Mountain bikes 2022: Mountain bikes are extremely diverse. From the hardtail to the pure downhill bike, this category offers a number of different spades, to which more and more new products are being added. The Velomotion team has selected the best mountain bikes for 2022 and presents the highlights here.
In 2021, the trend was increasingly towards the high-pivot enduro, in which the damper is arranged in such a way that the rear axle travel runs backwards in the first centimeters of the spring travel and can therefore generate more momentum. Where there used to be a front derailleur on the bottom bracket, there is now only a chainring with 30-34 teeth. 27,5″ wheels are on the brink of extinction and are almost exclusively used on downhill bikes with a mixed wheel set. And hardly anyone uses bicycle inner tubes these days. Anyone who isn't tubeless and drives under 1,8 bar tire pressure can't be fast?!
Too much information? Not bad! With so much on offer and innovations, it is not always easy to keep track of things. That's why we've listed some of the most exciting mountain bikes of the 2022 season here. From the classic hardtail to the modern enduro, or even downcountry bikes, everything is there and should offer every mountain biker a platform.
Modern Enduro paired with modern technology
With the Capra Uncaged 6, the direct seller from Forchheim presents one of the first mountain bikes on the market that uses the new Rockshox Flight Attendant System. This system detects every pitch, bump, and pedal stroke using sensors on the Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock, Zeb Ultimate fork, and crankset, and automatically adjusts the suspension to an open, pedal, and lockout position. The system and the batteries are compatible with the built-in Sram AXS and the Reverb seat post and can be easily configured using the appropriate app.
This smart system is paired with a modern, descent-oriented geometry and high-quality components from Renthal and Crankbrothers.
Price: 8999 euro / www.yt-industries.com
Cross country in a modern design
With the AMS One11 models, the German manufacturer presents a thoroughbred cross-country bike in a modern guise. The top model has a Fox 34 SC Float Factory with 120 mm travel at the front and a DPS Factory with 100 mm travel at the rear. The sleek carbon frame rolls on 29” wheels fitted with Maxxis Rekon tires. The internally routed cables and lines also ensure a clean overall impression and leave enough space in the frame to take up to two drinking bottles with you.
Price: from 3.299 to 4.599 euros / www.cube.eu
Trail bike with bike park potential
With the ST model, the German noble manufacturer presents a version of the popular trail bike that has been revised for tougher use. Thanks to the so-called mutators, the 130/138 mm aluminum frame can be adapted to 29", 27,5" and mixed wheel sizes. Also interesting are the many details such as the frame with reinforced head tube and the tension bar, which increases the rigidity of the Saturn without adding weight. Anyone interested in the downhill-oriented trail bike can configure the Saturn on the website with components from Fox, Rockshox, Intend, Magura, Sram and many more.
Price: complete bikes from 6.499 euros / www.nicolai-bicycles.com
A classic with high quality equipment
It is no surprise that the Bulls Copperhead models are known to many. After all, the models have been considered classics in the bicycle world for years and stand for excellent value for money with high-quality equipment. The Copperhead 3 Plus is no exception: high-quality aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels and a sporty, moderate geometry promise hardtail riding fun for everyone. 1×12 Shimano XT gears, RockShox Judy Gold air suspension fork and Shimano disc brakes are not only durable, but also perform excellently. Typical Bulls: MonkeyLink! A lighting system can be attached in a flash using magnetic interfaces.
Price: 1.699 euros / www.bulls.de
The all-rounder from the cult manufacturer
With the Alpine Evo, the Brits are presenting a mountain bike with all-round capabilities. With a spring deflection of 160 mm at the front and 155 mm at the rear, the Alpine sits between the all-mountain and enduro categories and is an eye-catcher with its frame made of folded aluminum tubes. Of course, the popular Orange single-pivot rear end shouldn't be missing either. The Alpine will be available with Rockshox Ultimate suspension, Shimano XT rear derailleur and 27,5” wheels.
Price: 6.800 euros /www.orangebikes.com
Fast uphill and fast downhill
The Rocky Mountain Element was designed to combine the best of both worlds. It climbs like a cross-country bike and the modern geometry and 130 mm travel at the front ensure precise handling on the descents.
The high-end variant is available with Fox Factory chassis and Shimano XTR gears and brakes. The frame size-dependent geometry adjustment is also exciting: Size XS therefore rolls on 27,5” wheels, while SM-XL uses 29”. The slim frame design accommodates up to two large water bottles. Nothing stands in the way of the next tour.
Price: from 2.599 to 9.589 euros / www.bikes.com
High-pivot enduro machine with bike park potential
With the new Jekyll, the American manufacturer is going in a more modern direction and giving the enduro bike a high-pivot damper design. This allows the rear axle path to run backwards for the first few centimeters during compression, making it easier to swallow small bumps and get stuck less. The damper design is combined with a modern geometry and top components. The Factory chassis from Fox comes with the 38 fork at the front and the X2 damper, which is beautifully integrated into the down tube. The GX/X1 Eagle 12-speed drive and the Code RSC brakes come from the component manufacturer Sram.
Price: 6.499 euros / www.cannondale.com
You will find the best mountain bikes 2022 with electric drive here:
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/10/e-mountainbikes-2022-beste-topbikes/