Hardtails from 1199 to 1799 euros: 9 sporty entry-level hardtails in the test
Peter Nilges
· 26.04.2023
BIKE tests - Contents
You can find these 9 hardtails in the test:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
Test report hardtails
"So, do these bikes still have a raison d'être?" Dimitri's question is as provocative as it is abrupt and catches us off guard as we push the tested hardtails back into the test lab. As editor-in-chief of FREERIDE, Dimitri hasn't been involved with suspension travel below 140 millimetres for a long time, let alone with MTBs that don't have a shock. He doesn't even get on a hardtail to commute to the office, but instead covers his 40 kilometres a day on an enduro bike. I ask myself: What has happened to the fascination of the hardtail and is it really only the price that makes the entry-level bikes in this test field so convincing?
Inexpensive bikes for beginners
With prices ranging from 1199 to 1799 euros, the nine hardtails in the test are pleasingly affordable, rather than extravagant and unreasonable. All nine bikes are aimed at beginners and have been calculated with a sharp pencil. As large numbers of these bikes are produced and sold, it is often just a few cents that determine the specification of the add-on parts. With a maximum price difference of 450 or 600 euros (the Stevens Sentiero for 1799 euros served as a reference bike), you always have to keep an eye on the price-performance ratio and the distribution channel. It is clear that a specialised retail brand cannot offer the same level of equipment as a mail order company at an identical price.
As a local contact and service partner, the dealer also has to make a living from something and takes care of minor and major issues. This naturally incurs costs. With Drag, Whyte and Canyon, three mail-order companies are included in the test, with Drag and Whyte also selling through selected specialist dealers. Only Canyon offers its bikes exclusively online. At a price of 1449 euros, the Koblenz-based company flexes its muscles. The components fitted to the Grand Canyon really stand out. You won't find better equipment on any of the bikes - not even on the reference bike from Stevens.
Why a hardtail still makes sense
But back to the search for the fascination of the hardtail. What characterises a hardtail? What speaks in favour of this unique riding experience? First and foremost, a hardtail is characterised by its low weight and unfiltered propulsion. Anyone who has ever sat on an expensive carbon hardtail weighing just 8.5 kilos knows what I'm talking about. Even the smallest effort is converted into propulsion without loss. The bike can be manoeuvred over the trail with playful ease and merges with the rider to form a single unit. However, with an average weight of 13.5 kilos without pedals, our test field is far from this ideal value, which means that a large part of the theoretically possible fascination literally fizzles out when pedalling. Only Cube managed to set itself apart from the competition with the two-kilo lighter Reaction and conveyed a feeling of liveliness. For the rest of the field, there is at least the small consolation that fullys in this price range weigh at least one to two kilos more.
But even if the acceleration of an entry-level hardtail cannot be at road bike level, at least the high efficiency of this type of bike remains: a hardtail knows neither drive influences nor the need to block a shock, no matter how hard the rider hammers the pedals. This is especially true on flat surfaces, where a rear suspension offers no advantages anyway.
Hardtails are robust and low-maintenance
The hardtails pull another not insignificant ace out of the frame due to their simple construction. Although defects in the shock are now a rarity, loose bolts on the rear triangle, bearing play or defects are very much part of the everyday life of a fully rider. At the latest after prolonged use in combination with moisture and dirt, the bearings are due for replacement. Fewer parts and simple technology therefore clearly speak in favour of the hardtail as a robust companion.
Dimitri's initial question about the raison d'être of entry-level hardtails can therefore definitely be answered in the affirmative - even if there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the riding experience, measured against the fully.
CONCLUSION by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
The days when you could buy a hardtail with full Shimano XT equipment for 1000 euros are long gone. Rising production costs and inflation are driving the equipment down and the weights up. Off-road riding fun therefore usually only starts at around 1500 euros. On the other hand, the selection of hardtails and the possible areas of use have grown significantly. Among the sporty hardtails, the Cube with its lightweight carbon frame has the edge, while Giant delivers the best trail performance. The Canyon is also well ahead with its top equipment and manages the balancing act between sport and trail.
Details - what we noticed during the hardtail test
Three important points for buying an entry-level hardtail
1 Area of use: sport or trail?
Once the decision has been made to buy a hardtail, the first question to ask is: What do I want to do with it? Is the focus purely on endurance and fitness with off-road reserves, or is the focus on real off-road use with challenging trails? In the first case, a sporty cross-country bike is recommended. If you want to hone your off-road riding technique, you should at least consider a trail hardtail.
2 Bike equipment
If you are starting from scratch, you will need to budget a little more (200 - 300 euros) for essential equipment. A helmet, goggles, gloves and ideally MTB shoes are just as necessary as a spare inner tube, mini-tool, mini-pump and pedals, which are often not included in the scope of delivery.
3 Saving on the Fully
If the budget is limited to 1500 euros, there is no way around a hardtail when buying a new bike. However, if you are still undecided as to whether a fully might be the better choice, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets or buy second-hand. Recommended trail bikes, such as the Vitus Mythique (BIKE 4/23), start at just under 2000 euros. In return, the fully allows uncompromising and comfortable off-road use.
The ratings of the entry-level hardtails in detail
The 1799 euro Stevens Sentiero serves as a reference. Low weight and the best uphill performance lead the Cube Reaction C:62 to the top of the sporty hardtail segment. The Giant Fathom secures the trail crown in our test of entry-level hardtails.
Stiffnesses
Impeller inertia
Weights of the bikes and components
¹BIKE measured values. ²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). Rating according to the criteria for ■ XC hardtails and ■ trail hardtails. The factorisation changes depending on the category.
Stiffness: grey: stiffness-to-weight (STW), the quotient of stiffness and frame weight white: absolute stiffness in Newtons per mm deflection. The measurements were taken on a test stand at the Zedler Institute.
Moment of inertia of the wheels: the lower the value, the better the wheels can be accelerated.
¹Weight: BIKE measured values, ²with pedals (350 g), ³without rear shock, with rear thru axle, 4with tyres, cassette and brake discs.
