A hardtail is a mountain bike with a suspension fork up front and a rigid frame out back. Fewer moving parts, less to service, lighter for the money, and honest feedback from the trail. It’s still the bike we hand most people first.
Who it’s for
Riders who want one bike for climbing, cross-country loops and the odd bikepacking trip. Riders who’d rather spend their budget on good wheels and brakes than on a rear shock. And anyone who wants to get properly good at picking lines, because a hardtail teaches you to.
What to look at
- Frame material. Aluminum is light and affordable; steel rides smoother and lasts; carbon is lightest and priciest.
- Geometry. A slacker head angle and a longer reach feel calmer on descents; steeper and shorter feels quicker on tight climbs.
- Fork travel. Around 100 to 120 mm for cross-country riding; 130 to 150 mm if you want to ride rougher trail.
- Tires. Wider tires at lower pressure do a lot of the work a rear shock would. It’s the cheapest upgrade on the bike.
Ride one first
The fastest way to know is to ride one on your own trails. Hardtails are in the rental fleet, and every bike we sell is built and tuned by our mechanics before you take it home. Questions? Come by either shop.