Winners!
Enduro Mag Trail Bikes Comparison Test 2025: We Win “Best Buy”
9 April 2025
"A trail bike with enduro DNA that combines maximum traction, plenty of pop, and total confidence…one of the most affordable bikes in this test, a well-deserved Best Buy"
We are delighted to be awarded Enduro Mag’s “Trail Bike Best Buy 2025” pipped to “Best in Test” only by a bike costing €13,000 to our €7,200, we’d recommend taking two S.150's!
It’s worth mentioning here that because of our Certificate of UK origin, there is 0% duty on imports of Atherton Bikes to EU – the €7200 quoted in the article refers to our build 1 and includes 19% German sales tax (Price excluding shipping and VAT is €6,024.00). We also offer builds from £4,499, $4,911.41* €4,461.51*
We didn’t enter the A.150 (2022 Best in Test winner) this year, letting the new aluminium bike shine for us in this most rigorous of competitive reviews.
Well worth a read on EnduraMag’s site this in-depth comparison test pits 16 of the most exciting trail bikes on the market right now against each other head to head.
What makes a great trail bike?
Enduro Mag say that the answers to that question are as diverse as the perfect trail itself! But here’s our top take-outs, do you agree?
- When climbing, it should make its way to the top of the trailhead efficiently, without making every metre of altitude a struggle.
- High pedalling efficiency and effective power transfer are key.
- Heavier bikes aren’t necessarily slower on the climbs or less agile in tight turns.
- A well-designed trail bike should provide a comfortable riding position both uphill and on level ground, thus proving a reliable companion on long rides.
- The real magic happens on the descent.
- Modern trail bikes combine excellent descending qualities with playful geometry, delivering maximum fun on the trail.
A great trail bike doesn’t make compromises – it brings together seemingly opposing qualities into one seamless package. And there was another interesting pointer… a bike’s true performance only reveals itself in real-world riding scenarios, while spec lists and geometry tabs alone say very little about its character on the trail.
What Enduro Mag said about the S.150
The Atherton S.150 once again stands in a class of its own. It climbs surprisingly efficiently, despite its weight. But on the descents, it delivers unmatched stability and confidence-inspiring handling, all while maintaining impressive agility. Thanks to its beastly suspension, this bike sticks to the ground, generating bottomless traction without sacrificing support. At €7,200, the S.150 is also one of the most affordable bikes in this test – which makes it an deserved Best Buy recommendation!
FEATURED: S.150.1
Only the best! Our flagship S.150 build features Fox Factory Float X2 with Fox 36 Factory 160mm upfront and an XO1 drivetrain. Specc’ed with the raceteam’s favourite components this bike will ensure that your Enduro days are super-fun, even if you’re playing in the woods you’ll have mind-blowing performance on every run!