With its latest hardtail - the Yeti ARC T1 - this iconic brand reimagines one of its retro classics for the modern era. If only the pricing was retro too...
29er hardtail
Canyon Exceed Team CFR: first ride review
With a single-minded focus on success, Canyon’s new Exceed hardtail is aimed at vanquishing long-distance stage races, such as the Cape Epic, and blitzing short-course XC sprints. Need to know…
Merida Big Trail 600 gets 29in wheels: first ride review
The Merida Big Trail 600 is the eerily quiet new hardtail from Merida, with 29in wheels, modern geometry and some delicious little details.
Scott Scale 920 review
If you’re after a cross country race hardtail with a proven track record, then look no further than the Scott Scale 920.
Mondraker Chrono Carbon R review
From the very first pedal stroke, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon R felt purposeful, poised and precise, instantly reacting to the most subtle of rider inputs.
Trek Procaliber 9.7 review
The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.
Norco Torrent S2 review
Slender steel tubing gives the Norco Torrent S2 a distinctly retro look. But make no mistake; this is a thoroughly modern 29er trail hardtail.
Specialized Fuse Expert 29 review
The new Specialized Fuse Expert 29 lends a lightweight alloy frame with 29in wheels and a 130mm fork. Ther most aggro trail hardtail.
Voodoo Bizango Carbon: first ride review
The acclaimed Bizango has a carbon stablemate but can Voodoo conjure up another classic? Read our first ride review of the Voodoo Bizango Carbon.
Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS: first ride review
The latest Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS is their top-flight XC bike that cuts weight to the bone but how tough is it on the rider?
Orange Clockwork Evo 29 S review
The Orange Clockwork is something of a stalwart in the Orange hardtail range, but the latest EVO version brings this timeless classic bang up-to-date.
Specialized Fuse Comp review
Billed as an out and out trail bike, the Specialized Fuse Comp sees Specialized back at the sharp end of hardtails. What’s new? Everything really!
Saracen Zenith Pro review
With its double-butted aluminium frame, the Saracen Zenith Pro is one of the lightest bikes in the whole 2019 Hardtail of the Year test.
Kona Mahuna review
Kona Mahuna doesn’t feel as bomber as the Shred, it’s just as much fun to ride with great shape, excellent standover and a lively and forgiving ride.
Cannondale Trail 5 review
The Cannondale Trail 5 is a new addition to the £750 category and features a Smartform aluminium frame, which is one of the most comfortable here.
Scott Aspect 930 review
At the heart of the Scott Aspect 930 is a lightweight aluminium frame making this one of the lightest bikes in the Sub-£750 Hardtail of the Year test.
Calibre Rake review
Though all of the bikes in the sub £500 category L, the Calibre Rake is by far the biggest; and not simply because it has 29in wheels and meaty WTB
Trek Marlin 6 review
The first of two 29er to make it into the sub 500 category, the Trek Marlin 6 certainly didn't behave like a fish out of water.
Norco Storm 4 review
The Norco Storm 4 is our only 29er on test and as such it gets off to a good start, rolling over rough ground more easily than the 27.5in wheel
Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.0 Pro Race 2018 review
The Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.0 Pro Race is one of those bikes that is helping to redefine a complete genre of mountain biking.