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If you're looking for a bike for a ride to the beer garden, you can safely turn the page after the next sentence. Each of our nine test bikes performs brilliantly on gravel tracks or cycle paths. No wonder, with prices of up to 1499 euros, any other realisation would be astonishing. Only a ride off-road reveals the differences between the entry-level hardtails. It is true that 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.
Test 2017: 9 entry-level hardtails up to 1500 euros
Entry-level hardtails are calculated with a sharp pencil. The price limit of 1500 euros forces manufacturers to make compromises. Which of the nine test bikes is still fun to ride off-road, and which should rather not leave the gravel track?
We tested these entry-level hardtails:
- Bulls Copperhead 3 RS (BIKE-TIP: Specialised dealer)
- Cannondale F-SI 3
- Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 7.9 (BIKE TIP: Price/Performance)
- Centurion Backfire Pro 900.29
- Drössiger HTA Hardtrail 2
- Ghost Kato X 6 AL 29
- Giant Fathom 29er 0
- Merida Big.Nine XT-Edition
- Stevens Sentiero 29
At the first meeting in the BIKE 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 our test in BIKE 1/2017 . And this despite the fact that all bikes only clamp the rear wheel with an old-fashioned 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.
Hardtails for around 1500 euros can do much more than many would expect. Our test group is no slouch even on more demanding terrain.
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?
As a stop at the beer garden is out of the question anyway in the current winter temperatures, we gave the hardtails a spin on a tour with plenty of single trails suitable for the species. 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 singletrack.
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 big 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 manage to get round, their "Achilles heel" prevents them from providing 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, thanks in part to the wide rims, ranks in the midfield.
Drössiger strays somewhat from the mainstream with its trail tail. 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 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.
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.
Conclusion Ludwig Döhl, BIKE tester:
The partially "satisfactory" test results show how difficult it is for some manufacturers to produce affordable riding fun in series. Other companies, however, use clever tricks to help their bikes achieve a "very good" test rating. Rarely are the differences in a price category so great. Canyon, Bulls, Drössiger, Giant and Ghost are particularly impressive off-road.
Test 2017: Hardtails under 1500 euros - Alternative categories
Entry-level hardtails are calculated with a sharp pencil. The 1500 euro price limit forces MTB manufacturers to make compromises. Our test shows which bike is still fun to ride off-road.
ALTERNATIVE CATEGORIES
Touring fullys under 2000 euros
Touring fully under 2000 euros
Fullys under € 2000 are often fighting a losing battle. In our last MTB-Fully test in BIKE 4/16 these bikes weighed an average of 13.5 kilos and were often disappointing due to their weak suspension. In this price range, direct mail order companies usually offer the most attractive packages. Rose's Ground Control and Canyon's Neuron have been convincing in the past.
Favourable carbon bikes
Favourable carbon bikes
For 1500 euros, hardly any manufacturer is able to produce a competitive carbon hardtail. However, if you are prepared to spend 200 to 500 euros more, you can flirt with carbon fibre as a material. However, the equipment level often drops quite a bit due to the more expensive frames. The Cube Reaktion GTC or Rose's Mr Big are carbon bikes with a good price/performance ratio.
Plus wheels for more fun off-road
The fat plus tyres were all the rage in 2016. In the meantime, the hype has calmed down again. A Test in BIKE 7/16 shows that plus-size hardtails in the price range up to € 1700 are above all heavy and poorly equipped. The better ride comfort and additional fun on the descents comes at the cost of the Plus format being less suitable for touring.
Plus wheels for more fun off-road
DETAILS - A CLOSE LOOK
What hardtails under 1500 euros can do: Details of the test bikes
Entry-level hardtails are calculated with a sharp pencil. The 1500 euro price limit forces MTB manufacturers to make compromises. Our test shows which bike is still fun to ride 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.
Cannondale builds the second lightest frame in this test. However, the cable routing remains adventurous. The shift cables on the down tube are exposed to dirt and rub against the frame.
Atypical: As a mail-order company, Canyon usually shines with top equipment. In this test field, the Koblenz-based company is somewhat behind the 11-speed competition with an older 2x10 drivetrain. The XT derailleur also lacks derailleur damping.
Drössiger is the only manufacturer to use a single crankset for its trail hardtail. However, the 30 mm chainring in combination with the small 11-speed cassette sprocket quickly reaches its limits on the straights or downhill. The bikes with 2x cranks offer significantly more range.
Ghost uses Schwalbe tyres with a high-quality Evolution carcass and thus increases riding comfort while saving weight at the same time. However, the profile of the Thunder Burts is very poor. The tyre reaches its limits too quickly off-road or in wet conditions.
Most of the bikes in this test have a thru-axle, at least on the front wheel, and can therefore be steered precisely. Only Merida, Centurion and Cannondale still rely on the classic 9 millimetre quick release here. All manufacturers use a quick release on the rear wheel.
The dropouts on the Meridas look a little clumsy, but they are practical. Sporty riders may be surprised by the integrated mounts for the mudguard and kickstand. However, this leaves all options open if the bike is later to be used as a city bike. Multifunctional dropouts are typical for this price range.
The internally routed cables on the Bulls are now part of the Copperhead. This gives the hardtail a tidy appearance. Top: During our test, the cables inside the frame didn't rattle a bit.
Centurion, Merida, Stevens and Giant use a classic round clamp to mount the front derailleur. More up-to-date standards such as direct mount (Ghost, Canyon, Cannondale) or E-Type (Bulls) make mounting easier, protect the seat tube and are torsion-proof.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
