This contender for Trail Bike of the Year 2008, initially wasn't going to be considered because it is well below our target price point of £2000. However, closer inspection of the spec suggested that it could easily hold its own.

We've narrowed down this wide-open category to just six promising finalists from Cannondale, Commençal, Cube, Felt, Lapierre, Orange and Tomac. With a budget of £2000, which bike will stand out as the ultimate ride of 2008?