We tested these hardtails:
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The test bikes at a glance
CATEGORY Trailhardtails | FEDERWEG 120 to 140 millimetres | PRICE CLASS up to 1999 Euro
Only hardtails are allowed. The spoilt editor's brain immediately starts to rebel. To cut back like that when packing for a camping road trip full of trail highlights - impossible! A colourful potpourri of trails is planned along the way: hard-packed flow marbles, technical single trails through the hinterland and endurance tours over the peaks of the Bavarian Forest. In our minds, a potent carbon Fully is the ideal all-rounder companion. Light, sporty, powerful, fun, but also expensive.
What can the 2000-euro bikes really do?
Fortunately, the industry has expanded the trail hardtail niche enormously in recent years. These bikes promise real mountain biking bliss at a fraction of the price of their full-suspension brothers. Beginners in particular are unable or unwilling to immediately invest the sum of six months' rent in their new hobby. Nevertheless, affordable hardtails should be able to turn the spark of enthusiasm into a fire of passion. The decision has been made: There is no room for frames with shocks in the campervan's tight cargo space this time.
Cheap hardtail MTBs have already surprised us in previous tests - both positively and negatively. At a purchase price of less than 2000 euros, even penny items such as a chainstay protector do not seem to fit into the calculations of every manufacturer. Even standards that were hoped to disappear, such as a thin quick-release axle on the rear triangle, reappear in this price range. Cleanly routed cables, a harmonious cockpit and durable technology are too much to ask of some bargains. Price drivers, such as powerful brakes and a dropper seatpost, are only found in our comparison from 1799 euros from direct mail order company Rose and for 1999 Euro at Dartmoor from specialised dealers. Where does mountain biking start? Where does trail riding fun start?
Hardtails: Direct ride feel in the bike park pleases the testers
We don't have to wait long for the answer, because the first stop at the Geißkopf bike park has flushed us onto the flow country trail. One berm, one wave, and the grin is already on our faces. The hard rear suspension translates every pumping movement directly and precisely into riding flow. A quick pedal to jump over the small kicker? Easy, if no energy is lost in the suspension. Thanks to the lift assistance, we don't miss any of this small band of compacted earth. once on the Nukeproof a seat clamp with quick release. In return, the groupless Shimano brakes, which are available online for as little as 30 euros each and which NS Bikes also fit to their Eccentric, all the power of our index fingers.
Trail hardtails 2023: The off-road performance
So far, so good, or bad. But what does it look like away from the perfectly shaped bike arena? The next item on the road trip programme for our 4 trail hardtails is a good, honest mountain bike tour full of natural single trails and bumpy hiking trails. We quickly realise: forward momentum has addictive potential. In shallow terrain, the NS bikes with their fast-rolling tyres are also fun. Speaking of which: The air pressure is decisive for damping and grip, especially on a hardtail. A tubeless setup is therefore practically a must.
Even at an entry-level price, bikers can expect successful geometries. However, trail hardtails have a huge problem. Simple tours are faster, livelier and more fun on race hardtails in the same price category. The tide only turns when the route turns into unpaved terrain and gravity takes over the job of acceleration. Then, as with the Dartmoor and Nukeproof, the extra pounds are quickly forgotten and the suspension travel reserves and slack steering angle can really score points. With the combination of acceptable weight and dropper post, the Rose mercilessly outperforms the inferior equipment of its test competitors on the varied tour. This is also due to the fact that the narrow gear ratios on these bikes cause early leg fatigue. In the extensive root fields of the Bavarian Forest, the superior suspension fork of the mail-order bike trumps all others.
Back at the campervan, the barbecue is fired up and our gaze wanders over a bottle of beer to the four trail hardtails. All real mountain bikes for little money and with great riding fun potential. Details here and there put the brakes on, but one thing is certain: only a well-equipped hardtail will go on the next road trip!
Test conclusion Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor:
Anyone looking for an affordable bike with a wide range of uses should take a look around the trail hardtail market. However, the concept only really works with lightweight and functional equipment. Not an easy balancing act for under 2000 euros. While the Dartmoor and Nukeproof perform particularly well on descents, the NS Bikes is more of a candidate for touring on easy terrain. The best compromise solution comes from Rose. The Bonero 2 is the right mountain bike for most situations.
The details of the four trail hardtails in the test
Facts, figures and data on hardtail MTBs
Individual classification
Each of the test bikes has a different character. A wide range of applications increases the everyday value - especially for bike novices on a tight budget. But the specialists are fun too.
The points
According to our price-independent evaluation system, the inexpensive hardtails cannot achieve top marks. Compared to Nino Schurter's "Formula 1" bike, the entry-level "Golf" simply falls far behind. However, with significant differences in points, there are also good bikes at a fair price in the test.
Stiffnesses
All aluminium frames achieve high stiffness values - good for pushing through berms. Even heavy riders are well advised with these hardtails.
Impeller inertia
With thick tyres and heavy wheels, the Nukeproof is noticeably heavier than the competition. The NS Bikes accelerates best.
Weights¹
In general, the entry-level bikes put a lot of pressure on the scales. On the fork alone, the difference in weight between the Rose and Nukeproof is 565 grams.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
