With its latest hardtail - the Yeti ARC T1 - this iconic brand reimagines one of its retro classics for the modern era. If only the pricing was retro too...
£4,799.00
29er hardtail
Canyon Exceed Team CFR: first ride review
With a single-minded focus on success, Canyon’s new Exceed hardtail is aimed at vanquishing long-distance stage races, such as the Cape Epic, and blitzing short-course XC sprints. Need to know…
£5,349.00
Merida Big Trail 600 gets 29in wheels: first ride review
The Merida Big Trail 600 is the eerily quiet new hardtail from Merida, with 29in wheels, modern geometry and some delicious little details.
£1,500.00
Scott Scale 920 review
If you’re after a cross country race hardtail with a proven track record, then look no further than the Scott Scale 920.
£2,199.00
Score
Mondraker Chrono Carbon R review
From the very first pedal stroke, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon R felt purposeful, poised and precise, instantly reacting to the most subtle of rider inputs.
£2,399.00
Score
Trek Procaliber 9.7 review
The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.
£2,250.00
Score
Norco Torrent S2 review
Slender steel tubing gives the Norco Torrent S2 a distinctly retro look. But make no mistake; this is a thoroughly modern 29er trail hardtail.
£1,845.00
Score
Specialized Fuse Expert 29 review
The new Specialized Fuse Expert 29 lends a lightweight alloy frame with 29in wheels and a 130mm fork. Ther most aggro trail hardtail.
£1,649.00
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Voodoo Bizango Carbon: first ride review
The acclaimed Bizango has a carbon stablemate but can Voodoo conjure up another classic? Read our first ride review of the Voodoo Bizango Carbon.
£1,000.00
Voodoo Bizango 29
Voodoo Bizango is the winning bike from 2018 and nothing has changed, not even the price, although it's supposed to be £670 but pricing seems pretty fluid.
£650.00
Score
Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS: first ride review
The latest Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS is their top-flight XC bike that cuts weight to the bone but how tough is it on the rider?
£7,999.00
Orange Clockwork Evo 29 S review
The Orange Clockwork is something of a stalwart in the Orange hardtail range, but the latest EVO version brings this timeless classic bang up-to-date.
£1,700.00
Score
Specialized Fuse Comp review
Billed as an out and out trail bike, the Specialized Fuse Comp sees Specialized back at the sharp end of hardtails. What’s new? Everything really!
£1,299.00
Saracen Zenith Pro review
With its double-butted aluminium frame, the Saracen Zenith Pro is one of the lightest bikes in the whole 2019 Hardtail of the Year test.
£699.99
Score
Kona Mahuna review
Kona Mahuna doesn’t feel as bomber as the Shred, it’s just as much fun to ride with great shape, excellent standover and a lively and forgiving ride.
£749.00
Score
Cannondale Trail 5 review
The Cannondale Trail 5 is a new addition to the £750 category and features a Smartform aluminium frame, which is one of the most comfortable here.
£699.99
Score
Scott Aspect 930 review
At the heart of the Scott Aspect 930 is a lightweight aluminium frame making this one of the lightest bikes in the Sub-£750 Hardtail of the Year test.
£699.99
Score
Calibre Rake review
Though all of the bikes in the sub £500 category L, the Calibre Rake is by far the biggest; and not simply because it has 29in wheels and meaty WTB
£450.00
Score
Trek Marlin 6 review
The first of two 29er to make it into the sub 500 category, the Trek Marlin 6 certainly didn't behave like a fish out of water.
£499.99
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Norco Storm 4 review
The Norco Storm 4 is our only 29er on test and as such it gets off to a good start, rolling over rough ground more easily than the 27.5in wheel
£350.00
Score