With a stealth appearance, hydroformed tubeset and a generous build the DiamondBack promised a lot. The Truvativ 2-piece chainset and Giga Pipe outboard bearing also didn’t go unnoticed. However, the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
Ragley Blue Pig Race (2021) first ride review
Ragley Blue Pig loves nothing more than rolling about in the dirt. The name's been recycled but there's nothing old school about this hooligan hardtail.
Yeti ARC T1: first ride review
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...
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…
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.
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.
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?
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!
Insync Riddick RD900 first ride
Sitting like a shining beacon at the top of their range is the Insync Riddick RD900. Some great kit adorning the aluminium alloy frame.