Mountain Bikes: Seven Models Tested from €1,199

Mountain biking began with simple, direct and physically demanding bikes. In the early years, almost every mountain bike had rigid rear stays, meaning there was no rear suspension to absorb impacts from roots, rocks and rough ground. Riders had to rely on body position, skill and frame compliance to stay in control.

The idea of a rear suspension once felt futuristic. When the first full-suspension bikes appeared between the late 1980s and early 1990s, many of them looked radical, with unusual frames, complex pivots and experimental linkages. Some early designs were heavy or inefficient by today’s standards, but they opened the door to a completely new way of riding off-road.

By the mid-1990s, suspension technology had begun to reshape the sport. Longer travel, better damping and improved geometry made it possible to ride faster on descents, maintain more control on technical terrain and reduce fatigue over long rides. Categories such as all-mountain, enduro and freeride grew from this evolution.

A hardtail MTB is more than a bike without rear suspension. For many riders, it is mountain biking in its most direct and unfiltered form. Every root, stone and change in terrain is transmitted through the frame, pedals and handlebars, creating a close connection between rider and trail.

That direct feeling is also a powerful training tool. A hardtail rewards precision and punishes lazy line choice. It teaches balance, anticipation, smooth braking and better body movement. Even experienced full-suspension riders can improve their technique by returning to a hardtail from time to time.

Racing hardtails represent the most efficient side of mountain biking. Their purpose is simple: convert effort into speed. Steeper geometry, lightweight frames and performance-focused components create a bike that feels explosive on climbs and responsive on fast cross-country trails.

This type of bike is not designed to hide trail feedback. It asks the rider to stay active, choose clean lines and keep momentum. On smoother courses, marathon routes and long climbs, a racing hardtail can still be a highly effective choice.

All-around hardtails are built for real-life riding. They are suitable for after-work loops, forest roads, light trails, fitness rides and longer tours. For many beginners, they are the best entry point into mountain biking because they are simple, durable and efficient.

Compared with racing hardtails, they usually offer a more relaxed riding position and a more forgiving setup. Some remain close to classic cross-country geometry with 100 mm forks, while more modern versions use 120 mm forks, wider tires and stronger components to handle more varied terrain.

For riders who want to move beyond the hardtail category and enter the world of serious enduro bikes, the Cannondale Jekyll series represents a very different approach. Instead of maximum pedaling simplicity, it focuses on aggressive descending, advanced suspension and high-speed control on demanding terrain.

The Jekyll 1 sits at the top of the range with premium suspension and a carbon frame, while the Jekyll 2 offers a capable enduro setup at a lower price. This type of bike makes sense for riders who regularly tackle steep descents, bike park trails and very rough terrain where full suspension becomes a major advantage.

If your priority is pure speed, acceleration and climbing efficiency, a racing hardtail such as the Arc8 Involve, Centurion Backfire Carbon or Ghost Lector SF will feel sharp and rewarding.

If you want a more versatile bike for mixed routes, daily training and developing your skills, all-around hardtails such as the Canyon Grand Canyon 8, Trek Procaliber, Giant XTC SLR and Bulls Bushmaster offer a more practical balance between performance, durability and comfort.

Full suspension remains the better choice for very rough terrain, steep descents and aggressive trail riding. But for many riders, the hardtail still offers the most direct, honest and efficient mountain bike experience.