Bike sections (eg brand/ type etc) - Cycle Heaven

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 £3200 (titanium frame, high performance fork).

Race/Performance

Hardtails are still the choice of most cross country Mountain bike racers. They will typically have a low front end with a short travel suspension fork (around 80-100mm) and steep frame angles to give them very responsive steering. They are usually built of Aluminium or Carbon fibre, and although they are a race bike, they can be used on normal trails. They will be stiff and offer virtually no flex or give in the frame, as they are built more for performance than comfort. However they climb fantastically, and (in the right hands) can descend just as well. Consider this type of bike if you are looking to race or if low weight is a priority. Prices begin at around £800 and can climb to the quite astonishing!

29'ers

"Big wheels, what's that all about then?" I hear you cry! 29'ers have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, with more and more manufacturers dipping their toes into this unusual market. 29'ers are not aimed at any genre of mountain bike in particular, as there are options for 29" wheels in all of the categories above. So What are the advantages? Well, they roll significantly faster than 26" wheels over smoother terrain (moorland tracks, cycle paths etc...), and they maintain their speed very well over rougher terrain. This makes them a great option for someone who wants a true "do-it-all" bike. With lockable suspension available on most models, a simple change of tyres is all that's required to make a 29'er suitable for the daily commute. Then at the weekend, get the knobbly tyres back on and you're ready to roll over moor and dale!

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

Saracen & 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

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

Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something more versatile, then see above

Key Features of 29'er MTBs

Innumerous options available

Fast rolling & stable

Highly versatile

Very cool...

Brands to Consider

Cannondale and Surly (Prototype from Genesis is in the works for 2012, watch this space!)

Alternatives to Consider

Anything from sporty hybrids eg. Cannondale Quick CX to Cyclocross bikes, and Trail MTBs