- 35 %
Cannondale
Cannondale Habit Carbon LTD Trail Bike - Tinted Purple
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% From 5.499,00 € *
8.499,00 € *
Trail Bikes
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- 49 %
Cannondale
Cannondale Habit Carbon LT 1 Trail Bike - Chalk
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5.899,00 € *
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GT Bikes
GT Sensor ST Carbon Elite 29" Trail Bike - Gloss Super Sparkle Teal/Gunmetal
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3.599,00 € *
- 39 %
GT Bikes
GT Sensor Comp 29" Trail Bike - Matte Black
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2.999,00 € *
Guideapprox. 5 min read
Trail bike guide: what to know before you buy
Efficient uphill, fun downhill: in this guide you will learn what makes a trail bike, whether full suspension or hardtail suits you better and which model is the right one.
What is a trail bike?
A trail bike is the all-rounder among mountain bikes. With 120 to 130 mm of rear travel it climbs efficiently, yet offers enough reserves to enjoy roots, rocks and small jumps.
That makes the trail bike ideal for your local loop, long tours with lots of climbing or crossing the Alps. If you are looking for one mountain bike for almost everything, this is usually the right choice.
120–130 mmTravel for tours and trails
29 inchLarge wheels for stability and grip
Full sus or hardtailFull suspension or front fork only
All-rounderEfficient uphill, playful downhill
Which trail bike suits you?
We offer trail bikes from Cannondale and GT. The model families at a glance:
Cannondale
Habit
The classic trail bike: 130 mm at the rear, 140 mm up front, 29 inch wheels and Proportional Response, with kinematics tuned to every frame size.
- Carbon
- 130/140 mm
- 29 inch
Cannondale
Habit LT
The long travel version with 140 mm at the rear and 150 mm up front sits on the border to all mountain bikes. A little more reserve for rough trails without losing its climbing qualities.
- Alloy and carbon
- 140/150 mm
- More reserves
GT
Sensor
GT's trail bike with 130 mm (Sensor) or 120 mm (Sensor ST) of rear travel and 140 mm up front, in aluminium or carbon. Robust, playful and fairly priced. The version with 140 mm at the rear is listed under all mountain bikes.
- Alloy and carbon
- 120–130 mm
- 29 inch
What to look for when buying
Full suspension or hardtail
A full suspension bike offers more comfort, traction and control off-road. A hardtail is lighter, cheaper and needs less maintenance, but requires more riding skill downhill.
Travel
120 to 130 mm at the rear is the sweet spot for tours and local loops. If you like rough descents, a model with 140 mm like the Habit LT or an all mountain bike is the better choice.
Frame material
Aluminium is robust and affordable. Carbon saves weight and dampens vibrations, which you notice especially on long rides.
The right frame size
Size determines comfort and control. You will find the manufacturer's size recommendation below the description on every product page. If you are between two sizes, just get in touch.
How much does a good trail bike cost?
The price range is wide. As a rough guide:
Entry level
from approx. 800 €
- Trail hardtail
- 130 mm fork
- Low maintenance
Mid range
1,700–3,000 €
- Full suspension, alloy or carbon
- Solid air suspension
- For tours and trails
High end
from approx. 4,000 €
- Carbon frame
- High-end suspension
- Electronic shifting
Tip: many models are discounted in our shop. Use the price filter to quickly see which bikes fit your budget. Bike leasing is also available.
Frequently asked questions about trail bikes
What is the difference between a trail and an enduro bike?
A trail bike has less travel, usually 120 to 130 mm at the rear, and is lighter and more versatile. An enduro bike with 155 to 170 mm is designed for fast, rough descents. In between are all mountain bikes with 140 to 150 mm.
What is the difference between a trail and a cross country bike?
A cross country bike is optimised for speed and low weight, usually with up to 120 mm of travel. A trail bike has more reserves and a more relaxed geometry, so descents are more fun.
Full suspension or hardtail?
For most trail riders a full suspension bike is the better choice, as it offers more comfort and control. A hardtail is ideal if you are looking for a light, affordable and low-maintenance bike.
Is a trail bike suitable for crossing the Alps?
Yes, that is one of its main uses. Efficient uphill, confident downhill and comfortable enough for several days in the saddle.
Which frame size do I need?
That depends on your height and inseam. You will find the manufacturer's size recommendation below the description on every product page. If you are between two sizes, our team is happy to advise you.
Can I lease a trail bike?
Yes, you can lease your trail bike as a company bike through your employer. All details are on our bike leasing page.
Questions about the right trail bike?
We are happy to advise you personally on model, size and specification.