Montesa 4RIDE £6299
258.9cc, four-stroke, 85kg, 880mm seat
Based on the Cota 4RT trials bike, it boasts a seat and road fripperies, but will still climb like a mountain goat.
Sherco X-Ride £4999
272cc, two-stroke, 92.8kg, 860mm seat
With one wheel in the trials camp, the other in the enduro camp, it’s the most genetically ambiguous of the three.
KTM Freeride 250R £5999
249cc, two-stroke, 92.5kg, 915mm seat
With its roots embedded in enduro, the Freeride feels best suited to faster trails and climbs, and less extreme terrain.
It’s a fantastic moment that never seems to lose its appeal – the post-mounted green rectangle with white lettering that reads ‘Byway’ creeps into view, one end pointing casually to the turning where your front wheel crosses that ragged transition from tarmac…