Leaderboard: Trail hardtails 2021 - carefree fun machines
Why a hardtail for the trail?
Trails are now the territory of full-suspension mountain bikes. Even in the marathon and cross-country segment, where hardtails once dominated, fullys can be found almost without exception. But: Mountain bikes with a rigid rear are far from obsolete, because they also have tangible advantages. The less complex frames are usually not only lighter and cheaper than their full-suspension counterparts, they also require significantly less maintenance. By doing without a damper and no joints, bearings and the like in the rear triangle, there is nothing that can wear out, squeak or break. This is one of the reasons why frequent drivers keep their fullies in the garage over the winter – in favor of the hardtail.
Ordinary hardtails are usually inspired by the well-known XC and marathon bikes and bring a corresponding orientation with them - little spring travel, geometry designed more for propulsion and attachments optimized for weight rather than suitability for trails. Even if such bikes are still very successful and cut an excellent figure in everyday life, they are only of limited use as a real "replacement" for the fully. The situation is different with trail hardtails: Both in terms of geometry and equipment, these often correspond to what you would expect from a fully with 140 mm spring travel or more - except for the rigid rear.
Of course, depending on the trail, you have to slow down your downhill speed a bit on the hardtail. But modern geometries, comfortable frames, good tires and powerful suspension forks allow a lot of trail fun - without a rear suspension. This limitation can also be an advantage: You can rediscover trails that you know inside out in a fully. A hardtail forces you to choose a more precise line and presents you with completely new challenges.
The better all-rounders?
We would even go one step further and ask whether a trail hardtail might not be the better all-rounder - compared to most other MTB hardtails that you will find on the market. Because hand on heart, anyone who buys a hardtail for sporty use is usually looking for a cheap, carefree bike that you can have fun on the trail with, but also take a tour under the studded tires. A trail hardtail offers an exciting compromise here: Thanks to the modern geometries and the choice of components, the handling on the trail is much smoother and the bikes are much more forgiving of riding errors. This is particularly interesting for those who are new to MTB but simply cannot or do not want to afford a fully (yet?).
The compromises that you have to make for more trail suitability are kept within narrow limits. The Trail HTs are usually a few euros more expensive, yes. Also a few grams heavier – true. For us, however, this is - depending on the area of application - absolutely negligible and is in proportion to the great advantages.
Trail hardtail is not trail hardtail
The category of trail hardtails is as diverse as it is: the concepts behind it range from the classy enduro bike without suspension to the XC bike with a little more suspension travel and a retractable seat post. Here it is important to think carefully about the intended area of application before making a purchase and to make a decision accordingly. Of course there are also all-rounders who are in the middle of the extreme poles. Due to this wide range, we have also decided, contrary to our regular procedure, not to use percentage ratings in this list of the best and instead to classify the bikes according to their areas of use.
Canyon Grand Canyon 9 review: Proven driving characteristics and top equipment
Test: On paper, the Canyon Grand Canyon 9 convinces with very high-quality equipment at a fair price and a universal overall concept between tour and trail. Is the balancing act successful? Canyon Grand Canyon 9: the facts Frame material: aluminum Suspension travel: 120 mm Wheel size: 29 inches (27,5″ in XS/S) Weight: 13,43 kg Price: 1.749 euros The Grand […]
Orange Crush Pro review: Fun trail predator
Test: Over in the UK, trail hardtails have long since become mainstream. Of course, the guys from Orange Bikes also have a few models in their range - for example the Crush. With 150 mm and lively 650b wheels, it should provide a lot of fun on the trail. Orange Crush Pro: The Facts Frame Material: […]
Rennstahl 853 MTB Trail tested: Versatile, elegant and customizable
Test: The Rennstahl 853 MTB Trail is an exclusive trail bike with a very nice steel frame and a wide range of uses. Since you can assemble the equipment yourself using a modular system, you get an individual, convincing overall package, which, however, also has its price. Rennstahl 853 MTB Trail: The facts Frame material: Steel Suspension travel: 120 mm - 140 mm Wheel size: […]
Cube ReactionTM under test: Hardtail concept for success
Test: With the Trailmotion version of their successful hardtail, Cube has an attractive, fun hardtail in its range at a really attractive price. Will the Cube Reaction TM concept also work in practice? Cube Reaction TM: The facts Frame material: aluminum Suspension travel: 130 mm Wheel size: 29 inches Price: 1.169 euros The “Trailmotion” models in the Cube range have […]
Cannondale Trail SE 1 on test: Innovative and comfortable trail hardtail
Test: With the Trail SE 1, Cannondale has really hit the jackpot. At a really attractive price you get a very versatile hardtail with a well thought-out frame and solid equipment without any major blunders. Cannondale Trail SE 1: The facts Frame material: Aluminum Suspension travel: 120 mm Wheel size: 29 inches Weight: 14,04 kg Price: 1.499 euros The Trail […]
Testing Marin El Roy: Enduro with rigid tail
Test: full throttle! The new Marin El Roy is an aggressive trail hardtail with a steel frame, where the Californians have gone to the limit in terms of both geometry and equipment. The result is maximum trail performance. Marin El Roy: The facts Frame material: Steel Travel: 140 mm Wheel size: 29 inches Weight: 14,85 kg Price: 2.799 euros [...]
Merida Big.Trail 600 on test: Successful hardtail with many faces
Test: With the Big.Trail, Merida is launching an enormously versatile trail hardtail that, on the one hand, scores with convincing equipment and progressive geometry, but whose frame also has features for everyday pilots and bikepackers. Merida Big.Trail 600: the facts Frame material: aluminum Suspension travel: 140 mm Wheel size: 29 inches Price: 1.599 euros The Big.Trail is a […]
Radon Cragger 8.0 in review: All-round concept at a great price
Test: Behind the inconspicuous facade of the Radon Cragger 8.0 hides a classy, versatile and excellently equipped trail hardtail. You can read in the test how the bike from the Bonn-based mail-order company fares on the trail. Radon Cragger 8.0: the facts Frame material: aluminum Suspension travel: 130 mm Wheel size: 29 inches Weight: 13,22 kg Price: 1.699 euros With the Cragger […]