Mountain Bikes: 'Hardtail'

‘Hardtail’ refers to the Mountain bikes with a traditional rigid type frame and a front suspension fork. In the early days of mountain biking this combination was often expensive, but with the development of full suspension bikes they have become much more affordable, which has allowed designers to tailor frames and forks to different styles of mountain biking. They are still very popular - ranging from cheap and cheerful to expensive race machines made of exotic materials, and they are still what most people think of as ‘a mountain bike’. At Cycle Heaven we stock the three main types of Mountain Bike hardtail, the diferences between are explained below/

Recreational Mountain Bikes

At the bottom end of the scale, recreational mountain bikes are probably more accurately described as multi-purpose bikes. You’ll be paying £250-£400 pounds for something like this. They are not recommended for any serious muddy, or broken up trails, but they are fine for cyclepaths, towpaths, gentler tracks and bridleways in dry conditions. For this kind of riding you may also want to consider more sporty hybrids as well. The hybrids are more practical for fitting accessories and faster on the road, whilst these with their mountain bike frames and tyres are more rugged. These are basicaly recreational short distance bikes that are happy on and off road.

Trail Mountain Bikes

The 'Trail' MTB is a relatively new term, but it accurately describes a bike used by regular mountain bikers mainly riding bridleways and trail centres who want a bike that will be competent in most situations. We are talking about enthusiasts here: riders who ride for 'serious' fun, fitness, fun and adventure. Trail bikes can be hardtail or full suspension, but for a given amount of money hardtails usually have much better quality equipment, as their frames are obviously cheaper. They are also lower maintenance, as you have less moving parts in a traditional frame than one with multiple pivots and at least two mainframes. Most of our ‘trail ready’ hardtails have 27 gears, good quality groupsets and forks with at least 100mm of travel. There has been a movement in recent years back to quality steel frames within this category, that for a very small weight gain offer a more compliant (comfy!) ride and more strength. There is a point where you can spend as much on a hardtail trail bike as you would on a full-suspension model, so at this level (over £1000) you can either plump for a high spec hard tail or low spec full susser - it's your choice.  Capable mountain bikes in this category start at around £500+ (Aluminium frame, basic fork) and go all the way to £2700 (titanium frame, high performance fork).

Race/Performance

Hardtails are still the choice of most cross country Mountain bike racers. They will invariably have a low front end with a short travel suspension fork (up to 100mm) and steep frame angles to make them very direct to steer. They are usually built of Aluminium or Carbon fibre, and although they are a race bike, they can be used on normal trails. The bikes are built to climb well, often at the expense of confident descending. They will be stiff and offer no flex or give in the frame as they are built more for performance than comfort. Consider this type of bike if you are looking to race or if light weight is a priority. Prices begin at around £800 and can run climb to the quite astonishing.

Key Features of Recreational MTBs

Hardtail mountain bike style
Mountain bike sized tyres
Slow on the road
Not as easy to equip as a hybrid
'V' brakes, as discs not required
Rides well on gentle offroad

Brands to consider

Scott and Ridgeback

Alternatives

If you fancy something lighter and faster on the road - Sports Hybrids
For true off road - see below

Key Features of Trail MTBs

Proper off road bikes fit for purpose
Longer travel suspension forks
Quality components
Hydraulic disc brakes
Steel frames are an option

Brands to consider

Scott, Genesis, Ridgeback and Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something much faster - see below

Key Features of Race MTBs

Light, fast and rugged
Low, sporty riding position
Stiff frames for performance
Fast with great acceleration, but...
Stiff frames not as comfy for longer rides

Brands to consider

Scott and Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something more versatile, then see above