Enduro bikes, awesome! Say “enduro” in our office and you’ll trigger instant grins. And our reader survey with over 14,000 respondents backs it up: enduro bikes top your lists — from the bikes you ride now to the ones you want next, and even your all-time icons. The moment you roll an enduro bike out of the garage, it means just one thing: game on! Shuttle laps, bike park sessions, alpine adventures or just shredding your home trails – modern enduro bikes can handle it all without batting an eye lid. Built to be ridden hard, they usually come with robust components, and offer tons of confidence and reserves, so you can keep the gas wide open just a little longer.
So it was high time to load up the van, head to a location with epic trails and good vibes, and put the most exciting enduro bikes through the wringer in a full-on test session. A lot has happened since our last enduro group test, with new technologies, fresh suspension concepts and completely new approaches mixing up the market. But how big are the differences really – and where are modern enduro bikes headed?
What Makes a Good Enduro Bike?
Sure, key data like suspension travel and geometry already point toward enduro, but it’s only with the right components and a well-thought-out overall concept that a bike unfolds its full potential and becomes a thoroughbred enduro machine. But what actually sets it apart from a trail bike? The answer is simple: a modern trail bike is an uncompromising all-rounder that shines with excellent climbing performance and delivers tons of fun and action downhill – as our current trail bike group test has clearly shown. Enduro bikes, however, take things up a notch on the downhills. Even at high speeds and in really rough sections, they provide an extra level of safety and control – exactly where it matters most. Sure, you have to put in a bit more effort on the climbs, but that doesn’t mean enduro bikes aren’t capable tour companions. On the contrary: the best models in this test excel both in the bike park and on epic backcountry expeditions, effortlessly bridging the gap between downhill performance and everyday trail riding. And thanks to their robust components, they’re perfectly prepared for heavy use.
If you’re still unsure which bike suits your needs best, you should check out our interactive buying guide. It doesn’t just offer clear recommendations, but also gives you plenty of background knowledge on the subject.
For this comparison test, we set out in search of the ultimate all-round enduro rig – a bike that performs just as well on fast, rough tracks as it does in tight, technical sections. Whether high-alpine adventures or post-work laps, whether Liguria or A-Line: the best enduro bike of 2026 has to handle it all, and make your endorphins spike in the process. We left the stopwatch behind on purpose. Rather than hunting for split seconds, we focused on the vibe – the best time, not necessarily the quickest.
Which Enduro Bikes Did We Include in the Test Field?
With the current variety and the immense number of options available on the market, choosing the right enduro bike is anything but easy. The same applies to putting together our test field. Your (purchase) interests are our top priority — and you tell us exactly what those are each year in our large reader survey. By the way: you’ll also find the results of this year’s reader survey here in our issue.
Accordingly, we assembled a test field of 14 enduro bikes — a mix of your favourite brands, a few insider picks from our editorial crew, and some fresh releases you might not have come across yet.
| Manufacturer | Model | Suspension Travel (f/r) | Weight in kg | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHOST | POACHA FULL PARTY | 180/180 mm | 17,6 | € 8.000 |
| Instinctiv | Kodiak MX 150 | 160/150 mm | 16,3 | € 8.265 |
| Lapierre | Spicy CF Team | 180/174 mm | 15,9 | € 10.000 |
| LAST | COAL V4 | 170/165 mm | 15,6 | € 8.900 |
| MERIDA | ONE-SIXTY 10K | 170/162 mm | 17 | € 9.999 |
| Orbea | Rallon E-LTD | 180/170 mm | 16,7 | € 8.250 |
| Pivot | Firebird Team XX Eagle Transmission w/ Podium | 170/165 mm | 16 | € 12.999 |
| Propain | Spindrift | 180/180 mm | 16,5 | € 6.609 |
| RADON | JAB 10.0 | 160/150 mm | 15,3 | € 4.199 |
| Rossignol | Heretic GX T-Type | 170/165 mm | 17,1 | € 6.200 |
| Santa Cruz | Bullit X0 AXS RSV | 170/170 mm | 22,2 | € 11.699 |
| Starling | Mega MurMur | 170/165 mm | 16,8 | € 6.937 |
| Trek | Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7 | 170/160 mm | 16 | € 7.199 |
| Yeti | LTE T4 | 170/160 mm | 23,8 | € 14.499 |
Prices for the bikes in this test field range between € 4.199 and a whopping € 14.499. But that doesn’t mean that the cheapest bike has to fall behind in terms of spec or trail performance – quite the opposite. Likewise, the most expensive bike isn’t necessarily flawless. Speaking of which: the priciest model in this test is an eMTB, which puts the high number into perspective – motorised bikes are generally more expensive. Still, the most expensive non-electric bike hits hard, too, retailing at € 12.999. Our lineup includes exciting newcomers, true exotics and proven classics, including high-pivot and electronic rear suspension systems. Since we’re crowning the best enduro bike of 2026, many manufacturers reached deep into their bag of tricks, and sent their top spec variants into the race. But expensive doesn’t automatically mean better. In several cases, we deliberately chose cheaper spec variants – if we knew already that they performed better on the trail or simply offered the stronger overall package. Because in the end, what counts is what happens on the trail, not what’s printed on a price tag.
As the freshly crowned test winner from our bike park comparison, the GHOST POACHA FULL PARTY gets to prove that it can also handle climbs and enduro tracks. The robust spec certainly allows for that, even if it brings along a good amount of weight. As a technological outlier, the Instinctiv Kodiak MX 150 takes on the competition with a Pinion gearbox drivetrain, representing a drive concept that isn’t new, but increasingly more popular. The Lapierre Spicy CF Team, on the other hand, relies on a classic rear derailleur but allows both a high- and low-pivot rear end, which you can switch between with a bit of workshop time – cool!
The elegant LAST COAL V4 represents the category of aluminium frames and, despite its freely configurable spec, undercuts the weight of many carbon bikes, because aluminium doesn’t automatically mean heavy – but not necessarily cheap either. Meanwhile, the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K relies on an electronic suspension system and a bold mix of components to extract maximum trail performance for racers and enduro riders. But does the concept deliver?
The new Orbea Rallon E-LTD is the first bike on the market with a dedicated mounting point for additional weights and can be converted into a downhill bike by swapping the manufacturer’s proprietary Gravity Link. But can it truly shine in an enduro test field – especially uphill and on easier trails? The new Pivot Firebird Team XX offers plenty of adjustment options too – from shock progression to wheel size – and even integrates a patented dropout system that allows chainstay length adjustment despite using UDH.
The Propain Spindrift is actually considered a freeride rig in the German direct-to-consumer brand’s portfolio, but it doesn’t have to hide against its enduro competitors either. It also uses an O-Chain chainring to unlock even more performance from the rear suspension. The RADON JAB 10.0 isn’t just the cheapest bike in this test, but also the lightest! An unusual combination – but does that mean compromises in trail performance?
The Rossignol Heretic GX T-Type is the first independently-developed enduro bike from the French brand best known for winter sports gear. With a classic four-bar rear end, deeply-integrated shock and harmoniously curved aluminium tubes, the Heretic aims to take on the competition. With its elegant slim steel tubes and iconic look, the rare Starling Mega MurMur rolls into an enduro group test for the first time and already turns heads straight out of the box. Beautiful details, an exclusive spec and strong vibes make it special even before it hits the trail.
Brand-new to the market is the versatile Trek Fuel LX 9.8, which can be converted from a lively trail bike into a descent-oriented enduro rig just by swapping links and components. Needless to say, we rode the latter version and are looking at whether the idea of one frame for multiple bikes truly works.
We also included two eMTBs in this test, because they can keep up with the analogue competition in many aspects and are often more agile and playful than some motorless bruisers. Both the Santa Cruz Bullit XO and the Yeti LTE T4 come with a top-tier spec and plenty of downhill performance – and of course let you breeze past your buddies on the climbs or squeeze in a couple more laps when the lift shuts.
But there are also other bikes that we would have loved to include, like the Frameworks Enduro, the Commencal Meta SX and the Forbidden Dreadnought. Unfortunately, the manufacturers either couldn’t or didn’t want to send their bikes to face the strong competition and therefore declined to participate.
Our Test Location: Bikeland Schladming–Dachstein
Modern enduro bikes only show their true colours on trails that demand it all – and that’s precisely why our journey led us to Bikeland Schladming–Dachstein. The Schladming Bike Park and the trails around the Reiteralm are the perfect playground to push the bikes to their limits, with a mix of fast high-speed sections, nasty root carpets, big jumps and technical features. Whether you choose the iconic downhill track or the new jump lines – there’s no shortage of action. Over on the Reiteralm, things get a bit more alpine but no less exciting: beautiful berms, natural lines and prime dirt. In addition, you get the luxury of modern, fast gondolas in both locations, which take you and your bike to the trailhead quickly and safely. The region is challenging and diverse, which makes it the perfect ground to put modern enduro bikes through their paces while having an absolute blast in the process.
The ENDURO Test Team
JP
Good-looking bikes with a bold but cohesive design are exactly my thing. When I’m wrenching on my own rigs, I don’t get stressed – the additional effort that usually comes with a clean look is no turn-off for me. On the trail, I want a playful bike with direct handling that lets me pop off every kicker and generate maximum airtime and speed.
Lars
Enduro bikes are everyday tools for me, and, given the huge amount of timeI spend in bike parks and on shuttle runs, they get punished hard. Accordingly, I don’t want to spend a small fortune on a bike and I don’t need fancy components. If the trail performance is right and I can dial the bike in perfectly for my needs, I’m happy.
Peter
When I hop on an enduro bike, I want to clear my head, just have fun and not worry about whether the trail is too gnarly or the climb too long. This means that strong all-round characteristics, a reliable and appropriate spec and well-thought-out details are crucial to me.
Lea
I ride almost every day, have tons of trails and a bike park right on my doorstep in Innsbruck, so I want a bike that can simply handle all of that. It should be playful while giving me enough confidence to hit all the jumps and tackle the super-steep sections without getting stressed. And please use robust components, otherwise I’ll be wrenching all the time…
The Test in Numbers & Our Test Criteria
Our Test and Evaluation Criteria
The best enduro bike of 2026 must be ready for anything – uncompromising, reliable and free of nasty surprises. Whether shuttle runs, endless bike park sessions, epic alpine expeditions or quick post-work laps on your home trail: the bike has to perform everywhere. It’s not just isolated facts that matter, but the full package – and how all components work together. What are the bike’s strengths? Where are its limits? Which type of rider and which kind of terrain does it suit – and where does it not? These are exactly the questions we address in every one of our comparison tests. Instead of relying on a rigid points system, we analyse a wide range of factors that shape a bike’s character – and help you find the model that best suits your needs and preferences.
Because an enduro bike is always a balancing act. It has to unite opposites: maximum control at high speed, yet playful and direct when the trail gets narrow. Of course, uphill performance plays a role too – albeit a smaller one. But the perfect enduro bike can do more than just function. It convinces with smart details, high-quality craftsmanship, a cohesive design and a certain coolness factor. Because if you’re going to do it, do it right! In the end, one thing matters above all: fun on the trail! And yes, even if you can’t measure it in Newton metres or millimetres, we can absolutely compare and evaluate it – in a highly scientific way. How do we do that? Quite simply:
The Handling of an Enduro Bike
Trying to judge a bike’s handling based solely on individual geometry values not only falls short – it can go badly wrong. Even when some figures on the data sheet look similar, the bikes often reveal completely different characters on the trail. Suspension, kinematics, the relationship between reach and stack, and of course the setup all have a huge influence on how a bike really rides. A good enduro bike positions the rider centrally, feels intuitive to ride and easily smooths out smaller mistakes. And that’s worth its weight in gold – whether you’re riding at the end of a long, exhausting day or are just getting started with mountain biking.
The opposite are bikes that demand constant attention and a very active riding style – they react sensitively to weight shifts and forgive little. Without a clean riding technique, a small wobble can quickly turn into a massive crash. It’s also practical when a bike can be adjusted through details like a flip chip or special headset cups without losing its balance or character. That gives you a versatile enduro bike that can be tailored to your style and preferences – and that’s exactly what makes the difference in the end.
Stability vs. Agility on an Enduro Bike
In trail riding, stability and agility represent fundamentally opposing characteristics. And yet, some of the best enduro bikes in our comparison manage to combine both. Because stability is much more than just blasting through rock gardens at full speed. Crucial are also the suspension’s reserves, its controlled feedback at the limit and the level of confidence the bike conveys – because only then do you dare to push that limit.
Agility, on the other hand, describes how playfully a bike glides through tight corners, technical sections and twisty trails. From berm to berm or weaving through a series of switchbacks – an agile bike reacts instantly, feels lively and requires little effort to manoeuvre precisely. When an enduro bike brings both qualities together, it’s straight-up trail cinema.
The Suspension of an Enduro Bike
A bike’s suspension isn’t defined solely by the components used, especially given that nearly the entire test field relies on identical forks and shocks. Equally important are the individual setup and the specific shock tune, which must harmonise with the linkage. This means: suspension can only be properly assessed where it matters – on the trail. The ideal setup combines maximum traction and sensitivity with enough support to effortlessly pop off edges, plus sufficient reserves to absorb even botched landings confidently. Bikes like the Pivot Firebird and the LAST COAL V4 demonstrate exactly this: they iron out harsh hits with ease, generate massive traction and let you fully focus on your line. When the suspension – as on these models – translates rider input directly, you can play with the terrain while at the same time relying on plenty of stability, use natural kickers and ride actively instead of just rolling along.
How Well Should an Enduro Bike Climb?
Sure, we’re talking enduro bikes here, not featherweight XC race machines. That’s why the test bikes need a comfortable, balanced pedalling position that lets you tackle longer climbs without fuss. A good enduro bike should get you to the trailhead efficiently and without draining your energy – after all, the fun only starts once you reach the top. For that, you need a suspension that offers plenty of traction but doesn’t swallow unnecessary energy. And since enduro riders seldom chase brutal technical climbs, instead favouring mellow fire roads or smooth uphill trails, a bike has to do one thing above all: pedal comfortably without wearing you out.
What Components Does an Enduro Bike Need?
We all want to ride – not spend half the day in the workshop because something has failed again. That’s why the spec needs to suit the bike’s intended use. But many manufacturers like to cut corners to reduce weight or secure more customers with a good-looking spec sheet. Some bikes in our test, for example, come with light but puncture-prone tire casings, like MAXXIS’ EXO+ and Continental’s “Enduro” casing, which – despite the name – proved too weak in our big tire comparison test. Combined with a carbon wheelset, a single impact can translate into disaster –and an expensive one!. The result: you have to run higher tire pressures to prevent snakebites, punctures or complete failures. High pressure, however, means less grip and worse damping.
On the positive side, most manufacturers now use sufficiently big brake rotors. The only exceptions are the new Trek Fuel LX and the Instinctiv Kodiak MX, both of which rely on undersized 180 mm rear rotors – simply not appropriate for this bike category. All other enduro bikes run at least 200 mm rotors front and rear, some even huge 220 mm rotors up front – nice! Dropper posts also show a clear trend: more travel, shorter seat tubes. The average dropper travel in this test was a whopping 203 mm. Also noteworthy: ten out of fourteen bikes use SRAM’s electronic Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur – no hanger, and high shifting performance.
How Does Weight Influence the Performance of an Enduro Bike?
Weight plays a major role for many buyers – and for manufacturers too. And yes, it influences trail performance. But both a low and high system weight come with pros and cons. Far more important than the number on the scale is how the weight is distributed.
On climbs, it’s simple: less mass saves energy and feels more responsive. But once the bike is up to speed and you maintain that pace, this advantage shrinks significantly – tire compounds play an equally important role here. Going downhill, things change: more mass, placed well, adds stability, a planted feel and more calmness – a behaviour clearly visible in eMTBs and also a trend in downhill racing, where riders deliberately add weights to their bikes. The new Orbea Rallon even takes this further with a dedicated mounting point for additional weights. Beginners especially benefit from this: the bike feels planted and forgiving. On big jumps too, extra weight often means more confidence – unless you’re pulling flips and tailwhips. Ultra-light bikes, on the other hand, can feel nervous, fragile or simply too twitchy, which results in less confidence.
Are lighter bikes necessarily more agile? Not at all. The interplay of suspension and kinematics matters. What’s the point of having the lightest bike in the test if the suspension absorbs every rider input? The Santa Cruz Bullit eMTB showed this impressively: despite being significantly heavier, it feels more agile and playful than the Lapierre Spicy CF, which is over six kilograms lighter! And the heaviest analogue bike in the test field, the GHOST POACHA, proves how nimble a heavy bike can feel when the overall package is right. A low centre of gravity, rotating mass or an uneven weight distribution between the front and rear can all bring advantages and disadvantages – and must be as coherent as geometry, kinematics and spec. Because in the end, it’s not the bike’s weight that matters, but how it actually feels on the trail.
Which Useful Features and Clever Details Does an Enduro Bike Need?
Smart features on an enduro bike ensure more fun – and fewer moments where you want to pull your hair out. Extra storage room in the frame allows you to leave your backpack or hip bag at home. The right standards ensure that replacing a bottom bracket or bearings won’t raise your blood pressure. A bottle cage mount is standard on all bikes in this test. Additionally, with many models you can mount tools or small bags onto the frame. And five bikes even come with integrated storage compartments – though the design of lids, mechanisms and placement varies.
The good news is that closure systems are becoming more refined. Many manufacturers now offer solutions that work perfectly even with gloves or in muddy conditions. The more you can store on the bike, the less you have to carry on your body – which reduces the risk of injury during a crash. Nobody wants to land on a CO₂ cartridge or multitool. Internal cable routing, frame protection, easily available standard parts and clever plastic covers – such as integrated fenders – reduce wear, improve aesthetics and increase resale value. Generously sized chainstay, seatstay and downtube protectors ensure a quiet ride and better durability.
Can You Judge a Bike’s Performance by Its Spec List?
In our enduro group test, price only plays a secondary role – not because we don’t care about money, but because it must always be evaluated in the context of real performance. For us, good value for money isn’t about how much high-end bling you get for as little cash as possible. What matters is how a bike performs on the trail and what benefit it gives you as a rider. Because what good are the fanciest components if the bike still doesn’t perform well?
An expensive bike with a seemingly simple spec can offer excellent value if it delivers where it counts: out in the woods. Conversely, cheaper bikes with flashy specs can perform poorly if they don’t ride well. In the end, it’s not the sum of the parts that matters, but the interplay of suspension, geometry and specs – the overall package.
The winner, our best-buy recommendation and further recommendations
First up: all enduro bikes in this comparison test deliver a strong performance on our demanding test track – and whenever we criticise them, it’s basically high-level nitpicking. Still, the bikes differ significantly, and in ways that even beginners will feel immediately. Handling, riding character and the respective technical approaches must match your personal preferences. The race for the best enduro bike of 2026 was accordingly tight. Alongside a well-deserved test winner and a strong best-buy recommendation, there are several exciting additional recommendations this year.
For clarity, we’ll first reintroduce the test field and summarise the highs and lows of the bikes that didn’t take home a title.
We begin with our bike-park champion: the GHOST POACHA FULL PARTY, which is also one of the strongest bikes in this comparison. It blends agility and stability into an extremely fun, easy-to-ride package that doesn’t shy away from high-speed sections. Despite generous suspension travel and its high system weight, it pedals well and covers a broad range of applications. The spec is thoughtful and high-quality, letting you hit the trails straight out of the box.
The Instinctiv Kodiak MX 150 is a bike for individualists – technically unique, visually distinctive and surprisingly versatile on the trail. The Pinion drivetrain ensures a quiet ride, low maintenance and a planted rear-suspension performance, while the agile handling and low, integrated riding position make the Kodiak come alive on winding and flowy trails. It lacks some composure in rough terrain, and the short dropper post limits freedom of movement both up and downhill, but the suspension delivers a balanced mix of traction, support and playfulness.
The Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7 shows impressively how versatile the new Fuel platform can be: a trail bike at heart but with enough reserves and a coil shock to deliver plenty of downhill fun. The concept is cool, but it doesn’t fully come together on the LX. When you start pushing the limits, the Fuel’s trail-bike DNA shows, offering less confidence than some of its rivals. On flowy tracks, however, the Fuel LX shines with a playful controlled character and strong pop. The agile handling and comfortable riding position, combined with the variable frame platform, make it a good all-rounder.
The Rossignol Heretic GX T-Type proves that the French manufacturer can do more than winter sports. The solid aluminium frame and robust spec result in a sturdy, straightforward bike that excels especially in demanding terrain. Despite the extra weight and slight pedal bob on climbs, it offers a well-balanced mix of composure, control and easy handling, especially on descents. For riders seeking a reliable, honest enduro bike that performs on hard trails without fuss, the Heretic GX T-Type is a loyal companion.
The RADON JAB 10.0 shows how much bike you can get for little money these days. The full-carbon frame, FOX Factory suspension and solid Shimano XT components are almost unrivalled at this price. On the trail, the JAB scores with a low system weight, good climbing efficiency and agile handling, which make it particularly fun on flow trails. In rough terrain, however, it lacks some of the composure and confidence of the more potent competitors.
With its high-quality carbon frame and consistently gravity-oriented spec, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF is a full-blown gravity missile that excels in the bike park and on fast, rough tracks. With its deeply integrated riding position, it’s easy-going and provides huge reserves – perfect for those who want to send it. For riders seeking maximum performance, enormous reserves and top value for money, the Propain Spindrift 5 CF is a true full-gas partner with customisable configuration.
It’s a whole lot of bike with very few compromises – even if the Lapierre Spicy CF, thanks to its adjustable main pivot, mixed- or full-29er setups and flexible cable routing, is the real shape-shifter in this test.In practice, it shines especially on fast, steep and rough trails: low riding position, tons of traction, huge amounts of confidence. Weaknesses? An expensive but partly mismatched team spec, a short-travel dropper post with poor insertion depth, thin tires and a sluggish climbing performance. Not an all-rounder, but an absolute weapon when things get serious.
The Santa Cruz Bullit X0 AXS RSV radiates its downhill DNA on every descent and makes the uphill practically irrelevant thanks to its Bosch CX motor. With its extremely composed character, deeply integrated riding position and top-tier suspension, it inspires huge amounts of confidence. At the same time, the MX wheel configuration adds a surprisingly agile touch, giving the bike a playful edge despite its huge potential. Premium workmanship, a top tier spec and Santa Cruz’s unmistakable ride feel tie the whole package together.
Yet its direct e-MTB rival, the Yeti LTe T4, proves just as capable and composed, pairing impressive stability with a surprising dose of agility and confidence It smooths out rough trails effortlessly, stays controlled at high speeds and feels assured both slow and fast. The suspension delivers strong traction and support, while the low front end requires some getting used to in steep terrain. Overall, it’s a versatile, high-quality all-rounder that convinces in almost any terrain.
The Starling Mega MurMur combines handcrafted steel charm with a bling Öhlins suspension, delivering tons of traction, sensitivity and exceptional line control in slippery sections like very few bikes in this test. This is where it fully shines, remaining agile and easy to control in all scenarios. When things get fast and rough, however, the bike feels less defined and becomes demanding to ride. That makes it far from an all-rounder – but for the right trails, the Mega Murmur is a truck-load of fun.
The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K may not be the newest bike in the test field, but it’s one of the most cohesive and clever packages. It relies on the strengths of the FOX Podium fork and NEO shock to deliver a harmonious overall package. Agile, playful and incredibly fast, provided you have the right riding technique. Only at true high-speed does it feel a bit more nervous than the strongest competitors. The package is rounded off by a well-chosen spec, including components like the powerful TRP brakes, the fully insertable 240-mm dropper and robust wheels.
And finally, the Orbea Rallon E-LTD: this is a mini downhill bike in enduro disguise. Uphill, it’s one of the weakest bikes in this test, but downhill one of the most confidence-inspiring: low, integrated riding position, insane traction, loads of trust. The Gravity-Link ensures plenty of fine-tuning options, while Orbea’s MyO configurator lets you customise both the look and spec of your bike down to the smallest detail. There’s very little to criticise – and for anyone who wants to go big and sees climbs merely as a means to an end, this is an extremely composed, fast bike with massive reserves.
The best enduro bike of 2026 – Best in Test
The Pivot Firebird Team XX is the kind of bike you understand within a few metres – and won’t want to hand back after just a few minutes on the trail. Thanks to its DW-Link rear suspension, it climbs more efficiently than many trail bikes, yet cranks things up to eleven on the way back down, delivering a precise, direct ride with huge reserves – all topped off by one of the most versatile suspension systems out there. With just a few adjustments, this refined machine becomes the best enduro bike of 2026. Ultimately, it’s this exact combination of control, confidence, speed and adjustability that propels the Firebird to the front of the pack.
The best enduro bike of 2026 – Best Buy Tip
The LAST COAL V4 proves that a modern aluminium frame doesn’t have to be heavy or “cheap”. Lightweight, neatly finished and paired with one of the best suspension systems in the entire testfield, it delivers an outstanding mix of composure, agility and playful handling. It rides intuitively, safely and fast, while remaining easy to control at all times, making you feel at ease from the get go, regardless of whether you are a newbie or seasoned trail veteran. The consistent spec, clean look and practical online configurator round off the overall package. This makes the COAL V4 not only the most fun bike in this test, but also the rightful winner of our coveted Best-Buy Tip.
Enduro bikes not quite enough for you, looking for something more relaxed for easier trails, or wanting to upgrade your current bike?
Then check out the other comparison tests we’ve carried out recently:
Trail bike group test
Downhill bike group test
Bike-park bike group test
Suspension fork group test
Tyre group test
Dropper post group test
Brake group test
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker