Wheel size: 27.5in or 29in | Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 12.94kg | Suspension travel: 140mm front | Rating: 9/10

Speed, smiles, and style; the new Vitus Mythique VRX has all in equal measure. It’s a trail bike that covers a huge remit without the hefty price tag to match. And while every price-point bike is a compromise, Vitus has emphasised the things that matter most to ride quality, without leaving any glaring holes in the specification. The fact that the frame looks every bit as polished as high-end bikes, just adds to the overall appeal. So whether you’re starting out in mountain biking or are a seasoned rider looking for a trail bike that offers unbeatable value, we simply can not recommend the Mythique highly enough.

Where should I store my battery?

Wheel size: 29in| Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL | Weight: 13.9kg | Suspension travel: 130mm front | Rating: 9/10 Some people are even making big hype about steel again. This time steel full-suspension, with brands like Cotic and Starling leading the charge. Maybe things can get too stiff on a mountain bike? When this occurs, fatigue increases. Line choice becomes harder. Maybe some chassis flex results in a faster ride? But then, steel full-sussers are going to be even heavier than aluminium. Frame: Carbon, 155mm travel (154mm measured) | Motor: Shimano STEPS EP8 85Nm, 500W peak power | Battery: Canyon BT002 720Wh 36V (3.91kg) | Rating: 9/10 The Voodoo Bizango has smashed pretty much any test it’s ever entered, winning our Hardtail of the Year award multiple times, earning regular podium places on our list of the best hardtail mountain bikes, and impressing everyone who rode it.

In a perfect world, you should always charge your e-bike’s battery indoors at room temperature (between 10-20°C, out of direct sunlight). If your battery is not removable, try your best to charge the whole bike in the house. Always only use the recommended charger that came supplied with the bike and don’t leave it charging unattended or overnight. Why does my motor still turn when I stop pedaling? Reasons to buy: Fast and capable, built-in suspension data acquisition, excellent on-trail performance.Ultimately we want a bike to put a smile on our face every time we ride it, and the Vitus passes this test with flying colours. Either way, too hard and they’ll be harsh and offer little grip; too soft and you’ll be more prone to pinch flats and you may even roll the tyre clean off the rim. 2. Adjust your handlebar controls Nowadays you can get 29ers with decent amount of suspension travel (up to 170mm – more for DH) and with decent geometry, so the wheel size debate has fizzled out. Some brands even offer two versions of each model, one with 27.5in wheels and one with 29in wheels, so you can just choose the option that suits you.

Still, there is more to this trail bike than the design. There are also plenty of great elements to the specification to help users off-road. The Nukeproof Scout started life as a burly, dirt jump/4-cross bike. But over the years the Scout has broadened its horizons, maturing into a capable trail bike, without ever losing sight of its more playful past. And with the latest round of frame revisions in 2022, the Scout is more capable than ever before. It’s also bang up-to-date. Riders can approach the trails at speed, with the SRAM 1×11 GX gear and hydraulic disc brakes. A lot of this control also comes down to the geometry on the frame and the forks. Reasons to avoid: Battery can’t be removed easily. Limited seat post insertion. It’s a decent deposit on a house. Keep your battery stored between 10-20°C and out of direct sunlight. If that’s not possible, consider getting a thermal blanket – basically an insulated sleeve – to store it in. If you drive to go riding, keep the battery in this sleeve en route, as it will maintain a more optimal temperature. If you’re not planning on riding for a while, remove the battery from the bike, and store in the house with around 60 per cent charge (the exact amount varies between brands). Charge fully before use. Do I need e-bike specific components?If the Highpoint A2 is to truly deliver on its promise of being a true all rounder though, it’s going to need calmer steering geometry, better standover clearance, a broader range of gears and a wider range of saddle height adjustment. It is also important to consider different types of mountain bikes others than a “typical” men’s model. There are some that are designed with teens and junior users in mind. This means a good all-round performance for less experienced users. They show that while this bike is for younger riders, it is more than a short-term stepping stone product. On the left side of the handlebar, you’ll find FAZUA’s Ring Control This is a pretty lightweight bike, with its 7005 aluminium frame, that can zip along the courses with its 18 speed Shimano Altus gearing system. This combines with the strong 27.5’’ wheels, responsive hydraulic brakes and Suntour fork for a great ride.