Top 5 | 2023 Trail Mountain Bikes We Want To Ride

Are trail bikes the SUVs of the bike world? These versatile all-rounders can climb and descend with aplomb, serving a huge range of riders.
For 2023, we’ve picked our Top 5 Trail Bikes that cover a range of suspension designs, amounts of travel and most importantly, budget.
Yes, for once we haven’t just focused on five-figure super bikes that only dentists can afford!
Which bike in our Top 5 would you pick? Have we missed any big hitters out? Let us know in the comments.
#MTB #2023Bikes #BikeRadar
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:31 Transition Smuggler
02:13 Trek Fuel Ex
04:43 Santa Cruz Hightower
06:30 Whyte T140
07:59 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO
Want more Top 5 videos? Start here 👇
→ • Top 5 | 2023 Road Bikes
Trek Fuel EX First Look & Ride
→ www.bikeradar.com/news/new-tr...
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy Review
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bik...
What’s The BEST Trail Mountain Bike In 2022? | Trek, Canyon & Nukeproof Reviewed!
→ • What’s The BEST Trail ...
2022 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp REVIEW | Fun ✅ Fast ✅ Not perfect ❌
→ • 2022 Specialized Stump...
Specialized Stumpjumper Vs. Focus Thron | Which Is The Better Alloy Trail Bike?
→ • Specialized Stumpjumpe...
7 Mountain Bikes Setting The Trends For 2023 & Beyond
→ • 7 Mountain Bikes Setti...
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[@bikeradar]

What do you think of the brand new Transition Smuggler? 👀

[@CESAR1309LAMPARD]

It’s gorgeous ! That orchid color

[@jeremyparsons5379]

Can’t get budgie smuggler out of my mind 😂

[@FluffyFractalshard]

looks amazing! I, too am falling for the orchid color 😍

[@graemegoddard7237]

Unnecessary imo

[@miheadhurts]

My dream bike.

[@Ceriva09]

its always funny whenever you visit old friend who brag with their cars and you can respond with .. well that almost as much as my bike costs

[@jev2867]

And that's a good thing?

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

No one is going to brag about a 10k car. Wiser to spend 10k on a car than a Bicycle in the end your the brunt of all the jokes if you buy that bike and talk about it.

[@Shred_Tube]

its a true story, i was the car

[@Shred_Tube]

@@stevenmillar8810 ….huh?

[@richyg3993]

That’s why I love my loud Hub. Other riders hear my disposal income superiority. Especially when I meet up with them at the parking lot and it’ goes on the velociraxx behind my paid off mega cab Cummins. 😂😂😂

[@FluffyFractalshard]

I think people are figuring out whats the most beautiful frame geometry and it shows: nearly all of them have a similar shape. My favourite on this list is the Transition Smuggler (in pink ;)

[@PanaehaliTut]

For most people top trail bike is the one they can afford. Unfortunately. I'd be happy with any one of these, but 6k to 7k USD for "basic" version is just stupid. And top ones going well over 10k nowaday.

[@markyp1965]

Currently riding a carbon Transition Patrol, which is coming up for 3 years old and has been faultless. Must say though, if I was going to get a new bike this year, the new Smuggler would be top of the list.

[@bikeradar]

The Smuggler is a great bike! We've briefly ridden it since this video and it ticks A LOT of boxes!

[@IIISentorIII]

I did buy the S4 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon Gloss White Mountains / Black for 3250 US (3150 CHF, 3200 Euro) here in Switzerland Yesterday. The S4 is sold out and they told me I will have it in 5-6 Weeks. Perfect for Spring. This Bike will replace my Scott Genius 🙂

[@bikeradar]

Sounds like you got a deal, enjoy!

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

The color of the Smuggler is GREAT! I think they have two but ORCHID is the color I would go with. Gorgeous.

[@bikeradar]

It looks even better in the flesh! 😍

[@alcapone4242]

Nukeproof Reactor is missing. But all shown models are really cool stuff 👌🏼

[@diorite81]

If the stumpjumper Evo is a trail, is the stumpjumper an XC? So what’s is the Epic? All-Mountain doesn’t exist then anymore?

[@cosmicheretic8129]

The ST Evo is All Mountain. They should have mentioned the regular ST as a trail bike.

[@jevgeniardassov]

Just back from Madeira, loved my Transition Sentinel rental. Gorgeous and capable machine, always thought they were overhyped, don’t think it anymore. Will get one myself down the line. 👍

[@bikeradar]

Incredibly capable bike that you can still ride all day!

[@justjules9845]

​@@bikeradar sentinel or smuggler, thats my question...!?

[@ednaldaalves79]

Só bike linda, top... Um sonho

[@3piece798]

Kona process 136 should be in that list!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

They all look like Turner 5 Spots (most beautiful trail bike ever).

[@AndreasHafenscher]

The steel is real Reeb SST, BH Lynx - an amazing value bike , the Commencal TEMPO Öhlins Edition and the Transition Smuggler.

[@bikeradar]

We featured the SST in our Top 5 Steel bikes and have the Tempo coming in for test soon too!

[@AndreasHafenscher]

@bikeradar Finally - someone got the TEMPO - Thank god!

[@sw1neymtb89]

I'm still loving my 2022 Vitus Escape AMP full carbon, it never fails to put a smile on my face. Think its hard to beat for the money.

[@bikeradar]

Vitus offer great value for money for sure! The Escarpe was close to winning this years trail bike of the year award, but just missed out!

[@nickmanser8661]

Yeah pivot shadowcat, one of the best and most fun trail bikes I have ever riden.

[@bikeradar]

We've yet to ride the Shadowcat long term, but looks ace fun!!

[@Sunshine-wn5ev]

Forgot the ibis Ripley carbon !!!!!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 ridden most of these on the list and still doesn’t do what the short travel Ripley does

[@msobas]

Fuel ex 9.8 or SC Hightower v3 - which is better all mountain ?

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

I bought a Trek Fuel EX 8 gen 6 so I go with the Fuel EX.

[@bikeradar]

Great choice!

[@dho]

I think the smuggler should be on the top of everyone's list. It's too bad the prices have slowly been creeping up over the years.

[@jasonw3287]

Not listing Ibis Ripley and Pivot Trail 429 is criminal. 3-4 of these bikes don’t hold a candle to either one.

[@thebeardedcanadianadventures]

Or the Revel Rascal...seems like they may have some funding from the companies in the video.

[@TucsonDude]

Are there any trail bikes UNDER 30 pounds? I looked at a Trek EX today and it was low-to-mid 30s without pedals. My old Canyon Neuron is 28.5 pounds with pedals, cage, bag and computer.

[@bikeradar]

Plenty out there, but they are not cheap! Weight is only one part of the equation though. Tom's Norco Fluid FS C2 weighs well over 30lb but rides far lighter

[@TucsonDude]

@@bikeradar I see some YT riders on some Norcos, but don't they still use press-fit BBs? That's my big hangup on mtn bikes.

[@matthiascampedelli4321]

I think the new Last Coal looks insane on paper. Would be rad if you could test one !

[@bikeradar]

Last have many bikes we'd love to test! The Coal is one, along with their carbon bikes like the Celos, Asco and Tarvo!

[@PiloMegaTron]

Where's the Santacruz 5010..? ;)

[@aaronturner3498]

Revel Ranger or Rascal?

[@juanhidalgo7043]

I will add the yeti sb140 LR, 140mm rear and 160mm front!

[@simonpage2941]

How about to the Orange Switch 7... ?? Manufactured in Halifax & as a brand never seem to get any mention. Specialized - Trek - Santa Cruz 🙄

[@bikeradar]

The Switch 7 is very much more of an enduro bike than a trail bike, but the Stage 5 is a great trail bike for sure!

[@believe8263]

You missed the Evil Following.

[@17even]

The Fuel EX and the Stumpy

[@emtbadventure]

No Scor 4060 ST ?

[@spatchist]

No Grim Donut yet ? How long must I wait ?

[@David_Palka]

My pick is Canyon Neuron, because I just bought one :D

[@bikeradar]

Hmm sounds like bias 🧐 😂

[@David_Palka]

@@bikeradar Yes .. a little bit 😇😄

[@jasonw3287]

Agree not having this direct bike at amazing value on the list is a miss.

[@Stockfish1511]

Would love to get fuel ex or exe to go with my 2022 slash 9.8. But the price is just outrageous ;/

[@bikeradar]

They're not cheap for sure!

[@guytzu]

What about the Mondraker Raze rr?

[@bikeradar]

Awesome bike and one we'd love to spend more time on!

[@picknmove7632]

Pivot 429 enduro is the best trail bike ive ever ridden

[@gregoryvierra6114]

Nice. I’m on the non enduro version and I’m always blown away by it.

[@mnugent1974]

Norco Optic ? decent pricing and Designed in the home of modern mtb not 1980s cali

[@blue2824]

Wish you guys would do videos on bikes that us mortals can afford

[@PeteMac69]

No full 27.5 in there? All just clumsy wagon wheels? Disappointing 😉😅

[@f1hotrod527]

which one, stumpy evo or fuel EX?

[@bikeradar]

Either would be a great option, too close to call!

[@wd99999]

Norco Optic

[@bikeradar]

Great bike! Our technical Oscar has one and loves it. Tom is tested the new Fluid carbon too, so stay tuned for the review!

[@albeesphotos8340]

I love my Santa Cruz Hightower V3. The thing is a all around beast with whatever I have thrown at it. These are all nice choices though.

[@bikeradar]

Hightower is a popular bike for good reason. Excellent all rounder as you say!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

You buried the lead.... All 5 bikes have designers that kept the cables out of the headset. Hopefully all other brands that weren't smart enough and fell victim to the "super kool look" crash and burn all the way to the ground.

[@darkness789]

Amen brother

[@MTB_CRZY]

I wish brands would stop doing internal cable routing all together. Its just a mssive pain. They need to take a page out of GT's book and have cable routes down the top of the downtube with hold downs to keep cables organized but still out of the way.

[@darkness789]

@@MTB_CRZY could you imagine working on a Scott spark, internal shock, headset cable routing, dual lock fork and shock. Oh the nightmares would never end.

[@MTB_CRZY]

@@darkness789 my buddy was about to buy one and I just sat there thinking "dont EVER ask me to work on that bike" 😅

[@CaveaD]

​@nathan johnson neuron also has a great solution

[@thuongngyuen1310]

Love the bike design kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L and functionality. It is hard to align the front tired to center the disk brakes. The brake wheel touches the stationery side of the brake caliper and pad. I aired the tire up to 40 psi as the markings say 40-60psi. Left the house for a few hours and came back to an exploded innertube.All in all it seems to be a good bike. Have not ridden it yet though so that's the max of my knowledge. Update, put a new innertube made sure the tire was set properly and it did the same thing in under 20 minutes as second pic shows.

[@hedrick5286]

I want a smuggler so bad. But $$$$

[@shaundonovan8780]

Canyon Spectral 125?? 🤔

[@tywitt3351]

Why

[@MtBArN]

Stupid prices for top end bikes.

[@dekhanlon4052]

😅 No7

[@bikeradar]

⭐️

[@roryveronda9933]

Typical Selection from the largest bicycle companies

[@janeblogs324]

Didn't you read the title?

[@nunoborgesdias6332]

Trek and Specialized models in the the list are just too expensive comparing to other equal or even better bikes out there for the same specs.

[@bikeradar]

They can be pricey compared to others, but they are well proven and have huge dealer networks to back you up

[@geraldgolen9157]

Would it have killed you to include US $$$ cost on these models?

[@bikeradar]

We do now include $$$$ pricing in these videos 👍

[@nunoborgesdias6332]

Santa Cruz Tallboy is not on the list?! it must be a joke! is the best bike for this purpose.

[@bikeradar]

Great bike, but we thought we'd give others some limelight 👍

[@michaelscott6316]

Anything New that costs less than a crosser with a powerful engine 🤔

[@EnriqueNestorAEseo]

only the expensive bike is top 5 and only the name....and how about other bike like CUBE

[@bikeradar]

Cube have released the new One44, worth a look for sure!

[@timar4o]

Trek and Whyte no. The rest Ok

[@cliffordrichardc]

evil following

[@troyesch6203]

I’m not buying it… top bikes without a pivot, Yeti or Revel. I don’t think so

[@TheCureThatKillz]

“We’d love to know what you think of our picks so let us know in the comment section below” Truth is, that’s a lie. You don’t care at all what random strangers think of your picks. That’s just you trying to manipulate your audience.

[@323johnnybravo]

The Trek is hideous. The other bikes are rad though !!!

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

That trek though is a mad bike I got one.

[@323johnnybravo]

@@michaelmichaelagnew8503 You didn't get the yellow one did you ??

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

@@323johnnybravo got the EX 8 gen 6 black fade to grey. Looks really good in person.

[@323johnnybravo]

@@michaelmichaelagnew8503 the black one is dope I’ll give you that. That yellow hurts my eyes lol

[@Rabizanovich..]

Самый хороший велосипед. Где регулируется руль. Вот на старых велосипедах как Кама Урал и Школьник. Живу в России. Знаем дело в велосипедах. По грязи и в снегу. Russia 🇷🇺

[@briannyob7799]

I like the Fuel EX, but in order to get decent parts, you have to buy the much more expensive carbon models. The EX8 comes with a Fox 36 rhythm.

[@thebeardedcanadianadventures]

This video is why I won't like or subscribe.

[@davidgeiger8620]

No one talking about disadvantages of plastic bikes and their small bearings,not for real athletes Raaw jibb is missing

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

Plastic bikes and small bearings? That's the dumbest comment I've read so far.

[@johnnybravo1912]

A bike is a bike is a bike.. Yawn..

[@jthetrader5255]

No polygon or marin? I get it....we are still fanboying over the big names with the big price tags 😴🫢

[@Shred_Tube]

Lol marin and polygon are garbage

[@s.j.bvlogs3847]

@shred_tube what bike do you ride?

[@Shred_Tube]

@@s.j.bvlogs3847 marin rift zone