Sonder Signal need to know Handmade 4130 steel frame with size-specific chainstays and up-to-date trail geometry Cane Creek Helm air fork upgrade comes with a 35mm chassis and 130mm travel…
29er hardtail
Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp review
Who is the Epic hardtail for? That’s the question I posed to the product manager responsible for Specialized’s XC race bikes. His response was both honest and telling. “It’s for…
Voodoo Bizango Pro review
Since winning our 2022 Hardtail of the Year award, life has been good for the Voodoo Bizango Pro. So good, that the only thing that’s changed is the price has…
Canyon Stoic 2 review
If you’ve been following our Hardtail of the Year test, you’re probably wondering why the Canyon Stoic 2 wasn’t in the mix. And the answer is simple. It didn’t arrive…
On One Scandal SX review
Right now, On One offers several complete hardtail options at under £1,000, including the steel-framed Big Dog and Huntsman, but this is On One’s only offering made from aluminium. Before…
Jamis Highpoint A2 review
Jamis bills the Highpoint A2 as a true all rounder and it’s easy to see why. With big 29in wheels to roll over bumps better and a 120mm travel coil-sprung…
Vitus Nucleus 29 VR review
Head over to the Vitus website and you could be forgiven for thinking that you’re seeing double. You’re not, it’s simply that Vitus offers the Nucleus VR with either 27.5in…
Ragley Big Wig Race first ride review
For 2023, Ragley has made some minor modifications to the Big Wig platform. It’s still a hard-hitting 29er trail bike with a robust 4130 steel frame, but the angles and…
Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite review
The Nukeproof Scout started life as a burly, dirt jump/4-cross bike. But over the years the Scout has broadened its horizons, maturing into a capable trail bike, without ever losing…
Sonder Signal Ti GX Eagle with Pike Upgrade first ride review
British brand Sonder creates a well-curated line of bikes, spanning road, gravel and mountain bike. The Sonder Signal Ti GX Eagle is an updated version of its popular hardtail, built…
Cervelo ZHT-5 Race first ride review
While mountain bike brands are jumping shark to launch new gravel models and tap into a new market for dirt bikes, renowned road bike marque, Cervelo, is swimming against the…
Cube Attention SL first ride review
For a hardtail mountain bike that’s had a very recent overhaul, the 2022 Cube Attention SL manages to keep one foot firmly planted in the past. Yes, it has a…
Kona Honzo (2022) review
Long, low and slack was a phrase rarely used in 2012 when the original steel Honzo was launched with the aim of becoming the best hardtail on sale. But with…
Merida Big Trail 600 (2022) review
The last time we lined up Merida’s Big Trail in a bike test against the best hardtails on the market it was quite a different machine. All models rolled on…
Nukeproof Scout 290 Comp review
One look at the Nukeproof website and you’ll notice there’s a strong focus on trail, enduro and DH riding, with a range of bikes that look very fit for purpose.…
Whyte 629 V4 review
Whyte’s reputation for producing the best trail and enduro bikes is second to none. This UK brand’s design team doesn’t seem to sit still, constantly refining dimensions, geometry, and specs.…
On-One’s Hello Dave first ride review
On-One’s Hello Dave is a radical hardtail with a wild backstory. With a 62º head angle and stretched 1295mm wheelbase on the size L, it puts the 29in front wheel…
Voodoo Braag £550 hardtail mountain bike review
Voodoo Braag is the new entry-level hardtail from Halfords, now with the same frame as the Bizango – our Hardtail of the Year winner.
Voodoo Bizango 2022: first ride review of £750 hardtail
Voodoo’s dark arts continue, with the latest version of the multiple-award winning Voodoo Bizango representing crazy value for money.
Stif Squatch Pro: first ride review
Stif Squatch Pro is a progressive hardtail with a steel frame and super-low bottom bracket height, 29in wheels with 2.6in tyres enhance grip and comfort.