MTB Hardtail: Your guide to hardtail mountain bikes, models & buying advice
What is an MTB hardtail?
A hardtail mountain bike is the epitome of versatility and riding fun. In contrast to fullys, which also have suspension at the rear, an MTB hardtail only has a suspension fork at the front, while the rear triangle remains rigid. This ensures a direct, agile riding experience and makes the hardtail MTB a classic for sporting adventures and everyday use. The hardtail is particularly popular in the cross-country sector, as it combines efficiency and control over long distances. Whether you are travelling on flowing forest trails or mastering tough climbs - a hardtail mountain bike will take you to your destination with ease and let you experience nature intensively.
The advantages of hardtail MTBs
Hardtail MTBs offer numerous advantages that set them apart from other mountain bikes. They are lighter, more efficient and require less maintenance than fullys. They offer excellent value for money, especially for beginners and price-conscious bikers.
Comparison: Hardtail vs Fully
| Advantage Hardtail MTB | Fully MTB advantage |
|---|---|
| Lower weight | More comfort on rough trails |
| Direct power transmission | Better downhill traction |
| Less maintenance | More control on jumps |
| Cheaper to buy | More versatile on extreme terrain |
Weight, efficiency and maintenance
An MTB hardtail weighing less than 9 kg is not uncommon, especially for models with a carbon frame. The low weight ensures particularly efficient power transmission and makes the bike the ideal companion for fast climbs and long tours. An MTB 29-inch hardtail weighing less than 10 kg is also possible and offers you the perfect balance of smooth running and agility. The simple design significantly reduces the maintenance effort - you don't have to worry about complex shock absorber systems and benefit from a durable, robust construction
Value for money and beginner friendliness
Hardtail MTBs are particularly attractive for beginners as they are cheaper to buy and require less maintenance. You can get a good MTB hardtail in the mid-price segment - depending on the equipment and frame material. In numerous hardtail MTB tests, these bikes regularly achieve top marks because they offer an excellent overall package
Frame materials and construction types: aluminium vs. carbon
The choice of frame material has a significant influence on the handling and weight of your bike. The two most important materials are aluminium and carbon
Aluminium frames are robust, durable and offer very good value for money. They are ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a reliable bike for everyday use and leisure
Carbon frames are lighter and stiffer, making them the first choice for ambitious bikers and racers. A carbon MTB hardtail impresses with its low weight and high efficiency - perfect for fast cross-country laps and sporting challenges
Wheel sizes and areas of use
The choice of wheel size has a decisive influence on the riding behaviour of your hardtail. At STATERA Bikes you will find both 27.5 inch and 29 inch hardtails
- 27.5 inch: Manoeuvrable, agile and ideal for technical trails or smaller riders:inside
- 29 inch: Smoother ride, better rollover characteristics and ideal for long distances and cross country
Tip: An MTB 29-inch hardtail under 10 kg offers you the best of both worlds: low weight and excellent riding characteristics on any terrain.
Hardtail for cross country and trail
Cross country MTB hardtails are built for speed and efficiency. They are perfect for long tours, fast laps and sporting challenges. In many hardtail MTB tests, they are recommended as the best choice for ambitious bikers. If you want to know which is the best hardtail mountain bike for you, you should pay attention to the intended use and your personal preferences.
Gears, brakes and suspension: what should you look out for?
The components of your hardtail have a decisive influence on the riding experience. Modern MTB hardtails are equipped with high-quality disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical) that work reliably even in wet conditions. When it comes to gears, you have the choice between well-known manufacturers such as Shimano and Sram - both offer precise gear changes and a wide range for any terrain.
Checklist: What should you look out for when buying a bike?
- Suitable frame size (use the size chart)
- Frame material: aluminium or carbon?
- Wheel size: 27.5 or 29 inch?
- High-quality gearing (Shimano or Sram)
- Hydraulic disc brakes for more safety
- Suspension fork: air or steel suspension depending on your requirements
Suspension fork and riding comfort
The suspension fork is the centrepiece of the chassis on a hardtail. It absorbs shocks and provides control on uneven terrain. Simple steel suspension forks are suitable for beginners, while sporty riders benefit from an individually adjustable air suspension fork. This allows you to optimise the handling of your bike to suit your needs.
Cube Hardtail MTBs: Models and special features
Cube is one of the most popular brands in the hardtail mountain bike sector. At STATERA Bikes you will find a large selection of current hardtail MTBs - from entry-level to high-end models. Cube
Popular models Cube
Cube Hardtail for different requirements
Whether you are just starting out with mountain biking or are already pursuing ambitious goals - Cube has the right hardtail for every requirement. The range extends from robust aluminium hardtails for beginners to ultra-light carbon models for professionals. The Cube MTB hardtail 29-inch models are particularly popular and impress with their smooth running and efficiency.
Was ist das leichteste Hardtail?
Das leichteste Hardtail ist meist ein Carbon-Modell, das speziell für Cross Country Rennen entwickelt wurde.
Was ist das beste Hardtail Mountainbike?
Das beste Hardtail Mountainbike richtet sich nach deinen individuellen Anforderungen – Cube bietet für jeden Anspruch das passende Modell.
Was kostet ein gutes MTB Hardtail?
Ein gutes MTB Hardtail findest du bereits im mittleren Preissegment, abhängig von Ausstattung und Rahmenmaterial.
Ist ein Fully oder ein Hardtail besser bei Rückenschmerzen?
Ein Fully bietet mehr Komfort auf sehr ruppigen Trails, aber ein gut abgestimmtes Hardtail kann für viele Fahrer:innen ebenfalls angenehm sein.
Was ist das beste Cube Hardtail?
Das beste Cube Hardtail ist das Modell, das am besten zu deinem Fahrstil und Einsatzbereich passt – von Einsteiger bis Profi.