The Best Mountain Bikes and MTB Products of 2016 – Readers’ Choice Awards

Components Drivetrain Group: Shimano XT Shimano XT again takes the #1 spot for the drivetrain of choice, but for 2016 the top-voted drivetrain configuration is 1×11–a big change from the dominant 2×10 configuraiton just last year. While 1×11 has been out for a long time now, it appears that just this year it has finally gained …

By Greg Heil
September 19, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

6 comments

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Components

Drivetrain Group: Shimano XT

Shimano XT again takes the #1 spot for the drivetrain of choice, but for 2016 the top-voted drivetrain configuration is 1×11–a big change from the dominant 2×10 configuraiton just last year. While 1×11 has been out for a long time now, it appears that just this year it has finally gained a majority hold on mountain bikers at large. Perhaps all it took was Shimano trickling their 1×11 tech down into XT and SLX?

Shimano XT M786 Direct Mount Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur
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Maxxis High Roller II Dual Compound EXO Folding Tire, 27.5-Inch x 2.3-Inch
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6 Comments

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Joel DH
Sep 19, 2016

Anybody surprised that Specialized won 3 out of the five categories? I'm certainly not.

0 reply

mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Sep 19, 2016

Not surprised on Specialized at all. I'd love to get my hands on an 2016 Enduro someday ... day dreaming taking over ... But then again, it seems this year there are so many quality bikes out there. I guess you have to ride a bunch and see which one is best for you especially in the fit. I know a lot of people have liked Trek bikes over the years, so no offense to them, but every time I throw a leg over one, it just doesn't seem to do it for me.

k2rider California // 2013
Sep 19, 2016

Yes and no.

Yes....because where I live in SoCal and we have a plethora of bike shops all over the place with every brand imaginable, I definitely don't see the proliferation of Specialized and Trek's you night see elsewhere in the country. I know when I travel around the country where bike shops are far less common, it seems that said shops are more likely to carry either the Specialized or Trek bike line-up. I now in our loose group of 12-15 regulars, we have (5) Santa Cruz riders (4 on 27.5's and 1 29er), 3-4 that ride Trek Remedy 29er's and then a variety of other bikes. We have (1) guy that rides a 3 year old Specialized Enduro.

No....because they are mega bike companies, especially Specialized who have marketed their brand well and as I mentioned above, seem to "own" the markets where there are fewer (or maybe only one) shops. Obviously due to what I assume is a contractual issue, those shops then carry what seems like 98% Specialized shoes, helmets & clothing on top of Specialized tires, tubes and even bike pumps.

Joel DH
Sep 20, 2016

Yeah, I'm going to buy a used Enduro from pinkbike.com this year. The Enduro rocks man! I also agree on the Trek comment for me too, there is just something about the top tube length: they run short on Treks.

Bill in Broken Arrow Oklahoma // 2013
Sep 23, 2016

No best post-ride beer? What?

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Sep 23, 2016

Yes, we need to add that one next year! However, just as Specialized won so many bike categories, the beer category will probably be dominated by good but not great beers. The last time we asked readers for their favorite beer, the top 3 were Fat Tire, Guinness, and Sam Adams Lager.

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/uncategorized/mountain-bikers-we-like-beer/

The Best Mountain Bikes and MTB Products of 2016 – Readers’ Choice Awards

Components

Drivetrain Group: Shimano XT

The Other #1 Components in Each Category for 2016:

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