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.

B’Twin Rockrider 560 need to know

• Lightweight alloy hardtail with a 100mm travel suspension fork
• Slick shifting SRAM X5 2×10 drivetrain
• Slender 27.5in seat post for improved comfort
• Free tyres upgrade with a set of 2.25in Michelin Wild Grip’Rs

Rockrider 560: prioritises pace over fun

On the scales the B’Twin is just over a 1kg lighter, even though the Vitus gets an air-sprung fork. This is in part due to the lightweight alloy frame and spindly fork size, the weight saving benefits of the skinny 2.1in Hutchinson Cobra semi-slick tyres can’t be ignored either.

Decathlon UK appreciates that these’s aren’t the best tyres for most UK riding conditions so it’s throwing in set of Michelin Wild Grip’R 2.25in tyres free of charge. The more pronounced tread of the bigger volume Michelin tyre instantly boosted cornering confidence and because we only fitted it to the front, it also helped slacken out the steering geometry a touch, making the B’Twin feel slightly more stable on the descents.

80mm stem is a tad too long

It’s nothing like a surefooted as the Vitus though; the 80mm stem and narrow handlebar providing a much less commanding riding position. In fact, the attitude of the B’Twin is very much XC focused.

As such, the bikes feel fast and efficient, but much to our surprise it wasn’t harsh, even with the relatively narrow 2.1in tyre on the rear. It’s quiet too thanks to the excellent SRAM X5 drivetrain.

SRAM X5 drivetrain is quiet and smooth

One key area in the component package that’s really lacking though is the disc brakes. The Tektro units have a very square lever profile that’s not very comfortable but thankfully there’s no shortage of stooping power, even with the relatively small 160mm rotors.

Narrow 27.2mm seatpost to dampen trail buzz

B’Twin provides a wealth of detailed information about the Rockrider 560 its website that covers everything from how much lighter the wheelset is compared to the less expensive Rockrider 540, to putting a figure on the comfort benefits of the slender 27.2in seat post. The advice section says it all though: Restricted use: not suitable for All Mountain, Enduro and BMX.

To be fair to B’Twin it bills the Rockrider 560 squarely as a touring mountain bike, and I’m sure it won’t be long before it produces a competitively priced All Mountain hardtail too. Until then, the smart money is still on the Vitus Nucleus 275 VR for £489.99.