The Merida Big Trail 500 frame certainly looks modern, with its compact rear triangle, Boost 148mm dropouts, hourglass head tube and low-slung top tube.
27.5 / 650b hardtail
Norco Fluid 1 HT review
The Norco Fluid 1 HT strikes a great balance between performance and value. Low BB height makes you feel more in the bike and boosts stability.
Orange Crush S review
Revised specification and pricing within the Crush range makes the Crush Pro £2K, but the entry-level Crush S has also been upgraded to fill the void.
Ragley Mmmbop long term final verdict
We ten-out-of-ten loved the Ragley Blue Pig, so will the cheaper and lighter alloy Ragley Mmmbop turn it up to eleven? Here's our longterm test verdict.
Saracen Tufftrax Disc review
The Saracen Tufftrax Disc has a quality 6061 aluminium frame that endows it with a smooth and rewarding ride. Shimano shifting adds to the quality.
Merida Big Trail 800 first ride
The Merida Big Trail stays true to the hardcore hardtail philosophy. Super comfortable riding position – helped by a tiny 35mm stem and 760mm handlebar.
B’Twin Rockrider 560 first ride
With mbr’s Hardtail of the Year test still fresh, it's impossible not to compare the B’Twin Rockrider 560 with the winning bike, the Vitus Nucleus 275 VR.
Forme Ripley 2 (2017) review
The Forme Ripley has impeccable trail manners. A really neutral riding position, it maintains speed incredibly well, and there’s also compliance.
Diamondback Sync 4.0 (2017) review
The Diamondback Sync is the latest addition to their range of alloy hardtails. With prices starting at £375 the bikes are targeted squarely at new riders.
Whyte 605 (2017) review
The Whyte 605 is our Hardtail of the Year in the £750 category, but it isn’t perfect. A proper front tyre and a wider bar it would be on a…
Genesis Tarn 20 (2017) first ride
Expanding its range, sorting its sizing and making the best of Plus-size tyres — Genesis Tarn 20 is another trail-ripping hardtail from Genesis.
Scott Scale 730 Plus (2017) review
The Scott Scale 730 Plus will instantly win you over as you carve effortlessly through corners, blast down the rowdiest descents and spin up loose technical climbs with aplomb.
Marin Pine Mountain 1 (2017) review
The Marin Pine Mopuntain rides more like an adventure bike than a trail hardtail designed to get your pulse racing.
Cannondale Beast of the East 3 (2017) review
The Cannondale Beast of the East 3 is a lightning-fast bike and a blast to ride.
Stif Morf XT first ride
Long, low and slack, and with a frame that apes the ride of a full-susser, the Stif Morf XT is a blast to ride.
Whyte 801 (2017) first ride
All the attitude of the amazing 901 in a more affordable package
Scott Contessa Scale 710 (2016) review
Bold, curvy and built for fun, the Scott’s Contessa Scale 710 is a perfect playmate for newbies and veterans alike.
Specialized Jynx Comp (2016) review
Good quality components but the ride quality is let down by the details
Trek Cali S (2016) review
The Cali’s handling capability and reassuring stability make it a fun bike to ride, with the result being that your skills can develop while you’re having a blast.
Kona Cinder Cone (2016) review
With its radically sloping top tube, it has good standover clearance, and a lighter, stiffer frame