As one of the most popular categories of mountain bike available, there’s little denying the versatility of a trail bike. So with that in mind, we thought it's high time to look through the current crop of trail mountain bikes, and list what we deem are the best choices to be had for under AU$4,500.
In short, consider this a short-list of the bikes we'd put our own money on (in no particular order).
- Related Reading:XC vs Trail vs Enduro Mountain Bikes Explained
What is a Trail Bike?
Trail bikes are best described as the all-rounder of singletrack, designed to be efficient on the climbs, and with 120-140mm of suspension travel, still, provide plenty of confidence and control on rough and technical descents. While this list is mostly comprised of dual suspension, a few hardtails have made the cut thanks to their plus-sized wheels and impressive value for money.
At this price, bikes become increasingly specialised as either cross-country, trail, enduro or downhill, allowing you to choose a bike type that best suits your riding style and the local terrain. Wheel sizes remain a hot topic within the trail bike category, with some brands focused on the smaller 27.5in size for nimbleness, while other brands are dedicated to the larger 29er wheel for its greater roll-over and speed. And then some brands are on the fence, offering both.
Budget pending, a dual suspension remains the most popular choice for this type of riding; however, trail hardtails are continuing to offer plenty of value, typically built with better performing forks and drivetrains as standard. Choosing a dual suspension bike provides additional control and comfort, but you'll have to settle for lesser components as the greater complexity (moving components) of a dual suspension frame is a large part of the cost. At this price, the aluminium frame you're getting is often the same as found on the more expensive models.
What to Expect for your Money
Many of the top-tier features such as a dropper seatpost, 1x drivetrain and tubeless wheels that you see on the best mountain bikes start to become available at this price. The dropper seatpost has become a preferred choice amongst enthusiast mountain bikers as it allows remote-controlled saddle height adjustment for negotiating technical descents without having to compromise pedalling on flat and uphill sections.
- Related Reading: Dropper Seatposts: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Finely damped suspension package that features adjustable air springs are just about the standard at this price, as are hydraulic disc brakes.
Expect drivetrains to be equipped with either a 10, 11, or 12-speed cassette, paired with a 1x (single chainring_ crankset. The benefit of the 1x drivetrain is fewer moving parts, which means less chance of mechanical failure or issues; and reduced weight. This allows manufacturers to experiment with frame design, creating bikes with greater tyre clearance and shorter chainstays which help create a more nimble bike with better traction and control; and lastly, frees up space on the handlebar for a dropper seatpost remote.
Designed to improve steering and suspension performance, thru-axle wheels are standard equipment thanks to the increased stiffness on offer, however some more affordable options may still feature the traditional quick release skewer. Tubeless wheels are an excellent upgrade for any mountain bike and will allow the use of lower tyre pressures without risk of puncture, some brands will offer "tubeless-ready" wheels at this price, but commonly you'll need to purchase compatible tyres.
- Related Reading: Mountain Bike Wheels: What to Know
If you're able to spend a little bit more, then truth be told, the very best value in mountain bikes sits within the AU$4,500 - $5,000 price range. Here features such as 1x drivetrain, dropper posts, tubeless wheels and thru-axles are near guaranteed. You'll also find improved suspension quality, better shifting and perhaps even a carbon dual suspension frame. However, if your budget doesn't stretch that far, then you'll undoubtedly find the bikes listed here more than capable of putting a smile on your face.
Trail Dual Suspension
Giant Trance X 29 2
Unveiled in late 2020 as an evolution of the brand’s popular Trance range of trail mountain bikes, the Trance X product range is all about one thing, versatility. As such the Trance X scores a number of upgrades over its more sedate stablemate, including longer-travel suspension, a “longer, lower, slacker” geometry and more robust components.
Featuring a quality alloy frame paired with a thru-axle-equipped 150mm RockShox 35 Gold RL fork up front and a Fox Float DPS Performance shock at the frame offering up 135mm or travel. Rolling stock comes in the form of proprietary AM alloy wheels, paired with tubeless 2.5” Maxxis Minion DHF (front) and 2.4” Maxxis Aggressor tyres. SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed shifting and 4-piston Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc brakes round out this budget-friendly package. And the best part? The Trance X receives Giant's Contact Switch dropper seatpost as standard.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$4,399
Trek Fuel EX 7 29
The Fuel EX 7 has the potential to be a do-it-all trail bike with either 29in or 27.5in Plus wheel options that you can change to suit your riding style or locals trails (only 29in available as stock in Australia). Like the new Giant Trance, the Trek Fuel EX range is all about versatility, as such it also scores an adjustable headtube angle and progressive frame geometry. The former gives thanks to the 'Mino Link', which allows 1/2 a degree change by simply undoing two bolts.
The 130mm-travel alloy frame is paired with 140mm RockShox 35 Gold fork up front and Fox Performance Float EVOL shock appearing at the rear. While the travel is a little shorter compared to some others on this list, the 29in Bontrager wheels and big volume 2.4in tyres go a long way to smoothing out the trails.
A SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT410 hydraulic disc brakes feature, as does a TranzX dropper seatpost.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$4,499
Focus Jam 6.8
The Jam series of Trail/All-Mountain bikes courtesy of German outfit Focus is a fun and rowdy trail bike with an emphasis on fun and simply enjoying the ride. The geometry and platform are identical across its aluminium and carbon-framed variants, with 150mm of travel at both the frame and fork, and an adjustable geometry that tweaks the head tube angle, seat tube angle and reach by half a degree and 5mm respectively to allow for versatility and consistency across the trails you ride.
The alloy framed Jam 6.8 featured here provides 150mm of RockShox travel, 29” wheels, flip chip adjustable geometry, an integrated cable solution at the stem and a frame fitting tool bag to store your ride essentials.
The creators of 1x drivetrains, SRAM, provide a hybrid SX/NX Eagle 12-speed group with a large ratio 11-50 cassette to ensure you won't be left short by dismissing the second chainring. Rodi TRYP30 rims laced to Novatec hubs (thru-axle) wrapped in 2.5” (front) and 2.4” (rear) Maxxis tubeless tyres take care of rolling stock. SRAM G2 hydraulic disc brakes and Post Moderne dropper seatpost round out this impressive package.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$4,199
Cannondale Habit 4
Cannondale is no stranger to creating capable trail munching machines at the top end of the market, and with the Habit 4, the American company brings this refinement down to an affordable price.
Redesigned in 2018, the Habit 4 features an alloy frame paired with a thru-axle-equipped RockShox Gold RL fork, out back there's a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock offering up 140mm of travel at both ends. The 1x drivetrain comes courtesy of SRAM in the form of a 1x12-speed SRAM SX Eagle groupset with 30T front chainring and an 11-50T rear cassette. Shimano also provides its MT200 brakes, using larger 180mm anchors at both ends. TranzX offers its internally routed 150mm dropper seatpost, WTB provides its 23mm-wide i23 tubeless-ready rims with staggered Maxxis 2.5in/2.4in tyres wrapping up this trail-ready package.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$4,299
Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy
Yet another ride that has received a mid-life tweak following an overhaul in 2019, the Specialized Stumpjumper is sure to offer you a refined ride on the trail. Available with 29er wheels, the “Stumpy” as it’s affectionately known offers 130mm travel at both the fork and the frame. The suspension comes courtesy of a RockShox 35 Silver fork and an X-Fusion 02 Pro RL rear shock. The 2.3in tyres despite lacking in girth to competitors on this list, are sure provide plenty of confidence. Like many models here, the frame shares its design with more expensive models, with premium features such as adjustable geometry, thru-axles, space for 3” rubber and a side-arm suspension design all found on this model.
There's little doubting Specialized have invested in critical areas such as the frame and suspension at the expense of the drivetrain. In the past, we’ve been critical of Specialized neglecting the drivetrain on its entry-level offerings; this is no longer the case with a capable 12-speed SRAM Eagle SX drivetrain finding its way onto the Stumpjumper. Despite being the most affordable bike on this list, the stumpy still features a dropper seatpost, however, we’d suggest upgrading the brakes if you’re looking for a little more modulation and control on the trail
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$3,300
Marin Rift Zone 3
The Marin Rift Zone 3 is arguably the best value trail bike listed here. Such a price is achieved by the American outfit opting for its good to be sold in Australia by a predominantly online by a direct-to-consumer distributor, known for their high-quality affordable bikes.
This is a short-travel trail bike optimised for speed with 130mm of travel front and 125mm rear. A Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork sits up front, with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock out back. Impressively, it's Shimano SLX 1x12-speed components that take care of shifting duties, with the much underrated 4-piston Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes featuring too. An in-house aluminium wheelset wrapped in 2.35” WTB Trail Boss rubber handles provides the grip on the trail. While the tyres are arguably the low-point of the build, they’re an easy and affordable upgrade that will only add to the already stellar performance on offer
So with spectacular components for little money, what gives? Well, the online purchase aspect isn't for everyone. However, the distributor does offer an option for the bike to be pre-built by a pro mechanic and a 14-day test ride for peace of mind.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$3,899
Merida One Twenty 3000
Another shorter-travel, big-wheeled option, while the Merida One-Twenty stretches the budget here, its ‘do-it-all' nature and stellar component list make it a worthy addition. To start with, there's a 130mm Marzocchi fork up front, and a Deluxe Select+ controlling the 120mm of travel at the rear. Tubeless Maxxis 2.4in rubber wraps around the 29er hoops, sure to add plenty of confidence to this ride.
A Shimano 12-speed XT Deore drivetrain offers a wide-range 10-51T gear selection, with Shimano M6100 hydraulic disc brakes featuring as a good match. The One Twenty now also scores an in-house dropper seatpost as standard, making this a great mid-range option for those looking to lean more towards climbing prowess over downhill flow.
Wheel size: 29in
RRP: AUD$4,699
GT Sensor Comp
Best known for pioneering BMX bikes, GT has long offered a range of high-performance mountain bikes. The Sensor Comp is a self-described “modern-day trail slayer” and is best suited to long days exploring new trails with its 140mm of front and 130mm of rear travel. The trunnion-mount suspension package comes courtesy of RockShox, with a 35 Gold RL found on the front and Deluxe Select+ shock featuring out back. Its quality aluminium frame construction, SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain and a dropper post are reasons for us selecting it here.
- Wheel size: 29n
- RRP: AUD$3,499
Trail Hardtail
The trail hardtail continues to evolve and shape up as a viable option compared to a dual suspension bike. Many brands are continuing to support 'Plus-sized' wheel formats, fitting out new models with massively wide tyres. These 2.8in to 3in wide tyres add grip beyond belief, soak up the hits and remain comparable in weight to a thinner-wheeled dual suspension model. We’ve included both a plus-sized option as well as a regular trail hardtail below that are equally worth considering.
Whyte 905 V4
British outfit Whyte Bikes excel in mountain and gravel bikes that push the envelope when it comes to great value for money and quality. While the brand also offers a range of dual-suspension trail mountain bikes, their hardtail trail bikes are certainly worth exploring.
Best thought of as a plus-sized hardtail, the 905 v4 definitely leans more towards the all-mountain end of the spectrum with a long, low and slack geometry, monster truck 2.8in Maxxis tubeless rubber wrapping WTB i35 rims at both ends and a 150mm travel RockShox Pike fork upfront. A SRAM NX Eagle groupset, KS dropper seatpost and SRAM Guide 4 piston hydraulic brakes round out this ready to shred package.
- Wheel size: 27.5”
- RRP: AUD$4,250
Norco Torrent HS1
A mainstay of the Norco mountain bike line-up the Torrent S1 is ideal for riders wanting to get back to basics and hone their skills on an aggressive, speed demon of a trail hardtail bike. Featuring a durable Cromoly steel frame, 150mm of travel courtesy of a Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate fork and 2.5” of tyre clearance, this is one steel shred sled that’s sure to stand up to the rigours of any trail you point it down.
A Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset paired with a Praxis chainring, MT520 4-piston brakes and an X-Fusion dropper seatpost round out this package.
- Wheel size: 27.5in Plus
- RRP: AUD$4,499
After more information about mountain bikes? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Mountain Bike to find the perfect ride to suit your needs.
