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The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes 202

Hardtail bikes are pure mountain machines; what sets them apart from other bikes is the fact that they have a front suspension but no rear suspension. Since they are lighter, simpler, more durable, and less expensive than regular bikes, hardtail mountain bikes are ideal for cross country and trail riding. 

Hardtail Mountain bikes work in a simple manner. The absence of a rear suspension increases pedaling efficiency and reduces mechanical complexity. It also makes the bikes lighter and transfers a rider’s power output better when climbing a flat trail or jeep track. Unlike normal bikes, the pivot bearings don’t need to be changed often. 

Hardtail Mountain Bike Buying Guide 

While searching for a hardtail mountain bike keep the following factors in mind: 

1. Price 

Hardtail bikes have a simpler design than full-suspension bikes. The simpler design allows manufacturers to either reduce the bike’s overall price or include better components. 

2. Weight 

A hardtail frame is generally lighter than a full suspension frame because it does not have pivots, linkages, and a shock. For riders who do a lot of climbing, weight saving can make a difference to your rides. Go for a hardtail bike with carbon fiber frames as they have the best strength-to-weight ratio of any material. One of the best bikes as per the strength-to-weight ratio is the Santa Cruz Highball. 

3. Fork 

The fork is one of the most important parts of the build-in-a-hardtail bike. The fork size will depend on the type of bike you need. For example, cross-country bikes have a fork size of 80mm while trail hardtails like the Salsa Timberjack NX Eagle 29 have forks with 130mm. 

4. Wheel size 

Hardtails come with many wheel sizes and gear options. Sizes range from 27.5 to 29 inches and in some hardtails, several wheels and tire sizes can be used to suit your ride. A unique feature of hardtail bikes is that they can be converted into single tail setups, so if simplicity is what you are looking for then go for a bike that employs adjustable dropouts or eccentric bottom brackets to tension the chain without a derailleur. 

5. Tire Volume 

The larger the tire size and the higher the air volume, the more comfortable the ride. By increasing the rear tire size and allowing additional air volume, the tire acts as a marginal suspension intermediary. Keep in mind that to run a larger rear tire you’ll need a wider chain and seat stay spacing.

6. Seat tube diameter 

The seat tube diameter also determines the comfort level of the bike. The larger your seat tube diameter is, the harsher the ride quality will be seated on a fixed seat post. If you are going to roll big mileage and prefer a fixed seat post to save weight, the compliance of a 27.2mm tube diameter frame is ideal. Whereas, if you’re going for a more balanced riding experience then you’ll need a 30.9- or 31.6mm frame. 

7. Maintenance and durability 

Fewer moving parts and higher-quality parts mean that the bike will need lower maintenance. Moreover, the absence of a shock and rear suspension increases the durability of the bike as it requires less maintenance and fewer replacement parts.

8. Ride quality 

A hardtail bike is more responsive than a dual suspension bike when pedaling, mainly because it doesn’t have a rear suspension- this creates a more efficient-feeling pedaling platform, so acceleration feels more immediate.

Hardtail Mountain Bike Reviews 2020

Here are some of the best mountain bikes available in the market. 

Best Aggressive Hardtail 

1. Cannondale F-Si World Cup Hi-MOD

Check Cannondale F-Si Hi-MOD on Rutland Cycling

Pros	Cons
Smooth ride quality	Proprietary rear-wheel dishing makes compatibility more complicated
One of the best XC suspension forks available
Affordable

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The Cannondale F-Si World Cup Hi-MOD is a very unique and innovative bike. Built from BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, the bike weighs 900g. The bike comes with built-in SAVE micro flex zones into the seat tube for absorption and Ai Offset rear triangle for impact absorption when standing during descents or seated pedaling, which helps in reducing fatigue. Moreover, the bike also uses a proprietary Ai Offset rear end which gives the F-Si a short 427mm chainstay for an agile ride quality without sacrificing tire clearance or front gearing options. It also features 100mm of tunable and plush travel and is controlled with a cable lockout. A 55mm offset is also part of Cannondale’s Out Front steering geometry for stability. 

Key Features:

• Weight: 8.8kg 
• Size: SM, MD, LG, XL 
• Travel: 100mm 
• Head angle: 69° 
• Seat angle: 73.1°

2. Rocky Mountain Growler 50

Check Rocky Mountain 50 on The Bike Show

Pros	Cons
Stable at high speeds and when ridden hard	Long-wheelbase makes the bike difficult to handle in tough spaces
Enduro-race geometry	Technical climbing is difficult
Ripping tires

Rating:

4/5 

Product Description: 

If you’re in the mood to bike at high speeds in rowdy terrain then the Rocky Mountain Growler should be your go-to bike. Not only is this bike longer than average bikes, but it is also extremely stable, even on very steep terrains. The build kit was highlighted by some meaty 2.6-inch WTB tires that have a hard-charging attitude to match the bike’s outlook. The steep seat tube makes ascending very comfortable. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29″ 
• Weight: 31 lbs 3 oz
• Head angle: 64 degrees 
• Seat angle: 75 degrees 

Best Hardtail 29er

1. Vitus Sentier 29 VRX

Check Vitus Sentier 29 on Wiggle

Pros	Cons
Affordable	The crankset is notably lower spec than the rest of the bike
Smooth ride	Only come in gold or silver
Great construction

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

Not only is this bike extremely affordable, but it is also extremely robust and stable, making it ideal for trails. Designed with modern trail geometry, and 130mm of travel from a Fox 34 Rhythm fork, keep the bike up to speed. The bike is also equipped with the  Shimano brakes to bring the bike to a stop using four-pot XT brakes, and the XT rear derailleur leads up an SLX 12-speed drivetrain. The bike is easy to maintain as well with outer cable routing and a threaded bottom bracket shell.

Key Features:

• Weight: 13.35kg 
• Size: M, L, XL
• Travel: 130mm 
• Head angle: 66.5° 
• Seat angle: 73°

2. Orange P7 R 29

Check Orange P7 R29 on Sunset Cycles

Pros	Cons
Long, slack, and low for agro trail riding	Very heavy
Smooth ride
British heritage and Limited Lifetime Crash Replacement

Rating:

4/5 

Product Description:

The Orange P7 29 is one of the oldest hardtail bikes available in the market. This bike is made for some of the most hardcore trails. Orange has stuck with tradition and built the P7 from Reynolds 525 for a forgiving twangier ride attributed to the steel frame. Even when the track gets intense, the bike remains stable. The P7 comes with clearance for 29×2.6in or 27.5×3.0in tires as well as a 27.5 version of the P7.

Key Features:

• Weight: Unpublished 
• Size: M, L, XL 
• Travel: 140mm 
• Head angle: 65° 
• Seat angle: 74°

3. Trek Stache 9.7

Check Trek Stache 9.7 on Trek

Pros	Cons
Trek’s lightest 29er hardtail	Little clunky
120mm Rockshox Pike Select fork
3-inch tires

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The Trek Stache is the ideal bike for a fast ride- it has 3 inch wide tires and 29-inch wheels that can handle long gravel rides and fast singletrack. The carbon frame is very lightweight and comes with high-end components such as RockShox Pike fork and SRAM GX Eagle shifters and derailleur. To make the bike more maneuverable it has a 420mm chainstay. 

Key Features: 

• Weight: Unpublished 
• Size: M, L, XL 
• Travel: 140mm 
• Head angle: 68.4 degrees 
• Seat angle: °
• Wheel size: 29 inches 

Best Trail Bikes 

1. BMC Team Elite 01

Check BMC Team Elite 01 on Vital MTB

Pros	Cons
Pliant ride quality for a hardtail	Not everyone appreciates the micro-travel seat
Low stand-over height
Great construction

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The BMC Team Elite 01 can be classified as a soft tail bike due to the presence of BMC’s micro-travel seat stays. This bike features an oversized seat stay to seat tube junction, as well as an elastomer damper which adds 15mm of terrain absorption to the rear triangle. This bike also has a low stand-over height, meaning that you can get your weight lower and more centered when flicking the bike through switchbacks.

Key Features:

• Weight: 10.18kg 
• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Travel: 100mm 
• Head angle: 70° 
• Seat angle: 73.5°

2. Marin Pine Mountain 2 2020

Check Marin Pine Mountain 2 on Simple Bike Store

Pros	Cons
Comfortable steel frame	Very heavy
The geometry makes the ride smooth	Weak tire specification
Myriad frame mount

Rating:

3.7/5  

Product Description:

The Marine Pine Mountain bike is the ideal bike if you’re up for an adventure. This very versatile bike was specifically designed for bike-packing, therefore the frame has a lot of mounts and the steel construction creates a smooth and damp ride. The pedaling position is rock-solid and the bike is also a competent climber. It also descends smoothly, corners well, and scoots back up quickly also. The build kit also has Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston brakes.

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29 
• Weight: 33 lbs 15 oz
• Seat angle: 74.5 degrees 

Best Budget Hardtail Mountain Bike 

1. Trek Roscoe 7 Women’s

Check Trek Roscoe 7 on Trek

Pros	Cons
120mm RockShox Judy Silver fork	32 pounds is on the heavy side for a hardtail
SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain
High tech frame

Rating:

5/5 

Product Description: 

The Roscoe 7 bike is equipped with SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, with a 30t chainring and 10-50 cassettes, so this bike is available in a massive range of gears, and plenty of low range options to ease the pain of going up steep hills. The wheel size for this bike is 27.5 inches which helps the cycle move in tight and trying terrains. Similarly, the tires are 2.8 inches and tubeless, they offer great traction and a plush ride. The RockShox Judy Silver fork can be locked out for more efficient, off-trail riding. 

Key Features:

• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Head angle: 67.1 degrees 
• Seat angle: 69.7 degrees 

Best xc Mountain Bike

1. Santa Cruz Highball

Check Santa Cruz Highball on Santa Cruz

Pros	Cons
Very affordable	The crankset is notably lower spec than the rest of the bike
Well refined ride characteristics	Only available in gold or silver
Aesthetic construction

Rating:

4/5 

Product Description:

The Santa Cruz Highball is built to last, with a 100mm travel fork. This sharp-handling hardtail has zero tolerance for waste, putting your power straight to the drivetrain. Descents are super smooth with this bike. 

Key Features:

• Weight: 13.35kg 
• Size: M, L, XL
• Travel: 130mm
• Head angle: 66.5° 
• Seat angle: 73°

2. Ibis DV9 NX 2019

Check Ibis DV 9 NX on Vital MTB

Pros	Cons
Excellent acceleration and climbing abilities	A little harsh on rough trails
Sharp handling	Not very versatile
Lightweight

Rating:

4/5 

Product Description:

The Ibis mountain bike is the best bike for a cross country race- it is upright, conservative, and has a cross-country-oriented geometry. The bike prioritizes pedal efficiency and gives a very smooth downhill ride. Despite being a budget-friendly bike, Ibis is equipped with a state-of-the-art fork, tires, wheels, and dropper posts that enhance its all-around performance.

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29″ 
• Weight: 26 lbs 8 oz
• Head angle: 67.4 degrees 
• Seat angle: 72.2 degrees 

3. Scott Contessa Scale 900

Check Scott Contessa 900 on Scott

Pros	Cons
Carbon frame	Not for sloppy or muddy trails
100mm Fox 32 Float Rhythm fork
Very smooth ride

Rating:

4/5

Product Description: 

The Scott Contessa Scale 900 is the perfect mountain bike if you want to travel at high speeds and remain physically fit while doing so. The HMF carbon frame is made from EvoLap technology, making it very stiff and durable. The 100mm Fox Float Rhythm fork is also adjustable on the fly via the RideLoc switch on the bar. On steep terrains, the SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with an 11-50t cassette is a great help. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29
• Weight: 24.7 lb 
• Scale RC 900 HMX Carbon Frame
• Rock Shox SID RL Air 100mm Fork
• RideLoc 2-Position Remote
• Sram X01-GX Eagle 12 Speed
• Sram Level TL Disc Brakes

4. Trek Procaliber 9.7

Check Trek Procaliber 9.7 onTrek

Pros	Cons
Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 Carbon, tubeless-ready wheels	The handlebar is on the narrow side
Lightweight carbon frame with IsoSpeed decoupler
100mm RockShox Reba RL fork with remote lockout

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The Trek Procaliber has an extremely lightweight carbon frame and the bike only weighs 21.6 pounds. The IsoSpeed decoupler at the junction of the seat tube and top tube offers vertical compliance and the tubeless-ready Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels also keep weight in check and roll very quickly when wrapped in 2.2-inch Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires. The SRAM’s NX Eagle drivetrain and alloy Truvativ Stylo crank make the bike very stable and durable. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29 inches 
• Weight: 21. 6 lb
• Size: XL
• Head Angle: 69 degrees
• Seat Angle: 73 degrees 

5. Giant XTC Advanced 29 2

Check XTC Advanced 29 2 on Giant

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and tubeless-ready XC race tires	Not very versatile
Affordable
Varying sizes

Rating:

5/5 

Product Description: 

The Giant XTC Advanced bike comes with a composite frame and 29-inch wheels. The bike is equipped with a RockShox Recon RL Solo fork with 100mm of travel to smooth out the bumps. The SLX 12-speed drivetrain offers reliable shifting for the 10-51 cassette. Moreover, the XTC Advanced 2 also gets Maxxis Rekon Race tubeless tires, which save weight and allow for trail-gripping low tire pressures.

Key Features: 

• Wheel Size: 29 inches 
• Size: S, M, L, XL
• Head Angle: 69.5 degrees 
• Seat Angle:  73.5 degrees 

Best hardtail mountain Bike under $3000

1. Canyon Exceed 7.0

Check Canyon Exceed 7.0 on Vital MTB

Pros	Cons
Carbon frame	Not a very smooth drive
100mm RockShox SID Select fork
Tubeless-ready Reynolds carbon wheels

Rating:  

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The Canyon Exceed mountain bike is a budget-friendly, long-travel, full-squish, trail-smashing machine. This bike offers a smooth and stable ride for ascending and descending. Moreover, the Canyon Exceed is equipped with a high-quality fork like the Rock-Shox SID Select and Reynolds Carbon wheels.  

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29 inches 
• Weight: 23 lb
• Size: XL 

2. Salsa Timberjack NX Eagle 29

Check Salsa NX Eagle on Salsa

Pros	Cons
Copious mounts and adjustable dropouts	Not very versatile
Can easily climb steep terrains
Affordable

Rating:

4.3/5 

Product Description: 

The Salsa Timberjack is an aluminum frame hardtail mountain bike that’ll run 29-inch or plus-sized 27.5-inch wheels. The short chainstays keep it nimble in tight situations, while a longer top tube provides stability. The bike also comes with a RockShox Sektor RL fork with 130mm of travel. The SRAM NX drivetrain provides crisp shifting and the bike comes with powerful hydraulic brakes as well. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29 inches 
• Weight: 23 lb
• Size: XS  
• Travel: 130 mm 

Best Mtb Hardtails

1. Banshee Paradox

Check Banshee Paradox on Vital MTB

Pros	Cons
Very comfortable	Not made from XC light
Very light
Affordable

Rating: 

4/5

Product Description: 

This bike is not for the faint-hearted. If you love railing berms and launching jumps, then this is the bike for you! This third-generation Paradox rides with the compliance and comfort of a steel frame while bringing the lower mass benefit of aluminum construction. The structural cut-outs are supported by internally ribbed tubing, to guarantee strength.

Key Features:

• Weight: 2.3kg 
• Size: M, L, XL 
• Travel: 120-150mm 
• Head angle: 65° 
• Seat angle: 76.25°

Hardtail Trail Bike 

1. Kona Big Honzo CR

Check Kona Big Honzo on Kona

Pros	Cons
Do-everything capability	Heavy
Ample tire clearance
Slack geometry

Rating: 

4/5

Product Description: 

Kona’s Big Honzo has been leading the trail bike category for a long time. The frame is built from carbon fiber making it strong enough to survive in the strongest conditions. This, however, is not the bike’s biggest strength. Its strength lies in its adaptability. All frames have the same low standover height so bike size can be chosen on reach figures without being stifled by leg length. 

Key Features:

• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Travel: 130mm 
• Head angle: 67.5° 
• Seat angle: 75°

Hardtail Mountain Bike 

1. Specialized Fuse Expert 29 2020

Check Fuse Expert 29 on Specialized

Pros	Cons
Confident on a huge range of terrain	Less compliant frame
Excellent tire specification	Mediocre fork specification
Modern geometry

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

 The Specialized Fuse mountain bike has to be one of the best-ranked mountain bikes of 2020. Its 29-inch wheels help it ascend and descend a variety of terrains without tripping. The 29×2.6-inch tires combined with the specialized delivered well-balanced geometry deliver a fast and precise ride. The bike also comes with a RockShox Gold 35 fork. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29″ 
• Weight: 30 lbs 15 oz
• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Head angle: 66.6 degrees
• Seat angle: 73.4 degrees 

2. Felt Doctrine 3

Check Felt Doctrine 3 on Vital MTB

Pros	Cons
Shimano SLX 12-speed	Not very versatile
Excellent tire specification
120mm Fox 32 Rhythm fork

Rating:

5/5 

Product Description:

If you’re going for a race then you must own a Felt Doctrine 3 Mountain Bike. This race-oriented carbon fiber hardtail comes with 29-inch wheels and an adjustable head angle for a more playful and versatile ride. The Doctrine gets a 12omm Fox 32 Rhythm fork, a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, and a Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes. Moreover, the Alex MD25 wheels are tubeless-ready and ship with 2.25-inch Schwalbe Racing Ray front tires and the company’s Racing Ralph rear tires.

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29″ 
• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Head angle: 69.5 degrees 
• Seat angle: 73 degrees

Best Hardtail Mountain Bike under $1500

1. Specialized Rockhopper Expert

Check Rockhopper Expert on Specialized

Pros	Cons
Incredible value for this level of capability	SRAM SX Eagle doesn’t shift as crisply as higher-priced drivetrains
Very affordable
Aesthetic

Rating:

5/5

Product Description:

This very affordable, Specialized Rockhopper Expert has 3 key components- tubeless-ready wheels and tires, a 1 x 12-speed drivetrain, and an air-spring fork, which are normally absent in a bike of this price. This bike is ideal for moderately technical terrains but it can also handle extremely rocky and technical trails. 

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 28 inches  
• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Head angle: 68.5 degrees 
• Seat angle: 73.5 degrees 

3. Trek Marlin 7

Check Marlin 7 on Trek

Pros	Cons
High tech and high value	Wheels and tires aren’t tubeless-ready
Fit for every rider
Great suspension

Rating:

4.6/5 

Product Description:

The Trek Marlin 7 is the ideal bike for aspiring racers, trail riders, and casual commuters. If you like to cycle at fast speeds then this is the bike for you- it has steep head and seat angles and a high bottom bracket that offers pedal clearance on a trail. What sets this bike apart from other bikes is the fact that its cables are internally routed. The bike also has multiple gearing options due to the 2×9-speed Shimano drivetrain.  The RockShox XC30 100mm coil-spring fork also provides support and stability on rocky terrains. Moreover, the bike also has 2.2-inch-wide Bontrager tires on 29-inch Bontrager Connection rims, giving the bike a sporty look. 

Key Features:

• Weight: 14 kg 
• Size: S,M,L,XL S
• Travel: 100mm 
• Head angle: 69.3 degrees 
• Seat angle: 73.5 degrees
• Wheel size: 29 inches 

4. Giant Talon 29 2

Check Talon 29 2 on Giant

Pros	Cons
Proven alloy performance	Tires don’t have an aggressive tread pattern
Very stable
Added XC control

Rating:

4.5/5 

Product Description:

The Giant Talon Mountain Bike is the perfect bike for thrill-seekers. This bike is equipped with the best 100mm RockShox XC 30 fork, which helps the bike on rough and rugged trails. It also comes with an 11-36 cassette and 22/36 chainrings upfront, this gives riders a wide range of gears that help them haul the mail on pavement and climbing up long, steep climbs. This bike is also well-suited for racing and is more comfortable also. The increased comfort levels are due to the shorter reach and lower stack. The biggest unique feature of the Giant Talon is the tubeless aluminum rings. 

Key Features:

• Weight: 14 kg
• Size: S,M,L,XL S
• Travel: 100 mm 
• Head angle: 69 degrees 
• Seat angle: 73.5 degrees 
• Wheel size: 29 inches 

Lightweight Mountain Bikes

1. Mondraker Podium RR Carbon

Check Mondraker Podium RR on MotoCard

Pros	Cons
Extremely lightweight	Not visually appealing
Very stable
Affordable

Rating:

4.2/5  

Product Description:

What sets the Mondraker bike apart from all other bikes is its integrated stem and pronounced top-tube kink ahead of the headtube.  Even though the bike isn’t very long, it has an IST-Evo integrated stem technology. The Mondraker has a mass of only 128g and a built weight of only 8.9kg, making it very efficient. 

Key Features:

• Weight: 8.9kg 
• Size: S, M, L, XL 
• Travel: 100mm
• Head angle: 70° 
• Seat angle: 72°

2. Santa Cruz Chameleon 29 R

Check Chameleon 29 R on Santa Cruz

Pros	Cons
Very fun on the right terrain	Harsh on rough terrain
Very stable	Non-aggressive rear tire
Rails corners hard

Rating:

3.5/5  

 Product Description: 

The Santa Cruz Chameleon is the go-to bike if you’re a fun-loving rider. This bike comes with a wheel size of 29 and 27.5 +. The downhill performance is great, depending on the type of terrain, as it goes down on full speed. The ascending performance of the bike is just okay and it works best when working up buff singletrack.

Key Features:

• Wheel Size: 29
• Weight: 30 lbs 5 oz
• Head angle: 66.5 degrees 
• Seat angle: 73 degrees 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. What are HardTail Mountain Bikes?

A hardtail mountain bike is one without any suspension at the back. Hardtail mountain bikes will still normally have a suspension fork at the front. Hardtail mountain bikes are generally cheaper than full-suspension bikes. As there is no suspension at the bike they will give a harsher ride but they will also accelerate more quickly and let you put your power down more directly.

2. How much should you spend on a mountain bike?

That depends on what you want and need. A cost of over $200 to $400 typically covers the very basic features and functionalities of a mountain bike already. If you want even more advanced models, you’d expect to pay over $500 to $10,000. Again, it depends on the size and model as well.

3. Are hardtail mountain bikes good?

Absolutely. To make sure you get the best hardtail bike for your buck, you should always check customer reviews, the brand’s return policies or money-back guarantee, and watch some YouTube test rides. That way, you’ll set yourself on the right track to getting a great hardtail mountain bike.

Conclusion 

Hardtail bikes are great adventure bikes, race bikes and are also fit for casual commutes, what sets each bike apart is its specs. The type of bike you want depends on its use but while shopping keeps in mind your budget, the weight of the bike, fork size, wheel size, tire volume, and seat tube diameter to find the perfect fit.