Mountain Bikes: Seven Models Tested at 1,199€

 

Mountain Bikes: Seven Models Tested at 1,199€

Mountain biking has come a long way since its early days. In the infancy of the sport, nearly all bikes featured rigid rear stays, meaning there was no rear suspension. Riders had to rely solely on their skill and the natural flex of the frame to absorb bumps. The idea of a rear suspension was considered futuristic, almost like science fiction! Yet, whether in the forests of North America or Europe, the MTB scene quickly grew, fueled by adventure, adrenaline, and a passion for rough trails.

The first full-suspension bikes appeared in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These bikes looked almost like spaceships, with futuristic frames and complex linkages. While early models often offered modest performance compared to today’s standards, they marked the start of a revolution in mountain biking.

By the mid-1990s, full-suspension bikes had begun to transform the MTB industry completely. New suspension designs, longer travel, and improved geometry allowed riders to tackle steeper descents, bigger jumps, and more technical trails with a level of safety and comfort previously unimaginable. Around the same time, new mountain biking categories emerged, including all-mountain, enduro, and freeride, each designed for specific terrains and riding styles.

Full-suspension technology fundamentally changed the sport. Trails became more extreme, but not necessarily because riders became braver overnight. The bikes themselves made it possible to descend faster, jump higher, and ride longer without risking serious injury or frame damage. Today, the performance and reliability of these bikes are such that full-suspension MTB is now the standard choice for most serious riders.

Recent data supports this trend. A 2020 online survey by Hard Trail Magazine shows that 70% of readers predominantly ride full-suspension bikes, while 79% consider full-suspension an important factor when purchasing a new bike. This demonstrates that the MTB community values the added control, comfort, and confidence that full-suspension bikes provide.

In this test, we evaluated seven mountain bikes priced at 1,199€, exploring how modern full-suspension bikes perform in a variety of trail conditions. From climbs to technical descents, these bikes showcase the balance of affordability, performance, and durability that has made full-suspension MTB the preferred choice for riders of all levels.

The Timeless Appeal of the Hardtail Mountain Bike

Let’s dedicate a special focus to the hardtail MTB. Why? Because for many riders, a hardtail is not just a bike it’s a pure expression of mountain biking in its most unfiltered form.

There are both emotional and rational reasons why hardtails remain popular. Emotionally, no other type of bike conveys the essence of MTB like a rigid rear frame. Every bump, root, and rock is felt directly through the pedals and handlebars, creating an intimate connection between rider and terrain.

Rationally, hardtails offer several practical advantages:

• Lighter weight – With no rear suspension, the frame is simpler and lighter, making climbing and acceleration more efficient.
• Lower cost – Hardtails are usually cheaper than comparable full-suspension bikes.
• Less maintenance – Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can break or require servicing. The rear suspension you don’t have weighs nothing, costs nothing, and never fails.

 

The Hardtail is Evolving
The hardtail world is becoming increasingly diverse. Today, there are multiple categories to suit different riding styles and terrains. In this review, we’ll explore three main types of hardtail bikes:

• Racing Hardtails
  These bikes are lean, minimalist machines built for maximum efficiency. Every pedal stroke translates directly into forward motion, and the geometry is optimized for speed and responsiveness. Racing hardtails are ideal for riders who want to push their muscles to the limit and feel every nuance of the trail.
  
  
• All-Around Hardtails
  All-around models strike a balance between efficiency and comfort. They are versatile, light, and cost-effective, making them a great choice for riders who want a bike that can handle both trails and longer rides without the complexity or expense of a full-suspension setup.
  
  
• Trail Hardtails
  Trail hardtails are designed to tackle more technical terrain with slacker geometry, robust components, and wider tires. They provide the confidence to take on steep descents and challenging trails while remaining simpler and lighter than full-suspension counterparts.

Due to current supply challenges in the bike industry, we were able to test only three bikes per category, but we selected them to represent a broad spectrum of options. Additionally, we’ll present nine alternative models to showcase the variety available in today’s hardtail market.

The Hardtail Experience
All hardtails have one thing in common: they sharpen your senses. Riding a hardtail demands focus, anticipation, and precision, particularly on technical terrain. While some might see the lack of rear suspension as a limitation, it’s actually an advantage—it forces you to develop better riding technique.

Even experienced riders accustomed to full-suspension bikes can benefit from riding a hardtail. It hones control, balance, and line choice, and provides a rewarding alternative for tough trail conditions. Additionally, hardtails are easier on your wallet, since you don’t need to worry about servicing a rear shock or replacing complex components.

Mountain Bike: Racing Hardtails – Pure Propulsion and Precision

When it comes to mountain biking, racing hardtails represent the ultimate expression of speed, efficiency, and athletic performance. These bikes are designed with one goal in mind: propulsion every pedal stroke translates directly into forward motion, making them perfect for competitive riders chasing seconds on cross-country trails.

Racing hardtails feature steep geometry, ultra-light frames, and high-tech components that minimize weight while maximizing responsiveness. From the moment you start pedaling, a race-ready hardtail feels explosive, almost as if it launches straight from the starting block. The combination of precise handling and minimal suspension means the rider must rely on skill and power, creating a pure, unfiltered riding experience.

Of course, this performance comes at a price. Entry-level, well-equipped racing hardtails typically start around €3,000, while top-tier models can approach €9,000. However, these high-end bikes often achieve remarkable weights of under 8 kilograms, offering a level of agility and efficiency that few full-suspension bikes can match.

In the professional cross-country (XC) racing scene, racing hardtails have become less common. Modern courses are increasingly technical and demanding, favoring full-suspension bikes for their added control and comfort on rough descents. Despite this, hardtails remain popular in marathon events, where long climbs and smoother sections allow riders to fully exploit their efficiency and power. Even elite marathon cyclists often prefer a hardtail for its simplicity, lightness, and pure pedaling efficiency.

THE MOUNTAIN BIKES TESTED:

Arc8 involves

In 2021, the young Swiss mountain bike brand Arc8 made its entry into the German market, introducing a range of bikes designed for performance, innovation, and rider-focused design.

The standout model, Arc8, features a high-quality carbon frame engineered for both lightweight performance and durability. The frame incorporates internal cable routing, giving the bike a sleek, clean appearance while protecting cables from dirt and damage. This design not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to long-term reliability and lower maintenance.

The pricing structure reflects the brand’s commitment to both quality and flexibility: a customized, fully assembled Arc8 bike starts at approximately €3,899, while the frame alone is available from €1,599, allowing riders to build their bike according to their own preferences and component choices. The bikes are distributed via direct trade and specialized dealers, ensuring that customers receive expert advice and support when selecting and assembling their mountain bike.

With this launch, Arc8 aims to combine Swiss precision engineering with modern mountain biking performance, offering riders a bike that is both technically advanced and highly adaptable for a wide range of trail conditions. The entry into Germany represents a significant step for the brand, making its innovative designs and lightweight carbon technology accessible to a new audience of cycling enthusiasts.

Centurion Backfire Carbon

The Backfire has earned its reputation as a legend in the marathon hardtail segment, combining speed, efficiency, and versatility in a single package. Its classic geometry is designed for pure propulsion, allowing every pedal stroke to translate directly into forward motion. This makes the Backfire ideal for long-distance rides, training sessions, or daily cycling adventures.

Despite its lightweight construction, the Backfire is robust and durable, capable of supporting riders of up to 135 kilograms (≈297 pounds). This combination of lightness and strength ensures that the bike remains stable and responsive, even under demanding conditions or with heavier riders.

Comfort has also been a focus in the design. The frame and components are engineered to absorb vibrations and reduce fatigue, providing a smooth ride over long distances and rough terrain. This makes the Backfire not only fast and efficient but also comfortable for extended use, whether on marathon trails or everyday cycling routes.

The price for the Backfire starts at approximately €2,649, offering an excellent balance between performance, durability, and value. It appeals to riders looking for a high-quality hardtail capable of marathon racing, long-distance training, or versatile trail use without compromising on comfort or reliability.

In summary, the Backfire is a true marathon legend, combining classic racing geometry, lightweight efficiency, robust construction, and comfort, making it a top choice for serious riders and enthusiasts alike.

Ghost Lector SF

The Lector is a high-performance hardtail mountain bike, developed in collaboration with a women’s World Cup team, and fully focused on propulsion, efficiency, and rider performance. Every aspect of its design reflects the demands of competitive racing, making it ideal for riders who want to maximize speed and control on cross-country and marathon trails.

One of the standout features of the Lector is its “Superfit” geometry, which is unusually long and optimized for power transfer and efficient pedaling. This extended geometry allows riders to maintain a stable and aggressive riding position, improving handling on technical sections and enabling higher speeds on climbs and flats alike.

The bike also features a fully integrated eight-pin vario seatpost, enhancing comfort and shock absorption without compromising pedaling efficiency. This integration contributes to a sleek, aerodynamic profile and ensures that riders can maintain speed while tackling rough terrain.

The suspension fork offers 100 mm of travel, providing sufficient cushioning for technical trails, while larger sizes (from M and above) are equipped with 120 mm travel for added comfort and control on more demanding courses. This balance of lightweight construction and selective suspension makes the Lector versatile for both racing and long-distance trail rides.

The price for the Lector starts at approximately €2,399, offering a competitive option for riders seeking a high-performance hardtail with professional racing pedigree. The combination of advanced geometry, integrated components, and adjustable suspension makes the Lector an outstanding choice for serious riders who want a bike designed for speed, precision, and long-lasting performance.

All-round hardtails: the all-rounders

Canyon grand canyon 8

All-Around Hardtails: Versatile, Durable, and Rider-Friendly

Whether it’s a fun spin on the track, a lively after-work ride, or an extended tour through varied terrain, all-around hardtails excel in every scenario. These bikes are designed to be versatile and practical, making them an excellent choice for riders of all levels, especially beginners in mountain biking.

One of the main advantages of all-around hardtails is their accessibility and efficiency. They are typically more economical than full-suspension bikes, yet they provide a direct, responsive riding experience that helps new riders develop essential MTB skills. Because they transmit every bump and trail feature directly to the rider, these bikes are ideal for learning control, balance, and line choice.

Durability is another key feature. All-around hardtails often come with robust components, capable of handling falls, rough trails, and adverse weather conditions without significant damage. Maintenance is simpler and more affordable, as the fewer moving parts mean wearing components are easier and cheaper to replace. This practicality, combined with a wide range of frame sizes, makes them suitable for a variety of riders, including those with higher body weights.

The variety of all-around hardtails on the market is significant. There are classic models focused on propulsion, often equipped with a 100 mm suspension fork and a lightweight aluminum frame. At the same time, modern options increasingly include telescopic forks with 120 mm travel, enabling riders to tackle more technical trails while maintaining the simplicity and efficiency of a rigid rear design. This evolution allows all-around hardtails to bridge the gap between recreational riding and more adventurous trail excursions, offering a bike that is both practical and capable.

In essence, all-around hardtails combine versatility, durability, and rider-friendly design, making them perfect for anyone who wants a reliable, enjoyable, and skill-building MTB experience.

THREE ALTERNATIVE BIKES:

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is a versatile hardtail mountain bike designed to provide both comfort and efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of riders and trail conditions. Unlike many traditional hardtails, the Procaliber incorporates innovative vibration-damping technology, allowing it to smooth out rough terrain without sacrificing pedaling efficiency.

A key feature of this bike is the elastomer system located between the saddle and the top tube, which acts as a small but effective shock absorber. This feature reduces vibrations and absorbs minor shocks, offering riders a more comfortable experience over long rides or uneven trails. It makes the Procaliber particularly appealing for those who want the performance of a hardtail without the harsh ride often associated with rigid designs.

The Procaliber is compatible with forks up to 110 mm of travel, providing adequate cushioning for most cross-country trails while maintaining a lightweight frame design. This balance of comfort, responsiveness, and weight makes it a great choice for both enthusiasts and competitive riders who demand efficiency on climbs and stability on descents.

With a starting price of €1,899, the Procaliber offers excellent value for a high-quality hardtail, combining modern engineering, rider-focused comfort, and lightweight performance. Whether used for daily training, marathon rides, or technical trail adventures, it provides a ride experience that is both smooth and responsive, making it an ideal hardtail for riders seeking control, comfort, and speed in one package.

Giant XTC

The Giant XTC SLR is a hardtail mountain bike that strikes a balance between performance, reliability, and affordability, making it an excellent option for beginners and experienced riders alike. At its core, the XTC SLR features a lightweight, high-quality aluminum frame engineered for strength and agility. This construction ensures that the bike remains responsive and nimble, whether climbing steep trails or navigating technical descents.

The bike’s design incorporates a well-thought-out component setup, including wheels and a suspension fork from Giant’s own lineup, ensuring seamless integration and consistent performance. This setup provides sufficient shock absorption for cross-country trails while maintaining a direct and efficient pedaling experience.

The geometry of the XTC SLR leans toward a conservative touring setup, offering stability and comfort over longer rides, rather than an aggressive racing posture. This makes it ideal for riders who enjoy trail adventures, daily training, or extended tours, where comfort and control are just as important as speed.

With a starting price of €1,199, the XTC SLR offers exceptional value for a lightweight aluminum hardtail, combining quality construction, reliable components, and versatile performance at a competitive price point. It is a bike that is easy to handle, durable, and capable of tackling a variety of trails, making it a strong choice for those entering the world of mountain biking or looking for a dependable all-rounder.

 

Bull Bushmaster

The Bush seriesmaster has consistently impressed in previous tests thanks to its outstanding quality-to-price ratio. The latest iteration of ZEG’s own brand continues this tradition, now featuring a carbon frame that is both lightweight and durable. This frame is approved for riders weighing up to 115 kilograms (≈254 pounds), making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists looking for a reliable and high-performance hardtail.

The Bush seriesmaster combines modern geometry, solid components, and efficient ride characteristics, delivering a bike that feels responsive on climbs, stable on descents, and capable across various trail types. Its price starts at €1,649, offering an excellent balance between performance, durability, and affordability—making it one of the best options for riders seeking a high-quality carbon hardtail without breaking the bank.

 

For riders looking to step into the world of high-end enduro bikes, the Cannondale Jekyll series provides a range of options that combine top-tier components, advanced suspension, and robust carbon frames.

The top-of-the-line Jekyll 1, priced at €6,499, comes equipped with a high-quality Fox frame, a Factory 38 fork, and a Factory X2 rear shock, delivering exceptional performance on demanding trails. While carbon wheels are not included, Cannondale has carefully selected the drivetrain and component package to create a well-balanced, ready-to-ride setup. By Cannondale standards, this model offers remarkable value considering the technology and performance it delivers.

The Jekyll 2, priced at €4,599, remains a highly capable enduro bike. It features a RockShox Zeb Select fork and a Fox DPX2 rear shock, providing smooth, controlled suspension performance. For those interested in just the frame, the frame kit with special paint is available for €3,499, allowing riders to customize components while benefiting from Cannondale’s high-quality carbon frame and geometry.

Overall, the Cannondale Jekyll series caters to serious enduro enthusiasts, offering a combination of durable construction, premium suspension, and precision handling, all designed to tackle the most challenging trails with confidence.

---