Bike test: Pinnacle Photon full suspension mountain bike 2025

When Evans Cycles partnered with Cycling UK to launch the ‘Recommended by Cycling UK’ product range, the aim was simple: to help everyday riders make confident, informed choices.

Rather than reviewing the fanciest and flashiest bikes, the partnership focuses on affordable, reliable cycles and kit that work for everyone. When the opportunity came to test one of the first bikes in the range – the Photon full-suspension mountain bike – my curiosity was captured.

Coming from a background in bikepacking and gravel riding, I was interested to see how a true trail bike compared. The Photon sits at the entry-level end of the MTB spectrum, but with modern geometry, quality suspension and a full alloy frame, it promises far more than its £899 price tag might suggest.

Frame and fork

The frame is built from 6061 alloy, which gave me a solid and confident feel when riding the bike. The internal cable routing keeps things neat, and there’s provision for a dropper post, though the curved downtube might complicate things if you’re adding one later – worth double-checking compatibility first.

Up front, the Suntour XCM32 fork delivers 120mm of travel, matched to a Suntour Raidon Lo-Air shock at the rear. The suspension feels fluid and soft once dialled in, soaking up trail chatter and smoothing the sort of lumpy surfaces that send my gravel bike skittering.

It took a little while to get everything tuned for my weight, but I learnt a lot in the process – and found myself riding with far more confidence by the end of the month.

Components and setup

The Photon’s Shimano Cues 1×9 drivetrain offers a wide 11-46 t range: simple, reliable and easy to service. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver decent stopping power, even in wet weather, while the WTB Trail Boss 29 × 2.25 tyres grip confidently through roots, mud and gravel.

At first, I was a bit daunted by the extra-wide handlebars (780mm), but they quickly proved transformative. The handling felt more and more stable.

By the end of the month, I could predict the bike far more easily and I was incredibly sure footed, especially on twisty singletrack where the Photon’s geometry encourages you to trust the front end and lean into corners.

The bike isn’t light, but the weight can work in its favour: lending durability and a planted feel that encourages you to push harder. And when you’re pedalling to the trails rather than driving – something we always advocate at Cycling UK – it’s a bonus to have lock-out controls on the suspension.

Flicking them off for the descents brings back that plush, forgiving feel in an instant and I was genuinely shocked by how easy it is to do while riding.

On the trails

Over several weeks of testing in all sorts of weather, the Photon impressed me most in the mud. The tyres clear well, traction remains steady, and the suspension keeps you glued to the trail when conditions turn slippery.

On dry, faster sections, it rolls efficiently, helped by those 29-inch wheels and the compact rear triangle.

Out on proper trail loops, the Photon really came into its own. Once I’d gained confidence and learnt to trust the suspension, I found myself leaning deeper into berms and corners, enjoying the flow in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

The wide bars and stable geometry make it easy to commit to turns, and the suspension keeps the tyres planted even when the surface changes mid-corner.

The more time I spent on it, the more the bike revealed its personality: easy going, capable and confident. It’s forgiving when you make mistakes, but lively enough to reward good technique – an ideal blend for anyone moving up from a hardtail or drop-bar setup.

I didn’t take the bike off any jumps – that’s still beyond my current skillset – but it’s clear that the potential is there. The frame feels sturdy and composed when you pump through rollers or drop off small ledges, and it gives the sense that it could handle more as your technique develops.

For a first full-suspension bike, that’s a huge confidence boost: it encourages you to push a little harder, without ever feeling out of your depth.

Verdict

The Photon proves that you don’t need to spend thousands to experience the fun of a full-suspension trail bike. For £899, you get a modern frame, good suspension, and great handling that flatters newcomers.

It’s a great first full-suspension MTB, durable enough for year-round use and smartly equipped for those who want to ride to the trails rather than load up the car.

Coming from the world of gravel, I was surprised by how familiar it still felt. The Photon proves you don’t need carbon frames or pro-level gear to enjoy the ride. You just need a bit of curiosity, and a willingness to get muddy.

Other options

Grand Canyon AL 5 £749

Durable aluminium-framed MTB with 120mm of travel and plenty of mounting points for mudguards and bags.

Carrera Titan X 2025 Mountain Bike £1,150 (currently on sale for £850)

Available from Halfords, this full-suspension alloy-frame MTB has a front fork with 130mm of travel and a dropper post.

First published in October 2025. All information correct at time of publishing.