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?
Hardtail
Whyte 905 V2
Whyte has been at the forefront of hardtail development for as long as we can remember. This Whyte 905 V2 looks set to rack up test wins and awards.
Calibre Two Cubed
The Calibre Two Cubed is the Go Outdoors own-brand's latest bike. The Two Cubed is dominant in the hardtail arena as £1k Bossnut is in full suspension.
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.
Vitus Nucleus VR
What can we say about the Vitus Nucleus 27 VR that’s not been said? As winner of this test four years in a row, its accolades say everything.
Vitus Sentier 275 VR
Successfully defending its 2018 title, the handsome Vitus Sentier 27 VR defies its sub £1,000 price point with the best spec, geometry and overall finish.
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.
Saracen Mantra Elite LSL review
The new Saracen Mantra Elite LSL is longer, slacker and lower than its predecessor, but how does it stack up against the competition?
Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp review
The Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp has seen a lot of development. Its low-slung profile remains, but the bike has been stretched to a more generous cockpit.
Ribble HT Ti: first ride review
The Ribble HT Ti is Ribble Cycles' first mountain bike in 20 years and it blends the old and the new with classic titanium tubes and modern geometry.
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!
Jamis Dakar A2 review
This year, Jamis has upped the stakes. The price of the entry-level Jamis Dakar A2 has crept up by £100 and Jamis has made some key revisions to the spec.
Best Hardtail Mountain Bike 2019: best reviewed mountain bikes under £375, £500, £750 and £1000
We’ve rounded up the best hardtail mountain bikes at £350, £500, £750 and £1,000, read on to find out who came out on top in the definitive test.
Nukeproof Scout 275 Sport review
The Nukeproof Scout 275 Sport's slack head angle and long wheelbase gives it stacks of stability when the going gets steep and rough.
Ragley Marley 2.0 review
Absent from last year’s test after taking top honours in 2016 and pushing close in 2017, the Ragley Marley is back with a bang for 2019.
Sonder Transmitter NX1 Recon review
With slackest head angle, longest reach and shortest stem, the Sonder Transmitter is built for bombing, inspiring confidence to fully attack descents.
Decathlon Rockrider AM 100 HT review
French outdoor pursuits supermarket, Decathlon, has listened to what the British rider wants and delivered this, the Decathlon Rockrider AM 100 HT.
Merida Big Trail 400 review
Rocking a burly 34mm Suntour fork, and rolling on the biggest, stickiest rubber on test, the Merida Big Trail 400 feels solid and well built.
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.
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.