Univega is one of the price/performance guarantors at Derby Cycle, and our entry-level hardtail proves this impressively: XT crank, Reba fork and Evolution tyre compound. With its twelve kilos and light wheels, it conquers every steep section with ease. Downhill, the narrow 640 mm handlebars, which barely have enough room for all the controls, cost handling points. The Reba fork, on the other hand, irons out everything that gets in the way of the front wheel. The continuous shift cables are responsible for the smooth gear changes. When shifting under load, on the other hand, the climbing aids on the XT cranks help to ensure that nothing snags and the chain climbs quickly onto the larger chainring. The Gemini stoppers from Tektro also brought our reader tester Michael to a safe stop. The only weak point is the lack of a guarantee beyond the statutory two-year warranty - so the Univega-Alpina hardtail loses a few points.
ConclusionThe Univega is one of the best you can get in this price range. With a more balanced cockpit, it would even have won the test.
PLUS Lightweight wheels, good fork and equipment
MINUS Narrow handlebars, long stem
