus but also the broader bike industry. Participate in the survey now!

Consequently, our 14-bike test lineup primarily features enduro bikes from your preferred brands, alongside a few hidden gems recommended by our editorial team and exciting newcomers you might not yet be familiar with.

Bike	Price	Travel	Weight in kg
Bold Unplugged Ultimate	€ 8,999	170/160 mm	15.5
Canyon Strive CFR LTD	€ 6,999	170/160 mm	16.1
GIANT Reign Advanced 1 V2	€ 6,999	170/160 mm	15.1
Ibis HD6 GX AXS	€ 8,898	180/165 mm	15.2
Norco Sight C1	€ 8,499	160/150 mm	16.2
Orbea WILD M-LTD	€ 12,030	170/160 mm	22.3
Propain Tyee 6 CF MIX	€ 6,214	170/160 mm	16
RAAW Madonna V3	€ 6,500	170/160 mm	16.7
Rocky Mountain Altitude C70	€ 8,400	170/160 mm	16.5
Santa Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV	€ 8,299	170/165 mm	15.4
SCOTT Ransom 900 RC	€ 9,999	170/160 mm	15.7
Trek Slash 9.8 XT	€ 7,899	170/170 mm	16.1
Yeti SB160 T3	€ 10,890	170/160 mm	15.6
YT CAPRA CORE 4	€ 4,499	170/160 mm	17

The price range within our test field spans from €4,499 to €12,030. However, price isn’t the sole indicator of performance. The most affordable bike might surprise you, and pricier models don’t automatically guarantee victory. Our test also includes previous group test winners returning to defend their titles, alongside unique bikes showcasing exciting technologies and potential trendsetters with high-pivot rear suspension designs. With manufacturers vying for the title of the best enduro bike of 2024, many submitted their top-of-the-line flagship models. Yet, premium price tags don’t always equate to superior performance. In some instances, we even requested more affordable spec variations from manufacturers, believing they offered comparable or even enhanced trail performance.

The reigning champion, the YETI SB160 T3, was a must-have for our 2024 test. Similarly, the Canyon Strive CFR LTD, our previous Best Buy Tip winner, also returned. Both bikes feature slightly updated specs compared to last year, now equipped with SRAM Transmission groupsets. Another notable contender is the Orbea WILD M-LTD, which dominated our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE’s “best eMTB of 2024” comparison. Its exceptional trail capabilities, robust build, and enduro-focused geometry make it the only e-mountain bike genuinely competitive in a test of traditional enduro bikes. But how would this electric and most expensive bike fare against its purely pedal-powered counterparts?

Yeti SB160 enduro bikeCanyon Strive CFR enduro bike

At the other end of the price spectrum, the YT Capra Core 4 stands as the most budget-friendly option in the test, priced at just €4,499. Despite its affordability, it boasts a surprisingly high-quality component package, including premium suspension and an electronic Transmission drivetrain – a promising combination. The Propain Tyee 6 CF MIX also offers a compelling blend of well-chosen components and a sensible price. Propain’s extensive online configurator allows for deep customization, delivering a bike tailored to your exact preferences directly to your door. But does this direct-to-consumer approach translate to trail performance?

The Bold Unplugged Ultimate and SCOTT Ransom 900 RC share a striking visual similarity, both employing a distinctive fully enclosed shock design. However, beneath the surface, these enduro bikes diverge significantly – proving that internal design is what truly counts.

Orbea Wild e-enduro bikePropain Tyee CF enduro bikeScott Ransom 900 RC enduro bike

Giant, a global bike manufacturing giant, is surprisingly less common on trails. We aimed to change that with the new Giant Reign Advanced 1 V2. This enduro machine from the Taiwanese brand impresses with a solid spec at a competitive price and delivered unexpected performance on the trails, as we’ll detail later.

Despite being categorized as a trail bike by Norco, the Sight C1 demonstrates remarkable high-speed stability thanks to its high-pivot suspension, blurring the lines between categories. But can it compete with dedicated enduro bikes in this comparison? The Norco isn’t alone in featuring high-pivot suspension; the Trek Slash 9.8 XT also utilizes a sophisticated high-pivot system that impressed us in initial reviews, albeit with some minor drawbacks.

Santa Cruz Megatower enduro bike on a trail

The Santa Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV is undeniably a rider favorite, securing its place in our 2024 test. Its iconic frame silhouette and VPP rear suspension are unmistakably Santa Cruz. However, is relying on the same suspension design across their entire MTB range a sound strategy? Just a short distance from Santa Cruz headquarters lies Ibis Cycles, another legendary bike brand. They entered the test with their new Ibis HD6 GX AXS. Like most Ibis bikes, the HD6 features a DW-Link suspension system but distinguishes itself with a unique aesthetic within their lineup. As an editorial team favorite, expectations were high for this bike, which remains relatively uncommon on European trails.

The RAAW Madonna V3 adopts a distinctive approach with external cable routing, a robust alloy frame, and oversized frame bearings. It’s also the most adjustable bike in the test, offering extensive geometry and kinematics customization. Will this adjustability translate to finding the perfect setup for everyone? The Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 is another fresh entrant, injecting a bold new design into the Canadian brand’s portfolio. It offers numerous customization options with its integrated shock and proven RIDE-4 system.

Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 enduro bike detailRAAW Madonna V3 enduro bike detail

Test Location: San Romolo and Molini di Triora, Italy

The small Italian village of San Romolo is a well-known destination for downhill and enduro professionals and a popular testing ground due to its challenging terrain. Sandy trails with high-speed sections, relentless rock gardens, and tricky root sections, all punctuated by berms, push both rider and bike to their absolute limits. This immediately reveals which bikes are podium contenders and which fall short. It’s an ideal location to truly understand a modern enduro bike’s capabilities. Located above the larger town of San Remo, and just an hour from Finale Ligure, San Romolo might no longer be a complete secret, but it remains quieter than Liguria’s more crowded mountain bike hotspots, primarily due to the demanding nature of its trails – which is a huge plus!

Panoramic view of San Romolo test location

Venture further inland to Molini di Triora, another charming village gaining traction in the international mountain biking scene. Alongside its unique, idyllic atmosphere, Molini di Triora offers Alpine-style trails with hero dirt and a character that perfectly complements the ruggedness of San Romolo. Together, these locations provided optimal conditions to rigorously test the 14 enduro bikes in our comparison.

Trail in Molini di TrioraAnother trail scene in Molini di Triora

Of course, we indulged in “la dolce vita,” enjoying excellent coffee, Aperol Spritz, and more pizza than we probably should have – essential for recovery between demanding test runs. While the 14 enduro bikes were the stars, our 15th ride deserves recognition – our Land Rover shuttle vehicle, generously provided by our partners at Enduro Rides.

Meet the ENDURO Test Crew

Peter – ENDURO Test Crew MemberPeter: When I hop on an enduro bike, my goal is pure enjoyment and escaping daily stress. I want a bike that can handle any trail without hesitation, whether it’s brutally rough or a long, demanding climb. For me, the ideal enduro bike excels in all-around performance, featuring reliable components and thoughtful design details.

Juli – ENDURO Test Crew MemberJuli: I’m drawn to visually striking bikes, especially those with unique designs. I enjoy bike maintenance and appreciate intricate integration, even if it requires extra effort. On the trail, I seek a responsive and playful bike that encourages popping off features and pumping through rollers for speed.

Benne – ENDURO Test Crew MemberBenne: I view enduro bikes as tools for bike park laps and shuttle runs. I prioritize performance and adaptability over high price tags or fancy components. As long as the bike performs well on trails and allows for personalized setup, I’m satisfied.

Simon – ENDURO Test Crew MemberSimon: A healthy lifestyle, work-life balance, and regular exercise are paramount to me. Coffee and unhealthy food are off-limits. I spend considerable time riding, ideally on backcountry adventures or racking up elevation on an enduro bike. Food tastes best when earned! Therefore, I need a dependable bike that climbs efficiently and performs exceptionally downhill.

Michi – ENDURO Test Crew MemberMichi: Running a shuttle company means I spend a lot of time on bikes. Reliability is key – I need a bike that gets me down safely after long days. Easy maintenance and intuitive handling are crucial. And if it looks good, even better!

2024 Enduro Bike Comparison Test: By the Numbers

Infographic 1: Test in NumbersInfographic 2: Test in NumbersInfographic 3: Test in NumbersInfographic 4: Test in NumbersTrek Slash 9.8 XT in actionSanta Cruz Megatower in action

Infographic 5: Test in NumbersTest crew enjoying coffeeTest crew enjoying pizza

Our Enduro Bike Test Criteria

A truly capable enduro bike must be ready for any adventure, performing reliably and inspiring confidence in the rider. Shuttle runs, bike park sessions, Alpine epics, and quick local trail rides – an enduro bike should handle it all without complaint. A bike’s capability and character are shaped by numerous interconnected factors. What is the bike capable of, and what are its limitations? What type of rider, terrain, and riding style is it best suited for, and when should riders consider alternative bike categories? These are the central questions guiding our reviews. To thoroughly assess each bike and provide valuable purchase advice, we avoid rigid scoring systems. Instead, we analyze and evaluate the multitude of factors that define a bike’s character and differentiate it from its competitors.

Enduro bikes embody compromise, tasked with blending seemingly contradictory traits. The best enduro bike of 2024 should be agile, responsive, and fun, yet simultaneously composed and confidence-inspiring at high speeds. Climbing performance is also considered, although it holds less weight in the overall evaluation. Naturally, build quality, components, aesthetics, and frame features are crucial. However, all these criteria ultimately serve one primary objective: maximizing riding fun, the ultimate benchmark in our tests. While some may question whether “fun” is quantifiable, we believe it is. To clarify our assessment, we’ve broken down our key criteria:

Rider cornering on an enduro bike

Enduro Bike Handling

Judging a bike’s handling based solely on geometry figures is not only inaccurate but also misleading. Despite similar geometry numbers, handling characteristics can vary significantly due to suspension design, the relationship between measurements (like reach-to-stack ratio), and setup. A well-designed enduro bike positions the rider centrally, offering intuitive and predictable maneuverability, forgiving minor riding errors. Whether you’re a novice or fatigued after a long day, predictable handling is invaluable. Conversely, some bikes demand constant concentration and advanced skills, requiring active weight shifts to maintain traction. If you’re not fully focused, even minor mistakes can lead to crashes. Adjustable cockpit ergonomics and geometry via flip chips or similar systems, without compromising balance, contribute to a versatile enduro bike that allows riders to fine-tune its character.

Giant Reign Advanced 1 V2 handlingRider descending on a trail

Composure vs. Agility

These two handling traits often seem mutually exclusive. However, the best enduro bikes successfully blend them. Composure isn’t just about brute force through rock gardens at top speed; it’s about having ample reserves to absorb big impacts and instill rider confidence – which ultimately enables faster riding. Agility, in our context, describes a bike’s responsiveness and ability to change direction swiftly and efficiently while maintaining control.

Propain Tyee CF Mix agility on trail

Enduro Bike Suspension

Suspension performance isn’t solely determined by component quality; shock tuning and setup are equally critical. Trail testing is the only definitive way to assess suspension effectiveness. Ideal suspension achieves a delicate balance: ample traction and responsiveness, sufficient mid-stroke support, playful pop for maneuvers, and reserves for hard landings. Bikes like the Ibis HD6 GX AXS and Yeti SB160 T3 excel at absorbing harsh impacts and maximizing traction, allowing riders to focus on the trail ahead. Yet, they remain responsive, allowing for playful interaction with the terrain and feature popping.

Enduro Bike Climbing Prowess

As this is an enduro bike test, not an XC race, climbing ability is assessed but not prioritized. A strong enduro bike should offer a comfortable and balanced riding position suitable for long days. Efficient pedaling and minimal physical exertion to reach the trailhead are key. This requires suspension that pedals efficiently while maintaining traction – although enduro bike climbs typically involve relaxed fire roads and flowy uphills rather than technical singletrack ascents.

Riders climbing a fire roadRiders on a flowy uphill trail

Ideal Enduro Bike Components

We all want to spend more time riding and less time wrenching. Component selection should align with the intended use. However, some manufacturers still compromise on components to reduce weight and enhance perceived value on paper or in showrooms. Five bikes in this test feature lighter, more vulnerable tire casings like MAXXIS EXO+. This necessitates higher tire pressures to prevent pinch flats and costly damage, sacrificing traction and damping in the process. Pairing fragile tires with expensive carbon rims increases the risk of costly damage. The rocky San Romolo trails proved particularly challenging, resulting in numerous tire and rim failures, both alloy and carbon.

Damaged tire casing after testing

Conversely, it’s encouraging to see most manufacturers equipping enduro bikes with larger brake rotors. All bikes in this test, except the Norco Sight (which uses a smaller 180 mm rear rotor), feature larger rotors. While the Norco bridges the trail and enduro categories, it could benefit from increased braking power. Most enduro bikes now use 200 mm rear rotors, with some even sporting massive 220 mm front rotors – excellent for sustained descents. Four-piston brakes are standard across the test field, and longer travel dropper posts paired with shorter seat tubes are increasingly common. The average dropper post travel in this test was an impressive 196 mm. Notably, 9 of the 14 bikes utilized SRAM’s electronic Transmission drivetrain, known for smooth and precise shifting and its robust direct-mount derailleur.

Weight and Trail Performance

Weight remains a significant factor for many riders and manufacturers, influencing trail performance. Both lightweight and heavier bikes have advantages and disadvantages, with weight distribution being more critical than absolute weight.

Rider on a trail, Norco Sight C1 visibleNorco Sight C1 detail

Uphill, lower overall weight conserves energy and enhances bike responsiveness. However, on descents, the benefits of a lighter bike diminish as momentum builds. Well-distributed weight can increase stability and composure downhill, particularly beneficial for less experienced riders. Heavier bikes also inspire confidence on larger jumps, unless you’re aiming for slopestyle maneuvers. Excessively light bikes can feel unstable, twitchy, or fragile, undermining confidence. Are lighter bikes inherently more agile? Not necessarily, as suspension performance outweighs weight. A super-light bike with poor suspension is less effective than a slightly heavier bike with excellent suspension. The Orbea WILD M-LTD, the heaviest bike in the test, demonstrates this point. Its exceptional, supportive suspension compensates for its weight, making it surprisingly agile despite being heavier than the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70, which is nearly 6 kg lighter. Even the heaviest non-electric bike, the YT CAPRA CORE 4, is remarkably agile, outperforming many lighter bikes in the test. Weight distribution, including a low center of gravity, rotational mass, and balanced front-rear weight distribution, is as crucial as geometry, kinematics, and componentry in defining overall performance.

Rider descending a steep section on an enduro bike

Essential Enduro Bike Features

Thoughtful frame features significantly enhance the enduro bike experience. Integrated storage compartments or tool mounts allow riders to ditch backpacks or hip packs, increasing comfort on warm days. Threaded bottom brackets simplify bearing replacements, saving time and maintenance hassles. All bikes in the test have bottle cage mounts, eight feature top tube tool mounts, and six include downtube storage. However, storage compartment designs vary in location, cover, and closure mechanisms. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting user-friendly locking systems, easy to operate even when muddy or with gloves. Some bikes, like BOLD and SCOTT, position compartment openings at the downtube’s bottom. However, this ground-facing orientation can lead to dirt accumulation, hindering closure. The BOLD, in particular, required significant cleaning to restore proper function. Despite this, 12 of the 14 tested bikes include integrated tool mounts or storage, highlighting a clear trend. More storage is always better, reducing on-body carry weight and minimizing injury risk from impacts on tools or CO2 cartridges in crashes.

YT Capra MX downtube storageRocky Mountain Altitude top tube tool mount

Internal cable routing, frame protection, readily available replacement parts, and mudguards contribute to durability, reduced wear, enhanced aesthetics, and improved riding experience. Generous chainstay, seat stay, and downtube protectors minimize noise and protect the frame from rock strikes. However, some bikes in the test exhibit unwanted rattles and clunks, detracting from the riding experience, especially considering their premium price points. The Trek Slash 9.8 XT and Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 were notable examples of this.

Trek Slash 9.8 XT frame detail

Component Spec and Performance

Price is secondary in this test; performance is paramount. We believe a bike’s price should reflect its trail performance. Therefore, we don’t assess value based on component lists or bling factor. Our focus is on trail performance and rider benefit. High-end components are meaningless if they don’t translate to superior trail performance. Even affordable bikes with less flashy components can offer excellent value if they deliver on the trail. Conversely, seemingly well-specced budget bikes can receive poor ratings if they underperform where it matters. The synergy of all elements – suspension, geometry, and components – is what truly defines a bike’s overall value and performance.

Trek Slash 9.8 XT frame detail

2024 Enduro Bike Test: Tops & Flops

Tops:

Enduro bike spec detailSpec Galore: Many enduro bikes in this test boast near-flawless component packages, leaving little to be desired.

Santa Cruz Megatower glovebox storageOut of Sight, Out of Mind: 12 of the 14 bikes offer integrated storage for essential trail items.

RAAW Madonna V3 adjustability detailNit-picking: Our criticisms often focus on minor details, a testament to the overall high performance of the bikes tested.

Enduro bike all-round performanceAll-Round Qualities: Many modern enduro bikes strike an excellent balance between agility and stability, performing well across diverse trails.

Flops:

Damaged tire casing flopHigh Failure Rate: Wheels and tires endured significant punishment on Italy’s rocky trails, with many failing to survive the test. Thin tire casings were the primary culprit.

Propain Tyee CF seat tube and dropper post flopCatapult: Some bikes, like the YT CAPRA and Propain Tyee, combine long seat tubes with short-travel dropper posts, limiting rider movement on descents.

Rocky Mountain Altitude rattling noise flopEar Plugs, Please! The rattling noises from some expensive bikes were distracting and annoying.

Bold Unplugged downtube storage dirt issue flopStubborn When Dirty: Downtube storage openings positioned at the bottom can become clogged with mud, hindering closure, as experienced with the BOLD.

2024 Enduro Bike Recommendations: Best in Test & Best Buy

Ultimately, all enduro bikes in this test demonstrated impressive capabilities. Any criticisms are relatively minor. However, noticeable differences exist in handling, character, and overall design, impacting rider suitability. Our quest for the best enduro bike of the year was closely contested, but we’ve identified a Best in Test winner, a Best Buy Tip, and additional recommendations.

Bold Unplugged Ultimate climberBold Unplugged Ultimate nimble handling

To provide a clearer overview, we’ll first highlight the strengths and weaknesses of bikes that didn’t reach the podium. Starting with BOLD and their Unplugged Ultimate, pioneers of enclosed shock designs. The Unplugged Ultimate is among the best climbers, thanks to its TracLoc system. Downhill, it’s exceptionally nimble but lags behind in high-speed sections, demanding experienced riders due to its direct and somewhat demanding handling.

Canyon Strive CFR LTD ShapeshifterCanyon Strive CFR LTD balanced performance

The Canyon Strive CFR LTD, with its Shapeshifter technology, also features an effective climbing aid. After securing our Best Buy Tip last year, the Strive conceded to competitors this year. However, it remains a strong all-rounder, balancing composure and agility, performing well both uphill and down. The Canyon delivers a capable all-around package at a reasonable price, delivered directly to your door.

Giant Reign Advanced 1 V2 intuitive handling

The Giant Reign Advanced 1 V2 is another competitively priced option that impresses on paper and trail. With its high-performance components and intuitive handling, it provides an excellent compromise between stability and agility. The Reign offers a harmonious overall package, proving a reliable companion for both beginners and experienced riders.

Norco Sight C1 progressive geometryNorco Sight C1 Ride Aligned setup

While classified as a trail bike, the Norco Sight C1 exhibits greater composure than many enduro competitors. Its progressive geometry and high-pivot rear suspension contribute significantly to this stability. The Ride Aligned program simplifies bike setup.

Orbea WILD M-LTD king of climbsOrbea WILD M-LTD customizable

As the sole e-mountain bike, the Orbea WILD M-LTD is the most expensive and undisputed climbing champion. Downhill, its exceptional suspension and stability, partly due to its weight, are notable, though agility is slightly compromised. Orbea’s online configurator allows for extensive customization of components and aesthetics.

Propain Tyee 6 CF agile on trailsPropain Tyee 6 CF customizable spec

The Propain Tyee 6 CF also offers extensive customization through its online configurator, explaining our test bike’s downhill-focused spec. It’s remarkably quiet on trails but positions the rider high, demanding a vigilant riding style at speed. However, it excels in agility and is exceptionally fun on flowing trails.

Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 rough descent specialistRocky Mountain Altitude C70 adjustable options

For straight-line, high-speed descents, the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 excels, rapidly accumulating vertical meters. However, on tight, twisty trails, it requires more rider input and lacks intuitive cornering. The Altitude is a specialist for demanding terrain rather than an all-rounder. Its numerous adjustments allow for personalized customization.

Santa Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV agile handlingSanta Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV glovebox feature

The Santa Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV upholds the brand’s reputation with its refined aesthetics and practical features like the Glovebox storage. On trails, it provides agile, balanced handling and capable suspension. Combined with efficient climbing, it’s a strong all-around performer.

The latest Scott Ransom 900 RC is a well-engineered enduro bike with high integration, clever details, and excellent trail performance. If you prioritize uphill speed with the TracLoc system and can manage its direct handling, the SCOTT is an agile, though less composed, option.

Trek Slash 9.8 XT high pivot composureTrek Slash 9.8 XT distinctive look

The Trek Slash 9.8 XT, with its distinctive high-pivot suspension, is easily recognizable. It excels in composure and traction. However, it requires more effort on slow, tight trails, and its noise and some component choices leave room for improvement.

Yeti SB160 T3 balanced agility and composureYeti SB160 T3 intuitive ride

The defending champion, the YETI SB160 T3, entered the test with high expectations – and delivered. It achieves an exceptional balance of agility and composure, proving itself as a top performer. It’s intuitive to ride and features some of the best suspension in the test. Despite its strengths, it narrowly missed retaining the top spot.

YT CAPRA CORE 4 playful trail surferYT CAPRA CORE 4 affordable fun

The YT CAPRA CORE 4 is undeniably one of the best bikes in this comparison. Its outstanding balance of agility and composure makes it ideal for playful riders. Its excellent price point makes it a cheerful and fun bike for riders of all skill levels.

Best Enduro Bike of 2024: Best in Test Winner

Ibis HD6 GX AXS Best in Test

Ibis HD6 GX AXS | 180/165 mm (f/r) | 15.2 kg (size 3) | € 8,898 | Manufacturer Website

The Ibis HD6 GX AXS from the Californian brand seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While not inexpensive and lacking integrated storage, the Ibis HD6 surpasses the entire test field, proving to be a remarkably capable and composed machine. Its surprising nimbleness for such a capable bike, combined with incredible suspension, creates an unstoppable feel. Furthermore, it’s one of the best climbers in the test – a truly deserving Best in Test winner!

Best Enduro Bike of 2024: Best Buy Tip

RAAW Madonna V3 Best Buy Tip

RAAW Madonna V3 | 170/160 mm (f/r) | 16.7 kg (size L) | € 6,500 | Manufacturer Website

The RAAW Madonna V3 boasts a timeless aesthetic and offers exceptional adjustability in geometry and suspension kinematics. Despite being among the more affordable bikes in the test and prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance, it remains a top all-rounder. Its standout suspension and harmonious balance of composure and agility are impressive. Coupled with its extremely fair price, the RAAW Madonna V3 rightfully earns our Best Buy Tip!

Enduro bike test conclusion image

Stay tuned for a future article exploring the biggest surprises, key takeaways, and our predictions for the future of enduro bikes.

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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker