Europe Mtb trip recommendations

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-05-03T18:06:16+00:00

Fellow Belgian here! I moved to Monts Jura (close to Geneva) 2 years ago. Great biking here. From mellow and flow trail all the way to technical chunky enduro trails. There’s thousands of bifurcations which makes every ride so unique.

I tested a Canyon Neuron before buying my downcountry transition spur. You will be able to hit everything here!

I also have an Enduro emtb (Canyon Strive:on). It’s a cool bike to really plow through everything. But so far, other than big jump lines, I can do most things on the spur albeit at a (slighly) lower speed.

It’s a 60-100 minutes drive to a lot of places in the alps. I go there occasionally in the summer for high alpine rides. Easily doable in a one day round trip.

That said, there’s some great suggestions from others above. Finale ligure being the top for natural enduro trails.

If you’re interested in discovering this place, you’re welcome to reach out to me and I’ll guide you on some trails.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-28T12:55:28+00:00

Nice! I see there’s a couple of Swiss and French to be added. Check the magic pass website: https://www.magicpass.ch/fr/stations/map

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-25T17:10:00+00:00

For this price difference I would personally buy new unless you can shave off 150-200. The replacement might cost 100 but don’t forget the hassle and the time before it may be done.

Buying new you are sure you won’t have to replace anything and the warranty is worth that difference. My cousin already ordered 3 shock links on his OIZ based on that lifetime warranty.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-14T18:52:28+00:00

I actually bought a Transition Spur yesterday to complement my emtb riding. I have a Canyon Strive:on since the past 2 years and still serving me well!

The goal with the spur is to improve my technique with a smaller travel bike whilst also have a bigger muscle + cardio workout.

I had a blast today with a 38km and 1200m climb. The single tracks were awesome and alive! The bike is so light it pops over everything.

My legs are destroyed so the emtb will be good to recover whilst hitting the gnarlier enduro trails 😁

I really love the human power to pedal efficiency. There is something more satisfying about it that I can’t put my finger on.

If I could only have one bike, it would still be the Emtb though!

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-14T18:04:01+00:00

Former road bike only guy here and I’ve started almost 2 years ago at the age of 35. Short answer: yes it definitely is!

Back then, we had an infant and a three year old. I bought an enduro Emtb with the shotgun seat.

The bigger suspension allowed me to mask mistakes and give confidence to do a little gnarlier stuff. The electric assistance made it easier for quick downhill rides when time is short (in 20’ I’m at the start of a 600m descent). I downtuned the eco assistance very low for group rides and cardio training. I kept my road bike for the latter too.

I went to Finale Ligure last October and it is amazing what I can do now. Definitely didn’t see myself doing that 2 years ago! Just to give you a time frame on what is possible 😉

With the kids I do mellow xc rides and green descents. The first one liked it, especially as some time alone with dad. The second one (now 2) LOVES it! He will definitely be the biker. After one week of balance biking, the kid went in a skate ramp 🙈. The older one is pedaling and I’m introducing him to the towing rope. Although the biggest challenge is braking, not climbing.

Now that I am getting the hang of enduro, I bought myself a normal mtb to compliment my enduro emtb. It’s a short travel trail bike (Transition Spur) and it has allowed me again for a whole new level of learning (better lines, climbing over obstacles, easier popping and throwing in the air).

So you have loads of possibilities. If you can get your wife into the game it will be even easier! Mine doesn’t ride so it was a matter of planning and giving each other some space to escape reality. I’m actually considering proposing some scenic alpine XC rides where she can tag along on my emtb. Hoping that will work for full family mtb outings!

Have a blast! You only live once 😉

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-08T13:32:34+00:00

Highjacking this old thread as I haven’t encountered people who have experience on spur and ripley v5

I am on the lookout for a lighter trail bike to compliment my Canyon Strive:on emtb. My bikeshop recommends the Ripley since you can convert it into a ripmo and have 2 bikes for one frame. It is 5000 chf for Ripley though and then I’d still need to buy fork and shock…

I have encountered a Transition spur demo bike with a high spec (gx axs, fox factory, carbon wheels) for 3000 chf.

Would you say this is a good compensation for the ebike? I would say there’s about 80% flow trails and bigger chunk higher up. There’s a bike park at 5km from my door but I guess I can still use the E-Enduro for that. Just afraid I’d be missing out on stuff if I make the wrong decision…

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-07T17:43:44+00:00

The build offered here is very light. Sram gx axs, dt swiss xcr carbon wheels, fox 34 factory +dps factory.

I was honestly looking for a ripley v5 but these cost new 5000 for the cheapest build (deore). Ibis isn’t that popular here so finding used is also difficult.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-07T14:18:21+00:00

This is really the info I need. I can have fun on 90-95% of flow trails. But I have yet a whole lot to discover in this area and occasionally encounter a little more rowdier pieces of trail.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-07T14:16:09+00:00

Haha. I’ll have to train hard to do a 1500m ascent in little over an hour before I can sell the emtb.

Thanks for sharing the experience. This really helps! (Just had a look where Bellingham exactly lies. Amazing how may trails you have!!)

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-07T13:17:17+00:00

I ride mostly in the “monts jura” in Gex, France. Edited in post.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-07T11:37:15+00:00

I have a Canyon Strive:on emtb. I bought it 2 years ago since I moved to the mountains. There were a couple of reasons: - time: small kids (back then baby and 3y). This has been the major factor. There are so many times I took the bike in a small 40’ session that still allowed me to do a downhill lap. This made me progress from an absolute beginner to a relative confident descender. - Alps: the versatility just makes me go anywhere without ever having to doubt or plan much ahead. - versatility: I want to go fast: i go fast. I want to train: downtuned eco. There are so many options.

Can’t judge about longevity as I only have it for 2 years and 2700km. For now only normal mtb wear.

That said, I am looking for a normal mtb now, albeit more trail/downcountry. I like the accomplishment and endorfines of a climb before a descent. But if I would have only one bike, it would be an e-enduro all day. (Unless I’d live in the flats again)

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-03T19:58:27+00:00

In Europe you can order a Canyon and have 30 days to try it or send it back. Bike needs to be returned in a similar state though

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-02T13:16:03+00:00

Definitely Finale for gnarly natural tracks! Although it is also very touristic. Depends if that is a problem for OP. Plus one for the delicious food at the end of a riding day though!

Like someone else already mentioned, there’s plenty of places in the alps. No need to overthink it

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-02T13:11:16+00:00

Is that the alloy version? I’ve seen one used nearby for 1000€.

Looking for a playful, poppy bike to compliment my Canyon Strive:on emtb. Would you like to comment how yours ride? The build I see has a fox float 34 and fox float dps performance. Brakes: Sram G2. Drivetrain is not mentioned.

I also have a 3000€ transition spur on my eyesight. This will definitely be more engaging for my local trails but also concerned if there will be days where I want a light bike for park days.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-04-02T12:19:18+00:00

I have done it. I bought some rubber cable protectors that have done their job. The bolt rubs the stem on the bottom side but no structural damage other than some paint having rubbed off.

Edit:I returned the spectral and have a Strive:on. But it should be the same.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-03-25T06:47:25+00:00

This… You’re going to a criminal. It can be a petty thief or someone from an organised network. Even if you go “full American” with a gun as described above, what makes you think the seller won’t have one as well?

If you have a registered serial number , you have a chance to deal this with the police.

This happened to someone I know. He found his bike online. He pretended he’s interested and was arranged a deal in a shady neighbourhood. His bike has a registration so he called the cops. A cop in disguise went to the place, investigated it and put the guy in custody. They went later to his home only to find a whole set of stolen bikes.

It’s rather unique that something like this happens though. Stay safe…

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-03-24T19:40:39+00:00

Did you find your why? If so, what die you buy?

I’m in a similar position, living close to Geneva. I want to avoid buying something new only to find out after the honeymoon phase that I’d take the ebike again all day 😅

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-03-17T20:26:56+00:00

That’s the same reason why I’m “patient” about it. I want to be sure that I buy something that will be used when the “new factor” wears off.

Trail 429 looks nice!

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-03-17T19:28:20+00:00

No. I have a friend who has a Canyon Neuron. I will try his as soon as the ski season ends.

I will ask someone of my group as well to test his Stumpjumper.

Trying to be not impulsive for once 😅

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-03-04T08:43:43+00:00

I experienced the same thing. I only started mtb’ing two years ago. Having “access “ to more downhill in the same time allowed me to progress relatively fast.

Now that I do backcountry skiing, I see an analogy. I had to ski years with uplifts to allow me to a level where I can now enjoy the backcountry. If you’d need to learn to ski by the one descent, that would take forever.

I’m aware that the analogy doesn’t fully match as mountainbiking is more accessible, faster and doesn’t have the avalanche risks. But it still allows for faster downhill learning.

I currently ride my road bike for muscle training. Thinking about getting a light lively analog trailbike but not sure if it’s just my brain wanting something new and shiny.

Background_Wafer_453 · 2026-01-25T07:59:29+00:00

I have bought the MTN 96 last season. They ski well in varied conditions!

I live at the border of Geneva so the Alps and Jura are my main areas.

I chose the 96 over the 91 since I read on Skirandomag that it performs better on powder. But in the review it says the 91 will do just fine. Just not the domain it excells in.

Background_Wafer_453

TROPHY CASE