The Best Budget Hardtail Mountain Bikes: Hardtail of the Year test 2023

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The Best Budget Hardtail Mountain Bikes: Hardtail of the Year test 2023 | Mountain Bike Rider

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00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Jamis Highpoint A2
04:28 - Vitus Nucleus 29 VR
07:38 - Carrera Fury 27.5
10:55 - Polygon XTRADA 5
15:20 - On-One Scandal SX
19:32 - Vitus Sentier 29
23:07 - Voodoo Bizango Pro
28:56 - Calibre Line T3-27
34:59 - Outro
Buying a good quality hardtail is often the first step on a rider’s MTB journey. And to ensure that you set off on this amazing adventure with your best foot forward, we’re always tweaking our Hardtail of the Year test in search of the best performing bikes for the money.
With that in mind, we’ve shuffled the format of the test once again. For 2023, all of the bikes in our Hardtail of the Year test are from direct to consumer brands. So in theory that should mean there are more killer bikes on test and way less filler. We also have two price points; £600-700 and £900-1000, with an even split of four bikes in each category.
So we have eight of the most competitively priced mountain bikes on the market right now. All have aluminium frames, suspension forks, self-adjusting hydraulic disc brakes, sturdy 2-piece chainsets, and short stems and wide handlebars for maximum control. Some even have dropper seat posts, so you can adjust your saddle height on the fly to match the terrain, which is simply amazing. In short, these bikes should have none of the pitfalls that instantly raise red flags on entry-level bikes.
And just like any other test we undertake at MBR, we run all of the bikes through our workshop where they are weighed and painstakingly measured so we can bring you the most accurate information on each bike.
To read the full reviews on all the hardtails in this test, and more besides, head over to:
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Пікірлер: 112

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

Which bike is your favourite out of the test?

@METEORA_47 11 ай бұрын

Why marin san quentin not include?😢

@chrisparker8892 10 ай бұрын

Carrera Fury for me

@dominicx4936 10 ай бұрын

I have the Jamis Highpoint A2 , Amazing hardtail i love it

@billballin6948 10 ай бұрын

None of them. I’d rather have a Ragley or a nukeproof

@valentinstefanov1502 9 ай бұрын

I am whit Comencal Meta HT 2017

@jackjetpilot 7 ай бұрын

Obviously the guy on the right told the bearded guy prior to the video… “mate, please talk over me whenever I begin speaking”…and bearded guy says, “no problem”.

@DOUBLE0SEVUN 6 ай бұрын

😂😂😂

@riggseroni 4 ай бұрын

The constant interjections were super annoying!

@bradleyclark1535 Ай бұрын

😂😂😂 agreed!

@joeworks3809 11 ай бұрын

I follow this channel for 10 years now and every year I wait for Hardtail Of The Year test. Great job guys 👏🏻👏🏻

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Joe. Thanks for coming along for the ride all these years!

@ondrejmanych5688 10 ай бұрын

There is no Kona this year. Because it would win again haha. Their geometry is the same for like 5 years and still goes! It shows who sets the trends still.

@simontaylor2525 3 ай бұрын

Yeh most of these just look so ugly as well compared to Konas

@WIPEYOURLENZ 11 ай бұрын

I have been riding full suss for years but a just bought a Merida Big Trail 700 and I am loving it hardtails for the win.

@nbodeh4658 11 ай бұрын

Just got my big trail 400 as I was going under 1000 and I'm amazed it's not in this ranking, it's just better than line T3 on all fronts maybe apart from forks (Merida has alloy forks, line seems to be Steele?) Better frame geometry, it just screams "DESIGNED IN GERMANY" not like others: in Indonesia. 😅

@HughDWallace 7 ай бұрын

I've just bought a Bizango (not the Pro version featured here) for £750 off the back of the reviews MBR have done in previous years. I must admit I've not ridden it yet as I am fitting some upgrades (dropper seatpost & brakes) but so far so good! Thank you for the education you have provided me over the years of reading your magazine and online.

@MBRmagazine 7 ай бұрын

Nice one! Hope you enjoy the Bizango 👍

@bonzobanana1 11 ай бұрын

I think its fantastic that this review only focuses on the brands that offer real value. Some of the big US brands are appalling value like a freewheel on a £500-600 hardtail and its good that the frankly awful Decathlon bikes don't get a mention either. While their road bikes maybe very good they haven't really got the hang of mountain bikes and there was a recall on the Rockriders because of very weak frames. The bikes featured here seem to punch above their weight. The Carrera, Voodoo and Calibre brands are shop brands and from one I understand many of those recently have been made by Insera Sena who own the Polygon and Marin brands. It's the big bike manufacturer of Indonesia. They are probably the best value manufacturer of the moment. I think lots of brands have used them like Kona, Saracen, Scott and I'm sure many more.

@paulmulryne8405 9 ай бұрын

I have a Scandal as a second back-up bike. Its cheap, cheerful and rides really well. My wheels and fork are an upgrade over stock, but have made it into a confident winter bike. I love it.

@snoopy10411 9 ай бұрын

Good video, nice to see your opinions on these bikes. I have an On One Scandal GX with the Rockshox 35 and think it rides fine but I guess it's about perspective. My previous bike was a 2010 Cannondale RZ120 and before that a 2007 Giant Terrago. I am the sort of person who drove my last car just as I got it for 6 years before I even noticed that I had reach/rake adjustment on the steering wheel.

@jltrack 11 ай бұрын

Ragley Big Al

@_sam__mtb 11 ай бұрын

Sick to see swinley getting some activity it’s changed so much and come so far

@maskmord 7 ай бұрын

I started mountain biking on a full sus Carrera as a kid in the early 2000s loved that bike

@mauriceperry2165 11 ай бұрын

On the Bizango - you cant upgrade the Rockshox 35 with a better damper unless you go after market. Although its got 35mm stanchions the other Rockshox 35mm dampers dont fit as internally its much smaller with having thicker stanctions. Hence any upgrades are limited and quite expensive. It's basically a beefed up Recon.

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

Ah, good info, Thanks.

@Stu411 5 ай бұрын

Can you upgrade the Recon dampers easier, or are all cheaper budget Rockshox basically non-upgradable?

@mauriceperry2165 5 ай бұрын

@Stu411 Not entirely sure. I would imagine it's quite limited and third party stuff only though.

@maskmord 7 ай бұрын

After seeing this i realized how good of a deal I got on my Allebike Mb31 royal that i paid roughly 750£. It has good geometry, came with a dropper and a rockshox revelation fork

@computerbob06 10 ай бұрын

The 29er version of the Calibre is only £100 more and also has (as well as the 29's) 4 pot Guide-T brakes! Its just a pity the cassette has a big cog of only 42 teeth whereas the Voodoo goes upto 51, even (maybe) 46 teeth would have made a difference! If only we could mate the 2 bikes together?

@mzondi1970 Ай бұрын

I don't do any major jumping just whatever lumps are in the road😅 and a lot of smoother trails which bike would you recommend. I mean of this group which would you recommend for my type of writing

@chrisparker8892 10 ай бұрын

Great content, well done MBR

@MBRmagazine 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Chris!

@mikeyseibert1406 6 ай бұрын

I ride an eastern alpaca. Except for dropper post it was great right out of the box. $400 usd complete

@MrChristiangraham 11 ай бұрын

The Vitus Nucleus VR has been as low as £330. It was amazing value for that.

@eXaviar 8 ай бұрын

Will you also do a sub 3k Hardtail test?

@Stu411 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the review guys, got a question though. You say the Caliber is more a more capable bike for MTB but other than slightly longer reach, smaller wheels with fatter tires and maybe the 10mm more fork travel, is there any other reason? I'd love to know as the Bizango Pro is a good bit cheaper on a deal I found and has relatively high quality budget components too. Can you ride it hard like the Caliber and still be capable? I say this as a novice to MTB but want to know if I can push it a bit in future down some rougher terrain and maybe even do some jumps one day but not aiming for big airs.

@MBRmagazine 5 ай бұрын

So out of the box the Calibre outperforms the Voodoo up and down, but not over longer distances on smoother terrain. With a dropper post and fatter tyres the voodoo would be almost as good on rough, technical terrain, but better on smooth singletrack and xc rides.

@MrCraptakular 10 ай бұрын

I am 140kg, lost 10kg by going up the gym. I've also started cycling again but looking for a bike as a heavy rider currently that is suitable for the South Downs. What do people suggest budget £0 to £1,500 (but only if I have to spend that much)

@MBRmagazine 10 ай бұрын

Great work and keep it up!

@dehv 11 ай бұрын

Can I get someones opinion, I've recently become a dad and have the bod to prove it. I miss riding and I only ever bought entry level bikes in the past. I have the voodoo hoodoo 2011/12 model and it was a great bike but I'm now fancying the bizango pro to get me excited and out there again. Halfords currently offer the 25% trade in. Is this a no brainer?

@peterspencer4716 11 ай бұрын

I would check out some of the deals on Chain Reaction right now. The Vitus Sentier models and Ragleys are heavily discounted and you could probably get an extra £100 for your old bike on marketplace. As they say at the end these are proper hardcore hardtails and will get appreciative comments at the bike park. I’m a moderately serious MTBer and this year I got a Ragley Big Al 1.0. Absolutely love it.

@barfo281 3 ай бұрын

How does the 2023 winner compare with the winner of 2022, Kona Mahuna?

@manitolas 7 ай бұрын

Sorry guys, but after 8 years with my scott scale hd 2x10 chain was dropped only once, and immediately i put it back from the handlebar using the lever, can't understand the problem with polygon🤔perhaps a design flaw?usually the 2x have some extra extensions in and out for this reason, nice video thanks 😃👍🤟

@MBRmagazine 7 ай бұрын

You are either incredibly lucky, or you have the smoothest trails on the planet! ;-)

@jpm408 2 ай бұрын

I have 2x 10. Rarely drop a chain. Friend has a 1x 12. Have seen his chain drop right after advising I should go 1x. Yep marketing is good

@srijeetshrestha5592 8 ай бұрын

I am having a dilemma with which bike to buy. I am looking at Commencal Meta HT AM Ride Dirt vs Trek Roscoe 7. Both coming at 1700 AUD. If you have any suggestion. Please comment below. Thanks, in advance.

@mactheknifeguinness 9 ай бұрын

how would these compare to the trek ones in these two categories?

@stevesmith8991 4 ай бұрын

Completely new to mountain biking but was looking to purchase the calibre but im a bit unsure about the 27.5 wheels as ive read this size is a little dated excuse my ignorance as a complete novice, im 5ft 10 , would i be better spending the extra and getting the 29" version

@MBRmagazine 4 ай бұрын

The difference with the Calibre is that it uses larger volume 27.5in tyres that provide way more comfort and control than narrower tyres.

@barfo281 2 ай бұрын

Why was the Xtrada 5 used in this test, when both the Xtrada 6 and 7 are under $1000 (USD) and have 1x drivetrains?

@jeromebraden7364 Ай бұрын

They said they tested what they were given, which was the 5.

@richardvankastle359 4 ай бұрын

I'd love to get the Carrera Fury, but the nearest Halfords is 4000 miles away.🥴

@MBRmagazine 4 ай бұрын

That’s quite a round trip!

@Paulie.k 2 ай бұрын

No voodoo bizango???

@MBRmagazine 2 ай бұрын

Only the Bizango Pro as we increased the price limit.

@boodgiek8146 7 ай бұрын

I know there frame's are all made in China, taiwan,indonesia,all over seas,maybe canyon are made in USA,figure I will start with a walmart special,with Shimano components for shifting,don't need to spend 2000 dollars on an oversea manufactured mountain bike.hope those chinese carbon frames hold up for the big spenders.

@MBRmagazine 7 ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with Far Eastern manufacturing. 95% of high end bikes are made in Taiwan or China.

@dalekeates 11 ай бұрын

They still spec 8 speed..?

@peterbedford2610 7 ай бұрын

No love for the Talon?

@JamieR 3 ай бұрын

Good video 👌🏻😊 Ps. Beardy fella. Haven't you heard it's rude to talk over people? Let the man speak.

@darrenkemp8554 7 ай бұрын

Paid £649 for the Vitus Sentier 29 vr

@crtgamer2355 3 ай бұрын

Can you use the Xtrada(XC) as a trail bike on rough terrain?

@MBRmagazine 3 ай бұрын

As long as your body can take it! Sure

@crtgamer2355 3 ай бұрын

@@MBRmagazine To be honest, I'm more worried about the bike faliing apart more than my body, I guess these parts will hold up until they don't ;)

@crtgamer2355 3 ай бұрын

I also left out a tiny detail that I weigh 140kg LOL!

@dylanaguiluz6246 9 ай бұрын

Is the Calibre available in the United States?

@MBRmagazine 9 ай бұрын

We don’t believe so.

@AlEx-ck4dc 6 ай бұрын

Where is the giant xtc slr 29 video

@MBRmagazine 6 ай бұрын

We haven’t done a video on that bike, just a written review on the website.

@OutinthewildAZ 3 ай бұрын

No Rocky Mountain Growler?? Come on

@atamata237 8 ай бұрын

Great video, but in what world are we living, when 1000£ for a bicycle is considered BUDGET?

@MBRmagazine 8 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@toddbrackett4277 10 ай бұрын

Re-designing a bike is not free.

@MBRmagazine 10 ай бұрын

Of course, but getting the geometry right doesn’t add extra cost. That’s the point we’re making.

@cityproofdad 9 ай бұрын

Is Vitul realy go out of busines??

@MBRmagazine 9 ай бұрын

Too early to say, but we’d be very surprised if the Vitus brand didn’t survive.

@cityproofdad 9 ай бұрын

@@MBRmagazine sure they do legit yob and new ebikes from Vitus came up it would be a lose if they gone there is a market for afordable bikes with great specs

@doubleL_S 6 ай бұрын

No nukeproof scout or Ragleys? Sacrilege!

@MBRmagazine 6 ай бұрын

At the time, i think the cheapest Nukeproof was above our £1,000 ceiling, while the Ragleys weren't available. Ragley has won its category in previous years.

@dehv 11 ай бұрын

Calibre is 1200 not sure u should class.member pricing

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

And membership only costs £5. No brainier really.

@dehv 11 ай бұрын

@@MBRmagazineah ok. Great vid btw

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@Codzilla71 8 ай бұрын

@@MBRmagazine that puts it at £1004.99.

@newsofthenerd 3 ай бұрын

Love the world Budget. It should mean 100 to 200 anything above that is getting expensive and anything over 250 expensive and 300+ is extreme luxury so they start off here at nearly 700. Budget is an interesting word here. As in you have no concept of budget.

@MBRmagazine 3 ай бұрын

Show us a MTB that costs less than £200 that will last more than ten minutes on proper trails.

@newsofthenerd 3 ай бұрын

@MBRmagazine All of them and if you find it breaks in under a year or 2 you can get it replaced or repaired. Have you been to the UK before? What part is breaking for you? Is it the welds? The video only had cheap stock footage. I have never yet in my life seen a broken mtb but I'm only 45 and I'm sure it can happen.

@MBRmagazine 3 ай бұрын

We are based in the UK, we shot the footage, and we tested the bikes. You still haven't shown us a bike for under £200 that'll survive proper MTB trails. The warranty will only cover manufacturing defects - stuff breaking from being ridden will likely be classed as wear and tear. If we thought it made sense to spend £200 on a new mountain bike, we would tell people that.

@newsofthenerd 3 ай бұрын

@MBRmagazine there are many many many maybe up to hundreds of mtb under 200 most are complete cheap junk sure. I don't mean break but are poor quality. But some from 150 to 250 have aluminium frame disc brakes, decent shifting and front suspension. It's almost like you could make a video of the best bikes that are as the dictionary defines budget as inexpensive range. You could call it the best budget bikes. What an amazing idea like what is the best in the budget range. Or you could be rich entitled and discontinued from reality where budget is 700 to 1000 quid here in the UK that's used car money. And say something smug like if you can find something under 700 that last longer than 10 minutes. Assuming you are not a professional world class Olympic rider you need to pull that silver spoon out and look around the average bike in uk is a couple hundred. That's average not budget.

@newsofthenerd 3 ай бұрын

Blocking my reply hmm

@thescerigai 11 ай бұрын

exposed gear cable, wtf are they thinking

@motorrad2 8 ай бұрын

dude interrupts

@nbodeh4658 11 ай бұрын

My bet for HT of 2023 under 1000£ would be Merida big trail 400, it outclasses that shamelessly ugly calibre t3 27 by lightyears lol, better geometry, build, materials, features (proper cable management inside frame, we are in 2023) etc... I'm just stunned it didn't appear in this ranking at all and second of all how could you give 10 to a bike with such obvious flaws is beyond me? You had no issues taking points off for smaller things in previous bikes yet somehow line t3 11/10 what a bullshit

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

So your best hardtail under £1000 would be a bike with an SRP of £1200? Sure, the Merida looks great, but it's outside the price range. Also, we're Intrigued to know what the obvious flaws are on the Calibre?

@computerbob06 10 ай бұрын

Materials/features? Yes 29 inch tyres. But 740mm bars, 1x10 speed, Tektro brakes and Suntour forks - nothing wrong with these but some may feel they're a downgrade!

@yJURAy 11 ай бұрын

out of stock

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

Calibre hasn’t received stock yet of the new Line models. You can input your email on one of their retail sites and they’ll notify you when stock arrives.

@thescerigai 11 ай бұрын

one second they say you can ride a hardtail hard, then the other they say plus tires makes it so you can see without having your eyes rattled out of your skull, hardtails suck just say it

@MBRmagazine 11 ай бұрын

It’s all about price points. Yes, with a bigger budget we’d recommend a full-suspension bike, but under £1k hardtails are still the best option.

@thescerigai 11 ай бұрын

hardtails are a compromised mess, not simple like a full ridgid and not comfortable like a full sus, dont waste your time

@Codzilla71 8 ай бұрын

😂

@DOUBLE0SEVUN 6 ай бұрын

Never heard this before

@jpm408 2 ай бұрын

Ok. Try getting a good full suspension bike at the pricepoint these bikes are at.