Hardtails
As you start your biking journey, there's a lot to think about. For those of you looking to find that perfect all-terrain bike, then a hardtail could be the one for you. However, choosing the right one can be quite difficult. First, you need to think about what type of riding you want to do. It's also important to get the right size bike.
Here at Bikester, we have a full guide on hardtail bikes as well as a convenient hardtail frame calculator so that you get the perfect fit.
What is a hardtail mountain bike?
Hardtails are a type of mountain bike that offer a truly versatile, all-terrain option. The difference between these and other bikes is that there are no rear shocks in place. This means that the bike has rigid suspension forks, firmer MTB seatposts or simply a front suspension. Generally, a hardtail MTB tends to be lighter than the more expensive full-suspension bikes. This makes them great for both newcomers to this type of biking, as well as more established riders looking to start a new riding style.
+Starting out
Newcomers can get overwhelmed thanks to the wide range of options here. Serious hardtails make great entry-level bikes. For instance, there's the sporty Rockville option, which is great for those just starting out. It has a lightweight frame made of aluminium, that's also well-balanced and features a classic design. Better yet, it can be used for leisure activities or mountain biking as you see fit. Its versatile components make it great for use on different surfaces. Similarly, the Serious 8 Ball model is another great starting point for this type of bike.
Trail or endurance hardtails
Depending on the way you intend to use your hardtail mountain bike, there are a number of different options open to you. Trail hardtails tend to offer more relaxed frames with wider handles and some suspension. Enduro bikes, on the other hand, focus on the descent and providing good front travel capabilities in a much lighter frame.
For longer, enduro or mountain biking pursuits, the Orbea hardtails make a great option. The Laufey is one of Orbea's most versatile bikes. Better yet, it's not made for a specific type of rider meaning it's great for beginners and experts alike. It does lean toward mountain biking thanks to the wider wheels at 29 inches (73.66 cm). It's also hydroforming, which means that the frame is not easily twisted when bouncing over uneven ground.
Other great options for a trail hardtail are the Ghost hardtails. The KATO offers a fast, agile bike that can move uphill well. However, this can also be used on a simple tour. This model has low-maintenance components making it one of the easier bikes to look after. It has a number of additional features making it great for long journeys. These include the ability to lower the seatposts, a place on the frame to store a water bottle, and excellent braking power no matter if you're on or off-road.
Going electric
Nowadays, there is a growing move toward hybrid bikes too. Cube hardtails fall under this category offering great MTBs but with an electronic twist. No matter what type of terrain you like to ride on, Cube bikes are a must.
In terms of hardtails though, the Reaction Hybrid is an excellent option. It combines a Bosch drive with the hugely innovative PowerTube frame created by Cube. Additionally, there are 9 gears from Shimano and this bike offers a very comfortable ride no matter the distance. Finally, the bike also offers excellent braking power in all weathers, so there are no issues there either. This type of bike is also excellent for beginners as the electric motor can give you a boost when trying to climb some of those steeper areas of ascent.
Once you have settled on a hardtail, you can then take a look at Bikester for additions to make your ride smoother.