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Hardtails are brilliant! If the search figures from the relevant search engines are anything to go by, we’re all absolutely mad about hardtails. And why not? Anyone who’s ever flown across the terrain on a fast, stress-free bike will understand why the appeal of a hardtail never fades.
Without rear suspension, no energy is wasted on high-maintenance rear suspension systems. Without the extra weight of bearings and shock absorbers, many lightweight hardtails are not only fast but also genuinely fun to ride. What’s more, you don’t necessarily have to be a millionaire to treat yourself to a hardtail MTB. Of course, if you want to, you can also spend a small fortune on a bike like this, which looks simple at first glance.
On closer inspection, however, it quickly becomes clear why high-performance racing bikes, such as the Pinarello Dogma XC, can cost five-figure sums. Anyone who still can’t quite grasp the appeal of hardtail mountain bikes should definitely take a look at the following models. These are the 10 most exciting hardtails of 2024.
VPace C4M: Lightweight construction at a fair price
Weighing just under 8.2 kilos, the VPace C4M weighs less than a small crate of beer. And the best thing about it is that it doesn’t even cost a fortune. For €3,199, this rigid racer comes with a lightweight carbon rigid fork, high-quality Magura brakes and SRAM GX Eagle gears. Extra-light in-house components help achieve that dream weight. Fitted with lightweight wheels, the C4M hardtail scores top marks in the bike lab.
On gentle terrain, the VPace moves like a well-oiled machine, making it clear why lightweight bikes are simply brilliant. Its weight and responsiveness give it a real edge over most gravel bikes in the same price range. Compared to them, this hardtail also offers a bit more in reserve for riding off the beaten track. On root-strewn trails, however, its sporty character and minimal comfort soon start to take their toll. Nevertheless, the lightning-fast VPace C4M is, for us, one of the hardtail highlights of 2024.
As a fitness bike and a partner for full-throttle after-work rides, the VPace C4M has absolutely won me over. Trail detours really take it out of you on this stiff bike. You really have to want a rigid fork on a hardtail, but once you do, the combination of minimal weight and long geometry is a real blast. In fact, every sporty, ambitious cyclist should have a race bike like the VPace in their fleet. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Canyon Grand Canyon 8: A popular, affordable entry-level bike
Hardtails make a lot of sense, particularly for beginners: the purchase price tends to be reasonable in most cases, and novices often learn riding techniques more quickly on these straightforward bikes. That’s why, at the start of the year, we tested hardtail mountain bikes for beginners. Out of seven affordable models with aluminium frames, the Canyon Grand Canyon 8 emerged as the test winner. The bike’s excellent value for money and its wide range of uses, thanks to its 120-millimetre fork, won us over completely. For €1,440, Canyon’s direct-to-consumer model means you get not only a Fox suspension fork but also a functional drivetrain combination of Shimano SLX and XT components.
The Canyon Grand Canyon 8 strikes a balance between speed and off-road capability and offers the highest-quality components in the test. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Marin Alcatraz 24: A stylish children’s bike
Hardtails are also a particularly suitable type of bike for children. The suspension systems on many full-suspension bikes cannot be adjusted to accommodate their low body weight in the first place. Earlier this year, Marin unveiled a whole range of new children’s hardtails. And then, more recently, the colourful Alcatraz 24. The best way to get children hooked on mountain biking is through action and fun. So it’s only natural that Marin offers a dirt bike designed specifically for young riders. Thanks to the rigid fork, the bike’s weight stays grounded whilst the kids can take off on the pump track and dirt line. The price tag for these little jumpers: 999 euros.
I actually got into mountain biking through dirt bikes. What I would have given back then to be able to ride a bike like the Marin Alcatraz. Pump tracks were still a rarity back then. Nowadays, these playgrounds for cyclists are springing up like mushrooms. It’s great to see that Marin has just the right bike on offer. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Rose Bonero Plus 2: Lightweight carbon hardtail with a motor
Rose demonstrates that e-bikes don’t necessarily have to be heavy with the Bonero Plus, which weighs just 16.86 kilos. Thanks to its carbon hardtail frame and compact TQ motor with a maximum torque of 50 Newton metres, the weight remains pleasantly low. A lightweight 360-watt-hour battery ensures a sleek silhouette and natural handling. With 140 millimetres of suspension travel, a long-and-flat geometry and 800-millimetre-wide handlebars, the Rose Bonero Plus still has plenty in reserve for smooth trail rides. The Bonero Plus 2 model with Shimano XT drivetrain costs 4,999 euros >> available here.
This is what makes an e-hardtail fun! The Rose Bonero Plus impresses with a truly well-rounded design, a high-quality and well-engineered frame, and excellent handling. The TQ drive system is as unobtrusive as can be and brings this lightweight Rose so close to a classic trail hardtail that the Bonero Plus is actually fun to ride off-road again. A clear recommendation for anyone who doesn’t necessarily need a full-suspension bike. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor
Bike Ahead: The Frame
Lightweight hardtails are fascinating innovations in the world of mountain biking. As part of our comparison test of the latest high-end hardtails We were able to put four top-of-the-range bikes through their paces against one another. The winner on points: the Ahead The Frame, weighing just 8.3 kilos. This is the first time the carbon specialists have built a hardtail frame. It is manufactured in Europe – in Portugal, to be precise – and, at €1,978.99, still costs significantly less than the high-end products from most of its competitors. BIKE was the first MTB magazine in the world to have the chance to carry out an in-depth test of The Frame and was immediately provided with the highly tuned, personalised bike belonging to Bike Ahead boss Christian Gemperlein. This premium hardtail secured victory in the test not only because of its low weight, but also thanks to its fun riding characteristics.
Bike Ahead’s boss, Gemperlein, has built himself a dream carbon hardtail. With such attention to detail, it’s hard for tech geeks to keep their cool. Off-road, The Frame impresses with its light-footedness and responsive handling. It’s almost borderline light, and in this compact custom setup, there are more confident options for racers. However, it’s a real joy to ride; the frame is made in Europe, and this exquisite tuning gem costs less than the high-end competition from the Far East. Test winner for Bike Ahead! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Cube Reaction C:62 Pro: The crowd favourite
It’s no secret that Cube’s mountain bikes are selling like hot cakes. Leading the way are the hardtails from the Reaction series. A few weeks ago, these received a comprehensive update package. The new Cube Reaction C:62 2025 is set to win over hardtail customers with its lightweight carbon frame, complete with an integrated seatpost clamp, and its competitive pricing. In the Pro version with Shimano XT drivetrain, this 10.6-kilo race bike costs just 1,999 euros (>> e.g. available here). In the BIKE test, this all-rounder impressed with its manoeuvrability and functionality.
If you’re looking to get a taste of racing and touring, the new Cube Reaction, with its stylish carbon frame, is exactly the right choice. As long as the climbs and descents remain moderate, this agile hardtail is a real joy to ride. Discerning cyclists may find themselves missing suspension control and a more suitable tyre choice— Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Trek Procaliber Gen 3: A racing bike with that extra bit of comfort
Some people may criticise hardtails for lacking comfort. With the Trek Procaliber Gen 3, such concerns are unfounded. It’s not just the suspension fork with 120 millimetres of travel that offers plenty of reserves, but also the IsoBow rear triangle design integrated into the frame. A flexible design at the junction between the top tube and the seat stays is designed to reduce rider fatigue whilst saving around 200 grams in weight compared to its predecessor. Prices start from 1,999 euros, with weights from 10.58 kilos.
The new Trek Procaliber Gen3 comes with a secret weapon. Less weight and greater comfort are a tempting combination that make Trek’s updated race hardtail even more appealing. More fork travel and updated geometry make the Procaliber ideal for modern cross-country trails. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Kona Unit X: The hassle-free steel steam roller
The Kona Unit isn’t exactly brand new. Nor does it need to be, as its versatile steel hardtail frame is absolutely timeless. Numerous mounting points for water bottles and luggage make it an ideal bikepacking workhorse. 2.6-inch fat tyres provide suspension and comfort. At 14.21 kilos, the Unit X isn’t exactly light, but this fixed-fork mountain bike, priced at 1,699 euros, has other qualities to offer. Perfect for leisurely rides: the head angle is slack and the riding position is comfortable.
For sporty riding, the Kona Unit X carries too many pounds on its steel frame. The extremely heavy wheels, in particular, are a real downer. For long rides at a leisurely pace, the comfortable riding position works well. This affordable steel hardtail is neither a race bike nor a trail bike, but rather a capable workhorse for carefree bikepacking trips. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Ghost Lector HT Worldcup 30: Longer than an enduro bike, lighter than a gravel bike
Ghost has been known for several years for its extremely progressive MTB geometries. With the new Ghost Lector HT, however, the Bavarian brand has really outdone itself. The reach is so generous that it even exceeds the figures for enduro bikes. At the same time, the chainstays remain compact to prioritise manoeuvrability, and the weight in size XL is a mere 10.24 kilos. 120 millimetres of fork travel and 2.4-inch-wide tyres provide additional reserves. Prices for this powerful carbon hardtail start from 2,299 euros. The top-of-the-range model, featuring special specifications to mark Ghost’s 30th anniversary, retails for a hefty 9,000 euros.
Long and light – on a race hardtail like the new Ghost Lector HT 2024, that’s a real winning formula. All the more so when combined with plenty of suspension travel, wide tyres and a long-travel Vario seatpost. Apart from the unfavourable weight distribution when riding out of the saddle, dedicated XC racers and marathon riders will love the progressive character of the high-end Lector HT World Cup 30 model. However, riders less experienced in the necessary riding technique may find the concept too demanding. Take care when choosing your size. – Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Liv Lurra E+: an e-MTB hardtail designed specifically for women
This women’s-specific hardtail e-bike, featuring a 130-millimetre suspension fork and a forgiving geometry, is suitable for a wide range of uses. The new Liv Lurra E+ is fitted with a Yamaha motor and a battery offering a choice of 625 or 800 watt-hours of power reserve. Prices for this e-MTB start at 3,499 euros. Liv also offers versions fitted with mudguards and luggage racks. This means the newly launched e-hardtail has what it takes to be an everyday hero.
E-bikes designed for everyday use are in high demand. It’s great that Liv – the sister brand of industry giant Giant – has an affordable model in its range designed specifically for women. Long suspension forks and wide tyres should also make off-road rides a lot of fun. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor