{"id":67699,"date":"2024-08-05T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T11:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/089e622e-1467-4a55-9e56-4a270b390e75"},"modified":"2024-08-05T14:25:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T12:25:33","slug":"best-hardtail-mountain-bikes-in-2024-top-rated-hardtail-mtbs-and-our-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/best-hardtail-mountain-bikes-in-2024-top-rated-hardtail-mtbs-and-our-buyers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Best hardtail mountain bikes in 2024 | Top-rated hardtail MTBs and our buyer’s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our pick of the best hardtail mountain bikes over \u00a32,000, under \u00a32,000, under \u00a31,500 and under \u00a31,000 <\/p>

By Tom Marvin\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 05 August 2024 at 11:50 AM<\/p>

\n\n

The humble hardtail mountain bike seems to be going through a mini-revival, with a raft of cross-country, downcountry, trail and even radder rigid frames being introduced.<\/p>

What are the advantages of a hardtail? Where uphill speed matters, the direct connection from crank to axle, without energy-inefficient suspension spoiling the fun, is the quickest way to get up to speed.<\/p>

Riding rough-and-ready trails on a hardtail might beat you up a little more, but there\u2019s something almost zen-like about being able to pick the smoothest line between the chunder, while pumping through rollers to generate free speed.<\/p>

Hardtails are often also lighter, easier to maintain and cheaper than full-suspension mountain bikes, because there are fewer moving parts to add weight, service or build in the first place.<\/p>

Here, we’ve put together our pick of the best hardtail mountain bikes as ridden, rated and reviewed by the BikeRadar team.<\/p>

Best hardtail mountain bikes in 2024, as rated by our expert testers<\/h2>
We’ve organised the list by price, use the links below to skip to the relevant section: <\/p>
Best hardtails over \u00a32,000 \/ $2,300<\/a><\/li>
Best hardtails under \u00a32,000 \/ $2,300<\/a><\/li>
Best hardtails under \u00a31,500 \/ $1,700<\/a><\/li>
Best hardtails under \u00a31,000 \/ $1,200<\/a><\/li>
Best hardtail frames<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Best hardtail mountain bikes over \u00a32,000 \/ $2,300<\/h3>
Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9<\/h4>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
This is Lapierre’s XC-focused hardtail, the ProRace. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a35,999 \/ \u20ac6,799 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Good value for money; all-round capability; compliance adds speed<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Press-fit bottom bracket<\/li><\/ul>
The Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9 is the French brand’s top-end hardtail designed for cross-country racing.<\/p>
A compliant carbon fibre frame, which uses a triple-triangle design to give lateral flex to the bike’s rear end, aids vibration damping over chattery trails, while adding traction on technical climbs.<\/p>
The geometry makes the bike agile and engaging on the trail, with the Prorace inspiring confidence on descents where others feel twitchy.<\/p>
While it’s not cheap, the addition of SRAM’s X01 AXS groupset, RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork and Lapierre’s own XC SL carbon wheelset make this a good value proposition.<\/p>
Read our full Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Mason Raw Deore XT + Hope upgrade pack<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Mason Raw is a versatile hardtail ready to do it all. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a34,800 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> High levels of versatility thanks to mounting points; steel feel; nice details<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Saddle shuffling<\/li><\/ul>
Mason excellently balances versatility and capability with the Raw, with plenty of mounts opening up bikepacking and the geometry welcoming technical trails.<\/p>
The bike feels great when munching up trails, with the steel frame soaking up imperfections with incredible smoothness.<\/p>
We found we had to adjust our position on the saddle quite a bit when climbing steeper sections of trail.<\/p>
Read our full Mason Raw Deore XT + Hope upgrade pack review <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4<\/h4>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Cannondale$
The Scalpel offers a good blend of decent spec and affordable pricing. – Finlay Anderson \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a32,600 \/ $2,300 \/ \u20ac2,699 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Good value for money; fun and capable on technical trails; strong spec choices<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Some chain slap; bottle bosses on seat tube limit post insertion<\/li><\/ul>
The Scalpel HT Carbon 4 takes a break from traditional XC race bike design, with the slack head angle making the bike feel incredibly capable when pointed down a trail.<\/p>
Cannondale has given the bike a top spec for the money, with a RockShox SID SL fork supporting the front end and a Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset used for shifting.<\/p>
The flex zone suspension in the rear triangle gives a controlled feel, with the bike remaining composed and grip plentiful on ascents and descents.<\/p>
Read our full Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fairlight Holt XT<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Fairlight$
The Holt has been designed as an ultra-endurance race machine. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a33,709 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Impressive ride quality; all-day comfort; tidy fixtures and fittings; custom build options<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Nervous on technical trails<\/li><\/ul>
The Holt doesn’t thrive on technical trails, with the steep head angle making it feel more awkward than other downcountry hardtails.<\/p>
We found the bike covered the ground well, with the steel frame adding a smooth ride quality that makes it a lot of fun.<\/p>
Plenty of mounts make the bike well-suited to bikepacking, which is where the brand’s heritage lies.<\/p>
Read our full Fairlight Holt XT review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Merida Big.Nine TR 8000<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Merida$
The Merida Big.Nine TR 8000 still has an XC focus. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a35,000 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Direct and fast-reacting frame; well-specced<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Wheels aren’t the most compliant; two-piston brakes and wider tyres are desired<\/li><\/ul>
The Big.Nine TR 8000 is a trail version of Merida’s hardtail cross-country bike, which sees beefier suspension and components.<\/p>
We found the bike to be nimble and fast on the trails, easily picking up speed and carrying it up the hills.<\/p>
The brakes and tyres held it back on the descents, but for those looking for something a notch more capable than a cross-country bike, the Big.Nine TR 8000 is well suited.<\/p>
Read our full Merida Big.Nine TR 8000 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT\/XTR<\/h4>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Pivot$
The Pivot LES is fast, fun and ready to race. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a36,750 \/ $6,199 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Confidence-inspiring geometry; good grip without sacrificing speed; excellent fork<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Pricey; press-fit BB isn’t ideal for home mechanics<\/li><\/ul>
Pivot’s LES SL 29 Pro XT\/XTR is the brand’s carbon fibre cross-country race hardtail, which is hinted at in the pun-based name of the bike.<\/p>
The lateral compliance in the frame enables you to maintain a high speed over chattery terrain, while the geometry makes the bike nimble through the trees and efficient on hills.<\/p>
While it’s expensive, the bike comes well specced with a combination of Shimano XT and XTR parts used in the groupset, alongside a 100mm Fox 32 Factory StepCast fork, though we’d have liked to have seen carbon wheels featuring at this price point.<\/p>
Read our full Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT\/XTR review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best hardtail mountain bikes under \u00a32,000 \/ $2,300<\/h3>
Sonder Signal ST NX<\/h4>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Signal presents a subtle yet purposeful profile. – Andy Lloyd \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,599 \/ $2,297 \/ \u20ac1,799 \/ AU$2,914<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Great geometry; decent tyres<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Short-travel dropper and small discs hold it back<\/li><\/ul>
The Sonder Signal ST NX is a steel hardtail that’s made to the British company\u2019s principles of value for money and hard-charging, descent-focused bikes.<\/p>
The Signal ticks all the modern aggressive trail bike boxes with a large reach, 66-degree head tube and 74-degree seat tube. Heading downhill, the bike pulls at the leash and rides across roots with ease.<\/p>
This bike was never intended to be a fast climber, but it does spin comfortably uphill and is confident over technical inclines.<\/p>
WTB tyres help the Signal find grip wherever possible and the 130mm RockShox Revelation RC fork is good in most circumstances. It would be nice to have a slightly longer dropper to create enough space to move your weight around in the sketchiest of situations.<\/p>
Overall, the Signal has a great chassis that wouldn\u2019t look out of place on a much pricier bike, and there is a good level of kit for the money without too much compromise.<\/p>
Read our full Sonder Signal ST NX review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best hardtail mountain bikes under \u00a31,500 \/ $1,700<\/h3>
Giant Fathom 29 2<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Fathom 29 2 is a well-specced and capable hardtail. – Ian Linton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,399 \/ $1,500 \/ \u20ac1,299 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Good spec for the money; up-to-date geometry; dropper seatpost<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Modern geometry may see some riders needing to size down<\/li><\/ul>
The Fathom 29 2 impressed us with its well-considered component choices and Giant’s suspension fork.<\/p>
This leads to a bike that feels comfortable and capable, even on trail-centre black routes, with the Maxxis tyres offering plenty of grip.<\/p>
We found the sizing to be a little bigger than expected, so small riders may want to look into this before purchasing. <\/p>
Read our full Giant Fathom 29 2 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Kona Kahuna<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The Kona Kahuna has a curvy silhouette. – Mick Kirkman \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,199 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Superb ride quality; well-specced Shimano groupset and brakes <\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> No dropper post<\/li><\/ul>
Kona\u2019s endearing Kahuna offers a commendable ride quality in its latest guise. With a curvy shape and low-slung top tube, the cross-country frame offers a lively ride with instantaneous acceleration when you crank up the power on the pedals<\/a>.<\/p>
The Kahuna features a Shimano Deore 12-speed groupset, which is the best you can get for the asking price, as well as reliable Shimano MT410 hydraulic disc brakes<\/a>.<\/p>
What holds the bike back from a full 5-star rating is its more traditional geometry and its quick-release rear axle, which limits wheel-upgrade potential. The Kahuna also lacks a dropper seatpost<\/a>, although the frame has the possible routing for one, should you wish to upgrade.<\/p>
Read our full Kona Kahuna review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Merida Big.Trail 600<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Merida$
The Merida Big.Trail 600 provides a direct feel on all trail types. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a32,000 \/ \u20ac2,350 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Good versatility; reach-based sizing thanks to short seatstays<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Tyre could be wider; early models have long cranks<\/li><\/ul>
Merida’s Big.Trail 600 has a progressive frame with a short seat tube enabling you to pick a size that best suits your reach measurement.<\/p>
We found the bike to be an efficient climber, with the seating position offering good comfort and the tyre choice adding good grip without sacrificing rolling resistance.<\/p>
We would have liked wider rubber for added grip on the descents, but that’s not to say the tyres aren’t capable enough.<\/p>
RockShox’s Pike fork impresses, and the Shimano gears and XT brakes make for a good all-round spec.<\/p>
Read our full Merida Big.Trail 600 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Whyte 529<\/h4>

<\/div>
$\"Pack$
The 529 is happiest going downhill. – Ian Linton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,250 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Fun ride quality; good components; four-piston brakes<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Quite stretched-out when climbing<\/li><\/ul>
The 529 is a fun-loving hardtail with decent-focused geometry and components.<\/p>
We found the bike performed well on a variety of trails, with trail-centre black trails within its remit.<\/p>
A low bottom bracket makes the bike quick to turn, while a slack head angle adds confidence when going down steep shoots.<\/p>
This hinders climbing performance, with our tester experiencing a stretched-out feeling when going uphill.<\/p>
Read our full Whyte 529 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>