The test candidates are rather too good for a trip to the beer garden. All of them mastered this discipline with flying colours. However, there were clear differences when riding off-road. These bikes are designed for use on easy single trails. However, small cross-roots, quick changes of direction and nasty counter-climbs cause some of the test candidates to literally wobble.
Entry-level hardtails weigh around 12 kilos
At the first meeting in the BIKE colleagues' test lab, the rivals were still bragging about each other. On average, the aluminium frames have a significantly higher absolute stiffness than the top carbon hardtails from the BIKE test in issue 1/2017, even though all bikes only clamp the rear wheel with a conventional quick-release instead of a thru-axle. This should please heavy riders in particular, as the frames hardly twist even under heavy loads. It is clear that the entry-level bikes cannot hold a candle to the racing bikes in terms of weight. But the average weight of twelve kilos without pedals is acceptable given the price difference of several thousand euros. Thanks to smaller and therefore lighter 27.5-inch wheels, Bulls even keeps the scales at just 11.42 kilos. Despite the 29er wheels, the Canyon weighs just 50 grams more.
We have tested these hardtails
- Bulls Copperhead 3RS
- Cannondale F-SI 3
- Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 7.9
- Centurion Backfire Pro 900.29
- Drössiger HTA
- Ghost Kato X AL 29
- Giant Fathom 29er 0
- Merida Big.Nine XT-Edition
- Stevens Sentiero 29
11-speed is the new standard
In contrast to the previous year, eleven sprockets on the cassette are standard in this price category in 2017. Triple cranks, on the other hand, seem to have died out even in the entry-level class. Almost all manufacturers mix Shimano's new 11-speed SLX groupset with some XT components, 2x cranks and a wide variety of Shimano brakes. Only Giant uses a complete XT groupset. Unusual: Canyon is the only one still offering its customers a Shimano 2x10 drivetrain with Deore cranks. The Koblenz-based company doesn't quite live up to its image as a well-equipped mail order company, although the price difference of 300 euros excuses the cost-cutting measures. Drössiger goes its own way with its trail hardtail anyway and not only installs a 1x11 NX drivetrain from Sram, but also a Rockshox Reba fork with 120 millimetres of travel. This should make the singletrack even more fun. But do the long-travel forks really pay off off-road?
Since a stop at the beer garden was out of the question anyway given the test temperatures, we put the hardtails through their paces on a tour with plenty of singletrack trails. Fast bends, small berms, bumpy root passages, plus climbs on gravel and forest paths. Some of the test bikes capitulated after the first gravel climb, while others really blossomed on the winding singletrails.
Candidates such as Giant, Ghost, Canyon or Bulls are downright bored on wide, flat forest tracks. With their low weight and harmonious geometry, these sports bikes really get into their stride on easy trails. Even small jumps on the downhill can't stop the quartet in the battle for the test victory. However, with its small wheels, the Bulls requires a little more effort from the rider to master the descents as quickly as its competitors on large wheels. Large 29er wheels still roll better over obstacles and give beginners in particular a pleasant feeling of security. On the climbs, however, the large wheels are clearly beaten by the light-footed, accelerating Bulls. In addition to a successful geometry, weight remains the most important parameter here. Established brands such as Merida, Centurion and Cannondale disappoint in a direct comparison. Although the bikes get round the laps, their "Achilles heel" prevents the ultimate riding pleasure. Cannondale equips its high-quality frame with components that are too cheap, Centurion's geometry is a bit of a flop and the cheap Rockshox 30 fork on the Merida is a bit of a bitch. Stevens performs well despite its high weight and ranks in the middle of the field, also thanks to its wide rims.
Drössiger deviates somewhat from the mainstream with its trail hardtail. As with Canyon, the additional suspension travel on the fork provides noticeably more safety downhill. With more reserves, both bikes don't shy away from higher speeds. However, the Drössiger with a 1x11 drivetrain loses a few points in terms of touring suitability. The small 30 t chainring forces you to pedal with a high frequency on the straights. Alongside the suspension, the tyres are the most important component for generating riding fun and safety off-road. High-quality carcasses, such as Schwalbe Evolution, Continental Race Sport or Maxxis Exo tyres, provide significantly more comfort when riding over root fields and, in conjunction with the tread, also build up more grip in fast bends. Narrow "tar cutter" tyres with a wire construction, fitted to the Cannondale, have no place off-road.
The price limit of 1500 euros forces manufacturers to cut corners. Details show where low-cost solutions make sense and who is saving in the wrong place.
All in all, there are plenty of hardtails that deliver decent performance even below the 1500 euro price limit. However, the test also reveals the weaknesses of some of the candidates. Anyone considering a purchase will find what they are looking for both in specialised shops and on the Internet. When the temperatures rise again soon, you will be well equipped for a real mountain bike tour with these bikes. And who knows: at the end of some of the single trails, you'll find a beer garden for refreshments afterwards.
The full article was published in Trekkingbike issue 2/2017.
