Top 5 Trail Bikes on the Mountain Bike Market

Top 5 Trail Bikes on the Market right now

Here is a list of the top 5 trail bikes that we at One Track Mind think should be in your basket to buy. Trail bikes are designed for those riders who maybe can only afford one bike or even those that just like like to have one bike in there possession. Trail bikes usually in the 130-150mm travel range and are bikes that can really do it all, from big long days in the saddle to ripping the best bike parks in the world. They climb just as good as they descend which is great for those that like to do anything and everything on a bike.

Here is the list of trail bikes that will feature:

1. Nukeproof Reactor
2. Santa Cruz 5010
3. Norco Optic
4. Kona Process
5. Cannondale Habit

Nukeproof Reactor

First up is the Nukeproof Reactor. This trail bike certainly punches above its weight when it comes to the rough stuff, It’s super quick and is a point and go bike. The reactor comes in either a 27.5 option or as a 29er in sizes small through to extra large. However, do note 29er doesn’t come in a size small.

This is what Nukeproof have to say about there trail bike the Reactor.

“Introducing the all new Nukeproof Reactor: an old school name with a very new school look. Although it takes its name from the original 1996 Nukeproof Reactor trail frame, a lot has changed in the last 23 years as it runs an all new trail focused platform.

From concept through to design, the Kinematics, the geometry and specification; the Reactor is designed from the ground up to be the ultimate aggressive trail bike. It is at home on technical climbs, but happiest when thrashing the most technical trails you can point it at.”

Nukeproof Reactor290c worx

Prices start at £2749

Santa Cruz 5010

Santa Cruz have completely redsigned the 5010 for 2020 and what a great job they have done. It looks great as does the rest of the Santa Cruz range. This trail bike is built around the fun factor with it only coming in 27.5 wheels size. It has 140 travel up front and 130 rear. With all Santa Cruz frames it comes with the VPP system out back that makes the bike feel supple and compliment, you also get a lifetime warranty with the bearings too. Here’s what Santa Cruz has to say about there all new trail bike.

“The 5010 turns obstacles into features. Its nimble, poppy feel makes even the most mundane rides feel like they’re loaded with features to hop, skip and jump over. It’s the kind of bike that makes new trails feel as familiar as the back of your hand.”

Prices start at £4099

Norco Optic

Norco‘s Optic has been making waves through the Trail bike market, everyone has trying to get hold of one and for good reason too. This trail bike is one designed around the jack of all trades culture, It climbs really well but also descends just as good. This is a trail bike that you can sit in the saddle and mile munch your way through the weekend too. It has 125mm of travel out back and 140mm upfront. Don’t be fooled by the 125mm outback because it can certainly take some big hits for a trail bike. Here is what Norco has to say about the optic.

“The Optic’s carbon frame uses Norco’s Ride Aligned™ design system to create its high-speed, short-travel performance, with geometry created for confident, playful descents, railing corners and boosting jumps. The precision suspension kinematics and custom RockShox DH shock create 125mm of plush rear travel, which we’ve matched to a bump-eating 140mm Pike on every model for the control you need to keep your mind on the trail, and off of what your bike is up to”

Prices start at £3595

Kona Process

The Kona Process has been out a little while now but don’t be fooled, it is not outdated in the slightest. This trail bike is at the higher end of the travel scale in terms of the trail bike category, but this is a very capable bike that pedals extremely well. It’s super stable on the downs but also because of the short stays it is super playful. This trail bike has a steep seat tube angle too so it climbs really well too. The Kona Process is a force to be reckoned with. Here is what Kona have to say on the Process.

“It’s nice having that one bike you can just grab and go with no worries about how it will handle on the climb or descent. We’ve built the Process 153 29 to be affordable and handle everything a trail can throw at it, so you can spend more time having fun and no time worrying about your gear.”

Prices start at £2899 online

Cannondale Habit

Cannondale‘s Habit is a trail bike built like the Santa Cruz above, it has one word behind the design process and that’s FUN. Unlike the 5010 the Habit comes with 29 inch wheels which is a bonus for those of you that love the 29er wagons but like to keep things fun, you can run 27.5 on the habit if you flip the switch on the rear linkage. You have 140mm of travel up front and 130 in the rear to keep everything running smooth. This trail bike really is built for those jibbers out there that also like to slay the trails. Here is what Cannondale have to say about the Habit.

“Habit is a trail bike with one simple mission – to keep your fun-meter pegged on any trail, in any terrain from the fast and flowy to the rough and rowdy.”

Prices start at £1800