BIKETEST BACKCOUNTRY HARDTAILS

We see whether carbon fibre or steel, big-name value or boutique attention to detail comes out on top on the trails

When you envisage a hardtail - that's to say, a mountain bike with no rear suspension - it could be a cross-country (XC) race whippet with a lightweight carbon fibre frame, narrow handlebar, slender fork and scarily slick tyres (see MBUK 423 for a test of those).

Alternatively, you may picture a 'hardcore hardtail' with steel tubes, slack angles, chunky rubber and plenty of front suspension travel so you can ride the fork' and batter your way down techy trails. However, there is a third option, a middle ground if you will, that's reasonably light for punchy climbing but has enough suspension to allow silly line choices and balanced geometry that feels at home on a mix of different terrain.

These bikes and we hesitate to call them 'downcountry' hardtails, especially when 'backcountry' seems more appropriate - are your do-it-all, post-work spin, super-versatile machines. For this test, we've collected four such bikes, each with 120 to 130mm of fork travel. They're all targeted at slightly different riders, though, from adventurous souls who want to disappear for days, to those who want to shred as hard as they can, without the need to lug a 15kg sled around.