Cube has just two models in its Reaction HPA range of hardtails. The longer travel TM with a 130mm travel fork and this, the Pro, with a more XC-orientated 100mm…
Hardtail
Giant XTC SLR 29 1 hardtail review
Few bikes impress us as much as the Giant XTC SLR 29 1 has. It’s one of the best hardtail mountain bikes out there when it comes to XC racing…
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…
Trek Roscoe 6 review
Launched back in 2019, the Trek Roscoe 6 is definitely showing signs of ageing. Yes, it’s had a fresh lick of paint and some specification updates since then, the biggest…
Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29 review
The Specialized Rockhopper is a stalwart of the hardtail world, and the 29in version is well designed with an impressive spec list that almost places it amongst the best hardtail…
Whyte 429 review
You won’t find mounts for a rack or a kickstand on the Whyte 429 hardtail. That’s because it’s been designed by mountain bikers, for one thing and one thing only……
Kona Mahuna review
The latest Kona Mahuna 29er quickly proved to be the class act in the shop bought category of our best Hardtail of the Year test, 2022.From the very first pedal…
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…
Starling Roost hardtail first ride review
Is handmade really a feature? I suppose it is for an artisan baker and most definitely if you’re having a suit tailored to fit just so. But given that best…
Nukeproof Scout 290 V3 hardtail first ride review
Nukeproof has just launched the third version of the popular Scout hardtail, and it boasts more progressive geometry, two wheel size options, revised sizing and plenty more besides. But the…
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.
Orange Crush MX Pro Ltd: first ride review of new mullet hardtail
The Orange Crush MX is a mullet hardtail that combines the improved rollover of 29in up front with the extra strength and comfort of 27.5 Plus out back.
Ribble HT 725 Pro Build hardtail mountain bike review
The Ribble HT 725 has a mainframe that's UK-designed Reynolds heat-treated chromoly steel hardtail featuring slack and long geometry.
Ragley Blue Pig hardtail mountain bike review
Dedicated hardtail brand Ragley has all bases covered with the Ragley Blue Pig being the entry-level 27.5in steel offering with regular-size tyres.