Product news / MTB: Light, robust, low-maintenance - hardtails are still an exciting bike category in 2021 and not only interesting for racers among trail fans. Fun MTBs with more suspension travel and modern geometry are now a real alternative to the fully. We present the best hardtail mountain bikes of 2021!
The most exciting (e)bikes for 2021 in 17 categories
As part of our 2020/2021 readers' poll, we nominated and compiled ten particularly exciting bikes in 17 different bike categories. Are you looking for a new bike for this season? Then you should definitely take a look at our list:
[blog template=”templates/list-loop.php” posts_per_page=”35″ taxonomy=”post_tag” tax_term=”44074″]The 10 best hardtail mountain bikes of 2021
Specialized Epic Hardtail
The Epic Hardtail from Specialized is a superlative bike in 2021 as well. At under 800g, the frame of the S-Works model is the lightest of a production MTB without sacrificing stiffness. Unfortunately, at just under 10.000 euros, the top model is also a superlative in financial terms. But: In the other, significantly cheaper model variants, apart from a little extra weight, you don't have to do without the undisputed racing qualities of the Epic hardtail.
Price: 2.399 euros – 9.999 euros
More information about the Epic Hardtail directly from Specialized
Bull's Bushmaster
It doesn't always have to be the finest, most expensive, or lightest thing to earn a nomination in our readers' poll. We are also enthusiastic about bikes like the Bulls Bushmaster 29, which offer excellent value for money. With the Bushmaster, you get a high-quality carbon frame that is not only visually based on the World Cup-tested Black Adder from the same company, but also has the same race-ready geometry. Combined with consistently solid components and add-on parts, you get race performance at a bargain price.
Price: 1.599 euros – 1.999 euros
Bra Ultimate Evo
With a frame weight of less than 850g, BH Bikes from Spain probably has one of the lightest high-end hardtails in its range with the Ultimate Evo. The weight is only a fraction of what makes the Basque bike a loyal companion for the pros around XC legend Carlos Coloma. The geometry optimized for the demanding terrain of the World Cup with extremely short chainstays and a flat steering angle plays a role here, as does the comfortable rear triangle.
Price: 3.299 euros – 6.999 euros
Merida Big.Nine CF
Many years of World Cup experience at the highest level have gone into the development of the Merida Big.Nine. With very high stiffness values, especially in the bottom bracket area, and geometry trimmed for propulsion, it should be one of the fastest hardtails in terms of acceleration. However, to keep a cool head off-road, Merida has prepared all Big.Nine carbon frames for the installation of a retractable seat post.
Price: 2.599 euros – 5.799 euros
BMC Twostroke 01
High end for everyone! The concept of the newly introduced BMC Twostroke could be something like this. Instead of following the seemingly irresistible “lighter, stiffer, more expensive” race hardtail dogma, the Confederates opted for a fresh approach. The light, but at the same time very robust frame has a balanced geometry that is just as good on the racetrack as it is on the trails at home.
Price: 2.499 euros – 3.999 euros
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Cube Elite C:68X
With the C:68X, Cube was able to further improve the already more than convincing C:68 carbon frame of the predecessor. With the same high level of rigidity, the weight has been reduced by 15% and comfort has been improved. Remarkable: The same frame is used on the "entry-level model" for just under 3.000 euros as on the premium SLT variant. Only the grandiose special paint finish is reserved for the top model this season.
Price: 2.999 euros – 5.999 euros
Scott Scale RC
For many years, the Scott Scale has stood for lightweight high-end hardtails. A frame weight of less than 1.000g, outstanding comfort thanks to a clever frame construction and details such as the integrated attachment of the thru-axle to the rear triangle ensure that nothing will change this season. Especially on the top model, the noble bike also scores with the Syncros add-on parts - be it the integrated carbon cockpit or the Silverton wheelset.
Price: 2.999 euros – 6.999 euros
Ghost Lector SF
Hardtails all look the same? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! The Ghost Lector SF goes its own way. However, the seatstays, which curve downwards, also fulfill an important function: the rear triangle can absorb shocks and vibrations. Thanks to the SuperFit geometry, not only the dimensions of the bike grow with the frame sizes, but also those of the attachments - right down to the spring travel on the fork. Another highlight: The fully integrated dropper post from EightPins.
Price: 2.499 euros – 6.999 euros
Corratec Revo Bow
As early as the 90s, Corratec caused a stir with its bow-design hardtails. The frame, curved like an arch, was not only visually unique, but also ensured extremely high rigidity values at a low weight. With the new Revo Bow, the manufacturer from Upper Bavaria brings the concept into the present - now of course made of carbon, but with the well-known qualities of the frame design: low weight, high rigidity and an unmistakable look.
Price: 1.999 euros – 8.999 euros
Giant XTC Advanced SL
For this season, Giant has put its top hardtail on a proper diet. The new SL frame is significantly lighter than that of its predecessor, but it can still take a lot. Not only the more trail-oriented geometry is responsible for this, but also Giant's own technologies such as the Megadrive down tube. With its square cross-section and large diameter, it achieves excellent rigidity values despite its low wall thickness.
Price: 4.399 euros – 6.999 euros