The six best bikes I spotted at Ard Rock 2025, from Zerode’s belted downhill bike to a modernist retro trail bike from Manitou and Gamux

At the recent Ard Rock 2025 event, MBR magazine highlighted six particularly noteworthy mountain bikes, showcasing a blend of innovation and heritage. Among the standouts were Zerode's belt-driven G3 downhill machine, a modernist retro trail bike from the collaboration between Gamux and Manitou, and Yeti's striking 40th Anniversary Edition ASR. Also featured were Merida's Big 9 10K, Orange's Stage 6, and Charlie Hatton’s World Championship-winning Atherton A200.

This curated selection from Ard Rock underscores a fascinating dichotomy within the mountain bike industry: the relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technology, exemplified by Zerode’s unique drivetrain or Gamux/Manitou’s avant-garde design, alongside a deep appreciation for brand legacy and proven performance, as seen with Yeti’s commemorative model and Orange’s enduring platform. Hatton’s Atherton, meanwhile, serves as a potent reminder that ultimate performance often dictates design, even amidst a sea of innovation.

Ard Rock’s showcase confirms that while some push boundaries, others refine the familiar. The industry, it seems, is perfectly content catering to both the futurists and the traditionalists, often simultaneously.