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Trail MTB

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Trail mountain bikes are versatile, perhaps the most versatile of all types of dual-suspension mountain bikes.

They are designed to climb terrain efficiently; minimising wasted power.

And descend terrain with calm handling and lots of stability; delivering confidence to both new and intermediate riders.

Rear wheel travel ranges from 130-150mm. These bikes are available in either aluminium alloy or carbon fibre.

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Who should buy a trail MTB?

Our trail MTB bikes should be considered by riders who are either new or experienced.

New riders who are still learning the fundamental skills, will really appreciate the extra stability and calmness that these bikes deliver.

For example:

If you make a mistake cornering over tree roots or you choose the wrong line through a rock section, then our Trail bikes will self-correct and minimise any chances of accidents.

They are very good at helping you improve your confidence.

Trail bikes are also easier to handle at low speeds, compared to their bigger-travel Enduro siblings.

Therefore handling is more responsive. You don't need to ride Trail bikes as fast to have fun and unlock their character. Enduro bikes do not to be ridden harder and at much higher speeds to unlock their 

Terrain:

You're not regularly going to be riding steep, raw and technical terrain.

Your local trails will be a mixture of smooth gently undulating terrain and steep and technical.

Which trail MTB? It all depends on suspension.

There are 3 different types of Trail MTB bikes.

Key Information:

More suspension equals more stability at speed. But also a little less responsive on low-speed trails.

If a Trail MTB bike has 150mm of rear wheel travel, these are generally considered for more aggressive terrain.

Trails where speeds are higher and you need the bike to be calm and stable. Especially trails that have lots of exposed tree roots, rocks and unstable surfaces.

Next, we've got Trail MTB bikes with 140mm of rear wheel travel. These are great all-rounders. They are a touch more responsive on climbs and low-speed terrain.

130mm travel Trail MTB bikes are the most responsive and easiest to climb with. If you're not an aggressive rider and prefer your wheels to stay on the ground, then consider a 130mm travel bike.

Orbea Occam LT and SL

Orbea's latest Occam Trail MTB bike range includes an LT version and SL version.

The LT (Long Travel) has 150mm of rear wheel travel paired to a 160mm travel fork. Experienced riders would consider the LT version.

Or those who are used to riding an Enduro MTB. But decide to sacrifice a bit of suspension for more agility and response.

The SL is a lighter, faster version designed for maximum response. It's a shorter travel Trail MTB with 140mm of rear wheel travel paired to 150mm travel fork.

Models starting with M (Monocoque carbon) means it uses a carbon frame. H models are aluminium (Hydroformed aluminium).

Rocky Mountain Instinct

Rocky Mountain's Instinct has been their adventure bike for decades. The platform is designed for riders who don't want to be limited to where they can ride.

The frame is designed around 140mm of rear travel paired to a 150mm travel fork.

Compared to the Occam SL above, it's a little plusher. It prioritises traction (slightly) above response.

Like Orbea, Rocky Mountain offer the Instinct in aluminium and carbon models.

Giant Trance

Another MTB Trail bike option is Giant's Trance.

The Trance X range is a 150mm front and 140mm rear wheel travel bike. There's also a very limited range of the Trance Advanced Pro 29 which has 130mm front and 120mm of rear wheel travel.

Models with the word Advanced in them use a carbon fibre frame. If there's no Advanced, then it will be aluminium.

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