Unrivalled strength in this price range
Anyone considering investing between 1000 and 1300 euros to immerse themselves in the world of MTBs will inevitably end up with a hardtail. There are no alternatives in this price range. For a comparable fully with similar features, you usually have to spend more than twice as much. The manufacturers are aware of this magic price point and put together particularly attractive packages with a top price/performance ratio.
Specialist retailers and consignors
Due to direct sales and the associated cost savings on the part of the manufacturer, mail-order bikes usually have better equipment. To compensate for this difference, the specialist retail brands were allowed to send hardtails up to 1299 euros into the test, while the mail-order bikes did not exceed the 1000 euro mark. If you're completely new to mountain biking and need comprehensive advice, it's better to buy from a specialist retailer. Incidentally, the best equipment package in this test was provided by the specialist retailer brand Bulls, at a price of 1000 euros.
All three wheel sizes in the test
Another special feature of this test is that bikes with all three wheel sizes are represented. Transalp 24 with the discontinued 26-inch size, Bergamont, Bulls and KTM with the new 27.5-inch centre size and the rest with 29-inch wheels. In a direct comparison, the 26-inch wheel from Transalp24 sets the tone in terms of weight. No other bike in the test group accelerates better or has more agility. In rough terrain and at higher speeds, the bikes with larger wheels (especially the 29-inchers) really come into their own. Due to the low centre of gravity in relation to the wheel axle, the rider feels better integrated into the bike. An advantage that also has a positive effect on rollover behaviour and results in more forgiving handling.
We have tested these bikes for you
- Bergamont Roxtar LTD
- Bulls Copperhead 3
- Canyon Grand Canyon AL 6.9
- Focus Black Forest 29R 3.0
- KTM Ultra 1964 LTD 27
- Müsing Twentynine Comp
- Radon ZR Race 6.0 29
- Stevens Antelao
- Transalp24 Ambition Team 4.0 26
You can find the complete test of the 2015 entry-level hardtails below as a free PDF download.
