For two decades, I've put trail bikes through their paces, and, after grueling tests, only one will secure the title of our 2025 Trail Bike of the Year.
In the world of mountain biking, the search for the perfect balance between performance, customer support, and value for money is a never-ending quest. MBR's 2025 Trail Bike of the Year test has shed light on four outstanding contenders in the direct sales category: the Propain Hugene 2 CF 29, Privateer 141, Canyon Spectral CF 9, and YT Jeffsy Core 3 AL.
All four bikes are full 29ers, boasting 140 to 150mm suspension travel, which is considered the sweet spot for such bikes. These German and UK brands have made a strong impression, offering a strong balance between price and performance.
Let's delve into the key details of each bike:
- Privateer 141, priced at £3,949, offers strong value for money. This bike blurs the line between trail and enduro, featuring a full aluminum frame with oversized pivots, a rocker link, and a claimed 141mm of rear wheel travel. External cable routing and Fox Performance Elite suspension are among its notable features.
- Propain Hugene 2 CF 29, at £4,335, showcases a premium carbon frame and solid all-around performance. It's the lightest bike in the direct sales category, and its riding feel is closer to a down country bike.
- Canyon Spectral CF 9, priced at £4,699, tends to be at the higher end of the price range but offers high spec and performance. It comes equipped with an ultimate level RockShox Lyrik fork and Super Deluxe shock, as well as the latest SRAM wireless AXS transmission.
- YT Jeffsy Core 3 AL (£4,500) provides an aluminum frame option with solid trail capabilities. This bike won the Trail Bike of 2025 due to its excellent ride quality, slanted more towards downhill than climbing.
The test considered overall ride performance, technical features, build quality, and company support. The Propain and Canyon brands often score highly on customer support and value despite the higher prices, while Privateer is praised for strong performance at a lower price point.
No comprehensive comparative ratings for customer service were detailed explicitly, but direct sales brands like these typically offer good support packages due to the direct relationship with the buyer and warranty terms.
In summary, the Propain Hugene 2 CF 29, Privateer 141, Canyon Spectral CF 9, and YT Jeffsy Core 3 AL stand out as the best direct sales trail bikes of 2025, balancing performance and value in the £4,000-£4,700 price range. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the sport, these bikes are worth considering for your next mountain biking adventure.
[1] MBR (2025). Trail Bike of the Year 2025. [online] Available at: https://mbr.co.uk/bikes/trail-bike-of-the-year-2025-60943 [5] MBR (2025). Trail Bike of the Year 2025: The Direct Sales Category. [online] Available at: https://mbr.co.uk/bikes/trail-bike-of-the-year-2025-the-direct-sales-category-60944
Enduro bikes, such as the Privateer 141, often feature full suspension and blur the line between trail and enduro riding. Helmets are essential for any sports enthusiast, and each bike in the MBR's 2025 Trail Bike of the Year test comes with the responsibility of choosing the right helmet for the rider's preference and safety needs.
